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GOT FEAR
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)
The devil is a terrorist in the way he employs many of his campaigns of war against us. Intimidating thoughts often flood our minds in trying times. He inundates our minds with thoughts of failure, of failing health, of sudden death, and or financial ruin or lack. Strategically a valley is a perfect place for an enemy to attack any unwary prey. There are high places on either side as one traverse’s through the valley. Often the enemy is obscured by camouflage as he positions himself for the assault; hence he is invisible to the eyes.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Mere human thinking will not stand in the face of this kind of opposition; mere human ability cannot oppose the invisible force of an invisible foe. The spiritually undisciplined mind will be breached and dominated with fear. For our enemies are commanded by the prince of the power of the air. They have infiltrated and possessed the minds of men for millennials and know well how to strategize with fear tactics to dominate their targets. Yet we are not mere humans but new creations in Christ Jesus. As Christians we have been disciplined for spiritual warfare; the rod and staff of correction and consolation are the principles and articles of our warfare against an unseen enemy.
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 mind can be a stronghold dominated by a strongman. It can either house the mind of Christ or be overtaken by the mind of a principality. The mind of Christ stabilizes soundness and sanity; it gives up the spiritual fortitude to stand against opposition and infiltrates our spirit with an abiding love for God and people. The spirit of fear brings instability, confusion inundated with apathy and indifference; its end result is a stronghold which is dominated by a strongman who is cruel and un-forgiving. A fearful individual is ineffective in the causes of Christ; a faithful individual is very effective concerning the cause of Christ and the purpose to which they are called.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)
Brethren let us remember we are conduits of the power, love, and soundness of God. When we study to show ourselves approved unto God; we become formidable foes of spiritual wickedness. However we are at warfare with an unrelenting enemy who only ceases to attack when he is defeated and then retreats to strategize another assault against us. Brethren we are graced to have a manual of life and godliness, a guidebook of etiquette and a book of strategies. Why then should we fear; if God be for us then who can truly stand against us? Whether we live or die; we win if we do not faint in the way! I leave you with some simple but empowering instructions:
(16) Rejoice evermore.
(17) Pray without ceasing.
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(19) Quench not the Spirit.
(20) Despise not prophesyings.
(21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24 Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
D.R. Ritchie (Emissary)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)
The devil is a terrorist in the way he employs many of his campaigns of war against us. Intimidating thoughts often flood our minds in trying times. He inundates our minds with thoughts of failure, of failing health, of sudden death, and or financial ruin or lack. Strategically a valley is a perfect place for an enemy to attack any unwary prey. There are high places on either side as one traverse’s through the valley. Often the enemy is obscured by camouflage as he positions himself for the assault; hence he is invisible to the eyes.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Mere human thinking will not stand in the face of this kind of opposition; mere human ability cannot oppose the invisible force of an invisible foe. The spiritually undisciplined mind will be breached and dominated with fear. For our enemies are commanded by the prince of the power of the air. They have infiltrated and possessed the minds of men for millennials and know well how to strategize with fear tactics to dominate their targets. Yet we are not mere humans but new creations in Christ Jesus. As Christians we have been disciplined for spiritual warfare; the rod and staff of correction and consolation are the principles and articles of our warfare against an unseen enemy.
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 mind can be a stronghold dominated by a strongman. It can either house the mind of Christ or be overtaken by the mind of a principality. The mind of Christ stabilizes soundness and sanity; it gives up the spiritual fortitude to stand against opposition and infiltrates our spirit with an abiding love for God and people. The spirit of fear brings instability, confusion inundated with apathy and indifference; its end result is a stronghold which is dominated by a strongman who is cruel and un-forgiving. A fearful individual is ineffective in the causes of Christ; a faithful individual is very effective concerning the cause of Christ and the purpose to which they are called.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)
Brethren let us remember we are conduits of the power, love, and soundness of God. When we study to show ourselves approved unto God; we become formidable foes of spiritual wickedness. However we are at warfare with an unrelenting enemy who only ceases to attack when he is defeated and then retreats to strategize another assault against us. Brethren we are graced to have a manual of life and godliness, a guidebook of etiquette and a book of strategies. Why then should we fear; if God be for us then who can truly stand against us? Whether we live or die; we win if we do not faint in the way! I leave you with some simple but empowering instructions:
(16) Rejoice evermore.
(17) Pray without ceasing.
(18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(19) Quench not the Spirit.
(20) Despise not prophesyings.
(21) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24 Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
D.R. Ritchie (Emissary)