Morning Cuppas With Glenys : fear

Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts

Faith stronger than fear

When my daughter almost died due to leukaemia and was undergoing dialysis due to organ failure,

I was overcome with fear and sadness. So much so that my legs gave way under me and I slid down the wall

of the small tea room where I was making a drink to assauge my weakness. And to pray.

As soon as I made my way to a seat in the ICU waiting room, I felt a peace wash over me like a cloak around my shoulders.

I knew that she was going to pull through- which she did and I still can remember the feeling of faithful assurance and peace that defied the situation.

Give your cares to Jesus and feel His peace in your life. No matter what the situation. Let your faith become stronger than your fear.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

We have such a lot happening today in this world that is frightening. It's no use trying to pretend that we are not at all concerned about what's happening: we would be fools not to be concerned about it.

I won't lie and pretend that I haven't been fearful, but I make myself remember God's promises to be with us no matter what, and I can bring the fear into the captivity of Christ.

We must cling to God and His promises if we are to have any peace about world events. We have to run to Him and not from Him.

Some people feel that if a Christian is afraid that they are not truly saved. That is a lie from Hell. It is just another way that the enemy gets to us when we are down. God does not turn away from us if we feel fear. He wants us to run to Him. He's a loving Father.

In running to Him, we will be comforted and have peace and that is something the evil one does not want. Those who judge the fearful Christian by saying they are not saved because of being afraid are doing the evil one's bidding: causing defeat, misery and false guilt.

The Word says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

And our Good Shepherd laid down His life to save us. He's not going to turn us away because we are afraid.

To suggest that a moment of fearfulness means we are not saved is dangerous. It denies our humanity. It presumes to judge. It spreads falsehood. It negates the work of God. It upholds the work of Satan. It seeks to nullify the Blood of Christ.

I am sure that God would approve of my judgment of this false teaching and nonsense by using one word to describe it: poppycock!

Make sure of all things, hold fast to what is fine. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Laugh at the times to come

The scriptures tell us to prepare for the future so that we can laugh and rejoice at the time to come.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:25-26

Some people think preparing for the future is done out of fear, but I think it is done because one wants to be prudent.

In light of the overnight cyber attacks on companies globally and the possibility that things will progress to make it difficult to buy food and petrol, it might be advisable to ensure you have at least 10 days extra food in your pantry and a tank of petrol.

It affected some banks and many supermarkets and a lot of food is out of stock or unavailable when I did my groceries online today.

It is a sign of the times for the end days and more attacks like this are in the foreseeable future. All computers and cash registers and petrol bowsers were immobilised. This included retrieval of hospital records, air ports and ATM's.

Supermarket distributors are on course to be immobilised with no diesel access, along with our mobile phones and TVs are set to go blank.. it happened last night.... this could last for 10 days at least..

I have checked my pantry out and filled the car... perhaps you could check your own.

This is not a conspiracy theory- watch the news....

Knowledge is power... be prepared, and laugh at the times to come.

"She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet". Proverbs 31:21

Are you appropriately dressed?

There's a lot happening in the world today, both in the natural and the spiritual world. The times are fast paced and frightening.

There is a movement (though not a new one) of the evil one to make being a Christian even harder and we can see and feel the battle between good versus evil.

We cannot stand without putting on the full armor of God. But what exactly is this? Let us find out.

In Ephesians 6, we are told what to do to withstand the evil in each day by making sure we are dressed appropriately for spiritual battle...

Firstly, we are to strengthen ourselves in the LORD so that through Him we will have strength.
¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This means we are to spend time with Him. In prayer. In worship. In the Word.

We are to put on the whole armor of God, preparing ourselves for battle, for we are in a battle with the forces of darkness.

¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. We have all experienced the cunningness of the devil. The appeal to the senses, the drive to try to separate us from the good Shepherd. It is a constant battle to resist him.

We must recognise that the battle is not carnal, but spiritual in unseen wicked spiritual hosts in the heavenly places. Our enemy is unseen, but very real- and active.

¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Although our enemy is unseen, he is not unfelt nor are the results of his influence unnoticed. Where there is hatred in all its forms, deceit and lies and confusion, there we will know that the enemy is at work, doing what he does best.

At the end of the day, we must be able to stand. To endure. To live for God another day

¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We are to be strong and resolute and daily putting on the armor is the way we can do this!

So what are we to put on exactly in order to stand in the evil day?

¹⁴Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, We must remember that we have Truth on our side, our heart protected by the breastplate of righteousness.

¹⁵and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; We are to be peaceable people, bringing the gospel of peace to all, living it, breathing it, sharing it.

¹⁶above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. We must have our faith intact, a shield that will quench the darts of doubt, fear and double mindedness

¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; We must go in the joy of our salvation, having been redeemed by the precious Blood of Christ, wielding the sword of the Spirit, deeply ingrained by and knowledgeable of the Word of God.

¹⁸praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints We are to be a person of prayer, in the Spirit and watchful. Constantly praying for ourselves and the saints of God.

If we faithfully dress in the armor of God, we will stand, knowing that:

⁸We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We have been told how to withstand the evil in these days and it is imperative that we do what the Word says in order to stand until our fight is done. Are you appropriately dressed?

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Not everyone's love has grown cold

The global fertility has dropped and therefore can this be an indication that we are in the end days?

I think yes we are, but we still have to live a godly life and not give in to fear.

This is also because generally self is on the throne and children are not considered a blessing.

For some they are a consequence of biological entrapment and are easily gotten rid of.

People use many reasons as an excuse, but most of them go against what God wants for His people.

Feminism has had a big part in turning people off having children and many women have put off motherhood until too late, to become childless and unhappy women.

There's no finer career than being a full time wife and mother and the usual urge to procreate is God-given and sacred.

This sad world needs babies and pregnancy and breast feeding, and booties and prams. Every child is wanted by God and its birthright is to be loved and later on to love.

As long as this world is turning, babies should be cherished and wanted and rocked and loved. For babies are a Gift from our Creator God.

In truth, it seems that what pleases God these days is disregarded and the evil one is having a field day.

The love of many grows cold and sin is increasing, so it can be a sign that we are nearing the end times..

We need to stand firm in our faith and live our life according to godly principles. Making families and bearing children is something that will please God and be an eternal treasure.

Let's keep on keeping on in trust and faith and invest in eternal treasures. Because even in these end days, not everyone's love has grown cold.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

God has broad shoulders

With all that is happening in the world today, even the strongest of Christians are feeling some fear. Disease, corrupt politics, change, unknown unchartered waters- all contribute to an underlying anxiety in most of us, if we are honest.

Some of us pray yet even so, fear remains and we feel hopeless and helpless. We cannot plan much in advance: everything is so uncertain.

We have been buffeted about by the secular powers that be: herded into our home, our children denied school attendance, jobs either lost or in doubt, and threats of punishment for those who do not comply.

There is hardly a person alive today who hasn't been touched by Covid rules or who doesn't know of someone who has been physically touched by it. It seems that the whole world is swamped with it.

Justice and righteousness have been thrown aside, except for those with enough courage or opportunity to stand against evil people intent on bringing down democracy and freedom.

At times this seems surreal, with no end in sight and we are feeling depressed and helpless. We see everyone masked, and we wonder once again- is this for real and how long will it last. We are feeling bombed out and on the verge of despair.

With social distancing, and lock downs, even not being able to see people's faces because of face masks, we are feeling isolated and lonely.

When feeling like this, it is important that we withdraw and run into Jesus's Arms. We need to pray and confess our fear, read or listen to the Word and worship God. Worship lifts us up.

We need to run to Jesus for is a good Father. He says He is a strong tower and we are safe when we run to Him.

Do not leave His Presence without feeling His incredible Peace which passes all human understanding. We need this Love, this assurance, this peace.

Until you feel refreshed and assured and strong again, don't leave. No matter how many times a day or night we come to Him. God welcomes us with open Arms.

Remember you are His Child and that He is with us until He comes for us, then for eternity.

