Overcoming Fear

TODAY’S VERSE
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
We often think of fear as the reaction to scary events, like the screams in a horror movie. But some of our most fearful behavior is often hidden from us. Many people who are living daily in fear aren’t even aware of it. In “Surrender To Love” Dr. Benner writes, “One of the things that block us from gaining freedom from fear is that most fearful people don’t think of themselves as afraid. Unless their fears are focused on something external (such as snakes, heights or crowds), most people in bondage to fear, fail to recognize the true nature of their inner distress. – Although the object of one’s fears may seem to be external, the real source of the fear is internal. The danger is within. The enemy is one’s own self or at least some aspect of their self.” This is what Paul was trying to get across. We are so focused on our behavior we don’t see the motivation behind it. Paul called it a “spirit of fear”. It is this internal pervasive fear that controls what we do. It is spiritual and emotional. Satan is a liar and accuser so he fills our head with fear. Our own experience and belief systems do the rest. If we take most of the fear we have, we will see that it is a fear because of what we think and believe. But today’s passage says that we do not have to live in that kind of fear. Why? Because God has given us something else. He has given us power, love and a sound mind. What an alternative to anything we would dread. Every spirit of fear can be defeated either by God’s power, love or the sound mind He has given us. So today, when you are tempted to act out of fear, remember, there are other options. Give the power, love and the sound mind that God has given you a chance.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I thank You for not giving me a spirit of fear. Today, I want to live in Your power, love and sound mind that You have given me.
AMEN

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Everlasting Love

TODAY’S VERSE
Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is hard to accept God’s love. We are taught from a young child to do good. If we do good, if we get good grades, make sports teams we will be liked by people. It sets us up to believe that love is “earned,” not given freely. Worst, some learn that love can be taken away. Is it a wonder that the love of God gets lost in the translation? In his book “The Deeper Journey”, author M. Robert Mulholland Jr. writes, “We fear that we might not be valued. If our false self’s identity is rooted in our performance, then our value must necessarily be rooted in how well we perform. Consequently, our false self attempts to perfect our performance, at least in our own estimation.” Is this not where fear and anger rise up amongst us? We are afraid that someone else’s success will rob us of value. Does not anger rise up inside us when we find something getting in the way of what we think we must have or do in order to be appreciated and loved? Instead, God has told us Himself that He has loved us with an everlasting and unfailing love. Everlasting in that it never ends. It is unquenchable, unconditional, and undeserving. It is unfailing because nothing will stop it from reaching its objective. We are the object of God’s love and nothing will stand in the way of Him expressing that love to us. So today, rejoice in the love that God has for you. You don’t have to earn it! Let the joy of His undying love for you cast away all of your fear and anger.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I thank You that I am valued and loved. Thank You that I do not have to earn it. Help me today to really get my thoughts around Your unconditional love for me. it.
AMEN

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FREE copy of my book Power-Up!

Dear Friends,

I was interviewed on the Podcast: Spiritual Life and Leadership

Emotional Resilience and Spiritual Leadership – Interview with Ron Ovitt

 

You can listen to it by clicking on the link below. Please post this on your facebook page. I offer a free e-book version of my book, Power-Up at the end of the interview.

Thanks

Ron

 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/204716/1039314-emotional-resilience-and-spiritual-leadership-interview-with-ron-ovitt

 

Your Testimony

TODAY’S VERSE
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
I Peter 3:15 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is something about a testimony that touches people deep in their heart. It is a powerful spiritual force. Sure, it is important to share the scriptures. We need to tell the gospel story. But we also need to share with others the reality of Christ in our life. You may think, my story is not as dramatic as, “I once was blind but now I see.” Yet has not God allowed you to “see” peace in the midst of despair? Has not God provided the food that you eat? Has He not given you another day to live? People are looking for a God that is alive. A God that is relevant to everyday issues. Issues like the ones you face. Today witness with the love you have to those around you, and when you can, share how meaningful prayer, the scriptures, and God is to the many different facets of your life. Many will come to know Christ better as they see the gospel according to your life.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, help me share today with someone who needs to know You. Help me share how You affect my life. Help others see in You in the way I live. Help me be ready to give to anyone who asks, the hope I have in You.
AMEN

