From the time we are born we grab onto fear naturally. It is instinctive. And it yields a tremendous amount of power. Even at an early age fear becomes a key component in our decision making process. On one hand we might think there is such a thing as a "healthy dose of fear". It's that "healthy dose" which we think keeps us out of trouble. Parents like the idea of a "healthy dose" when children are young because children don't yet have the knowledge and wisdom to effectively make good decisions. Fear of punishment, for example, often comes in handy. But we all grow up eventually. And with that growth we learn - we gain knowledge and wisdom. The use of fear in our decision making process should be replaced with Godly wisdom, knowledge and a little bit of common sense. Fear is a negative motivator. Better we should base our decisions on positive motivators (God, hope, love, trust, faith) and rely less on fear.
Fear comes as a wild and vicious attack on our attempts to live a peaceful life. It is a very useful and cunning tool for the evil one. Fear can attack through things like self-confidence (fear of not being able to do something), self-worth (fear of not being good enough), relationships (fear of disappointing others, making others angry, rejection, or punishment), finances (fear of not having enough money or fear of letting it go), or simply in the fear of the unknown. In my life, I have felt the attack of fear come in a number of these different forms. Maybe you have felt fear attack you in some of these ways as well. Or maybe you've seen it in others. Ironically, sometimes it's easier to see fear's hold on other people before we notice its hold on ourselves.
When I began looking at fear to see the affect it has on our lives, I came up with three main affects. It either paralyzes us, make us run the other way (becoming disobedient), or it imprisons us. The idea that fear paralyzes struck me first because that's the affect it usually has on me. How many times have I come to a fork in the road and stopped dead in my tracks? I don't want to go to the left because that path doesn't really appeal to me. I like the paths straight ahead and to the right but each one seems risky and full of uncertainties. I don't move in any direction because something holds me back. Excuses! And what ultimately drives excuses? Fear! I go nowhere and fear has done its job. (Or shall I say the evil one has accomplished his mission.)
In the Bible I found another, more detrimental, affect that fear can have. It relates to how we respond to God and His promptings. Has God ever asked you to go down a path you were afraid to go down? What was your reaction? Did you follow in love and obedience or did fear make you run the other way (acting in disobedience)? Running and disobedience are reactions based on fear not reactions based on love and trust. Allowing fear to control our decisions has a detrimental affect on our relationship with God. There are consequences to putting our own fears above God's plan. Jonah feared the people of Nineveh more than he trusted in God and landed in the belly of a big fish. I believe God wants to trust our willingness to serve Him. But how can He do that if every time something comes up we side with fear?
Fear also imprisons us. The more we allow it to control our lives and the decisions we make, the less we are able to enjoy the freedom that God intended for us. There is much more on the topic of imprisonment I will dig into in Part 2 of this series. But for now I think it's helpful to recognize that we all have fear. How we allow fear to affect our lives can be a determining factor in what kind of life we live. God doesn't want us to be controlled by fear but rather controlled by love, faith and trust. In Genesis, God reassured Abram with this promise: "I am your shield. Your very great reward.". Removing fear and replacing it with God's promise (that He is our shield - our very great reward) could have a dramatic affect and fundamentally change how we live our lives. We could become more than conquerors.
Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Upcoming and "Just A Thought"
Hi there -
To my friends, family and supporters. I have not updated this blog as often as I'd like but I wanted to let you know that I am working on a series entitled "The Quest For Freedom" (and no - it's not political). I am hoping to have the first article done shortly. I could have thrown something out there on the web but I wanted to take my time and give the series an appropriate effort. The series will deal with the topics of fear, imprisonment, love, faith, trust and, of course, freedom. My hope is always that God will work in me and through me as I continue the journey of "Building My Faith". I hope to be a blessing to you as well.