God is not a man that He would tire of His children's need of comfort and peace and renewal of faith. Come to Him. As often as needed. God has broad shoulders.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Through troubled waters to Home

We are now almost at the end of 2023 and I was considering how fearful some of us were as the New Year approached and I was comforted to realise that God has got this! There is no need to fear.

How can we have the peace we need as we face yet another year of uncertain times? By remembering Who is our Backstop, our Guide and our Comforter..

Jesus has brought us through every day until now... He guides us through each day through His Holy Spirit... He comforts us as we travel through this world on our way Home with Him.

He is able.

He is.

And was.

And will be....

Emmanuel-

God with us.

Not far from us.

Here.

Now.

A very present help in trouble...

Let us join our hearts and hands united in faith, and not fear the future. We are in very good Hands... and may God give us His Peace and guide us through troubled waters to Home....

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

If you are not sure where your eternal Home will be, please read this link. Don't go another day without assurance and peace that comes with salvation...

You may be stronger than you think

Do you consider yourself a scaredy cat? It is normal to feel fear, but if you face that fear- even with trembling legs, you are courageous.

Strength comes from courage and both come from the LORD! Ask for strength and be strong in the LORD!

You may be stronger than you think!

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

Let your faith become stronger than your fear.

When my daughter almost died due to leukaemia and was undergoing dialysis due to organ failure, I was overcome with fear and sadness. So much so that my legs gave way under me and I slid down the wall of the small tea room whre I was making a drink to assauge my weakness. And to pray.

As soon as I made my way to a seat in the ICU waiting room, I felt a peace wash over me like a coak around my shoulders.

I knew that she was going to pull through- which she did and I still can remember the feeling of faithful assurance and peace that defied the situation.

Give your cares to Jesus and feel His peace in your life. No matter what the situation. Let your faith become stronger than your fear.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Poppycock!

We gave such a lot happening today in this world that is frightening. It's no use trying to pretend that we are not at all concerned about what's happening: we would be fools not to be concerned about it.

I won't lie and pretend that I haven't been fearful, but I make myself remember God's promises to be with us no matter what, and I can bring the fear into the captivity of Christ.

We must cling to God and His promises if we are to have any peace about world events. We have to run to Him and not from Him.

Some people feel that if a Christian is afraid that they are not truly saved. That is a lie from Hell. It is just another way that the enemy gets to us when we are down. God does not turn away from us if we feel fear. He wants us to run to Him. He's a loving Father.

In running to Him, we will be comforted and have peace and that is something the evil one does not want. Those who judge the fearful Christian by saying they are not saved because of being afraid are doing the evil one's bidding: causing defeat, misery and false guilt.

The Word says that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd.

And our Good Shepherd laid down His life to save us. He's not going to turn us away because we are afraid.

To suggest that a moment of fearfulness means we are not saved is dangerous. It denies our humanity. It presumes to judge. It spreads falsehood. It negates the work of God. It upholds the work of Satan. It seeks to nullify the Blood of Christ.

I am sure that God would approve of my judgement of this false teaching by using one word to describe it: poppycock!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23

She is not afraid of the snow

Recently Chris and I have been stocking up our fridge, freezer and pantry. The world is a very sad place and nothing is sure...

We aren't living in fear- we just think with the price of diesel, strikes, problems in distribution and so on, that it would be prudent to have some back up food in the house.

So far we have enough groceries to last us about six weeks on a planned menu that doesn't use all our reserves at once, yet nourishes us. I have a few extra packs and tins of cat food for Xena.

In line with this, I have been getting prescriptions filled promptly and buying extra diabetic supplies. Again, enough to last us about six weeks. And that includes pain killers for my fibromyalgia.

Already we have had distribution problems with shipping containers banked up on wharves and no workers willing to unload them. With all our various health issues that require many tablets a day to control plus insulin injections, we are aware that having a few weeks in advance if possible is also prudent.

My antidepressants weren't available for months and if I hadn't been wise, I would have had a meltdown. Fortunately I had a couple of boxes of them in obeyance.

