Fear Factor! #147

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Ever feel afraid? Not the kind brought about by snakes, spiders, and high places, but the fear of failure, the unknown, rejection. Fear can be debilitating and cripple your ability to think, make decisions, relate to other people, and cause major worry and even health issues.

The Bible has a lot to say about fear, but the words to the young Pastor Timothy from his mentor, the Apostle Paul, may say it best. Fear and timidity do not come from God. They are from the enemy whose desire it is to steel, kill, and destroy. Your spiritual, emotional and physical health is greatly influenced by fear. Truth can nullify fear. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32.

The truth is that God not only does not give you fear and timidity; He gives you something to replace it. God is the author of power, love and self-discipline. Some translations say ‘sound mind’ instead of self-discipline.

What do you believe? Do you look at a situation or circumstance and shudder with fear and back away in timidity, or do you accept God’s truth that you have power, love and a sound mind? The Bible says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18. You have power over fear because God gives it to you. You have love instead of fear because God gives it to you. You have a sound mind instead of fear because God gives it to you.

How would you like to make a trade? Trade your fear and timidity for what God can give you. Trust His word not how you feel about your life, situation, or circumstance. God is far greater than any fear you will ever encounter.

Never forget that it is God’s desires to change the way you think. He wants you to know and experience truth. Trust Him today instead of the fear that the enemy throws into your mind. The battle is in your mind. It is truth versus the lies of the enemy. God loves you and wants you to move from fear to faith.

_____________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from the Wood home,

I have already been to have a CT scan done this morning. (TR) Everything went well. I will get the results of labs that were taken last week and CT scan when I see

the oncologist next Friday June 3.

Mentioning June 3. It is my Dad's 86th birthday. He is in a nursing home in MO and doing well. One day this week he sat in the hall way with the other residents as the

tornado sirens blared over Eldon, MO. He said he got tired sitting and was really glad when it was over.

Sandy has relatives in Joplin. They had windows blown out of their cars and some limbs down but were all ok.

Sandy and I had the privilege of going to our grandson Bennett's band and choir concerts this week. He loves music and is quite good, even if I am a bit prejudice.

Johnny went to the Dr. for a check up this week. He is up to 9 lbs 2.5 oz. It is so great to see him doing so well.

Susan and Collin are in Florida at Disney World this week. They call with reports daily of all the fun they are having.

Please continue to pray for these needs:

People in Joplin, MO.

Good results of CT scan and labs.

Ministry opportunities for me and Sandy.

Summer vacations and travel for all.

Church camps for Burke, Collin and Bennett.

I will be speaking at the Family Camping trip for Grace Community Church the last week of June.

I love all of you and appreciate your prayers and concern. ~ DGW