Overcome Fear by Standing up for God

In review of Acts 4:29 this morning I read where the Apostles say, “Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness.” (GNT)

Boldness is not reckless impulsiveness. Boldness requires courage to press on through my fears and do what I know is right. Like the disciples, I can be more bold by praying with others for the power of the Holy Spirit to give me courage, to look for opportunities to talk about Christ, to realize that rejection, social discomfort, and embarrassment are not necessarily persecution, and to start where I am by being bolder in small ways.

Everyone has fears. In fact, right now is a very fearful time for us all. Too often, though, I let them rule my life and stop me from taking a stand for what I know God wants me to do.

Like Daniel standing in the lion’s den, I face people and situations that threaten to destroy me and my witness for Christ. But the choice is mine.

Will I succumb to my fears, or will I stand up for God in spite of them?

To overcome fear that’s dragging me down, I need to clearly understand the benefits of choosing to stand up for what God wants.

Most importantly, I need to see that doing what God wants me to do is a clear victory over the fear in my life, because fear grows. Every time I give in to a fear, it becomes more intense.

Fear grows every time I refuse to do what God wants me to do. Eventually, I’ll feel cornered. And when fear grows, my life shrinks. 

So what should I do? I follow the lead of early Christians. We’re certainly not the first generation of Christians to face fear. Early believers faced all kinds of persecution. The book of Acts shows us how they stood up to this fear. As Peter and John proclaimed Jesus boldly in Acts 4, they came up against fierce opposition.

So they prayed, “Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness” (Acts 4:29 GNT).

The answer to my fear isn’t to give in to it. It’s to move forward boldly despite it. Stand up to the fear. Fear doesn’t respond to logic, so my only chance to get rid of the fear is to trust God and face the fear.

Never, ever forget this: God won’t part the Jordan River in front of me until you take your first step (see how God did this for Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:8). I take a step of faith, and then God shows me the path. That won’t happen if you stand wrapped up in your fear.

Take a step in faith today, and watch fear crumble in the process as God guides your steps.

In summary, Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow me, your servant, to speak your message with all boldness. Now boldness is not reckless impulsiveness. It requires courage to press on through my fears and do what I know is right. I can be more bold by praying for the power of the Holy Spirit to give me courage, to look for opportunities to talk about Christ, to realize that rejection, social discomfort, and embarrassment are not necessarily persecution, and to start where I am by being bolder in small ways. Right now is a very fearful time for all of us. Too often, though, I let fear rule my life and stop me from taking a stand for what I know God wants me to do.To overcome fear, I need to clearly understand the benefits of choosing to stand up for what God wants. For doing what God wants me to do is a clear victory over the fear in my life, because fear grows. Fear grows every time I refuse to do what God wants me to do.  And when fear grows, my life shrinks. The answer to my fear isn’t to give in to it. It’s to move forward boldly despite it. Stand up to the fear. Fear doesn’t respond to logic, so my only chance to get rid of the fear is to trust God and face the fear. God won’t part the Jordan River in front of me until you take your first step. Take a step of faith, and then God will show me the path.

Today’s devotion is an encouragement for me as I face a new situation with my work and my team. I pray Father for boldness that I lead my team through this, having faith in you and doing what I know is the right thing to do. Send your Holy Spirit to remind me of being bold and to use what happens as a way to show others who you are. I want to choose to trust and stand up for you, not give into fear. I will take the first step and then allow you to lead me. Father I also pray today for wisdom and guidance in how I handle things today, my work tasks, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.

Courage Is Contagious

In review of Philippians 1:14 Paul says, “Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.” (HCSB)

When I speak fearlessly for Christ or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, I encourage others to do the same. Therefore, I want to strive to be an encouragement by the way I live and handle the situations I face.

God wants me to have courage and stand up for his ways when everyone else sits down. But it’s not just for my own good. It’s for the good of others, too.

When I stand up publicly for what God wants, I’ll encourage other believers. When I stand up for God, other people will follow.

Courage is contagious. I never know how many people will join me until I courageously step out in faith.

Most people are waiting for a leader to show some courage. They’re waiting for someone like me to demonstrate some faith.

