I am thinking about fear today. I see Christians following a trend they followed in 1999 when we had the decade rollover. I was one of the geeks who worked very hard to make sure that all the computers would stay running on 1/1/2000. Here we are 11 years later and I am watching Christians promote fear instead of faith. There is fear over the economy and fear over demons. There is fear about government and fear about the Middle East. There is even fear about the church falling into deception. There is fear of sickness and fear of terrorism. I for one am getting tired of the focus on fear.
When we are focused on fear, we are reflecting our lack of faith. If there is fear in any place in your life, it demonstrates the need for faith.
I wonder as the “fear marketers” publish their writings and their books geared toward those who are Christians if they realize that they are falling into the hands of the enemy. Fear is our enemy’s greatest tool.
“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, NIV)
If I rest and trust and have faith in God, there is no fear.
My message is that light casts out darkness, and Jesus is the light.
My hope is that God is love, and hate cannot rule my life.
My confidence is that God is my provider, and His economy governs my life.
My trust is in God, my healer, and no sickness can rule my destiny.
I am waiting for the church to rise up and let the light shine. The world has too many marketers of fear and not very many sources of hope.
“”Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. ” (Isaiah 60:1–3, NIV)
The nations will not come to a Gospel of doom and gloom. They will however be drawn to light. Come on Church it is time to RISE and SHINE!
