Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! Yesterday we worshipped by declaring how firm a foundation believers have through believing in Jesus and trusting in His Word. Then from 2 Timothy 1 and Psalm 56 we thought about the subject of fear. We learned we needed to fear and respect God’s holiness and fear the consequences of sin, which can be far reaching and long lasting. But we also learned that God does not want His children to live in constant fear. We learned denying fear was not the answer to fear. The answer to fear is to take those fears to God and trust Him when we are afraid. God has given his children a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. We are never powerless in any situation because God’s power is available to His children. God has given us a spirit of love, so we do not have to be afraid of those who are different from us or who think differently from us. And God has given us a sound mind so that when we are confronted by demanding situations, we will not panic and make rash decision. Instead, we will be led by His Holy Spirit to face crises with wisdom and love. Believers do not have to live our lives in constant fear. When we are afraid, we remind ourselves of God’s protection. We can do what the Psalmist wrote: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you,” (Psalm 56:3, NIV). When we are afraid, we can ask the Holy Spirit to take away our fears and replace it with a true confidence in God. God is in control, and we are His children. Christ Jesus frees us from constant fear.
Continue to pray for Alice, Connie Boss’ sister-in-law, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer. Her first round of treatment did not shrink the tumors, so she has started a different and stronger chemo.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other.
Love being your pastor,
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church