Facing Our Fears

A mother asked her 5-year-old son to go to the pantry to get her a can of tomato soup. But he refused and protested, “It’s dark in there.” Mom assured Johnny, “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. Jesus is in there.” So Johnny opened the door slowly and seeing that it was dark, shouted, “Jesus, can you hand me a can of tomato soup?”

This humorous story of Johnny’s fear reminds me of Gideon. The Lord appeared to Gideon, calling him a “mighty man of valor” (Judg. 6:12) and then telling him to deliver Israel out of Midian’s hand (v.14). But Gideon’s fearful reply was, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (v.15). Even after the Lord told Gideon that with His help he would defeat the Midianites (v.16), he was still afraid. Then Gideon asked the Lord for signs to confirm God’s will and empowerment (vv.17,36-40). So, why did the Lord address fearful Gideon as a “mighty man of valor”? Because of who Gideon would one day become with the Lord’s help.

We too may doubt our own abilities and potential. But let us never doubt what God can do with us when we trust and obey Him. Gideon’s God is the same God who will help us accomplish all that He asks us to do.

The Lord provides the strength we need
To follow and obey His will;
So we don’t need to be afraid
That what He asks we can’t fulfill. —Sper

We can face any fear when we know the Lord is with us.

June 22, 2011 — by Albert Lee
http://odb.org/2011/06/22/facing-our-fears/

Get to know God better

'Can you discover the depths of God?...' Job 11:7 NAS

It's not what you know but who you know. If you know the band, you get backstage passes. Or if your sister has a job at a pizza store, you know when to come in for a special. The Bible also says there are things we can have just because we know God. (1) Blessing. The more you know God and obey His will, the more you'll experience His blessings. 'If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children…' (Deuteronomy 4:40 NLT) (2) Peace. 'Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God…' (2 Peter 1:2 NAS) The more you know God, the more you'll be at peace. Sure, tough stuff happens, but facing that stuff with God makes a massive difference. (3) Wisdom. Paul prayed that God would give the Ephesians '…a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.' (Ephesians 1:17 NAS) Wisdom is seeing things the right way. Revelation is when God opens your mind and shows you things you otherwise wouldn't know. (4) Freedom. '…when you did not know God, you were slaves...' (Galatians 4:8 NAS) Without the confidence that comes from knowing God, you become a slave to circumstances, emotions, or other people's opinions. Refuse to live that way. Instead, get to know God better.

Saturday, 13 February 2010
http://www.word4u2day.com.au/201002122048/Get-to-know-God-better.html

A person who can't submit to authority has no business being in authority

Romans 13:1-2 says, Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

It is clear that submission to authority is a key requirement for being in authority. Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God because God has instituted that authority. God will not bless someone who rebels against Him. Thus, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience (Romans 13:5).

Furthermore, the Bible instructs you to obey your leaders and submit to their authority (Hebrews 13:17). This means that even if you disagree with your pastor, you ought to submit to him out of respect for God.

Therefore, submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men (1 Peter 2:13). Submit yourself to authority because a person who can't submit to authority has no business being in authority.

Weekly Wisdoms for the week of March 23, 2009
http://www.christnotes.org/ww.php?d=2009-03-23