Whilst I don't advocate stocking up because of fear, it is not wrong to anticipate difficulties in obtaining basic supplies and acting accordingly.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet-Proverbs 31:21

God still owns tomorrow

We are living in a time of global tribulation. Pestilence in the form of the Covid is frightening most of the world and those who aren't taking it seriously are fools. It is a time to sit and ask yourself where your faith lies.

Certainly we can have faith in doctors and nurses who risk their own lives to save those who succumb to this virus. But they cannot save everyone.

We can have faith in the governments of the world who try to contain it. But even so, it is proving difficult to trust them.

We need to take on board that God has us all in His Hand. All we can do is comply with what the authorities are telling us to do and trust that God will allow the virus to dissipate quickly with minimum loss of life.

We can only take on the problems of today... and we can only overcome by acknowledging that God is in control, even when it seems that He is not. He is never taken by surprise.

Jesus told us that we would have tribulation in the world and that sufficient unto the day are the problems of the day. We can't take on more than what we are doing in the present and we can't wish away our life, enduring it and not enjoying it.

We must trust in Him Who bore the sins of the world upon His shoulders. Only His shoulders are broad enough for taking on eternity. We must relinquish our anxieties and trust in Him. He will keep us in safety and carry us through this troubling time.

Our shoulders can't take on more than the worries of today. Only His shoulders can carry us through and we must remember that God still owns tomorrow.

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

It has a comforting ring to it.

In these last days before the Rapture of the Church, we are buffetted about with trials and tribulations and pestilences.

We are shaken and we are tired and the finishing line is just ahead. As the darkness of a sick world falls we would do well to remember that although we may feel that world is out of control, it is exactly as God told us it would be in these final days.

These trying days, the Body of Christ must pray for each other and encourage each other to run their race well. We know that the Age of Grace will soon be over, and Christ will translate the Church- us believers into His Kingdom. Therefore, we must tell the lost about Him and do so until that time comes.

This translation of the Church into God's Presence is called the Rapture and according to the Word, we are now observing many of the prophecies we were told to look for, coming to pass daily. This means the Rapture is soon.

Not being able to go to church anymore due to illness through fibromyalgia, mobility issues and angina mainly, I find great comfort in the fellowship of believers through the internet. It's terribly important that we do not forsake the gathering together in corporate worship as support for each other is critical to us running our race well. But like myself, if you can't get to church, try to build a network of Christian friends who will pray for you and support you It's difficult, it's tough and it's scary!

At the rapture I believe we'll all stand before God still holding each other up and lifting the weary hands that had hung down. This special relationship is called KOINONIA. :1. the Christian fellowship or body of believers 2. intimate spiritual communion& sharing in a common religious commitment& spiritual community

Let us spur each other on to love and good works and let us pray for each other in Koinonia. We need to be there for each other and watch each other's backs. That's what family do. We are all sons and daughters of the Most High and we share the same Father. So let us truly enjoy Koinonia in these testing times.

Koinonia: it has a comforting ring to it.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works Hebrews 10: 24

Through troubled waters to Home

We are now nearly into 2023 and I was considering how fearful some of us are as the New Year approaches and I was comforted to realise that God has got this! There is no need to fear.

How can we have the peace we need as we face yet another year of uncertain times? By remembering Who is our Backstop, our Guide and our Comforter..

Jesus has brought us through every day until now... He guides us through each day through His Holy Spirit... He comforts us as we travel through troubled waters on our way Home with Him.

He is able.

He is.

And was.

And will be....

Emmanuel-

God with us.

Not far from us.

Here.

Now.

A very present help in trouble...

Let us join our hearts and hands united in faith, and not fear the future. We are in very good Hands... and may God give us His Peace and guide us through troubled waters to Home....

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

If you are not sure where your eternal Home will be, please read this link. Don't go another year without assurance and peace that comes with salvation...

Always His!

I have had some times in my life where I have thought I would die. Surgeries for my heart, illnesses wherein I couldn't breathe, and an incorrect diagnosis of a terminal illness have seen me glimpsing death and had me question if I am ready to be with the LORD.

In facing death a few times, I have experienced immense peace in knowing that Christ has me in the Palm of His Hand and that should He call me Home to Him, that it would be instantaneous.

