FWD: Morning Manna (Apr. 10); BP: II Tim. 1:6-18; RBTTY: Lk. 10:25-42; I

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 19:34:55 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Apr. 10); BP: II Tim. 1:6-18; RBTTY: Lk. 10:25-42; I
 

April 10                                                                                                                  “The Fortress of Fear”

 

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear—but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

                                                                                                                                              II Timothy 1:7

     It’s one of the devil’s favorite “strongholds”—but it’s one from which we can be delivered.

     Fear.

     It has many “nicknames”—Anxiety. . .Worry. . .Panic, etc.; but its effect is always the same:  A pervading sense of foreboding. . .trepidation. . .uncertainty. . .double-mindedness. . .doubt. . .despair, etc.  And, today’s Manna reminds us that the Heavenly Father is not its author—for it always springs from a lack of faith and trust.

 

     There’s no doubt that “fear” is one of the evil one’s best-used “tools,” for he uses it to intimidate and control.  Sometimes it’s fear of the “unknown;” other times it’s fear of the “known.”  Regardless, it’s still “fear,” which springs from “faithlessness” (Mt. 17:17).  And, the remedy is always “believing/trusting” in “Who God is” and “What He Has Promised” (Heb. 11:6; Jn. 20:27).  Hallelujah!!

 

     Now, we know that we shouldn’t fear.  We know Jesus repeatedly said, “Fear not” (Mt. 10:28; Lk. 5:10; 8:50; 12:7, 32) and promised to give us His “peace that passes all understanding” (Lk. 24:36; Jn. 14:3, 27; 16:33; 20:19, 21, 26; Phil. 4:7).  However, fear is a deeply-rooted “stronghold” that cannot be “pulled down” apart from the Lord’s help (II Cor. 10:3-5).

 

     Therefore, when fear comes knocking at the door we must cry, “Jesus, would you answer it?” and He’ll say, “Yes, I’ll be glad to.”  And, when He opens the door, Fear says, “Oops, wrong house!” and flees like a frightened animal (James 4:6-7).  Hallelujah!!

 

     Furthermore, when Fear flees, the Lord invites other worthier “tenants” to come live within our heart:  “Power (Grk. ‘dunamis’—resurrection power, miraculous or supernatural strength, mighty ability, etc.’). . .love (Grk. ‘agape’—‘God-type love, self-giving love, giving with no thought of anything in return, etc.’). . .and a sound mind (Grk. ‘sophronismos’—‘discipline, self-control, sober-minded, clear-thinking, etc.’).”

 

     Think of it:  Since God “hasn’t given us a spirit (Grk. ‘pneuma’—‘wind, breeze, mental disposition, mindset, controlling principle, etc.’) of fear,” it follows that He has given us a “spirit of faith.”  And, the “fruit” that springs from this Tree is Spirit-provided strength in weakness (II Cor. 12:9-10). . .Christlike Love in all we do and say   . . .and a mind that is under His Control (II Cor. 10:5) and not given over to double-mindedness and despair.

 

     If you’re anxious over anything today, Pilgrim, take some time and watch the birds.  They instinctively trust the Heavenly Father and so should we.  Spend some time talking to Jesus, your Best Friend, as you “cast on Him all your cares (burdens, worries). . . knowing that He cares for you” (I Pet. 5:7; Mt. 11:28-30).

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