No Need to Fear, But I Do

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²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:22-25 NKJV)



There are times when storms wreck havoc in our lives leading us to believe all is lost. We cry out to God, yet feel as though He is sleeping. The disciples experienced this when Jesus slept through a storm while waves crashed against their boat filling it with water. The disciples felt as though this thing is going down. I can just picture the disciples in a panic crying out, “Why is He sleeping?” In their desperation, they awoke Jesus saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” The book of Mark says the disciples sounded out, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” (See Mark 4:38) Now were the disciples really in any danger? Of course not, God would not allow Jesus or the disciples die before their time. God had a plan and a mission for them to accomplish; absolutely nothing could derail it. In fact, I am sure Jesus knew beforehand exactly what would happen, and what He would do. Maybe it was His plan to cause the storm while sleeping through it in order to test and teach His disciples that they might grow.


I know I am no different than the disciples. Oh boy, in this day and age, with all the crazy things going on, it is easy to get caught up in worry and fear.
What are some of the things people fear in this world today?

People fear losing their jobs.

People fear an economic collapse.

People fear a stock market crash.

People fear illness.

People fear death.

People fear people.

People fear the devil. 

The thing is, as followers of Christ, we do not have to fear. Then, why do we fear? He promised to never leave us or forsake us, didn't He? (See Hebrews 13:5-6) Does His word not guarantee us that God will deliver us from every work and preserve us for His heavenly kingdom? (2 Tim 4:18) Of course it does. Did He not give us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind? (2 Tim 1:7) Yes, God did give us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. The spirit of fear does not come from God, now does it? If fear does not come from God, then where does it come from?

Recently I heard someone say, "If the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, then fear of the devil must be the beginning of stupidity." I can see many things in my life where fear caused me to do something stupid or kept me from accomplishing something worthwhile. Then I think of the many times where I had an opportunity to speak to someone of Jesus, yet I did not. Why? Plain and simple, fear.

Lord, help me to be wise while bold and living a life not in fear.

(Scripture references for the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom:  Proverbs 9:10 and Psalms 111:10)

God's Handiwork

I just returned from a wonderful vacation with my wife. For as long as I can remember I wanted to see the Sequoia trees in California, and that dream was fulfilled by visiting Sequoia National Park. I tell you I was in awe looking at the size of these beautiful trees. As I stood looking up, I felt so small. That is me in the first picture above looking up at the "General Sherman Tree," the largest tree. Actually according to the US Park Service, the "General Sherman" is the largest tree (by volume) in the world.

In case you are unfamiliar with the Sequoias,  I would like to share some interesting facts from the pamphlet the Park Service hands out when you enter the park. They grow up to a height of 311 feet, live over 3,000 years, weigh up to 2.7 million pounds and have a diameter at the base of up to 40 feet. The "General Sherman Tree" is estimated to be 2,200 years old. Just think, it was living 200 years before Christ was on earth. The trees usually do not die from old age, but from falling over. These trees are resistant to fire and insect damage. I suppose a young tree could be burnt up, but the thick bark and size of the larger trees makes them fire resistant.

I suppose many wonder how it could be that these trees get so big and just keep on living. I do not know, but maybe some scientist could offer up a "scientific answer," but the answer is actually quite simple. That is, it is by God's design that these trees grow as they do.

For all those who say, "There is no evidence for God," I would like to propose to you the evidence is right before your eyes. Take a look at all the design in creation, you see evidence for God. When you look at a new born child or gaze at the stars, you see His handiwork. Examine of all the species and kinds of life on earth, each unique is its own way, the proof for God is before your eyes. When you look at a building you know someone designed and created it. Same way, when you look at creation you know their is a Creator. If there was no God, how did we get here? Either the matter which makes up the universe existed forever and then it began to evolve all on it's own. Or else it created it self from absolutely nothing. Either that, or everything is just an illusion. Try that allusion thing if you ever break a leg and say, "it's just an illusion."

I believe it takes more faith to believe there is no God than to believe in God. The problem is, if there is a God, then it is only logical to conclude that one would have to answer to Him. Because of our pride, we want to make the rules and answer to no one. I know before I became a Christian, I willfully believed a lie because I wanted to live as I pleased, without any consequences. One must remember, all the things God instructs us in is for our own good, just like a parent does with their child.

Just one last point. While my wife and I were enjoying the beauty of these amazing Sequoia's, we met a Christian woman who made a comment I would like to share with you. "Just look at how amazing and beautiful this is. Can you imagine what heaven will be like?" 

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  (Romans 1:18-20 NKJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork.

(Psalms 19:1 NKJV)

To Live Is…?

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During my morning devotional time I have been studying from the book of Philippians, with a focus on joy. More specifically, what is it about Paul, a man in prison, who could write a book on joy. Prison was not the only tribulation Paul faced, consider this:

²⁴ From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—  (2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NKJV)

 

 

I touched on Paul’s joy in my last post. This week I wish to share with you one more nugget of truth.