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God’s Faithfulness

TODAY’S VERSE
The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
I Samuel17:37 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
If we would remember all the times that God delivered us from trouble we would enjoy a much more peaceful life. So many times I start my day as if it was the only day I have ever lived. Now I don’t mind forgetting some of the bad things in my life but when I begin to live as if God were not alive then I need to do some memory exercises. God has created us with a powerful memory so we could grow mentally, socially and spiritually. Throughout the Bible, we are admonished to “remember” the goodness of God. Hope, peace, faith all come out of a memory of God’s faithfulness in the past. David was going to fight Goliath and all he took with him was a sling, five smooth stones and memory of God’s deliverance. Listen to what he said when he went to face the giant. “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” What are you facing? What giant is between you and victory? Remember God’s faithfulness in the past and trust Him with today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Help me remember all the good things you have done and how you have acted on my behalf. Then when trial and struggles come, help me step out in faith knowing that you are the same today that You were yesterday.
AMEN

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Pursuing You

TODAY’S VERSE
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.
Psalms 23:6 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Psalms 23 is perhaps the most popular passage in the Bible. Parts like, “Though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil” make it a favorite at funerals. At the end of the chapter, there is a glorious verse. Usually, it reads, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It sounds so poetic but do we really understand the meaning? Today’s passage says it in a slightly different way, a way that really brings out the true meaning. It reads, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” See the difference? It is not some passive “following”. It is not a result of any good we have done. Instead, it says that God “pursues” us with His unfailing love and goodness. Not just temporarily, but all the days of our lives! He pursues you. If you ignore Him, He pursues. If you take Him for granted, He pursues. Even if you turn your back on Him, His unfailing love and goodness pursue you. Today, live in the joy that God is pursuing you with His love.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Oh Father, thank You for Your pursuing me with Your unfailing love and goodness. Today, help me live in the joy of that reality.
AMEN

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Rest For Your Soul

TODAY’S VERSE
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
How many times have we qualified for this passage of scripture? Difficulties in life can get us all down. Relationships, finances, worries about the future, guilt over the past. There are so many contributors to the stress we find ourselves under. Jesus knew what it was to be under duress. He felt the fatigue from endless ministry. He grew exasperated over the religious controversy surrounding His ministry. And yet with all the pressures and temptations, He was under, the Bible made it clear that He did not sin. Who better to come to for rest when we are weary? Today Jesus offers you relief. He knows you are weary and often carry heavy burdens. He says, “Come and I will give you rest.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know how often I am weary and heavy burdened. You promised if I came to You that You would give me rest. I come, Lord Jesus, I come to You with all my burdens. Please give me peace and rest to my soul today.
AMEN

Pursuing You

TODAY’S VERSE
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.
Psalms 23:6 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Psalms 23 is perhaps the most popular passage in the Bible. Parts like, “Though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil” make it a favorite at funerals. At the end of the chapter, there is a glorious verse. Usually, it reads, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” It sounds so poetic but do we really understand the meaning? Today’s passage says it in a slightly different way, a way that really brings out the true meaning. It reads, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” See the difference? It is not some passive “following”. It is not a result of any good we have done. Instead, it says that God “pursues” us with His unfailing love and goodness. Not just temporarily, but all the days of our lives! He pursues you. If you ignore Him, He pursues. If you take Him for granted, He pursues. Even if you turn your back on Him, His unfailing love and goodness pursue you. Today, live in the joy that God is pursuing you with His love.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Oh Father, thank You for Your pursuing me with Your unfailing love and goodness. Today, help me live in the joy of that reality.
AMEN

______________________________________

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Do You Know What Your Spiritual Gifts Are?
Now You Can. CLICK HERE to Get your FREE Spiritual Gifts Survey

Do you want to know how to be a Child of God? CLICK HERE to find out how