FEAR

Don’t know why I have been lately thinking about fear. Wondering how many emotions there are. Probably heard a sermon somewhere along the line. The Bible says it is a sin to worry. God forbids it. But how do you avoid it?

So many things happen that cause us to be concerned. Seems like the last administration had us completely confused as to what was going on, now we are 6 months in a war with no end in site, and the Ukraine war grinds on for years. Things are falling apart all around us yet the Bible tells us not to worry. lt even says to have joy.

I’ve heard a lot of singing groups at Shipshewana and the one I remember most were siblings, two ladies and man.

They were very talented. The man had won Best Musical Christian Artist 5 years in a row. He played the trumpet and told us he practiced 2 hours every day. But the one lady stole the show. 

An extremely attractive lady, she had been left at the altar by her fiance.

She never did marry. Now she takes care of her older mother. She has a neighbor that is a retired nurse that takes care of her mother when she is not there so she is free to travel. She said she had a gift and a ministry of helping people deal with the spirit of fear.

She said people afraid to fly, all kinds of fears, she has been able to help. She gave a 2-hour sermon in 5 minutes. The Bible addresses the problem of fear in Philippians 4:7-11.

1. rejoice always….No matter what the circumstances. In this world it seems like we go from one problem to the next. Just when things can’t get any worse they do. 

2. V5 Let your moderation be known to all men. Mrs G would say, “Christians should act with calm, gentle, reasonableness toward everyone, because God is always close by.” The preacher would say that you must let everybody know what’s got hold of you. Make it known.

3. V6 says with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. Replace worry with prayer, telling God what you need and thanking him for what He has already done. Don’t get comfortable with being miserable.

Be careful where you place your attention. The devil has two access points, your eyes and your ears. The preacher gives one final example. He was in a meeting in China where they were meeting in a hidden place. The girl that was singing asked if she could sing two songs. She sang, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, deep in my heart. Deep in my heart to stay.”

Her minister explained that her mother and father had been killed for the faith and that she probably would not live through the week, and sure enough she was captured, tortured, and killed.

PS… If you read what I write I appreciate you taking the time. I thank you and I appreciate feedback or ideas.

—James Neuhouser