Do Not Be Afraid – Day 19

The New York mayoral election results in November made many Christians afraid of America’s future. But should Christians be afraid? Today’s Bible verse reveals that if our hearts and minds are fixed on the Lord and trust Him, we won’t be afraid of that day’s headlines. Instead, we can find peace and reassurance in our faith, understanding that God’s sovereignty prevails over every situation and uncertainty!! The word “tidings,” according to Strong’s Concordance, means: news or information that brings either joy or sorrow, depending on its nature. In times of challenging news, Christians are called to hold on to the promises found in Scripture, which encourage us to look beyond the current circumstances and focus on the eternal hope we have in Christ. Let us not be swayed by the current events but rather be grounded in the truth of God’s Word, which provides a solid foundation during turbulent times. Strong’s further defines “tidings” as:

shemû‛âh
shem-oo-aw’
Feminine passive participle of H8074; something heard, that is, an announcement: – bruit, doctrine, fame, mentioned, news, report, rumor, tidings.

When I woke up the morning after the elections, my heart sank, heavy with the uncertainty of what the future might hold for our nation. I began to inwardly fret, allowing worry to seep into my thoughts, but the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me that Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible, offering a foundation of hope and reassurance that ALL things works together for good. God does not want His children to be afraid of what MAY or will happen; instead, He calls us to trust in His divine plan. His providence will take precedence over everything that happens, guiding us through tumultuous times. If a religion other than Christianity takes over America, it is God’s will for our Country’s punishment. Conversely, if our Country is ruled by a moral President and Congress, it signifies our Country’s reward for upholding the values that align with His vision. We cannot be so caught up in the circumstances that we forget just Who is on the throne! In every moment of fear or doubt, we must anchor our hope in the truth that God is sovereign over all, orchestrating events for the greater good for Israel and for His children.

If you are fretting today, learn to trust God and His providence, for through faith, we can find peace in the midst of turmoil. The world must come to a point where every country will be against Israel so it can usher in the seven-year Tribulation period, a time of great testing and fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 reveal to us that this will happen, detailing the events that will unfold in the last days. All prophecies to date have come true, and therefore, all prophecies which haven’t happened yet, will come true as well! This certainty of future events reassures us in moments of doubt and confusion. Rest in God’s care and the fact that Christ will remove His bride, the born-again Church, before God’s wrath is unleashed upon this God-forsaken world. Let this knowledge fill you with courage and strength as we live these challenging times together, trusting in God’s unchanging promises.

If you are not born again, you need to be or you will go through the worst time ever to happen on earth. It will be like no other, including Noah’s flood. You must be born again and accept Christ as your Saviour in order to get into Heaven. Please follow this link and it will take you through Bible verses that will help you with your decision!

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!

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.

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!

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 13

Have you ever been in a room that has blackout curtains? The light from my sports watch lights up the whole room, piercing through the that darkness like a lighthouse. I don’t know who said this, but I thought it was good: In the absence of light, darkness prevails. This captures a profound truth about our environment and our lives. But just add the tiniest amount of light, like that of my smartwatch, and that darkness is swallowed up almost immediately! It’s fascinating to realize how such a small source of light can have such a dramatic effect on our perception. In the same way, a little hope can transform a situation completely. Is it any wonder that Jesus said: “I am the light of the world”?

Those who are not born again live in a world of spiritual darkness, wandering aimlessly without a true sense of purpose or direction. They cannot see the precious light of salvation that is offered to them, nor do they even care to seek it out. Their hearts and minds are blinded by the god of this world, leaving them unable to see clearly the truth of their condition. (2 Corinthians 4:4) This blindness is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a tragic condition that separates them from the love and grace that can transform their lives. This is why it is so important to pray for our lost loved ones, to intercede on their behalf, and to ask God to open their eyes and give them understanding. But for believers, we have nothing to fear that walks in that darkness because we are children of light, surrounded by our Creator’s guidance. (Ephesians 5:8) God has given us the light from His Word to help us discern the dark schemes of the enemy, lighting our path and providing us the strength to resist temptation and deception. There is nothing to be afraid of when we walk in His truth, for we are armed with the knowledge of His promises and the assurance of His presence.

As children of light, we are to be like lighthouses to the lost world, pointing the way to the salvation of the Lord. Our lives should shine brightly leading the way to salvation for the lost. How can people see that light unless we are living righteously and demonstrating love and compassion in our actions? It is our responsibility to reflect the values we uphold, becoming examples of the grace we have received. How can people hear the good news unless we tell them, sharing our testimonies and the transformative power of the gospel with boldness and sincerity? By engaging in heartfelt conversations and offering encouragement, we can invite others into a relationship with Christ.

