THE REASON YOU CAN FEAR NOT. Deuteronomy 20:1-4.

Young soldiers marching off to war for the first time are often more excited than fearful. When wars begin, soldiers kiss their sweethearts and board trains, excited about the chance to see the world, have adventures, and win glory. Sure, some won’t come back. But you never believe it will be you. Every young manContinue reading “THE REASON YOU CAN FEAR NOT. Deuteronomy 20:1-4.”

1 (800) TAX-1040: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HOLD MUSIC. Isaiah 31:17.

Yesterday I spent 45 minutes on hold, waiting for a customer service representative to pick up my call to the IRS. Finally a man answered, told me his name and agent number, and then we were disconnected. Though I did not want to, I called back. After a 30-minute wait, a woman answered and sheContinue reading “1 (800) TAX-1040: CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HOLD MUSIC. Isaiah 31:17.”

ONE SCARY BIBLE STORY.  2 Kings 18:19-35; 2 Kings 19:35-36.

When Sennacherib, King of Assyria, began conquering the world, he sent men to convince King Hezekiah to surrender.  But rather than go to the palace, they went to the City Gate and shouted to the crowds—in Hebrew—knowing that before Hezekiah could offer a rebuttal, the seeds of fear and doubt would grow into full terror. Continue reading “ONE SCARY BIBLE STORY.  2 Kings 18:19-35; 2 Kings 19:35-36.”

When You Need Courage.

Have you ever been afraid? Fear is a difficult emotion. Sometimes fear is vague, dull, and unfocused: you feel anxious, but you’re not sure why. Other times it is acute: you know EXACTLY what you’re afraid of! Fear, whether in the form of fright, worry, anxiety, terror, or dread, affects everyone. What is the answer?Continue reading “When You Need Courage.”

Choose Courage. Psalm 91.

This week (March 12, 2020) has been unprecedented. We have previously lived through hurricanes and floods and the associated hysteria. But I cannot recall anything to match the worldwide fear created by the Coronavirus pandemic. Just a few minutes of television, radio, or internet, and you’re convinced we are all going to die—and that thoseContinue reading “Choose Courage. Psalm 91.”

Do You Need Courage? Part Two.

Remember where courage comes from? Integrity. If you obey God, you will have courage. If you disobey, you will be afraid. After Israel defeated Jericho, the men marched against the kingdom of Ai. But the men of Ai overpowered them, killed 36 of them and chased them away. “As a result, the people’s hearts meltedContinue reading “Do You Need Courage? Part Two.”

Is Fear a Factor?

Do you struggle with fear? What about fear’s minions: WORRY, ANXIETY, DREAD, PHOBIAS, and certain kinds of STRESS?  Familiar with those?  What can be done about fear?  Is fear up to you, or do you have no choice in the matter?  Moses commanded the people: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified”Continue reading “Is Fear a Factor?”

He is Not Safe. But He is Good. Job 23:15.

C.S. Lewis hid brilliant insights in children’s tales, as when the character of Aslan is first introduced by Mr. Beaver– “It’s no good, Son of Adam…  But now that Aslan is on the move—” “Oh, yes! Tell us about Aslan!” said several voices at once, for once again that strange feeling—like the first signs ofContinue reading “He is Not Safe. But He is Good. Job 23:15.”