How To Banish Fear And Be Blessed (With Videos, and One Video with Dr. David Jeremiah)

 

[Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

It was not intended on my part to write today primarily concerning fear, although it needs to be addressed because it is obvious we live in a dangerous world, and fear is a "natural" reaction to that, even for true believers in Jesus.   In the Bible, even strong and mighty prophets were occasionally struck with fear.  The issue is to overcome the fear as much as possible and to not be crippled emotionally or spiritually by that tool of the devil to tear us down and make us ineffectual witnesses for Christ.  Of course, we all realize that some things call for necessary fear, when we are in danger and our survival instincts "kick in." For example, when you are home alone and someone is trying to break into your house; or you are hiking in the woods and come face to face with a wild bear.  That kind of fear calls for immediate action and is needed to save yourself... with the good Lord's help. That is obvious to everyone.  

The point is, for the most part, it is better to put our trust in the good Lord, and to wait on Him to act in our behalf; indeed, to wait on Him to bring us to our real home, heaven, and to carry out His magnificent plan for His coming kingdom.  We must be patient !   It will not be long before Jesus takes us home.  (John 14:1-4)

"Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD."  -  Psalm 27:14

We need to exercise caution in these chaotic times. The Bible prophesied that these last days would be characterized by "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).   But the most important thing to do is to look to the good Lord for protection and guidance.  We do that by strong faith and much prayer and much reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible -  God's Love Letter to us and His Instruction Manual for us.

Following is an excellent 8 minute clip by Dr. David Jeremiah on fear.  He focuses primarily on the fear of a soon financial collapse, but bases his comments on Psalm 37.  Please watch !

Just a note: some Bible Prophecy experts believe that the soon Rapture of the Church (Christ's Bride - who are true believers in the Redemptive work of Jesus at Calvary; who believe Jesus is the Savior by His shed blood for us as He took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full) - some scholars believe that perhaps the Rapture will be the event that ushers in the coming world financial collapse.

As for fear, if you are saved (born again, spiritually) by believing that Jesus is the Savior, and the only way to heaven and eternal life, just remember that God will fight for you no matter what battle is occurring in your life right now.  

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  -   2 Timothy 1:7

"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."  -   Exodus 14:14

"Be careful  [anxious] for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."   -   Philippians 4:6-7

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."   -  Jesus at John 16:33

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."    -      Matthew 10:28

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  -  1 John 4:18

Here is an informative article on the subject of fear:

 https://www.raptureforums.com/bible-study/a-spirit-of-fear/

Please watch the following 11 minute encouraging video on how to be still and wait on God - a much needed message to help believers to endure during these troublesome times.  Truly faith in God and the patience to endure unbearable trials will see us through until the good Lord takes us home to be with Him in heaven!

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."  -  Psalm 46:10, 11

"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God."  -  Charles H. Brent

"God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which a great blessing can come out of the difficulty."  -  Peter Marshall

"No one can pray and worry at the same time."  -  Max Lucado

"Faith attracts the positive.  Fear attracts the negative."  -  unknown

"Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them."              -  John Newton

"We would worry less if we praised more."  -  unknown

"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven."   -  Henry Ward Beecher

Here is a wonderful hymn you will enjoy that applies to our discussion here in this post.  "Be still my soul".  The first few words in the hymn are : "Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side.  Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.  Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain."

As for being blessed, there is no greater blessing and miracle than the gift of salvation!  What love of the heavenly Father and of Jesus that the Savior died a cruel and painful sacrificial death and by that death, paid our sin debt in full so that we might have eternal life, simply by us believing that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven!

What LOVE !!  And that is another blessing, the love of God and of Jesus for us.  And remember, salvation is a GIFT !

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."  -  Ephesians 2: 8,9

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:"  -   Ephesians 1:3,4

"But He said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."  -  Luke 11:28

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."  -   James 1:12

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."  -   Revelation 1:3

Don't think of a blessing from God as being only prosperity !!  The true and lasting blessings are salvation and being saved from God's wrath. And we, when we are saved, are now a part of God's family.  

