Do Not Be Afraid – Day 18

This verse goes hand-in-hand with 1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If we live by Paul’s teaching in Ephesians chapter 4, we can easily see how we are to live as Christians, living by the Bible’s values such as humility, patience, and love for one another. The guidance provided in this chapter acts as a blueprint for our relationships within the church and the world. Satan, however, has managed to deceive even “Christians” into slipping away from how Paul tells us we should live, leading them to be divided because of the world’s influence on the church instead of unity. His evil efforts not only distort the true message of Christ but also weakens the effective witness of believers, causing them to stray from the fundamental principles. It’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and steadfast, continually aligning our actions with the teachings laid out in Scripture to resist the devil’s deceptions.

Fear is produced when we are not walking in the Spirit. We can identify fear’s by-products by looking at verses 2-3:

  • Lowliness is defined as the humiliation of the mind; modesty; humbleness of mind. Satan wants you to do the opposite: be boastful and full of yourself. There are more narcissists today than at any time in recorded history.
  • Meekness is defined as gentleness, not angrily proving your point but doing so with gentleness. Satan wants you to do the opposite: angrily oppose those who disagree with you and create chaos.
  • Longsuffering is defined as patience. Satan wants you to lose your temper, for example with your spouse and children.
  • Forbearing is defined as enduring, putting up with. Satan wants you to give up on those you love and respond in anger.
  • Unity of the Spirit is self explanatory – believers are to love one another as Christ loved us and to treat each other as we would want others to treat us. Satan wants us to get even with those Christian brothers and sisters who offend us.
  • Bond of peace is defined as Christians recognizing that we have peace knowing that we are secure in our salvation because Christ did all the work and we did nothing to secure it. Satan wants us to doubt our salvation and believe that God disowns us when we sin.

Everything Satan wants people to do is the opposite of what God wants. This contrast between good and evil is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible’s teachings. It should not surprise us because he is the father of lies (John 8:44), and God is truth (1 John 5:6)! The deception that Satan spreads can manifest in various ways, leading individuals away from righteousness and into moral confusion. One only has to observe the alphabet group’s influence in the church. By promoting actions and beliefs contrary to the Scriptures, Satan aims to undermine faith and cause division. In contrast, God desires unity, love, and obedience to His Word among His followers, guiding them toward salvation. Understanding this battle between truth and deceit is essential for maintaining a strong Christian foundation.

Don’t be afraid of what the enemy can do in your life. Instead, rest secured and comforted in the truth that Jesus paid the ultimate price for your salvation, a sacrifice born out of His love and compassion for His creation. He will not give you up, no matter how fierce the struggles you encounter may seem. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you rest in the palm of His hand, a precious place of protection and peace where no one can pluck you out! In moments of doubt, remember that His grace is sufficient for you, wrapping you in an everlasting embrace that shields you from despair. Grasp this promise, and let it fill your heart with courage and hope as you walk your pilgrim path.

If you do not have that security, please follow this link and it will lead you to Scriptures that will show you how to be born again.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 17

Many are fearful of what will come as Matthew 24:3-51 unfolds before our very eyes. Jesus warned us about false Christs coming in His name and deceiving many. He alerted us of wars and rumors of war, as well as famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places, all of which seem to intensify as time progresses. When thinking of these signs, some find themselves grappling with the reality of living in a troubling age, a time when society appears to be unraveling. We are literally living in the last days, but many are blinded by the god of this world, Satan, who uses various tactics to keep individuals from seeking truth and understanding the importance of salvation. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Each day brings new challenges and revelations that urge us to remain steadfast in our faith and alert to the signs around us.

If you are one who lives with anxiety and fear, what you see today is nothing compared to what is to come during the seven-year Tribulation, a time prophesied to be filled with judgment and horror. However, if you are born again, God tells us that we should not be afraid when sudden fear arrives, for His promises provide us with strength and courage. His bride, the Church, will not live through the Tribulation but will be with Christ during the Tribulation, sheltered and protected from the Tribulation period. I see this as comforting because the One who knows all, the Alpha and the Omega, is going to defeat the Antichrist, the false prophet, and Satan! This assurance allows us to face our daily lives with a sense of peace, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured. We know that the wicked will be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation when Christ comes as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, along with His bride, ushering in a new era of righteousness and justice!! It is vital to remember that as we wait for His return at the Rapture, the faithful can cling to their faith and hope, trusting that God remains in control and will fulfill His promises to us.

If you are not born again, take care of it now before the Rapture happens! Follow this link and you will be shown Scriptures that will guide you.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 16

Are you able to say this verse without hesitance or doubt? What is Isaiah trying to communicate to us through these words? The verse reveals Isaiah’s deep and unwavering relationship with his Lord and God Almighty, pointing out not only his faith but also the trust he places in God’s guidance. It is a reminder of the strength he found in belief and the courage to stand firm in his convictions, even in the face of adversity. This powerful message encourages us to reflect on our own faith and the ways in which we connect with the Lord. Let’s see what Isaiah is saying:

  • God is his salvation
  • He will trust God
  • He won’t be afraid of life’s circumstances
  • Almighty God is his strength when he is weak
  • Almighty God is his song of praise

Have you ever heard of moral inventory? It’s a valuable practice for believers to take a step back and evaluate their spiritual walk so they can catch bad habits early and grow in the Lord. Taking time for moral reflection allows believers to assess their actions, thoughts, and intentions. Read through the bullets above and thoughtfully evaluate your own relationship with the Lord, considering how your daily choices line up with your faith and how you can make meaningful adjustments to grow closer to Him and embrace His teachings in your life.