Paul writes about this in Philippians 1:14: “Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly” (HCSB).

Paul’s imprisonment for the Gospel led to others demonstrating more boldness.

God will use my courage, too, to help others respond with courage.

In summary, others gained confidence from Paul's imprisonment and dared even more to speak the message fearlessly based on his example. When I speak fearlessly for Christ or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, I too can encourage others. For it’s not just for my own good. but for the good of others. When I stand up publicly for what God wants, I’ll encourage others. When I stand up for God, others will follow. Courage is contagious and most are waiting for a leader or someone they trust to show some courage. They’re waiting for someone like me to demonstrate some faith. 

God will use my courage, to help others respond in kind. So I will strive to be an encouragement by the way I live and handle the situations I face. Father, I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit to respond to my situation with courage and faith in you. I pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

My Courage Draws Unbelievers to God

In review of Daniel 6:26 it says that king Darius said, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” (NIV)

Nebuchadnezzar had come to believe that Israel's God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. In this case Darius too was convinced of God's power because Daniel was faithful and God rescued him. Although Daniel was captive in a strange land, his devotion to God was a testimony to powerful rulers. I too can take the opportunity to testify about God's power in my life. I should be faithful to God so that he can use me to make an impact on others.

It’s tough sometimes to stand up for what I know God wants and expects when everyone else just scoffs. But when I do, I’ll draw unbelievers to God.

I see this in the life of Daniel. When Daniel bravely stood up for God and publicly prayed to the true God (instead of worshipping King Darius), he got tossed into a den of hungry lions. But as we’ve seen in recent devotionals, God rescued Daniel. And King Darius took notice.

The Bible says of the pagan king: “Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: ‘May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.’ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian” (Daniel 6:25-28 NIV).

Pagan kings don’t issue decrees like that. It’s obvious that Darius became a follower of the one true God. Daniel showed courage and stood up for God in the midst of a very difficult situation. And Daniel’s witness for God led to Darius’ decision to follow God.

When I stand up for God in my context, wherever I am, other people will take notice.

Real God-honoring courage, draws people to God.

In summary, fear and reverence God. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends. Daniels devotion to God was a testimony to powerful rulers. I too can take the opportunity to testify about God's power in my life. I should be faithful to God so that he can use me to make an impact on others. It’s tough sometimes to stand up for what I know God wants and expects when everyone else just scoffs. But when I do, I’ll draw unbelievers to God. Daniel showed courage and stood up for God in the midst of a very difficult situation. And Daniel’s witness for God led to Darius’ decision to follow God. When I stand up for God in my context, wherever I am, other people will take notice. Real God-honoring courage, draws people to Him.

Father, I’m reminded that how I show my faith to you in the open can have a lasting impact on those around me. It can help be a witness that draws unbelievers to you and or strengthens those who do believe in you. I pray this morning that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I am reminded to show my faith and trust in you. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, amen.

How to Love My Neighbor from a Distance

In review of James 2:8 it tells me, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right." (NIV)

The "royal law" was given by Jesus Christ, who said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you". This is the basis for all the laws on how I should relate to others. I must treat all people as I would want to be treated. I should not just favor one over the other (rich over the poor) for what they can do for me.

While garage door openers are a wonderful convenience, I can tend to just drive right in and close the door, ensuring I don’t have to see another person before reaching the comfort of home.

But during this pandemic, and anytime, that convenience can keep me from following one of the most basic commands in the Bible: "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right" (James 2:8 NIV).

Love your neighbor as yourself. It’s such a simple command, yet I really don’t even know all of my neighbors, and it's hard to love somebody I don’t know.

What I’m learning is that God enjoys watching the people he created have fellowship with each other? In Zechariah 3:10, he says, "Each of you will invite your neighbor to come and enjoy peace and security, surrounded by your vineyards and fig trees" (GNT).

The point is not to have a pretty place to offer, but to make the choice to be friendly and get to know my neighbors.

This is a unique time that offers a lot of opportunities to get to know the people around me. Most people are at home right now. And, they’re also exercising outside more. One suggestion may be to just sit on my front porch, wave, and even greet the people going by? I’ll never know when a friendly gesture might eventually lead to spiritual conversations.