Please read also the Beatitudes (The Sermon on the Mount) by Jesus at Matthew Chapter 5:1-12 where He mentions many blessings for us!  Here is verse 3 of Matthew 5 for you to consider :

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

It is highly urged that you read all of Matthew 5!  

And do not forget the blessing to be with Jesus for all eternity in heaven which was mentioned above concerning eternal life.  Here are the Savior's words at John 14:1-4:  

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know; and the way ye know."         

Hallelujah !!  

Maranatha !!

We should constantly be praising and thanking and glorifying God for His love and tender mercies.  

Be often in prayer, and pray for the good Lord to show you His will for you in all matters.  Pray for Him to guide you in ways to help others.

If someone is reading this who is not saved; who has not surrendered to Jesus in faith and belief in His ransom sacrifice, following are some Scriptures for you to take seriously.  More so, for you to repent and pray for forgiveness !  Do this with all heartfelt sincerity and with a desire to always do the heavenly Father's will in the future.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -   John 14:6

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

"Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die.  Believest thou this?"  -   John 11:25,26

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death."    -    2 Corinthians 7:10

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."   -   Luke 5:31,32

Discussion On End Time Events (With Video)

"What higher consolation can man desire than the assurance that He [Almighty God] is with him to protect him"; so says Albert Barnes in his commentary on Isaiah 41:10, which reads:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

The above verse was the topic for my Bible Study for this morning.  I have written several posts about fear.  Go to the search box on the above right of this page and type in the word "fear" and click on "Search" and the articles will appear for you if you wish to pursue this topic further.   We do live in fearful times now, as these are the prophesied last days which are full of chaos, lawlessness, sin, violence, depravity, war, and general apathy where Jesus and God are concerned.   It means a lot to know that God is "on our side" (if we are true born-again believers in Jesus Christ) and that He will love and protect us and soothe our troubled minds where these perilous times are concerned.

Remember, however, that chronic fear that never goes away shows a lack of faith in the good Lord.  We need to turn to the Lord with all of our cares and be continually in prayer and in the Holy Word.

Following is a video by www.skywatchtv.com featuring Dr. Michael Lake who has been preaching since he was 13 years old. He is also an author and speaks at various conferences frequently. In the video he touches on various end-times topics of interest, and I learned some new things from watching it.  

In the video they discuss the Armor Of God and how many Christians (as well as unbelievers) are clueless as to the "Big Picture". They mention that in Charles Spurgeon's time any sermon less than 2 hours long was considered an insult to the congregation.  My how things have changed !  Watch this 28 minute video and it will enlighten you where current events are concerned.

"The world has an expiration date."  -  Jan Markell

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  -  2 Corinthians 4:18

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."  -  Ephesians 6:10-11

"How To Overcome Anxiety In A Chaotic World" - Inspirational Weekend

These Koi seem peaceful enough, but have you ever fed them and watched what a frenzy they get into?  A feeding frenzy!  It's as if they get downright anxious about it.  People as well can get anxious about what they are to eat, or wear, or what tomorrow will bring.  The Bible talks about this at Matthew 6:25-34.

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?"  This is Jesus speaking at Matthew 6:25.    This is the King James Version.   Where it says, "Take no thought for your life",  the New International Version reads, "Do not worry about your life".  Worry is a milder form of anxiety.   In my opinion, anxiety is worry on steroids!

If you follow the news, you realize the world is very chaotic right now.   Recently in America we have had violence played out in various areas, similar to what is going on in the Middle East.   People are becoming fearful and anxious about what tomorrow may bring.   There is also a sense of hopelessness with many people and they commit suicide as a way out of it all.  Some call this time we are living in a "culture of despair."  

"We must meet the uncertainties of this world with the certainty of the world to come."   -  A. W. Tozer

There is a better world to come!  If you are a Christian and read your Bible, you realize that God has a marvelous, heavenly future for all who are true believers.   Also, Christ will reign on this earth for 1000 years, and it will be a paradise.   (Revelation 20:1-6)    After that, believers will be with Christ for all eternity.   

