Whatever do we fear?

Whatever valley do we see and exclaim:  “There is no way I could ever survive THAT.”

Prolonged Illness?

Loss of Job & Income?

Injury?

Loss of Family Member?

Being all Alone?

Speaking Before a Crowd?

Teaching Others?

Climbing to an Unknown Height?

The Dark?

Crowded or Confined Spaces?

Failure?

Spiders, Snakes, & Creepy, Crawly Things?

FEAR Looms so LARGE in our minds, and learning to walk with the Lord as we fear is quite essential.

Yesterday evening, we enjoyed a pleasant time at church, feasting on different blends of chili in the annual Men’s Chili Cookoff.  It’s funny that this year’s winner was no man at all but a mere boy who wants to grow up to become a man someday.  Last night was also a time to display one’s talent:  Quilting, Radio-Flying Airplanes, Woodworking, Painting and Drawing, Stain Glass Artwork, and Singing on Stage.  Faith had taught herself to play an instrument, and because she enjoyed singing at home, she decided to display her talent.  After yesterday’s morning service, I asked Faith if she was nervous and did she know where she would look for her “safe place” while she sang and played the mandolin.  Faith spoke of her “faith” in knowing the Lord would provide a way for her to perform.

She replied:  “Yes, I will look at Mitch [her husband who would be seated on stage next to her, accompanying her on the acoustic guitar].” 

Whatever we fear, we are afraid of with a deep presence within us; however, for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, the pit of fear is overcome by that which God is able to accomplish. to “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, . . .”

“Now to Him [Christ Jesus our Lord] . . .according to the power that works within us,”

Last evening, as I walked through the crowd present at our showcase of talent, I stopped to speak with a sweet little girl, her mom, and with the girl’s grandma, a woman who just a year ago walked through a time of loss as her husband of many years became sick and passed away.  As we spoke, we discussed another precious soul within our congregation who recently lost her husband in death after a sudden and short battle with cancer.  In talking, this beautiful widow, who understood the depth of death that the other was experiencing, spoke discerning words of wisdom as she voiced:  “We don’t walk through the valley of death; we walk through “the valley of the shadow of death.”  The Shadow.  Not the valley of death but the valley of the shadow of death.

Her words were biblical.

Although FEAR Looms so LARGE in our minds, life events give us the opportunity to learn how to walk with the Lord, the Good Shepherd whose intimate care comforts us who know and love Him.

The Savior’s abundant blessings are given to all who simply trust Him.

Each day, Satan strives to hinder our faith, and Sundays are no exception.  The devil desires nothing more than to stop us from assembling with like-believers, for he knows we will fall prey to his schemes if we refrain from gathering together in corporate worship.  Therefore, the evil one will distract us with our inner fears, with subtle and dangerous propositions, tempting us to not attend church each week.  He whispers lies, saying words that sound logical but are lies nonetheless.  “You’re tired; this is the Lord’s day of rest, so God understands if you are too tired to attend church.” OR  “You don’t need to actually GO to church because Jesus never really attended church.  God is everywhere, so you can worship God anywhere.”  Half-truths.  Lies.  Scripture twisted to scheme and deceive those who have been called by Christ Jesus, who have given their hearts to Jesus.

Getting up to go to church requires that we “armor-up” for the spiritual warfare as we battle against the devil. We are NOT merely attending church with other sisters and brothers-in-Christ.  So, keep fighting, family of God, for the God of peace will crush the devil under our feet.

It is a fact; the devil knows the truth about GOD.

It is truth; the devil fears the LORD.

It is a gift of GOD that where two or more are gathered, there the HE will be.

From the beginning of time, Satan has deceived with simplicity of words, with a question (and I paraphrase the Scripture):  “Did God actually say?” (Genesis 3:1b NASB)  We must know who it is we face, and we must not negate the unholy position he holds; however, Satan cannot dull the voice of God, and the devil cannot hinder our relationship with our Savior.  Daily fasting and prayer.  Daily study of God’s Word.  Assembly with the saints of God.  Testifying about the Lord’s goodness.  Choosing daily to serve and walk within the will of God’s Holy Spirit.

Our “FAITH” is strengthened as we do. &

Though we will walk through death, THOSE WHO HAVE BELIEVED will only walk through “the valley of the shadow of death,” for the Spirit of God has sealed us to experience life with GOD forever and ever.