After God's Own Heart Ministries

The Battle to be Free From FEAR

Fear. We all face it at some time or another in our lives. Somehow, somewhere, somewhen, we learn to be afraid. I don’t know exactly when this occurs, but I believe our first encounter with it is in our early childhood. As I think about my own life, I can remember being afraid of many things. Whether it was the dog down the street, the spider on my bedroom ceiling, or the late night “creature feature” shows on tv, I came face to face with fear in my life.

But before I get too far with this, let me share the definition of fear from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

Fear: noun
1a: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
2: anxious concern

Fear: verb (feared; fearing; fears)
1: to be afraid of: expect with alarm

Fear has many different names and as I mentioned earlier, comes in various forms. Fear also affects each of us in different ways. For example, fear causes some to become paralyze to a point they can’t do or say anything. For some, fear causes them to react violently to either protect themselves or others or vanquish whatever it is that has frightened them. For many, removing themselves from the object or environment or situation that causes them fear is of paramount importance or simply, the first priority. And still, there are others who receive a sense of exhilaration and stimulation when facing something they are afraid of.

The emotions and actions or reactions that fear often produces has been studied by many. One thing that I have experience in my battles with fear is that once it takes hold of your thoughts and emotions, it inevitably produces anxiety which produces stress which produces frustration, anger and/or apathy and depression. Which also leads to hopelessness and possibly, suicidal thoughts.

Unfortunately, when we allow fear to take us on this dark journey, we resort to various ineffective means to eradicate it from our lives. Some find false courage in illicit, ineffective substances, illegitimate relationships in others that we believe will make us safe and false doctrines/philosophies.

One of my favorite quotes regarding fear, comes from a movie in 2013 titled, After Earth. Where the actor Will Smith, playing a character named Cypher Raige, was telling his real-life son, Jaden Smith, who was playing his fictional son, Kitai, during one of many intense scenes, the following:

“Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real, but fear is a choice.”-Cypher Raige

Fear is a Choice

When we stop and really think about it, is there some validity behind this statement? Do we actually choose to be afraid? Is it in our power not to be afraid?

This line of questioning takes me to my foundation of truth, which is the Word of God. Here I find the very first introduction of fear into the life of mankind.

In Genesis 3:4-10 NLT 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So, she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So, they hid from the LORD God among the trees. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

Here we find that due to the choice of Adam and Eve, not only did sin enter the lives of man, but fear came along with it.

The Spirit of Fear

I know, I know. We don’t like to talk about spirits. Even us Christians feel uncomfortable when this subject comes up. Whether its discussions about the Holy Spirit and His power and purpose in our lives. Or the Fruits of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Or especially the “evil spirits”, for example: Matthew 8: 16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.

The Spirit Realm is simply something we tend to ignore or rationalize away because it’s hard to grasp those things that we cannot see or outwardly control.

However, the Bible clearly points out that there is an “unseen” world that we are participants in, whether we believe it or not.

Ephesians 6: 10-12 NLT 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

And in another situation, the Bible states that God, Himself can remove His Spirit from an individual that is disobedient and refuses to no longer follow Him and replace it with a tormenting spirit, that will fill that person with depression and fear. (1 Samuel 16:14-15 NLT)

And yet to those who remain with God, we are reassured that God gives us His Spirit that doesn’t cause us to fear, but provides power, love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

False Evidence Appearing Real – Zig Ziglar

If we don’t realize that this life carries with it opposition, then we have ignored reality or simply in denial. The Bible also states in John 8:44 NLT when Jesus was speaking to the descendants of Abraham, He told them: 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Fear takes things we hear, see, feel and maybe experienced in the past, and presents it as real right now or in the near future. We are convinced that whatever it is will hurt us or at the very least, make us too uncomfortable to function.

Bottom line, we mostly surrender to fear due to our selfish desires and behaviors. What I mean by this is that if we weren’t so concerned with our well-being (safety, protection, comfort, happiness), or with our desires (lusts, pride, power, control), what would we be afraid of?

Overcoming Fear

“Christians ought not to be smothered in fear. There is a spiritual readiness, where we return to having the peace of God…” —Henry Blackaby

The simple solution to overcoming fear is to cease relying on one’s self and to begin trusting in and upon, God. This can only be done, in my opinion and supported by the Word of God, through a relationship with Jesus Christ. For you can’t know God without knowing His Son, Jesus.