That's all fine and good, but what about right now and how do I cope, you might say.  Read God's Word and pray without ceasing!  Only He can give you the peace within your soul that you desperately need in these desperate times we find ourselves living in.   Only God can fill you with hope of better things to come, which will be in heaven.   We need to be strong and not fearful.   The definition of anxiety is: "distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune."  Notice that anxiety is caused by fear.  When you place all your trust in God, there is no room for stressful fear.   Fear and anxiety show a lack of trust and faith in God and Jesus.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of  love, and of a sound mind."   -

2 Timothy 1:7

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."   -  Isaiah 26:3

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

I pray that the above Scriptures have encouraged you and given you hope.   It is normal to feel a little fear and anxiety at times, but we do not want to stay in that condition.   Consider all the wonderful Bible verses that give us hope.  Pray often and pour out your heart to God about your concerns, including any anxieties you might have.   Pray for the Lord to give you more faith.   

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."  -  George Mueller.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  -  Jesus speaking at Matthew 6:33 concerning not being anxious about food and clothing and the like.  Keep your mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  -  Corrie ten Boom

"Do Not Be Fearful - Instead Be Cheerful" - Inspirational Weekend

My photograph above is of a male white-rumped Shama Thrush.  This species was introduced to Hawaii years ago.   It is not a recent photo, but I wanted to share it because over the last weekend one of these beautiful birds surprised me with a visit to my lanai (patio) and gave me quite a cheery visit for 3 days in a row.    Twice as I sat on the lanai, he landed on the ledge and also in my ficus tree and was about 5 feet from me both times....2 different days.   I didn't move an inch and admired him as he sat for a good 4 minutes or so eyeing me as well before he flew away.   With my curtains opened  I enjoyed his many visits beginning on Friday,March 4.  I was so thrilled and happy to have him nearby, but it ended on Monday while he was out there when a neighbor walked by and her cell phone rang loudly and she herself stopped and talked rather loudly in a high-pitched voice.   I never saw the Shama Thrush again after that.   I regret that he is gone, but I have the sweet memory of his visit.  This particular bird is usually found in forests and gardens.  I live in the city.   All my photographs of them were taken at 3 different botanical gardens here on Oahu.  Below is a video of one of them singing his heart out.

For more of my photographs of this beautiful bird, plus an image of a painting I did, and lots more information about the Shama Thrush, click on the link to the right of this page or go here.  Birds never fail to cheer me, even when things aren't going too good.  Besides personal concerns, the world situation is in big trouble; we are in the beginning stages of what some think will turn into World War Three, not to mention a global economic collapse any day now.   I could go on and on, as I keep up with current events from various sources, but what interests me especially is how the Bible predicted these things and a New World Order or a One World Government which is what the powers that be are working towards.   

I hope I have not made you fearful by all the depressing issues mentioned above !!   I have a blessed hope to be in heaven when all hell breaks loose on earth during the Great Tribulation period !   I am concerned about how bad things have gotten, and I am concerned for the lost souls that do not know Jesus as their Savior who will go through a world that will suffer God's wrath because of their wickedness.    If you are a born-again believer, you will not be here during the seven year Tribulation because you will be taken to heaven before those horrendous events occur then.  That is something to give you great cheer and joy, to know you will always be with the Lord.

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you."  -  Deuteronomy 31:6

Jesus said,  "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  -  John 14:27

Fear manifests itself as anxiety, or worry, or any number of phobias. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, the less hold fear and anxiety will have on us.   As Adrian Rogers said, "Joy is an inside job."   When your conscience is clear and you trust the good Lord and have a strong love relationship with Him,  you can lose everything and yet still have joy when you realize that only Jesus can truly complete you......not material things or a new boyfriend .   To have this kind of joy, you must be truly committed to Jesus and surrender all to him.  