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NKJV)

As I read this passage of scripture, I must ponder how I would word this sentence as it applies to me. “For me to live is______ and to die is ______.” Fill in the blanks.  I do not know about you, but the second part, I could say. That is, “to die is gain.” This I know as a believer in Christ Jesus, I have a future in heaven well beyond my wildest immigration. I desire to live for whatever time God has appointed for me. However, I sure do look forward to what awaits me once I step into eternity.

Now for the first part, could I truly say, “For me to live is Christ?” Yea, I could say it, but how honest would I be with myself? Would this be more accurate? “To live is me?” 

Yes, I love Jesus. I love serving and going to church. I enjoy me relationship with the Lord. I love other believers. However, in this fallen sinful state, I want myself to come first. Just think for a moment of the troubles we face which are the results of selfishness.

Paul was a different breed. In spite of all his hardships, Paul lived a successful and fulfilling life in the Lord. A life overflowing with joy. After Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, he lived for Christ. Here in lies another nugget of truth. Paul lived an unselfish life. He was a man who could say, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” “Paul’s life was not his own, but for the glory of Christ. He dedicated his life to living in the will of God and advancing the gospel. He was willing to go through what ever for the benefit of others. He rejoiced in the gospel going forth. With this attitude, how could he be anything but joyful?

In Prison...Or not!

   …my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel…

 Philippians 1:7 NKJV

Paul wrote this from prison, “…my chains are in Christ…” (Philippians 1:13) Paul did not feel bound by the restraints of prison because his chains were in Christ. As for us today, we need not necessarily be in prison to feel imprisoned and hopeless. Maybe some circumstances, such as an illness or lack of a particular skill may leave one feeling as though they are trapped, unable to live with joy or accomplish something of value. Oh how discouraging this can be. I have to ask, how is it that someone in prison could write a book about “Joy?" The Apostle Paul did just that. The book of Philippians is often called “The Book of Joy,” which was written by Paul from prison. Spend some time studying the book of Philippians and one could discover some clues. In this post however, I am going to focus on just one of them. Paul saw being in prison as an opportunity to glorify the Lord because his chains were in Christ, not the prison. 

I know if I was in prison, I would not be a happy camper. However Paul had an entirely different attitude. Paul rejoiced in the work Jesus was doing through his circumstances instead of being discouraged over what he was going through. Paul set his eyes upward on the Lord and outward on other people, not inward and self pity. Paul took the attitude “for me to live is Christ, to die is gain…” (Philippians 1:21) and counted all things he lost as rubbish for the knowledge of Christ. (See Philippians 3:8) Because Paul’s chains were in Christ, he trusted the Lord through the trials he faced and the Lord used him greatly. This brought Paul great joy.

“so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ  Philippians 1:13 NKJV

“and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14 NKJV

“…Christ is preached; in this I rejoice, yes, I rejoice.”

Philippians 1:18b NKJV

When one chooses living for Christ regardless of the circumstances, God will use their life for His good purposes. God’s purposes are always good. Whatever situation we are going through, it is only temporary and God will work it for good. Another wonderful thing, one may rejoice through the situation which they face because many lives may be changed. The hurting may be comforted. The lost may come to know the Lord. God will use us to advance His kingdom if we are a willing vessels trusting the Lord while having faith that He knows what He is doing.

When I choose living for Christ, advancing the Gospel and glorifying Christ becomes my main mission in life. I can live to advance my wealth, fame, popularity, have more fun, or live a more comfortable life, all of which is only temporary. One day, all the earthly things I build will all come to an end. But the treasure I store up in heaven will last forever. What is going to be my main mission in life? Remember Jesus said, “I have come to give life, and to give it more abundantly.” (See John 10:10) If I choose developing the attitude of Paul’s, how can I fail in life? Jesus will be with me. It is not by my strength I succeed, it is by God’s strength and Jesus working through me that I succeed. Through Christ, I have an abundant life, regardless of the circumstances I may face in life.

The Natural Man

 ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

When I was reading this earlier today, something occurred to me; "At times I can be that natural man." Since I can be that natural man, I must ask myself this question: "When am I that natural man?"

 
A. When I ignore scripture or twist it to my liking because I do not want to give something up. Then there are them times I do not want to do something God is calling me to do. "But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jonah 1:3 NKJV)

B. When I trust my heart instead of trusting the truth of God's Word. “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?." (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV)

C. When I am worried. Worry is a powerful distraction, isn't it? It can consume ones thoughts leaving no room for anything else. "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (Matthew 6:27 NKJV)

The thing is, we serve a infinite God with all knowledge and wisdom. He spoke all of creation into existence by the word of His mouth. He said,"Let their be..." and it was. God knows the beginning from the end and He wants nothing but the best for us. He came down from heaven to earth to die for sinners like me. Why in the world would I let the foolish things of this world distract me from receiving what God has for me?

One last thought; maybe today God wants to give me some wisdom. Maybe He wants me to avoid something harmful. Then again, He could want to give me peace and comfort. Or else, maybe He wants to equip me for something. How would I know if I am not willing to come to Him in prayer and open His word, the Bible?

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, 

and a light unto my path."

 (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

"Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble."

 (Psalm 119:165 NKJV)