Rid Yourself of Fear

What do you FEAR most?
Have you identified your FEAR?
Can you imagine living just a short time without that FEAR? What would that freedom feel like?
I just finished another of Thomas Nelson's books, FEARLESS, by Max Lucado.

Fear to me, if unidentified, is like a thief that robs us of all the opportunities of living the victorious life that Christ would desire for us. We all have, or have had fear, and that fear will "always be at our door." Whether we want to admit it or not, as we observe and interact with individuals and their responses to situations, their fear(s) will soon surface. Lucado defines fear as "an emotional response to a threat that causes us to escape or avoid the threat." He goes on to say that "if fear is not dealt with, it can lead to a worse situation or unacceptable behaviors.”

Over the years, I have seen how hard it is to react out of my faith rather than my fears. But this can be done. I haven't gotten it all perfected, but Lucado has certainly challenged me to continue my journey, combating fear by trusting God rather than myself.

One way I try to keep myself in check is to ask/remind myself daily of the question, "Do I respond more out of fear of failure, rejection, calamity, or out of the power of the risen Christ in me?" God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control (2 Timothy 1: 7). WOW! Can you imagine your life without fear?

Make sure you get a copy of Lucado's book Fearless. It is truly life changing. It is truly a tool to show you a life of freedom - free of our fears. Read it yourself, then share your copy with a friend.

On a scale of 1-10: Which are You?

What number are you on a scale of 1-10. I mean, holistically. Holistic in the sense of the “whole person” or put simply, the mind, body, and spirit. What about mind, body, and spirit? Actually, if all your components are not functioning at its best then the whole suffers. Ever thought of that? So, how is your mind, your body, or your spirit? Consider the areas of your life that are, or that are not working the best (personal, sexual, career, financial, worship, relationships, etc. ) Can we be perfect in such a way that we are functioning at our fullest potential. How does one affect the other? We cannot deny that a handicap in one area does not affect the other. Thus, if we want to function at our fullest potential, then we must seek perfection. Does God really expect us to strive for such perfection? Is it possible to grow in the likeness of Christ? We can but not alone.

There is only one way to accomplish such perfection and it is through Christ. Paul so states in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” So it is only through Christ in us that we can accomplish that which God created us.

There are no gray areas. God gives us direction as how to grow as Christ. We are challenged in Hebrews 12”2 to, “…focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.”

The journey to Christ’s likeness is not always “a party” but it is rewarding in the greatest sense? In fact in John 6:60, 66 we are told, On hearing it, many of the disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

How about you? There were/are times in my life that the cost was just too great, and became disobedient in those areas. I am not perfect. You know, it is ironic that my blog still remains, Getting Fit with Friends, because I have gotten lazy. I would say socially, and mentally I am still in the game, but I have slacked off spiritually and physically, I am on the bench. No, I am not perfect, but I refuse to remain there, for I want the best life has to offer. What about you?

If you dare to redirect your life to experience fullness then join me the next few postings as I seek the word to become ”whole”. We need to be the image of Christ. What does it look like to be “like” Christ? Luke 2:52 says, Jesus grew in wisdom [MENTALLY], in stature [PHYSICALLY], and in favor with God [SPIRITUALLY] and with man [SOCIALLY].

Looking forward to hearing from you.

How Great is Our God?

I am writing this in response to Matthew's blog, God vs. Darwin. Check out his response. I too realize that our God is truly magnificent. When I hear a song or someone speaking about His greatness and how He designed us I am reminded of a great message entitled, How great is our God! by Louie Giglio. This section talks about Laminin, an amazing molecule in the human body. If you have not seen this before, then take a look.



How Great is Your God? Would love to hear from you.

How to Become a Christian

 How Can I Become A Christian?

 

If music speaks to you, I find this song, I Surrender

A. Admit:
       • Admit to God you are a sinner. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"                Romans 3:23.
       • Repent or turn away from your sin. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may            be wiped out..." Acts 3:19.
B. Believe:
       • Trust that Jesus is God's Son. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only              Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16)…
       • and that God sent Jesus to save people from their sins. "For Christ died for sins once for            all . . . to bring you to God" l Peter 3:18.
C. Confess:
       • Give your life to Jesus. Confess to others that he is Savior and Lord of your life. "That if               you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised               him from the dead, you will be saved. . . for, Everyone who calls on the name of the                     Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:9,13).

Do you believe this? If you do, then read this prayer.

Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that my sin separates me from you. I believe that your son Jesus died for me so that my relationship with you could be restored. Thank you for forgiving me. I ask you to come into my life and help me live for you. Today I commit myself to you and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

1. The first step in obedience is Baptism. Find a church and tell the pastor about your conversion experience and praying this prayer. Ask for baptism.
   
2. Join a church where you can worship God and fellowship and grow in faith with other believers.
   
3. Participate in Sunday School and Bible study.

   
4. Set aside time for a personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray. I find a life application Bible very helpful in understanding the Bible.
   

Did you pray to receive Christ today? Congratulations! I am now your Sister-in-Christ. I would to know about your decision and to help you grow in your understanding of God and help you find a church. Or, If you have questions about this material, please feel free to correspond with me at pscostner@gmail.com.