Category: Fearless

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Who Is The Enemy?

For the last couple of weeks I have written about the circumstances and situations in life that cause fear and unrest. The good news is that our God is bigger than any of them and He will walk through every situation. We can trust Him.

God is faithful! Yes, He is. His faithfulness endures to a thousand generations, as if there were any question about it. He can be trusted to keep His word.

This morning we will look at Daniel. He had co-workers who hated him and would go to any length to sabotage his credibility and even go so far as to want him dead. They had the king enact a law that anyone who prayed to a god other than whom the king said would be thrown into the lion’s den.

They knew full well that Daniel spent hours each day praying to His God. Once the trap was set, they brought Daniel before the king; judgment was made and Daniel was taken off to certain death in the lion’s den.

In the morning, the king came to the lions’ den and called out to Daniel. He responded and the king had him brought out of the enclosure. Daniel gave glory to God for His faithfulness and the co-workers were sent to their death for trying to destroy Daniel.

“19 The next morning, King Darius got up just as it was getting light and ran to the lions’ den. 20 He was very worried. When he got to the lions’ den, he called to Daniel. He said, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God been able to save you from the lions? You always serve your God.”21 Daniel answered, “King, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel to save me. The angel closed the lions’ mouths. The lions have not hurt me because my God knows I am innocent. I never did anything wrong to you, King.”23 King Darius was very happy…The lions did not hurt Daniel because he trusted in his God.24 Then the king gave a command to bring the men who had accused Daniel to the lions’ den. The men and their wives and children were thrown into the lions’ den… 25 Then King Darius wrote this letter to all the people from other nations and language groups all around the world:Greetings:26 I am making a new law. This law is for people in every part of my kingdom. All of you must fear and respect the God of Daniel. Daniel’s God is the living God; he lives forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed. His rule will never end.27 God helps and saves people. He does amazing miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from the lions.28 So Daniel was successful during the time Darius was king and when Cyrus the Persian was king.” Daniel Chapter 6 ERV

True Story!

Who was Daniel’s enemy? Was it the king who sentenced him to death? Could it have been the co-workers who were jealous of Daniel, his wisdom and position? Were the lions’ his enemy? Perhaps, Daniel’s enemy was unseen and lurking in the background. Daniel’s enemy was the same one, that those of us who seek to honor God, face on a daily basis.

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:11-13 NLT

Are you facing a lions’ den today? You notice that Daniel didn’t change his commitment to the Lord just because the circumstances changed. Daniel was a faithful man, he continued to serve God in spite of the circumstances. And God continued to be faithful to His word and to the man who served Him. Like Daniel, we will still be standing when the battle is over. Be faithful today and you will find that God is faithful too!

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…” II Chronicles 16:9

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Fearful or Fearless

Let’s do a little word study this morning. I hope it will set the course of your day. First, we need to describe the word “fear”. I know we have all experienced it at one time or another, perhaps you are in situation now that causes you to fear.

Fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”.

Years ago I heard this definition of fear and I have used it ever since. Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith is placing our belief and trust in what God will do and fear takes God out of the equation.

Our title words “fearful” or “fearless” are adjectives used to describe our outlook on life. If we allow ourselves to focus on adverse situations and circumstances our hearts can become filled with fear, fearful. But if we allow ourselves to be focused on God’s protection, provision and promises our hearts will be void of fear, fearless.

Jesus came to bring peace and not fear to our lives.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Luke 12:31-32 NLT

Every situation that Jesus found himself in He dispelled fear and replaced it with faith in what God could do. Remember when the disciples were in a raging storm on the sea. Jesus’ words were “Fear not. Peace be still”. Even the angels spoke against fear when they appeared to the shepherds.

“The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people.” Luke 2:9-10 NLV

The prophecy that Isaiah gave regarding Jesus birth told of the good things that Jesus would bring to earth.

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Jesus came to teach, bring the power of God to earth and to bring peace. Does that mean everything will go well and there will be no problems to face? No, but it does mean that we can live free from fear, fearless but placing our hope and trust in God.

I think the reason Jesus used the phrase fear not little flock is because sheep, especially lambs, are very timid. Every noise and new situation causes them stress. What calms their fears is the presence of the Shepherd and the sound of his voice.

We can hear God’s voice by reading His word. The Bible is God speaking to us and when we read His word we can sense His presence. He is always near.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Do I ever find myself becoming fearful? Yes, and when I do I remind myself of God’s promises. I keep my thoughts focused in His Word and it brings peace.

I pray that you will have a fear-less day. Remember little flock, your Father will provide and protect you.

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Safely Sheltered

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3  God will save you from hidden dangers  and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night  and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

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Can You Smell the Smoke?

I love camping but most of you already know that. Being out in the woods, fishing, hiking, counting the stars all make for a great camping trip but there’s one thing I can’t really enjoy – campfire smoke. Oh, I like cooking over an open fire and roasting marshmallows over the coals but not the smoke.

That smell will stay in your clothes and hair until you take a good shower and do the laundry. It would be strange to be around fire and not have that lingering smoky smell. You could almost say it would be a miracle.

A miracle, indeed.

In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded a statue of gold in his likeness to be built. All the people who lived in the country were to bow down and worship the statue when they heard music playing. Everyone did as there were told except for three young Jewish men who were prisoners in the country, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Those in authority told the King that these three wouldn’t bow and it made him furious. He called them in and gave them strict warning that next time they heard the music they were to bow.

The music played but the men didn’t bow. They were brought before the King again. He ordered the furnace to be heated hotter than it had been for melting gold for the statue; the men were bound and thrown into the fire. In his first warning the King had told them they would be thrown into the furnace if they didn’t bow.

“…O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Let me paraphrase. King we don’t have to take a lot of time to think about our answer. If you throw us in the fire our God will deliver us. If you don’t throw us in we still aren’t going to serve your god or worship your statue.

At this response, they were thrown in. Nebuchadnezzar was watching to make sure they died. What he saw instead were the men walking around in the fire and that there was a fourth man in there with them!

Hallelujah!! God showed up in grand fashion.

“Nebuchadnezzar went closer to the flaming furnace and said to the three young men, ‘You servants of the Most High God, come out at once!’ They came out, 27 and the king’s high officials, governors, and advisors all crowded around them. The men were not burned, their hair wasn’t scorched, and their clothes didn’t even smell like smoke. 28 King Nebuchadnezzar said: ‘Praise their God for sending an angel to rescue his servants! They trusted their God and refused to obey my commands. Yes, they chose to die rather than to worship or serve any god except their own. 29 And I won’t allow people of any nation or race to say anything against their God. Anyone who does will be chopped up and their houses will be torn down, because no other god has such great power to save.'” Daniel 3:26-29CEV

These men were slaves in a foreign country. They took a very unpopular stand – they refused to worship any god other than God the Father. They were persecuted and their lives were threatened but the stood strong. They went through a fiery trial and came out, not even smelling like smoke.

If you’re going through a fiery trial of persecution for your stand for the Lord Stand strong! Don’t bend, don’t compromise, don’t bow – God will show up and walk in the fire with you.

He will bring you out and you won’t smell like smoke!

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