Alive or not, we are His. We belong to the LORD Who also numbers our days. It is a great comfort to remember that when my health continues to fail.

I am afraid of the manner in which I will die, but not of death per se. I have been the LORD's since before my birth and I will be even after my last breath.

His sacrifice has paved the way for us to not be afraid of Hell or with dying. We are forever His as soon as we accept Him as LORD and Saviour.

So in keeping with that, we do not have to fear world events either as we await for Jesus to come back for us. The Rapture will be instantaneous, should He take us Home with Him through that means.

Let us not give in to fear with current events and pandemics, but live in peace and security. That security and peaceful assurance is yours too, if you accept Christ as your Saviour.

We are loved by God and are His Children forever. Eternally His. Instantly. Dead or alive.

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8

The downside of country life

So the other night I was going into my bathroom when I noticed this huntsman on the frame near the door. My heart nearly stopped!

Walking into the bathroom, I must have passed close to this horrid spider who could easily have jumped on my head and such is my fear of spiders, it possibly would have killed me in a cardiac event brought on by fear!

Not an overly big spider by huntsman standards, he would have been about 3 inches across. But he was big enough to induce panic in us as we scurried to find a broom and the fly spray!

I didn't want to lose this guy as we wouldn't know where we would find him, so there was a great over use of flyspray and frantic loud bangs of the broom. Suffice it to say, he got a burial at sea!

It is said that they come in pairs, so we were watching everywhere until his mate was found. And she was...

I was in the adjacent laundry and found her sunning herself on the glass panel in the back door. I grabbed my flyspray and went to spray it, but then realised that she was outside the door. She too had to be gone because I didn't want her coming in the house. I'd had enough excitement with her mate's intrusion.

A few sprays of the flyspray had her on the move, and a few heavy thumps of the broom, and she was no longer. Except for food for the birds and ants.

Indeed, I had to chuckle at how fast I moved, considering my two damaged knees and fibromyalgia. It's marvellous what an adrenaline rush can do for a body!

Not only did the fear of losing the huntsman to perchance come back to terrorise me, rattle me, but so did realising that I had married a man who refused to rescue me from dangerous wildlife! Such was my expectation of my knight in shining armour! :)

Don't get me wrong: I still love living here in the Australian bush with my liver-lilied Chris, but snakes and huntsmen are definitely the downside of country life.

Seeking Him in a meltdown

So today I was watching all the news and viewing You Tube videos of current events and I grew fearful.The adrenaline started flowing and I knew that I had to get some control back to my body if possible.

I quickly turned on my worship music. I started to cry as flashbacks of God's faithfulness and goodness over my whole life time flashed before my eyes. Oh how faithful and good He's been to me!

With a life of many trials and much pain due to fibromyalgia, I can confidently testify that my God has been there beside me, comforting, correcting, forgiving and being so so compassionate and kind! Sometimes walking beside me and often carrying me.

Trauma, illness and abuse have given me PTSD but even so, I never once have failed to sense God's Presence, so real that I could almost feel His breath and touch of His Hand.

But being a sufferer of many illnesses including mental illness, I have learned that it is essential to run to Jesus the minute fear or pain or flashbacks assault my peace. And I have learned that it is true that one has to bring those fearful thoughts or emotions in to the captivity of Christ. So I sprang into action.

I sat in my study, closed my eyes and listened to the words of the song that explains exactly how I feel about my God. And slowly the adrenaline abated as the peace that passes all understanding overtook my stressed body.

As I focussed on worship, I didn't hear Chris come in and it wasn't until he took my hand and started to sing along with me that I knew he was near. Not a word was needed to explain why I sat crying with upheld arms and mouthing those words of gratitude and praise.

Holding Chris' hand, I realised once again how blessed I was by the LORD in giving me a Christian husband who knows to bring his hurts and fears to God and bring his thoughts into the captivity of Christ. And who encourages his damaged soul mate to do the same, by his example.

It's important to keep our focus on God's goodness and faithfulness in times of fear and trouble. It's the only way we are going to regain our peace and equilibrium. So are you seeking Him in a meltdown?

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Dead or alive