In the meantime - I thought I'd toss in a new blog segment called "Just A Thought". Here is one I had recently:
I was imagining what it would be like in Heaven when we encountered fellow Christians that we didn't particularly like. It's easy to assume we don't have to worry about seeing our non-Christian enemies in Heaven. We won't have to play nice-nice with them. But what about our Christian brothers and sisters? It's probably safe to say that most of us - if not all of us have had torn relationships with fellow Christians. We may not like them but that doesn't mean they're not going to walk through those pearly gates. How are we going to act when we see them at the big Heavenly Praise Fest? What's our attitude going to be like? Imagine walking along the streets paved with gold when you see him or her down the way talking to others. Will you continue walking filled with love? Or will you say to yourself "Ugh! I do not want to talk to that person." and then turn and walk away (trying to find an alternate route to the Praise Fest). Funny thing is - I get the feeling there isn't room in Heaven for that kind of "attitude." Imagine what Heaven would be like if half of us didn't want to stand next to the other half. It's not really the place written about in the Bible, is it? It's not really "Heaven". I'm thinking I'd better make sure my attitudes down here are good 'cause I'm not sure I'll be able to get through the gates clinging to them.
That's my thought. See you next time!
To my friends, family and supporters. I have not updated this blog as often as I'd like but I wanted to let you know that I am working on a series entitled "The Quest For Freedom" (and no - it's not political). I am hoping to have the first article done shortly. I could have thrown something out there on the web but I wanted to take my time and give the series an appropriate effort. The series will deal with the topics of fear, imprisonment, love, faith, trust and, of course, freedom. My hope is always that God will work in me and through me as I continue the journey of "Building My Faith". I hope to be a blessing to you as well.
In the meantime - I thought I'd toss in a new blog segment called "Just A Thought". Here is one I had recently:
I was imagining what it would be like in Heaven when we encountered fellow Christians that we didn't particularly like. It's easy to assume we don't have to worry about seeing our non-Christian enemies in Heaven. We won't have to play nice-nice with them. But what about our Christian brothers and sisters? It's probably safe to say that most of us - if not all of us have had torn relationships with fellow Christians. We may not like them but that doesn't mean they're not going to walk through those pearly gates. How are we going to act when we see them at the big Heavenly Praise Fest? What's our attitude going to be like? Imagine walking along the streets paved with gold when you see him or her down the way talking to others. Will you continue walking filled with love? Or will you say to yourself "Ugh! I do not want to talk to that person." and then turn and walk away (trying to find an alternate route to the Praise Fest). Funny thing is - I get the feeling there isn't room in Heaven for that kind of "attitude." Imagine what Heaven would be like if half of us didn't want to stand next to the other half. It's not really the place written about in the Bible, is it? It's not really "Heaven". I'm thinking I'd better make sure my attitudes down here are good 'cause I'm not sure I'll be able to get through the gates clinging to them.
That's my thought. See you next time!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Talking Vs. Listening
In my last blog entry "I Don't Have The Right To Be Unhappy" I wondered how God can talk to me if I'm too busy complaining. Well - over the last couple of weeks I have made a concentrated effort to listen better and to stop complaining. And I just want to say - WOW! It does make a difference. It's amazing what you can hear when you stop talking. In just a couple of weeks time - I have heard one particular message multiple times and through multiple mediums. And every time I hear it I know God is trying to tell me something. The best part is that there is no condemnation is His message. What I get is His reassurance that He's working in my life and reassurance of His love. I may just quit taking altogether:-)
Daily Medicine
You know how people with chronic illnesses often take daily medication. The medication is not a cure. It's intended to help control their symptoms. There is an inherent problem, however, in getting rid of the symptoms. When the symptoms go away, the patient can sometimes begin to feel like they are cured. Along with feeling cured comes the temptation to stop taking the medicine. And, of course, when a patient stops taking their medicine, the symptoms of the disease return. It's a vicious cycle.
I've discovered something about myself. I have a chronic illness - not of a physical kind but of a spiritual kind. I don't know its official name but I think it's something like "control-itis". Truth be known I think I also have a little bit of the disease "I-want-it-my-way-itis". I'd rather not have any diseases. I'd rather be spiritually healthy - have a perfect spirit inside me. But I'm human and as such I am flawed. I'm learning to accept my weaknesses. Thankfully there is help. The great pharmaceutical team up above has already done the research. There is powerful medicine to help me with my problem(s). The medication I need comes in the form of a "prayer pill". There is a distinct difference between spiritual medicine and earthly medicine. Earthly medicine is "taken" and is often accompanied by a bitter aftertaste. The "prayer pill" is meant to be "offered" not "taken". There is no bitter aftertaste and it is quite refreshing. But daily medication is required for a healthy spiritual relationship.
