“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” October 11, 2018
Good morning everyone,
Fear is something people seek at this time of year for entertainment. The majority of the time though
people attempt to remove all sense of fear in their lives. There is one fear that everyone should have for their
own good, but sadly ignore what ought to cause people to pause each day and consider all they do and say. “In
the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the
Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:26-27, NKJV).
Jesus said, “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have
no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has
power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5, NKJV) There must be a reverence and awe
for Almighty God who is sovereign over all things and is the One who holds the keys of Hades and Death
(Revelation 1:18). There ought to be much fear, anxiety, and horror at even the thought of God’s presence
for those who have not accepted Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf for the atonement of their sins and the
satisfaction of the Father’s wrath. Those who are in Christ are reverent, respectful, and greatly honor God as
all-powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), and everywhere-present (omnipresent). The
understanding of who God is and what He has done for them have driven out all other fear, since fear has to do
with punishment (1 John 4:18).
The fear of death, the future, governments going rogue, clowns, vampires, demons, the devil, and
whatever images that will become a fascination during the October haunted events around the country are
nothing more than temporary nuisances to those who trust in the Lord. God’s power is greater than any power
known to mankind or that exist in the spiritual realm. The Lord inspired James to write the key to having the
strong confidence and ability to drink deeply of the fountain of life, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil
and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, NKJV).
Submitting oneself to God is to willingly to choose to be under the authority of God in obedience to His
will over their entire life. It is only then that the devil can be resisted in a way that will cause him to flee from
the child of God. The presence of the Holy Spirit living within the child of God is able to restrain the fear which
seeks to paralyze and bind the sin of the believer to prevent it from causing them to commit sin that leads to
death (1 John 4:7-9, 5:16). Strong confidence is when a person holds the Lord in honor and reverence in life
knowing nothing can separate anyone who abides in Him (Romans 8:37-39). The fountain of life is present
in the life of a child of God because of salvation through faith in Christ as Savior and Lord over their life
(John 3:16-18; Romans 8:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11).
This life is not the life which needs to preserve at all costs. It is the eternal destination of the soul which
should be peoples focus, and the fear of God’s wrath which ought to drive everyone to repentance of their sins.
No one has to live in fear. Come to faith in Christ and discover the peace which only He can give.
Praying beyond the physical:
Father, fill my vision so that all things that cause me worry and fear are compared to Your majesty.
Jesus, teach me to trust the Father completely, so I will have the strength to surrender my life if God wills it.
Spirit, overpower all my fears and worry and speak through me as the Father has ordained as His child.
Pastor Tom
