— 2 Timothy 1:7 – FEAR: not merely a human disposition
— FEAR is a SPIRIT — and is NOT from God.
— FEAR [Def] — is an emotion of alarm caused by the expectation of danger.
— FEAR permeates the air today courtesy of the “prince of the air” -Ephesians 2:2
— Negative emotions have their place in God’s plan and can be a benefit those with Godly perspectives 1. Warns us of danger and can help us to take proper precautions 2. Help us “wake up” to spiritual realities we don’t see It is said that “God will lead us to the edge of our resources to a point where true conversion can be realized”
3. Fear can challenge us to seek God more intimately and to believe His promises.
— FAITH is the exact opposite of FEAR.
— It takes courage to act in FAITH.
–-Courage [Def]– the state of mind or SPIRIT that enables one to face danger confidently and with resolution: It is both bravery and valentry while under fire.
— Example: David and Goliath. David rose to that level of courage; trained through the daily tasks, adversities and challenges he experienced.
— Through them he kept his eyes on God, singing praises in the midst of all of it.
— David’s extreme and dramatic courage to face Goliath, wasbuilt up through his years of his fixed focus on God and the trusting relationship he established with Him.
— Great courage doesn’t have to be defined by moments of dramatic decision alone.
— I believe that a life lived with smaller, daily acts of courage can also have a great impact on the world and can change lives.
— True Everyday Heroes:
Moms that choose to stay home and raise Godly children rather than pursuing lucrative careers
Police officers
Military defenders
Firemen and Women
EMTs and any type of first responder
— Daily, long-term courage can be as impactful as those who respond in emergencies
— Christians can be among the most courageous people alive B/C we serve the ONE who is above all rulers, authority, dominions, and powers.
— Satan is not the “Ying” to God’s “Yang” – he is a created being that God uses for a specific purpose — just as we are created for a specific purpose also.
— Don’t let him bluff you through FEAR!
— James 4:7 — “Resist the devil and he will flee.”
— This doesn’t mean –Shouting at or rebuking or renouncing him
— When you fight something you give it power; you give it as much power as you used to fight it.
— Your”fight” becomes a distraction that actually separates you from your power source. Your focus shifts away from God and onto the enemy.
— Distracted (Grk – perispao) “pulled all over the place “ DIVIDED
–(Grk — peri — root for the word, peripheral— caught up in side issues; “pulled” by your emotions, problems, fears etc.
— Instead of fighting — accept your demons– see through them(Not agree with them). Understand what they are and their purpose— RESIST by NOT giving them any power over you — and they will FLEE!
— It takes Courage to do this — Trust and Faith in God’s love to do this — Belief in your purpose and trust in the accompanying GRACE you’ll need to fulfill it. — Courage — is not an option for Christians
— Rev 21;6-8 (Passion)Cowards lumped in with murderers, idolaters, sorcerers and the like — all headed for the “Lake of Fire”
— Coward — [Def] – one who displays ignoble(dishonorable) FEAR in the face of danger
— The devil uses fear to keep people in line to do his bidding
— If FEAR rules you– Then FEAR is your Lord
Today, I resolve that FEAR will not rule me! I will trust in the Lord, my God, I will be strong and very courageous through every trial this week; leaning on God In Jesus name — AMEN!
Here’s the prayer cry again for help from Psalm 86 tpt:
Psalm 86: “Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer. I am in deep trouble. I’m broken and humbled,and I desperately need your help.Guard my life, for I’m your faithful friend, your loyal servant for life.I turn to you in faith, my God, my hero; come and rescue me!Lord God, hear my constant cry for help; show me your favor and bring me to your fountain of grace! Restore joy to your loving servant once again, for all I am is yours, O God.Lord, you are so good to me, so kind in every way and ready to forgive, for your grace-fountain keeps overflowing,drenching all your lovers who pray to you.” His Benificence. GOODNESS.
We need to put on the wrap around shield of faith and the wrap around apron of humility. Eph 6 I Pet 5:5 HUMILITY AND FAITH.
There are times of suffering in this life. God shared this truth with us in His Word in many places and we can find His grace and compassion during the walk THROUGH the brief times. There are reasons for suffering. Here are just three of them.
WE SUFFER IN THE FLESH TO RECEIVE HIS NEW CREATION MANIFESTATION. We die daily.
WE SUFFER BECAUSE HE WANTS US TO BE FIRMLY FIXED WITH ONLY HIS DIVINE KINGDOM RULING OUR LIVES.
WE SUFFER PERSECUTION FOR CHRIST’S SAKE so that His glory will be revealed.