Matthew 11: 27 NASB 27 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

And it is in this knowing Jesus, that we are able to receive His Word in which we learn to surrender our ways to His. Therefore, coming under God’s peace, protection, security and love. Receiving victory over sin, which as I mentioned earlier, carries with it…fear.

His Word speaks of this victory

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

And,

1 John 4:18 NLT “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

And,

John 14:27 NLT Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

And,

Joshua 1:9 NLT “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

And,

Psalm 23:4 NLT “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

And,

Philippians 4:6 NLT “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

And lastly,

Isaiah 41:10 NLT “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

We can continue to choose to be afraid about the things that life brings. Or we can choose to trust God. We can’t trust God if we don’t take the time nor make the effort to know Him. And we can’t know Him without recognizing His Son, Jesus.

Let me just say the most obvious thing: This is not simple. This will take commitment. This will take believing in something more than ourselves and our selfish needs. This will be a day after day, situation after situation, trial after trial, continuous decision.

My question I ask myself each day is, “am I tired of being afraid”? The specific thing doesn’t matter. That’s not the point. The issue is being controlled by fear. The answer is, I don’t have to be. And neither do you. God doesn’t want us to and has provided a way to overcome fear.

We can be victorious in this area. We can be free of fear. It’s simply how bad do we want to be.

God bless.

What Do You Really Want?

Like most Christians, I want to go to Heaven when I die.  I know, I know…that’s really one of those “Captain Obvious” statements. However, have you ever asked yourself, why do you want to spend eternity in Heaven?  Is it just a better alternative than Hell?

I write about this today because you see, I once thought for sure, that becoming a Christian, was all about getting that, “get out of hell free card”.

Many, many years ago, I was “witnessed to”.  I was asked that profound question, “If you were to die right now, do you know if you would go to Heaven or Hell”?  Of course, I didn’t have a clue and answered, “no”.  So, as you can guess, the very next question was…say it with me…” Do you want to know how to be sure you can go to Heaven”?  That’s right and yes, I took the bait and said, “sure”.  I was then shared how sinful I was, and that sin separated me from God.  And if I did not repent of my sins and died, I would go to hell.  But God sent Jesus to die for me and cleanse me of my sins, if I believed He was the Son of God and asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. Then if I was to die, I would have a secure place in Heaven.

This sounded simple to me. So, I said yes again, and prayed the prayer to receive Jesus into my life.  I was then instructed to get into a bible study and attend a good, bible believing church, in which I did.

Now this method of “witnessing” has been successfully taught all over the world and for a long time.  Converting many “sinners” to Christianity.  It gets folks in the Christian door you might say. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It worked on me and it has worked for many of hundreds of thousands. The thought of not going to Hell and spending eternity in Heaven was absolutely wonderful!!

In fact, the very first scripture I memorized was John 3:16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

To me, this was a no brainer.  It solidified in me that to believe in Jesus was to win eternal life.  This was a prize that no one else or nothing else had ever presented to me. So, my Christian journey began.

But little did I realize or understand, that it was based on a hidden premise. One that I would struggle with for a good part of this journey and from time to time, even today.  That premise was, “Believe in God, do what He says and get stuff from Him.” 

Anyone else thought or think this way? No, probably just me then.

WORSHIPPING THE GIFT MORE THAN THE GIVER

Based on this premise, it was easy to begin believing that life would be so much easier, now that I was a Christian.  All my desires/dreams would come true and my problems would go away.  All I had to do was make sure I made it to church occasionally, especially on Easter, stop doing a whole list of “bad things” and try to do more “good things”.  Oh, and don’t let me forget the importance to memorize a few scriptures, the books of the bible – in order, and a few phrases of “Christian-speak” to show that I was truly…religious.  You know those phrases like: “God is good all the time and all the time, God is good” or my personal favorite: “I’m blessed and highly favored.”

I did this for a long time.  All the while thinking and believing that this is what being a Christian looked like, sounded like and acted like. After all, sad to say, that is what I was taught, this is what I witnessed.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 6 ESV  1 But I, brothers could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh.