If you cannot relate to Isaiah, ask yourself why? If you are not 100% certain you would go to Heaven when you die, please follow this link where you can become certain without a shadow of a doubt!

Quote by Martin Luther

“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”
― Martin Luther

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 15

We are taught in God’s Word that the born-again Christian should have no fear, for that believer is made perfect in love. God is love according to 1 John 4:8 and 16, which illustrates the foundation upon which our faith is built. When we are born again, we experience the perfect love of God filling us, transforming our hearts and minds, and casting out all fear. This transformation occurs because we have accepted the work of His precious Son, Jesus, as our only way to receive forgiveness for our sins. Through this acceptance, we not only acknowledge His sacrifice on the cross but also receive profound peace and security that comes from being united with Him. In this relationship, we find reassurance in knowing we are cherished by our Creator, allowing us to confidently navigate the challenges of life, anchored by His unwavering love.

Since love casts out fear, we can understand why David was not fearful to be walking through the shadow of death! His unwavering faith allowed him to confront his fears head-on, embracing the idea that true love, rooted in God, provides a protective barrier against the anxieties of life. Born-again believers do not experience the sting of death because the grave no longer has victory over us. This truth reinforces the hope and assurance that through Christ, we have eternal life. Only the unsaved, whose sin has not been forgiven them, will experience the sting of death. In their final moments, they face the reality of separation from God’s love. Not only that, but they go from experiencing that sting straight into Hell for all eternity! This sobering fate serves as a compelling reminder for us to share the message of salvation and love, urging others to seek forgiveness and enjoy the grace that transforms fear into courage and despair into hope.

The Lord removes that sting of death from anyone who trusts in Him for their salvation. Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, a path that is lit by His love and sacrifice. One cannot enter Heaven without first going through Him, as He stands as the door to eternal life, inviting all who seek refuge in Him to experience the joy of salvation and the promise of everlasting life with the Father. In accepting Him, believers are not only assured of their eternal destiny but also transformed in this life, gaining hope, purpose, and the strength to overcome trials.

Have you trusted in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross? Only believing on Him can get you into Heaven. If you have not, please follow this link and read the Bible verses that will explain what you must do.

Quote by A.W. Tozer

Religion today is not transforming the people – it is being transformed by the people. It is not raising the moral level of society – it is descending to society’s own level and congratulating itself that it has scored a victory because society is smiling accepting its surrender.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 14

A heart that is at peace with God through salvation in Jesus Christ does not need to fear judgment because Christ took upon Himself that judgment, bearing the weight of our sins so that we might receive mercy and grace. This awesome sacrifice allows us to experience a deep, abiding confidence in our relationship with God, knowing that our sins are no longer held against us. Instead, we are embraced with open arms, freed from the shackles of guilt and shame, and can walk boldly in God’s love. As we trust in His redemptive plan, we find strength in our faith, which allows us to live righteously and share the hope of the gospel with others, so they too may understand the incredible peace that comes from being reconciled to God.

When there is no condemnation, one does not live in fear of what will happen when he dies. He can live his life freely and peacefully, embracing every moment with hope and joy, knowing that Christ’s work on the cross is complete with nothing else that needs to be done. This assurance allows individuals to walk through life’s challenges with confidence, firmly grounded in the knowledge of their salvation. When Jesus said “It is finished,” (John 19:30) He had completed His mission given to Him by the Father in Heaven: to shed His blood on the cross so we could have forgiveness of our sins, giving us a path to eternal life. This awesome act of love and sacrifice removes the weight of guilt and the burden of striving for perfection, enabling believers to pursue a relationship with God that is based on grace rather than fear. In this light, life becomes a journey of gratitude and reverence, always thoughtful of the immense gift granted through His ultimate sacrifice.

Without the shedding of Christ’s blood, there could be no forgiveness, and humanity would remain trapped in a cycle of sin and despair. We would be doomed to Hell because of our sin, with no hope of redemption or reconciliation with God. But praise the Lord that Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, bearing the weight of our sins, so that when we believe in Him and accept His sacrifice, we are offered the incredible gift of eternal life. This profound act of love not only ensures our forgiveness but also transforms our lives, providing us with peace, hope, and a purpose far beyond ourselves, as we walk with Him in faith and share His message of salvation with a world in need.

Knowing this brings great peace, as it reassures the believer of their standing, and the believer no longer needs to fear judgment! Instead, they can rest assured of their security and be comforted; understanding that their faith provides a pathway to grace and redemption. This awareness alleviates any anxiety about the uncertainties of the future.

Born-again Christians can confidently go through life living for the Lord because they know they no longer have to fear what will come when they die; this blessed assurance empowers them to live life’s challenges with hope and purpose. As they embrace their new identity in Christ, they find strength and courage to face life’s uncertainties and challenges.

If you don’t have this confidence, you can remedy that situation right now. Follow this link and it will take you to Bible verses that will explain to you how to be saved. I pray that you will make that decision right now before it’s eternally too late!