I Peter 5:5
He will RESTORE, STRENGTHEN, SET YOU FIRMLY IN PLACE, BUILD YOU UP. while you are suffering.
I Peter 5:10 But may the GOD OF ALL GRACE, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have SUFFERED A WHILE, PERFECT, ESTABLISH. STRENGTHEN, AND SETTLE YOU. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
PERFECT – ESTABLISH – STRENGTHEN – SETTLE.
PERFECT – mend, repair, complete, fix what is broken
ESTABLISH – affix, make stable, cause you to stand on a firm foundation of faith.
STRENGTHEN -strengthen – make you stronger, give you backbone of steel, give you the ability to be courageous, standing strong no matter what.
SETTLE – fixed, unmovable, make your foundation secure
WE CANNOT BE SHAKEN IF WE ARE STANDING WITH JESUS ON A FIRM FOUNDATION OF HIS KINGDOM.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be THANKFUL, AND SO WORSHIP GOD, acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” ( Hebrews 12:28-19 ).
“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken —that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain” ( Hebrews 12:25-27 )
SOME THINGS WILL BE REMOVED,
SOME THINGS WILL REMAIN.
1 Peter 4:12-14 Christ’s sufferings
THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD RESTS ON YOU.
As I was waiting on the Lord for this message He clearly said this Word:
“When these things happen Look up your redemption is near” Luke 21:28
This chapter of Scripture talks about the end of the age. Read it, ask Holy Spirit to explain it to you.
Here’s a portion of it: Luke 21:25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
So here again, lift up your heads, worship, See Jesus, high and lifted up and His train filling your temple. Stay there until He is bigger than what is stressing you out.
LET GOD PERFECT, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN AND SETTLE YOU TODAY. BOW IN HUMILITY AND KNOW THAT HE IS AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE TO TRANSFORM YOU SO THAT YOU WILL LOOK LIKE HIM AND BE ABLE TO STAND IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE WITH HIS DIVINE POWER MOVING IN YOUR VERY BEING:DISPLAYING HIS GLORY AND POWER.
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT. Eph 6:10
Prayer – Our Link – Sermon for RCF, NY from Pastor Marie Esposito
Prayer Link PRAISE AND WORSHIP THE LIVING GOD. First thought First line of defense First connection of the day Last thought Last line of defense Last connection of the day Best thought
It starts with IF a directional word from our God. My people – His remnant, His children Will pray- actively engage in conversation from a position of need, asking seeking knocking. Listening receiving believing Seek my Face- worship, look up, fellowship- listen- desire His favor and Presence. Look for His countenance. Turn from their wicked ways – walk in the spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Choose obedience to Him, and not to satisfy carnal desires. repent. I will Hear from heaven – He will be listening from His place of ruling, and answer. Forgive their sin- His promise to us… if we turn to Him, and turn away from sin, He will forgive us. EVERY TIME. Heal their land- our own land, our own family, our church family,our neighborhood, state, and country. Now that’s a promise! This is actually a revival prayer. The steps listed, as we follow them, will lead us to a personal revival which is the first step to any change in our own lives as well as where we live.
Philippians 4:4-9
when we seek His face, as He comes we are recalibrated Our Father who are in heaven … Jesus gave us this prayer which begins with acknowledging His Supremacy the next words are “hallowed be thy Name” We worship and bow down as we submit to the power of His Great Name- every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. His Name carries all power. Pray with every breath…He is the breath in our lungs
1 Thess 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Prayer begins with us lifting our spiritual eyes to God and turning away from the natural sight. As we worship and pray we Shift our focus And change the direction of our thoughts He’s Our Best Thought is Him One fleeting, Breath-illed impression from God is eternally life giving Psalm 71:22 ‘My loving God, the harp in my heart will praise you. Your faithful heart toward us will be the theme of my song. Melodies and music will rise to you, the Holy One of Israel’. Outcome promised is the focus of our attention. Let me leave you with this… Your prayer life is Your lifeline to God. We can PRAY FORWARD…ask for guidance, direction, protection,influence,provision,grace,favor for the present day and for upcoming days and receive an assurance of His Grace and glory for our future as well. Peace. Be still.
2 Chronicles 7 – Solomon built the temple and dedicated ti to the Lord. He came and filled the temple with fire, and His glory. No one could enter. God promised to answer every prayer, and honor His Name in the house of the Lord. Then He appeared to Solomon after 7 days of feasting and celebration, and shared this truth with him. There may be trouble, but: If my people who are called by My Name, will humble themselves, SEEK My Face, turn from their wicked ways, I will forgive them and heal their land” God gave instruction on what to do when trouble comes. So let’s do that!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