I've come to the conclusion that left on my own there are some issues (diseases) I'm always going to struggle with. But I'm adjusting to my medicated lifestyle. Each morning I offer my "prayer pill" and ask God to help me to be happy in the here and now - to be satisfied so that I'm not always putting off the joys of today for tomorrow. I also hand over to God the concerns of my life. They are things I can't truly control anyway (even though I've tried). By daily giving my burdens (or symptoms) to God, I am free to focus on Godly things not worldly worries.
I know at some point, as my symptoms disappear, I'll begin to think I'm cured. I'll start to feel like I won't need to pray those specifics daily. But I firmly believe these are battles I will face my whole life. If I stop taking (or in this case offering) my daily medicine, I'm smart enough to know I will fall back into old patterns. My symptoms will reemerge. The peace of my prayer medicated life will disappear. No, I don't have a problem taking my medicine. I'd rather live in peace (symptom free) than live with the constant struggle.
The list of chronic spiritual illnesses is long. There are many floating around. Maybe you have noticed some symptoms in your own life - symptoms of anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, greed, control, complaining, lack of trust, complacency, patience, etc. Although I am a strong believer in prayer, I am new at praying for my specific "illnesses" on a daily basis. I can attest to the difference it's made in me already in such a short time. I write this piece as an encouragement to others. If you've diagnosed yourself with any spiritual illnesses, try offering some daily medicine. Pray and ask God to help your symptoms go away. If you are willing, He is able to take your burdens (or symptoms) away. He will make you a new creation.
I've discovered something about myself. I have a chronic illness - not of a physical kind but of a spiritual kind. I don't know its official name but I think it's something like "control-itis". Truth be known I think I also have a little bit of the disease "I-want-it-my-way-itis". I'd rather not have any diseases. I'd rather be spiritually healthy - have a perfect spirit inside me. But I'm human and as such I am flawed. I'm learning to accept my weaknesses. Thankfully there is help. The great pharmaceutical team up above has already done the research. There is powerful medicine to help me with my problem(s). The medication I need comes in the form of a "prayer pill". There is a distinct difference between spiritual medicine and earthly medicine. Earthly medicine is "taken" and is often accompanied by a bitter aftertaste. The "prayer pill" is meant to be "offered" not "taken". There is no bitter aftertaste and it is quite refreshing. But daily medication is required for a healthy spiritual relationship.
I've come to the conclusion that left on my own there are some issues (diseases) I'm always going to struggle with. But I'm adjusting to my medicated lifestyle. Each morning I offer my "prayer pill" and ask God to help me to be happy in the here and now - to be satisfied so that I'm not always putting off the joys of today for tomorrow. I also hand over to God the concerns of my life. They are things I can't truly control anyway (even though I've tried). By daily giving my burdens (or symptoms) to God, I am free to focus on Godly things not worldly worries.
I know at some point, as my symptoms disappear, I'll begin to think I'm cured. I'll start to feel like I won't need to pray those specifics daily. But I firmly believe these are battles I will face my whole life. If I stop taking (or in this case offering) my daily medicine, I'm smart enough to know I will fall back into old patterns. My symptoms will reemerge. The peace of my prayer medicated life will disappear. No, I don't have a problem taking my medicine. I'd rather live in peace (symptom free) than live with the constant struggle.
The list of chronic spiritual illnesses is long. There are many floating around. Maybe you have noticed some symptoms in your own life - symptoms of anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, greed, control, complaining, lack of trust, complacency, patience, etc. Although I am a strong believer in prayer, I am new at praying for my specific "illnesses" on a daily basis. I can attest to the difference it's made in me already in such a short time. I write this piece as an encouragement to others. If you've diagnosed yourself with any spiritual illnesses, try offering some daily medicine. Pray and ask God to help your symptoms go away. If you are willing, He is able to take your burdens (or symptoms) away. He will make you a new creation.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I Don't Have The Right To Be Unhappy
Life isn't always how I want it to be. It doesn't always look like I envision it should look. Of course, there have been moments that have exceeded my expectations but there have also been many detours along my journey. You may have gathered this about me from previous writings but I don't care much for detours. It is my gut instinct to stay focused on the path I think we're (my family's) supposed to be on. My energy and attitude are all about getting us back on the right road. I refuse to accept any kind of permanency. In my mind it is only a detour - it is temporary. I know we're supposed to be on a different road and I won't be satisfied until we get back to it.
