2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) "7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind".
I wish that today I could be standing in the pulpit at the great First Baptist Church in Konawa! But with all the stuff going on right now that is not responsible and somewhat selfish. The church is not a building but a group of baptized believers who have covenanted together to reach our world for Christ. God is not tied to walls but is beyond our efforts to limit Him. Today we might not be together but we will still worship Him.
Use this verse this morning in your family worship time. It is quoted so often yet most of the time the phrase is not completed. The opposite of a spirit of fear is power, love and of a sound mind. Different versions of the bible translate “sound mind” differently. The ESV uses the word, “self-control” while the ASV uses the word “discipline”. The HCSV uses the words “sound judgment”. All are good and opposite of fear, but “sound mind” is preferable to me.
A mind at peace will fight fear. It seems that we are overwhelmed with voices that talk but don’t say anything. They parrot the same message over and over thinking they will be heard which leads to confusion. If we are off balance we believe all we hear. Listen through the noise! Go to that peaceful place where you can hear God’s still small voice. In the midst of confusion the devil will plant seeds of deceit and attempt to lead us astray. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He will settle our spirit and flood our hearts with truth, bringing a true sound mind.
A mind of faith will fight fear. The God of peace will see us through. Trust Him! This trial will affect people differently. Some will be hurt financially while others will be hurt physically. Some will suffer anxiety. What do you believe about God? Is He omnipresent (all powerful)? Is He omniscient (all knowing)? Is He omnipresent (everywhere)? Our God will see us through! Our God can do anything!
A mind of wisdom will fight fear. The Bible says James 1:5 (KJV) “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him”. A wise mind seeks God. During these times we need to make wise decisions. We need to pray for our leaders that they may find wisdom and have the courage to follow. We need to make dicisions based on God’s wisdom for us. And have the courage to follow, even if it’s hard.
Some have been saying that this is the end times. I say amen! Even so come Lord Jesus! Are you ready? Have you invited Jesus into your life as both Lord and Savior? I would like to hear from you about this. Do you have questions? Ask!
