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THE
BATTLE BETWEEN
FAITH & FEAR!
LIFE IS FILLED WITH "WHAT IF'S."
All through life we are challenged by a sudden
'reason to fear.' When we are threatened with fear, it is not a pleasant feeling. It is not uncommon for one to fear the unknown.
Jesus Disciples experienced fear every time they were at sea and a sudden storm arose. Because fear is a natural feeling,
Christ Jesus reminds us, 'NOT TO FEAR WHERE NO FEAR IS.' Christ is our Anchor.
The Apostle Peter shares an experience
when his faith in Jesus was tested. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you:” 1st Peter 4:12.
The Bible teaches fear is not of God. That does not mean ‘sudden
fear’ will never overtake us. Every soldier in Israel’s army was gripped by fear when Goliath challenged them to fight him.
THERE ARE MANY FORMS OF GOLIATH'S IN OUR LIFETIME.
Satanic forces challenge our walk with God through negative thinking.
Negative thoughts cause depression.
OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH DEPENDS ON HOW WE HANDLE SATAN'S FEAR TACTICS. DANIEL WAS
NOT AFRAID TO BE THROWN INTO A 'LION'S DEN BECAUSE HE PRAYED THREE TIMES A DAY. FAITH IN GOD DRIVES FEAR AWAY.
The
Bible teaches faith by example. What we see through the HUMAN EYE, may give us reasons to fear. When we see through 'FAITH’S
EYE' WE SEE hope, deliverance, forgiveness and victory.
“Why shouldst thou fear where no fear is?” Psalm 53:5. “If
God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
It was a dark day in Simon Peter’s life as he witnessed Jesus being
taken into custody by an army of soldiers who came with sword and spears to capture Him. The Disciples were accustomed to
seeing Jesus defeating His enemies by great signs and wonders.
Peter was aware that Jesus would be taken by the hands
of His enemies. Peter made two vows that day as he reprimanded our Lord. “I will go to prison and even die for you.” He really
believed he would. Jesus knew Peter would deny Christ out of fear for his life.
There are many different storms of
life that we battle on a day to day basis. EVERY CHILD OF GOD CARRIES A CROSS. Jesus felt pain the same as we feel pain.
TO TOP IT OFF . . . AT CALVARY HE STOOD ALONE. FRIENDS WILL NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTAND.
BELOVED, IF YOU EVER REACH A PLACE
IN YOUR LIFE THAT NO ONE CARES? REMEMBER GOD'S PROMISE? “I will never leave you nor forsake you. And, Lo, I am with you always
even to the ends of the earth.” He means it!
Everyone can tell a story of faith and fear! As we grow into the knowledge
of the things of God, our development in how we handle adversity will be tested. The value that God has put on the souls of
mankind is awesome.
It was just a short time before Jesus trial when Jesus was asking who men thought He was? Then
He came to the real question He asks us today. "WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?"
Without hesitation Peter told Jesus "Thou art
the Christ the Son of the LIVING GOD."
Jesus identity was highly sensitive knowledge. His family didn’t even know.
What does this say about Peter? He had PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND HIS SON. Only the Holy Spirit could have given this gift
of knowledge to Peter. In response . . . and happy at because of this of miracle Peter’s response . . . Jesus said to Peter;
. . .
. . . “Blessed are thou Simon-bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it to unto thee, but my Father,
who is in heaven . . . And I say also unto thee “That thou art Peter, and upon this ROCK I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades (hell) shall not prevail against it. Please read Matthew 16:17-19.
Through the EYE OF FAITH Jesus was
confident that Peter would become . . . A “ROCK” upon which He would build His church.
When Jesus called and chose
His Disciples, He didn’t find them in a Seminary where men were learning to become Priests of God. He chose men who were of
ordinary walks of life. Men who were ordinary people who would have compassion and love.
It was at Jesus trial the
future of Jesus Disciples appeared to be “weighed in the balances and found wanting.” Daniel 5:27. His faith was as one that
is put on a scale and the balance weighed heavily to the side of inadequate. Daniel 5:27. The need to pray is vital. Beloved,
God doesn’t make mistakes when He makes Disciples and prayer changes us into a Christian and a Disciple that is without spot
or wrinkle. That is the kind of church Jesus is coming back to take up in the heavens.
HOW DO WE SEE OURSELVES IN THIS
PICTURE?
Years ago, this writer was with a friend who was driving out of town but wanted to visit a ROCK store. Knowing
nothing about the history of rocks, the question came up; “Why do you want to see rocks?” When we arrived, the owner of the
store took us to a back room where there were hundreds of rocks. THE OUTSIDE OF THE ROCKS WERE DARK, DIRTY, ROUGH AND UGLY.
The INSIDE OF THE ROCK HELD THE HIDDEN TREASURE. Hundreds of rocks were cut in half. Inside of the rocks were precious stones
(sparkling jewels) hiding in the center of each rock.
Beloved, Jesus is building His church in the hearts of mankind.
It is a building without spot. Beloved, we are bought with a price not of silver or gold, but were paid for with the BLOOD
OF JESUS AT CALVARY.
GOD GAVE US THE GIFT OF FAITH AND HE IS OUR ANCHOR!
The Bible is the greatest support
system ever offered to mankind. Never has a book been written that could compare to the miraculous power of God’s Word to
bring deliverance to anyone who reaches out to God in faith.
The greatest message of our Lord Jesus is LOVE AND FORGIVENESS.
Prayerfully,
Florence Apolzan
“Those who go to God Most High for safety will
be protected by the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “YOU ARE MY PLACE OF SAFETY AND PROTECTION. YOU ARE MY GOD
AND I TRUST YOU.”
God will save you from hidden traps and from deadly diseases.
HE WILL COVER YOU
WITH HIS FEATHERS, AND UNDER HIS WINGS YOU CAN HIDE. His truth will be your shield and protection.
You will not
fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day.
YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF DISEASES THAT COME IN THE DARK
OR SICKNESS THAT STRIKES AT NOON.
At your side one thousand people may die, or even ten thousand right beside
you, but you will not be hurt.
You will only watch and see the wicked punished.
THE LORD IS YOUR PROTECTION;
YOU HAVE MADE GOD MOST HIGH YOUR PLACE OF SAFETY.
NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN TO YOU; NO DISASTER WILL COME TO YOUR
HOME.
HE HAS PUT HIS ANGELS IN CHARGE OF YOU TO WATCH OVER YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.
THEY WILL CATCH YOU IN
THEIR HANDS SO THAT YOU WILL NOT HIT YOUR FOOT ON A ROCK.
You will walk on lions and cobras; you will step on
strong lions and snakes.
THE LORD SAYS, “WHOSOEVER LOVES ME, I WILL SAVE. I WILL PROTECT THOSE WHO KNOW ME.
THEY
WILL CALL UNTO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER. I WILL BE WITH THEM IN TROUBLE; I WILL RESCUE THEM AND HONOR THEM.
I WILL
GIVE THEM A LONG, FULL LIFE, AND THEY WILL SEE HOW I CAN SAVE.”
THE WORD OF THE LORD! Psalm 91 – IT'S A PROMISE!
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