My refusal to dig in and accept my surroundings wouldn't necessarily be so bad if the detour was only going to last a couple of months (translation: my frustration with life would only last a couple of months). But what if the detour takes a couple of years or more? Or what if it's not a detour at all and it's meant to be a new life path God wants my family to travel? How long will I live in frustration? How long will I live unhappily? The trouble is I'm not really sure how to tell the difference between a detour and a completely new life path. It seems that if I only knew it was a new life path, I could accept it and move on. As it is - I stay in detour mode - refusing to accept.
The truth is - whether it's a detour or a new life path doesn't matter. Either way God still wants me to accept the path He's put me on. He wants my obedience and my submission. He still wants me to focus on Him not my disappointments. He wants my heart to be right. He doesn't want to hear my whines and complaints. I can't change all of my circumstances but I can change my outlook. I can fight the detour or new life path every inch of the way but I will end up disappointing God, myself and those around me with my attitude. God has plans for me (and my family). How can He tell me what those plans are if I'm too busy complaining that we're not on the road I think we're supposed to be on. A person's attitude affects everything. It affects our enjoyment in life, our relationships with others and more importantly our relationship with God.
I think God completely understands our disappointments. He knows there are times we won't like the road we are on but I think He also expects us to get over it. He want us to realize that no matter what detours we encounter we truly have no reason to be unhappy. I look at it this way - God has given me more than I deserve before I was even born. Not only, has He given me salvation (through the death of His son I might add), but He also loves me deeply and passionately. And if that wasn't enough - and surely it is - He allows me to come to Him and have an intimate, loving relationship with Him. Think about it - the Creator of life takes time to be with me - to nurture me - to guide me - to lovingly rebuke me - to listen to me - to mold me - all so that I can be the child (the precious gem) He knows I can be. I am truly blessed by God's enduring and protective love. I may kick and scream when my road takes a turn. But I will learn to get over it. I don't have the right to be unhappy!
My refusal to dig in and accept my surroundings wouldn't necessarily be so bad if the detour was only going to last a couple of months (translation: my frustration with life would only last a couple of months). But what if the detour takes a couple of years or more? Or what if it's not a detour at all and it's meant to be a new life path God wants my family to travel? How long will I live in frustration? How long will I live unhappily? The trouble is I'm not really sure how to tell the difference between a detour and a completely new life path. It seems that if I only knew it was a new life path, I could accept it and move on. As it is - I stay in detour mode - refusing to accept.
The truth is - whether it's a detour or a new life path doesn't matter. Either way God still wants me to accept the path He's put me on. He wants my obedience and my submission. He still wants me to focus on Him not my disappointments. He wants my heart to be right. He doesn't want to hear my whines and complaints. I can't change all of my circumstances but I can change my outlook. I can fight the detour or new life path every inch of the way but I will end up disappointing God, myself and those around me with my attitude. God has plans for me (and my family). How can He tell me what those plans are if I'm too busy complaining that we're not on the road I think we're supposed to be on. A person's attitude affects everything. It affects our enjoyment in life, our relationships with others and more importantly our relationship with God.
I think God completely understands our disappointments. He knows there are times we won't like the road we are on but I think He also expects us to get over it. He want us to realize that no matter what detours we encounter we truly have no reason to be unhappy. I look at it this way - God has given me more than I deserve before I was even born. Not only, has He given me salvation (through the death of His son I might add), but He also loves me deeply and passionately. And if that wasn't enough - and surely it is - He allows me to come to Him and have an intimate, loving relationship with Him. Think about it - the Creator of life takes time to be with me - to nurture me - to guide me - to lovingly rebuke me - to listen to me - to mold me - all so that I can be the child (the precious gem) He knows I can be. I am truly blessed by God's enduring and protective love. I may kick and scream when my road takes a turn. But I will learn to get over it. I don't have the right to be unhappy!
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