Saturday, October 3, 2015

Conquering Fear (and other devotionals)


Conquering Fear
Every one of us will experience moments of apprehension, and denial or trying to hide from it will do no good. When fear arises, ask yourself the following questions: Where does it come from? (You know it isn't from God.) Has God ever failed me in the past? Does He promise to meet all of my needs? Does He keep His promises?
If we read the Bible, we'll find countless stories of God's faithfulness. For example, Paul lived through hardship, persecution, pain, and all kinds of terrible circumstances. The apostle wrote these well-known words: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). This testifies to the fact that for those who trust in Him, God turns every difficulty, loss, and separation into something good.
From Abraham to Isaiah to David to Job to Jonah to Paul to John, we see God's constant love and care for His people. His Word is a lamp that will give us clear guidance when circumstances are bleak. It offers the best direction we will ever find. When we meditate upon it, pray over it, grapple with it, and incorporate it into our lives, His light chases away the darkness. The psalms, in particular, are helpful in dealing with fear.
God, the sovereign ruler of this universe, is in control of your life. Don't make the mistake of thinking He isn't, simply because He does not operate according to your will and schedule. If you read your Bible and meditate on it, you will find genuine strength in His promises.

~Dr. Charles F. Stanley~

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God Above Human Philosophy

"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent"   (1 Corinthians 1:19).

This verse is a threatening so far as the worldly wise are concerned, but to the simple believer it is a promise. The professedly learned are forever trying to bring to nothing the faith of the humble believer, but they fail in their attempts. Their arguments break down, their theories fall under their own weight, their deep-laid plots discover themselves before their purpose is accomplished. The old gospel is not extinct yet, nor will it be while the LORD liveth. If it could have been exterminated, it would have perished from off the earth long ago. We cannot destroy the wisdom of the wise, nor need we attempt it, for the work is in far better hands. The LORD Himself says, "I will," and He never resolves in vain. Twice does He in this verse declare His purpose, and we may rest assured that He will not turn aside from it. What clean work the LORD makes of philosophy and "modern thought" when He puts His hand to it! He brings the fine appearance down to nothing; He utterly destroys the wood, hay, and stubble. It is written that so it shall be, and so shall it be. LORD, make short work of it. Amen, and amen.

~Charles Spurgeon~

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Grace and Peace
Grace and peace to you…from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4-5

Grace and peace are gifts from God that every human heart craves. Grace for sustaining strength during sickness and peace in the process. Grace for repeatable forgiveness in a challenging relationship and peace that produces patience. Grace for ongoing gratitude and peace when things don’t go our way. Grace for generous giving and peace in God’s faithful provision. A heart governed by grace and peace is a heart loved by the Lord. Grace and peace come from Jesus.

John, secluded in exile, saw His Lord more clearly once departed than when he was with Him. Jesus Christ the faithful witness gives His children grace and peace. How? Because we know He is the faithful witness of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus offered testimony to the reality of who God is.  Jesus’ sonship gave His story veracity, so He stated the facts with humble authority. Jesus testifies to truth. His reassuring words extend grace and peace.

“The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).

Moreover, grace and peace come to those who believe Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Others, like Lazarus, rose from the dead—but they died again. Jesus Christ was the first to rise, never to die. Faith in the resurrection is essential for the Lord’s grace and peace. We cannot remove the supernatural from Jesus and just keep the natural. Trust in Christ’s resurrection is the key that unlocks the treasure chest of riches found in His grace and peace. Those who embrace miracles embrace Jesus. These hugs from heaven warm our hearts by His loving care.

Furthermore, we serve a benevolent King who freely gives His grace and peace. Tranquility only comes to a heart that trusts in Christ as their Lord. Crown Him conqueror over death—and enjoy His grace and peace while dying. Crown Him Lord over fear—and receive His grace and peace while afraid. Crown Him all wise King—and learn how to make the best decisions. Crown Him Lord over sin—and apply His grace and peace when in need of forgiveness. Whatever we face, Christ has faced—and has overcome. Thus, we come to the One who is full of grace and peace!

“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance” (1 Peter 1:2).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for grace and peace You give me in Your son Jesus Christ.

Application: Who or what do I need to entrust to Jesus? Have I received His grace and peace?

~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~


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