Forsaking Fear and Advancing Your Life in 2009

INTRODUCTION

Fear is having it's way in the world today. Whether it is on Wall Street, Main Street or in the pew, people are being driven by unfettered apprehensions of what might be up ahead, around the corner or what tomorrow may bring!

THE SIXTH SENSE

The greatest fear is of the unknown. This is mostly connected to a dimension of time we call the future. We are a spirit clothed in a body that relies on five senses designed for a natural realm of only three dimensions. In order to see the unknown, we must use our 'sixth' sense — faith, which gives us the evidence of unseen things like the future, which is in the fourth dimension.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
 

REVERSE GEAR
Fear is the reverse gear of faith. It takes you backward in your Christian walk. It robs you of your trust. This is not to say that we should not have due concern for the uncertain times that are now upon us, but as we watch the accelerating disintegration of things we traditionally put our trust in, we must not put our hope in any earthly institutions.

Psalm 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they that build it labor in vain...."

UNIVERSAL USE-BY DATES

Everything of this world has a use-by date! The seeds of destruction are right there in the foundation of all temporal kingdoms, including Christendom. By this term, we mean Christianity in territorial, political, social, cultural and institutional, but not necessarily spiritual, terms.

"He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others" (Job 12:23).

THE UNTOUCHABLE KINGDOM
Christ’s eternal kingdom is not subject to the decay that pervades this world; it is only visible to those who have had their eyes of faith opened to the spiritual realm. "Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen" (2 Corinthians 4:18).

He reigns today in the hearts of those who have turned to Him in repentance and faith, a reign untouched by the ebb and flow of earthly fortunes. "...These created things will someday be shaken and removed. Then what cannot be shaken will last. We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken…" (Hebrews 12:27).

BULLIES AND COWARDS

Fear is a coward! James tells us how to deal with the intimidation of the father of all fears — the biggest bully and coward of all — "...Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

The devil likes to take advantage of those lacking in hope and faith in God for the future. However, if you have confidence in Him for tomorrow, then you can be assured that He will keep your soul in all circumstances, no matter if disaster or triumph lie ahead. He may not take you out of the storm, but He will preserve you through it!

Remember, your shaking will be your making in these 'perilous' times if you continue to keep your feet firmly on the Rock of Christ!

And, the 'good news' of the Gospel brings hope for the future, so don't hold that good thing back from anyone in 2009! #