Do you have a yard project? Take your time so you can be present and make more connections with my neighbors. Do more things in the front yard, and share with neighbors. Consider walking and leaving your earbuds at home so it’s easier to start conversations.

It may seem counterintuitive to get closer to people when I should be keeping my distance. But there are so many ways to love my neighbors, even when you’re six feet apart.

make more connections with my neighbors. Do more things in the front yard,. Make 2020 count by reaching out, opening up, and sharing life with the neighbors so they can one day share eternity with me.

In summary, If I ‘Love my neighbor as myself,’ I am doing right. The "royal law" was given by Jesus Christ, who said, "Love each other in the same way I have loved you". This is the basis for all the laws on how I should relate to others. I must treat all people as I would want to be treated. I should not just favor one over the other. During this pandemic, and anytime, that convenience can keep me from following one of the most basic commands, to "Love my neighbor as myself". So I need to make the choice to be friendly and get to know my neighbors. Try to just sit in my front yard, wave, and even greet the people going by

I tend to not be a social person. I’m usually content just being out with people but not interacting (i.e. Sitting in a Starbucks having coffee and doing my quiet time.) I pray this morning Father that through the help and prompting of your Holy Spirit that I reach out, and at least start some interaction with those who live near me. Don’t let someone pass me by while I”m walking without saying Hi. I ask you also Father for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.

Real Faith is More Than What I Feel

In review of James 2:15-17 this morning, I'm reminded by James if “A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, ‘God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,’ but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith by itself—that does nothing—is dead.” (NCV)

I do not earn my salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions do show that my commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of my faith in Christ.

Right now it’s estimated that over 40 million people in the United States are unemployed. Some of them need food. Some of them are wondering how they’ll pay their rent or mortgage. And they need to know that they’re not forgotten, that they can count on others for support.

It’s not enough to just tell them how sorry I am for their circumstances. Or to send out a facebook message or a tweet with a pious cliché.

Empathy isn’t enough. They need real help.

James says real faith is more than well wishes. Imagine if you walked up to someone in a food line and said, “Hey, I feel for you. Hang in there. Cheer up. Don't worry, be happy.” Doesn’t that ring hollow in such desperate circumstances? They don’t just need your words; they need food.

Genuine faith is practical. It gets involved in people’s needs.

Jesus demonstrated this kind of faith. He didn’t just empathize with my pain and predicament. He came to earth to do something about the sin that separated me from God.

1 John 3:16 says, “Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person” (NCV).

My response to the pain of the people in my community will show the world what I believe. 

Genuine faith produces compassion. It says, “I will help you with your burden and show you the love of Christ.” My faith is seen by what I do.

In summary, if I see a need and do not give what that person needs, any of my words are worthless. In the same way, faith by itself, that does nothing, is dead. I do not earn my salvation by serving and obeying God, but by such actions that show that my commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of my faith in Christ. Due to Covid-19, there are 40 million people in the United States that are unemployed. Some of them need food. Some of them are wondering how they’ll pay their bills. They need to know that they’re not forgotten, that they can count on others for support. So it’s not enough to just tell them how sorry I am for their circumstances. Empathy isn’t enough. They need real help. James tells me real faith is more than well wishes. That they don’t just need your words; they need food. Genuine faith is practical. It gets involved in people’s needs. It's the kind of faith that Jesus demonstrated.. He didn’t just empathize with my pain and predicament. He came to earth to do something about the sin that separated me from God. My response to the pain of the people in my community will show the world what I believe.  Genuine faith on my part produces compassion

Father, I do want to show my faith by helping those in need. We had already decided to take our economic stimulus check and donate a big part of it. Now that I have cashed it, it’s time to distribute it to needs in our church, other churches and the local food bank. 

Father, I confess this morning that my interests are not always in helping others in need. I pray that with the help of the Holy Spirit that he helps remind me to not just think of myself but to consider the needs of those around me. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my tasks, my leadership and my interactions with others. May my words be filled with grace and my heart geared toward helping others. These things I ask in your Son Jesus name, Amen.