Don’t be afraid of your pilgrim pathway. Christ will light the way. He will be your strength when you are weak. If you are not a born-again believer, you do not have that promise. You are on your own. But with Christ at the helm, you can walk in confidence knowing you’ll never walk in darkness again. If you want to know how to be saved, please follow this link and you will find Bible verses to help you.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 12

I’ve often said that God is a multitasker! He often gives multiple blessings in one scenario. As we look at Elijah the prophet (see 1 Kings 17), we find him being sustained by God in remarkable and miraculous ways. God tells Elijah to go to the brook Cherith, where He will command the ravens to feed Elijah, which shows us His divine provision. But notice for a moment the significance of this story: God not only provided bread through the ravens, but the brook Cherith also provided fresh water for him, ensuring that all of Elijah’s essential needs were met. How profound is this illustration of God’s care and resourcefulness! We see so many instances in God’s Word that speak of His provisions using bread and water, symbolizing sustenance and life. It stands to reason that Jesus would tell us that He is the bread of life (John 6:35) and the water that gives eternal life (John 4:14), emphasizing the importance of both in our spiritual journey. In this way, God takes care of Elijah’s needs in a multifaceted manner, which leads us to today’s reference, reminding us that in our own lives, God operates in similar ways, often surprising us with how He provides for us amidst our own challenges.

God now tells Elijah to go to Zarephath where He has commanded a widow to feed him. Once again, God takes care of His servant, demonstrating His unwavering provision and love. But this time, God uses this extraordinary event not only to sustain Elijah but also to bless the widow abundantly. Here’s where God’s multitasking comes into play. This poor widow, in dire straits, had but a bit of meal and oil left to prepare what she thought would be a final meal for herself and her son. As Elijah approaches her, he asks for food, fully aware of her desperate situation. She responds with a heart full of despair, admitting that all she has left is merely enough for their last meal. Elijah, acting as the messenger of God, tells her not to fear but to go ahead and prepare the last meal, insisting that she feed him first, then make a meal for her and her son. Can you imagine what thoughts were racing through her mind at that moment? As any loving parent would, her child naturally occupied the center of her thoughts and priorities. She must have wrestled internally with the gigantic question: Why should she give a stranger something to eat while potentially depriving her own son of nourishment? This would be a heart-wrenching decision for anyone in her position. Yet, Elijah reassured her, telling her not to be afraid, as God had assured him that He had commanded this widow to help him. In her heart, she grappled with the knowledge that she was meant to do what Elijah instructed, nonetheless, I can imagine her hesitance and turmoil as it related to her own flesh and blood. With a heavy heart but guided by faith, she ultimately chose to follow Elijah’s message and did exactly what he told her to do. Miraculously, we are told that there was enough food for them to eat for many days. This act of faith not only filled their stomachs but led to an astonishing outcome where Elijah was fed, the widow and her son were nourished, and her barrel of meal along with her cruse of oil never went empty: three profound blessings wrapped into one divine miracle. In this narrative, we see the beautiful intertwining of obedience, faith, and God’s generous provision, reminding us that sometimes, in our most challenging moments, our willingness to share and trust can lead to unexpected blessings beyond our imagination.

Furthermore, we find that later, the widow’s son fell sick and died, plunging her into a deep despair. Her first reaction was to question Elijah, desperately seeking answers in her time of grief. She wondered if her past sins were the reason Elijah came to her, believing that she was being judged for them by the tragic loss of her son. I can imagine what was going through Elijah’s mind at this point. Elijah took her lifeless boy to his own room, laying him on the bed with utmost care. He stretched himself upon the boy three times, fervently crying out to God to restore the boy’s life. God, in His infinite mercy, heard Elijah’s plea, and miraculously, life entered the boy once more. Can you imagine the widow’s reaction? She must have been overjoyed as she was given her son back, her heart overflowing with gratitude and amazement, leading her to proclaim, “Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.” This moment marked a powerful affirmation of Elijah’s divine commission. God initially commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, and as we read this account, we automatically attribute the trip as a means to provide food during a time of famine. However, upon deeper reflection, we realize that the last and perhaps most profound miracle God performed through Elijah was to raise the widow’s son from the dead! This act of resurrection served as a fourth blessing, showing us the depth of God’s compassion and power, His providence, and in my opinion, it functioned as the catalyst to the entire account, weaving together themes of faith, redemption, and divine intervention in a time of desperate need.