Now, I get it.  I was simply an immature Christian.  Just like an infant, toddler, or even a teenager, who must be taught and experience life for themselves. In order to grow into adulthood, I had a lot of spiritual growing up to do, to understand what it truly meant to follow Christ.

So, when I continued to experience life’s challenges, such as failed relationships, financial struggles, unsuccessful plans, physical and emotional pains, I concluded that this “Christian-thang” wasn’t working out the way that I thought it should. I had to decide, should I give up on all this church-going and watching what I say and being nice to people and trying to be good. Or, stay the course in hopes that if I try harder to be a Christian, by praying more, giving more, reading the bible more, doing more Christian things, God would finally see and hear me and give me the things that I require for my life to fall into place as I desired.

Jeremiah 51:17-18 NLT 17 The whole human race is foolish and has no knowledge! The craftsmen are disgraced by the idols they make, for their carefully shaped works are a fraud. These idols have no breath or power. 18 Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies!

My version of Christianity in those early years and I must admit, I struggle with at times today, is an idol of sorts of my own making.  You see, when I settled on receiving from God versus surrendering my life to Him, I’d created a version of God that was based on my wants, my needs and my comfort and not on the truth of God, that is evident, throughout His Word.

This version of God and my identity as a Christian was a powerless image that I worshipped. I would bow down to this image daily, sacrifice to it with religious do’s and don’ts, all the while waiting for “good” things to happen for and to me.

Many Christians do not see it this way, but nevertheless, the results are the same. A “rollercoaster” life filled with temporary victories one moment only to be followed by depressing defeats and feelings of hopelessness the next.

But the Word of God is clear when it states in 1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV …but thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

What I am trying to point out is that being a Christian isn’t a thing you become. Is not joining a religious group or church or ministry. It’s not about doing a whole bunch of “do’s and don’ts”.  It’s not even about getting to Heaven or avoiding Hell.

It is coming to the realization that God wants you, me, us, to be in relationship with Him, as when He created us in the beginning. But because of our choice to disobey Him, sin entered our lives and separated us from Him.

Initially, God gave us His Commandments and Laws to show us just what it would take, to be in His presence again.  However, this only pointed out our sinful nature, but did not redeem us nor restore us into a right relationship with God.

Hebrews 7: 19 NLT …for the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

And,

1 Peter 2 NLT 3 And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were like children; we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles this world. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

To my Christian brothers and sisters, I leave this with you:  I would highly recommend taking the time to ask yourself, what is it that you are really wanting from God?  Is it His promises or is it Him?  There is a difference believe it or not. One ensures freedom and eternal victory.  The other keeps you on that “spiritual rollercoaster” that breeds doubt, lack of faith, worry and anxiety.  It can even lead to fear and unbelief, which hurts your true “witness” for Christ.

And to my non-Christian brothers, sisters, family, friends, etc., etc.,

Heaven is a byproduct of a right relationship with God through surrendering your life and agenda to Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the goal, not eternity in Heaven nor the fear of Hell.

May God bless you and keep you until the day of Christ’s return.

What Makes You a Christian?

What ultimately defines whether you are a Christian or not, is not what Denomination you belong to, but whether you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in your heart. – Ravi Zacharias

Romans 10: 9-10 NLT If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

What God is requiring from us is very simple in my opinion:  Confession and Believing

Everything else is us, going through the motions of trying to live a life pleasing to God, without doing what He has asked us to do.

1 Samuel 15: 22 NLT “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

When I read this scripture, it was like a glass of ice-cold water had been thrown on me. For so long, it was my understanding from past teachings, sermons, personal observations of others, or, my ignorance, that to be a Christian, one must do all the right things. And what were those right things?

All the “Don’ts”.

You know: The “don’t” do this and the “don’t” do that. “Don’t’ be bad, cuss, steal, gossip, lust, sin, etc., etc., etc. Now before you get the wrong idea, and think that doing these things are okay, I’m simply saying that NOT doing them, does not make one a Christian.

So, what makes one a Christian? As mentioned in the scripture above, it is “confession” and “believing”.

Confession: acknowledgment; admission. (from Dictionary.com) But acknowledgment or admission of what exactly? Two things come to mind. First, admission that we are sinful. This to me is the biggest struggle that most people have. Oh, we easily state that we are not “perfect”, but we all believe that we aren’t as bad as the next person or that we inherently have some good things about us, that doesn’t quite add up to being “sinful”.