Previously, I made a blog post here about how to become full of joy, which is similar material to this post, but I wanted today to stress how we need not be fearful if our heart is right with God and we have been truly saved by belief and trust in Jesus Christ.    I know how fearful I used to be, and I am so grateful that the Lord renewed my mind and brought me out of all of that with His love and grace and tender mercies.   Just focus on God, believe in Jesus; put them first in your life and everything else will fall in place.  Of course, much prayer is needful.  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  -  2 Timothy 1:7

"The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"  -  Psalm 27:1

"Cheerfulness is a friend to grace.  It puts the heart in tune to praise God and so honors religion by proclaiming to the world that we serve a good master.   Be serious, yet cheerful.  Rejoice in  the Lord always."  -  Thomas Watson

Remember to go to the Lord in prayer at all times with all of your cares and fears. Pour your heart out to Him, hold nothing back.  Prayer is powerful !   God will see you through all of your trials and fears, but you must have faith and truly believe  that He will hear you and answer your sincere prayers, if you ask according to His will.

Below is a wonderful sermon by Adrian Rogers on the subject of joy.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  - Proverbs 17:22

Inspirational Weekend - Fear and Anxiety or Faith and Courage? (Bible Prophecy, Gog of Magog, and More) Photographs and Video

"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4

This photograph of mine was taken from an overlook which looks out over Hanalei Valley on the island of Kauai, showing the taro fields.   Hawaii is often called Paradise, and indeed it is very beautiful here and if you are spiritually sensitive, it does cause you to dwell on the awesomeness of God and His power and might - and love - to create such beauty.   Areas such as the one shown above give you a sense of peace and faith in a good God.   

But when we feel threatened by anything, our sense of security is shattered and we can give way to fear and anxiety, which is normal and healthy when in danger.   But things such as wars -- like what is going on in the Middle-East right now and Russia increasing troops and cruise missiles and fighter jets and other build up in Syria can make people fear it is leading up to another World War -- and it might be.   In Ezekiel 38 and 39 the Bible speaks of Gog of Magog (which most scholars agree is referring to Russia) and it is a good description of what is beginning to happen right now.   Another related note,  Isaiah 17:1 says, "The burden of Damascus.  Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."   In other words, Damascus will be completely destroyed, and all indications are that that could happen soon.   Russia is helping Syria and they are close to the Israeli border now.    Isaiah 17:9 tells us that Israel will be the one who destroys Damascus :  "In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation."

Some may feel that what is going on in the Middle-East doesn't concern them, perhaps because they are caught up in the struggle of everyday living and everyday problems and don't see beyond their own immediate needs.   What happens in Israel and the other countries in that area will affect us.  

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars: and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. "   - Luke 21:25-28

Everyone will be affected.  Unbelievers should tremble at the thought of what is in store for them if they do not turn to Jesus.   Believers should not be afraid, but realize their hope and their Savior will soon take them home to heaven.   Lift up your heads and keep looking up !

I had intended to write more about prophecy in this post....like about the war in Psalm 83 which many believe will occur before the Gog of Magog war ("They have said, Come, and let us cut them (Israel) off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance."  - Psalm 83:4).

Psalm 83 goes on to list the nations that will come against Israel, and some of these nations are not mentioned in the Ezekiel 38 and 39 war, meaning they were no doubt destroyed first in the Psalm 83 war.  God is going to protect and deliver Israel.  I am sure most readers are familiar with how the Arab nations want to destroy Israel .."wipe them off the map"...because to them Israel is the "Little Satan" and America is the "Great Satan".

It is clear to me that I will have to touch on these subjects separately in future posts.  Not only about Bible prophecy, but about fear and anxiety, and faith and courage.  Below are some Scriptures to take into consideration ...and into your heart:

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." - 

- Proverbs 29:25

"It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

- 2 Timothy 1:7

Following is a video (not mine) of some beautiful landscapes to keep your weekend happy !

You gotta love this happy enthusiasm in the photograph below!   (Internet photo)

May your weekend be a happy one !  Think good thoughts and delight in the Lord!

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"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.   Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. "  - John 14:27