Tag: fear

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Worry kills joy

Embed from Getty Images Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Luke 12:22

Worrying is a sin. Did you hear that? Did you read that? Do I have your full attention? Listen, I am not a Preacher, Pastor or Priest, I am a follower of Jesus and if (and He did)  says not to worry and I/ we do it is a sin.

Have you ever thought about that?  What is exactly gained from being worried when situations come up where some anxiety take control and cause such panic and unrest in us that it rubs off on the people around us. Did you think about that?

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Now I admit this is difficult to do and easy to read. It took me years before I was able to achieve this. But the reward has been a worry free, fear free household.

The key to over come worry, doubt and or fear (which all work together in unhealthy ways) is to brace for it, read the Bible. Daily. Jesus Himself tells us if you want to be at easy, read God’s word: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

So in short it is a choice. Sometimes we get so comfortable in being uncomfortable the lines get blurred. God knows our heart. When we are ready to lay down worrying  and see what life is like peaceful as we read God’s word it allows Him to renew our minds Romans 12:2.

In my house, I came up with a saying years ago when our children were young, : “Do not let your emotions dictate your actions.” Again I had to work a long time at that to be able to apply to our family.

I would like to encourage the worry-warts out there. If you do not know Jesus and are tired of fighting your thoughts, open a Bible and begin to read. If you had no idea the words in the Bible account for everything in life, again I encourage you to open one up and examine for yourself.

In today’s age you can find a Bible app download it and put worry, stress or fear in the search bar then begin to to read the verses. Be open to what God is saying, it is better than the current way your handling worry, stress and fear.

 

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How should the Church respond to Covid-19

Embed from Getty Images “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

In the sheer panic and fear that has engripped the United States and the better part of the world. God has called His church into action. No more standing on the sidelines hoping the head coach does not call on you to enter the game. No the Church, the whole Church needs to be proactive during this time.

So what are some practical ways the Church can help during a time of “social distancing?” First and foremost, love your neighbors. Text or call them ask how they are doing, if they need anything. The same for family and friends. Always pray with each person as you check on them. This will help to lower panic and hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit fears will become less elevated.

Next always make sure you are leaning into God for peace, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6. If you have children of any age, they and your spouse will react according to how you both present things as well as react to things. Again, bring prayer in as you tend to your house.

While people wear masks and gloves (which is absolutely fine!) it can be a starting point at stores. Tell them while P.P.E. is very good, God provides everything we need Proverbs 18:10 tells us “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”

What the Church also needs to be during the day in which we live is to be like Daniel, to stand in a cave with roaring lions (or a global pandemic) and be willing to pray and make intercessions for the world, the countries, the sick, the worried and the fearful.

It is my opinion, God is giving His Church this time to shine. This is extremely important. Do not be lukewarm, for the sake of the world!