Therefore, dear reader, do not be afraid when circumstances of life are overwhelming, for these trials often come to strengthen us and prepare us for greater blessings. God is always at work, even when we cannot see or understand His plan. You don’t know what is going on “in the background,” as His divine wisdom orchestrates every detail of our lives for our ultimate good. In times of uncertainty, remember that God is actively shaping our paths and guiding us toward His purpose. You can rest assured that the outcome will always be perfect (Proverbs 3:5-6) when you allow the Lord to do His work without your interference, trusting wholeheartedly in His unfailing love and faithfulness. Embrace each moment, knowing that every struggle is a stepping stone leading us closer to His divine purpose.

If you just happened on this post and are born again, I pray it is an encouragement to you. However, if you are not 100% certain you would go to Heaven when you die, please follow this link and it will walk you through the Scriptures that will lead you to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 11

In this book of the Bible, God commissions Joshua to take the place of Moses and lead His people into the Promised Land. It would be a mission of great significance and divine purpose. Joshua has been by Moses’ side for years, witnessing the miraculous work of God, experiencing His provisions, and seeing the way Moses led the people firsthand. Now, as he is put in charge of all these people, he faces an enormous challenge that is anything but easy. There may have been some trepidation on Joshua’s part because in this chapter alone, God tells Joshua not to be afraid and to have courage. With around two million people who had crossed the Red Sea with Moses, Joshua must have felt that this immense responsibility was daunting. He was now charged not only to lead them into a new land filled with opportunities but also to guide them spiritually and strengthen their faith in God. We don’t stop to think about how Joshua must have felt. The weight of leadership must have pressed heavily on Joshua’s shoulders as he prepared to embark on this journey, knowing that the destiny of an entire people rested on his guidance and leadership.

Isn’t it just like the Lord to encourage us when we are about to embark on a difficult mission in our lives? In those moments of uncertainty and fear, we can sense His presence, reminding us that we are never alone. He is such a compassionate God, full of love and understanding for our struggles, and He never fails to provide the strength we need. As we face challenges, His whispers of comfort and reassurance echo in our hearts, instilling hope and courage to persevere through our difficulties. In every trial, He continues to be our steadfast Father, ensuring us that we can rise above our limitations and trust in Him.

What are you struggling with today? If you’re God’s child, He knows and desires to show you that He is there. If you are not His child, please follow this link and it will show you how you can be.

Do Not Be Afraid – Day 9

As born-again believers, the Bible says that we are now considered to be children of God. This transformation signifies not just a change in our status with God, but a personal relationship with our Creator. As His children, we can rest assured that we will not go hungry, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs even before we do, and He delights in providing for us. Whether in times of abundance or scarcity, His promise to provide remains steadfast, and we can draw upon our faith to trust that we will always be taken care of with His divine wisdom and love. Through prayer and reliance on His Word, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing we are cherished and supported in every aspect of our lives.

We no longer have to be afraid of what food will be on the table when there’s too much month left after the paycheck has come and gone. The Lord has given us promises that we can actually “take to the bank”! I once heard a personal account of this very thing from a Pastor. While he was in Bible college, his family of four found themselves in this very predicament, facing the harsh reality of insufficient resources. This poor man must have been discouraged! He must have wondered if he made the right decision about going to Bible college and depriving his family of food. They gathered around the dining table and said grace over empty plates. Just as they finished praying, a miraculous thing occurred: there was a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he was astonished to find bags of groceries piled at his doorstep, and no one in sight. God answered their prayers at the most crucial moment, reminding them that faith can lead to unexpected provisions just when you need it the most. This experience not only fortified his family’s belief but also served as a testament to the power of faith in overcoming life’s challenges.

God provides for His children in countless ways, ensuring that their needs are met both in times of abundance and scarcity. One never has to wonder about what comes from the Father, as it is a promise woven into our faith; we see it all through Scripture. We are children of the King, and just as royalty never goes hungry, we can rest assured that our spiritual and physical needs are tenderly cared for. Each day, we experience His grace and mercy, which remind us of our worth and belonging in His family. In His presence, we find reassurance that we are never alone in our struggles; instead, we are loved by a loving Father who desires to pour out His blessings upon us abundantly.

If you just happened onto this post and you are not born again, please follow this link and you will be able to read Bible verses which will lead you to Jesus Christ and His wonderful gift of salvation.