Yet, God’s Word is clear on this. For in Romans 3:23 …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… (NIV).

Second, is admission that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That He is Lord. And that only through Him, are our sins forgiven. This one also is troubling for most people, because this takes control over our lives and destiny, out of our hands…so to speak. What I mean is, if we all are honest, we struggle with someone else, determining the course and direction of our lives…even God. So even if we admit that we are sinful, admitting that removal of those sins can only come through one means, is problematic for most.
We can’t help but to think that we have the ability, the strength, the knowledge, the means, the experience, to live a good, prosperous life, without the help of anyone. And this my friends becomes a huge obstacle to living the abundant life promised by God. Which is a topic for a future discussion.

Then we come to the issue of “believing”.

Believing: to have confidence or faith in the truth; to have confidence in the assertions of (a person). (from Dictionary.com). So here again, confidence or faith in what? What truth? Confidence in who?

Well the simple answer, especially if one is wanting to be a Christian or calling themselves one, is having confidence or faith the “TRUTH”, which is the Word of God (the Bible). And the “person” the “truth” speaks of, is Jesus. Without believing that the Word of God is true and that what it speaks of about Jesus is true, then it is impossible to be a Christian. At least not the Christian that Paul speaks of that will be saved.

In closing:

It really doesn’t matter what we tend to label ourselves. Mankind has been doing that in some form or another for centuries. It’s like we must call ourselves something so that we can belong to something bigger than ourselves. Even those who pride themselves on being loners. When you press them enough, they will associate themselves with some type of label…even “Loaner”.

But the bottom line comes down to what you confess you are and what you believe which will dictate truly how you live your life.

So many so-called, “Christians”, look, sound, and act like everything but what Jesus Christ’s life, teachings and actions, demonstrated while on this earth. Nor do their lives resemble what the Bible describes a follower of Christ (Christian) life should be.

But if we honestly examined our lives, we would clearly see the things we believe in, because our lives and actions show it. Not just when we are around a certain group of people, say on Sunday mornings, but each and every day.

Jesus said in John 14:12 NLT, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

Ha, there it is again…’truth’ and ‘believes’.

I’m a Christian, not because of what I do or don’t do. But because I know/confess that I am a sinner that has been saved by grace through the sacrificial life of Jesus. I believe that the Word of God is true and that it states that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe this and live my life according to this truth. Yes, I sin. I don’t desire to, but I am under constant attack by the enemy, even my own fleshly desires and wants. This too is for a discussion for another time. But I believe the Word of God that states in 1 John 2:12 NIV, I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

Whose name? Yes, Jesus’ name.

Being a Christian is more than going to church. It more than doing “good” things or not doing “bad” things. It’s more than repeating a few words at the end of a prayer. It’s more than reading the Bible. It’s more than talking to others about the Bible.

It’s about acknowledging that our sin has separated us from the presence of God. It’s about confessing those sins to the only One, Jesus, who can forgive us of our sins. It’s believing that Jesus is exactly who He says He is and who the Bible tells us He is. It’s believing that to be restored into a right relationship with God, can only be done through knowing Christ and being known by Him.

I pray that we realize what it truly means to be called Christian and the heavenly and eternal responsibility that name carries with it.

God bless.

A Life Given in Obedience to God is a Life Worth Living

“There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all cost, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. (This includes meeting the needs of your heart.) One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.” — Oswald Chambers

Romans 5:18-19 NIV 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. 19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

Just like the life of Christ, given to God in absolute obedience saved the world. So can our lives, given to God with that same obedience, be used to save others or to serve others.

The spirit of selfishness is running rampant throughout our society. Its seems that everyone is focused on themselves and what they can get out of life, no matter the cost.  Its a “if it feels good, do it” mentality.  “I see it, therefore I want it and must have it” appears to be a common theme.  It doesn’t matter if it belongs to another or causes one to sacrifice their morals or integrity.

But that is not what God wants us to focus on.  Because He said He will provide all that we need, His desire is for us to let go of our wants and be ready to be used to provide for others.  This may mean providing our time, sharing our provisions or simply telling someone the truth about His gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Our lives have the most meaning when given, obediently to God for His purposes. If we are not living for God, then we are not living at all.

Be thankful. Be grateful.