Fear can be crippling. As a kid, I was afraid of our dark basement. If I had to go down there alone at night, I would turn on all the lights, quickly do what I needed to do. Then in one final motion, I would turn off the light and race up the stair, takingContinue reading “When fear gets the best of you – John 6:1-21, Part 4”
Tag Archives: fear
Has fear kept you quiet about God – John 4:43-5:15, Part 4
In the previous post, we studied John 5:1-6, the story of Jesus’ in Jerusalem, asking a hurting man if he wants to be healed. What does the man want? We find out in verses 7-9. “’Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘“’I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. WhileContinue reading “Has fear kept you quiet about God – John 4:43-5:15, Part 4”
Four roadblocks to faithfulness – Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Part 4
What causes people to not be faithful? See if any of these potential roadblocks resonate with you. Roadblock #1: Fear – If we have an opportunity to step out of our comfort zone, to step out in faith, we can be afraid that we can’t handle it. We hold back rather than trust God toContinue reading “Four roadblocks to faithfulness – Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Part 4”
My nephews and the skeleton – Ezekiel 37:1-14, Preview
A couple years ago my extended family went on vacation together to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. My immediate family arrived a day after the rest. After getting settled in, I was playing wiffleball with my nephews in the yard when a foul ball meandered its way through an opening under a porch. WeContinue reading “My nephews and the skeleton – Ezekiel 37:1-14, Preview”
Do world events scare you? – Ezekiel 29-32, Part 1
Did you hear the news that China’s military has created full scale outlines of American Naval vessels in their deserts? Satellite images show that one of the models of US warship is on rails so that it can be moved. Why? To practice bombing them? Or maybe you heard that China has developed hyper-sonic missilesContinue reading “Do world events scare you? – Ezekiel 29-32, Part 1”
When “Just trust in the Lord” is easier said than done – Ezekiel 24, Part 1
Have you ever had one of those moments when you prayed, “Lord, what is going on with my life?” Have you ever had a moment when it seems like things are going off the rails, and you know the classic bible verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” but you think, “Easier saidContinue reading “When “Just trust in the Lord” is easier said than done – Ezekiel 24, Part 1″
A vision from Jesus for those who struggle with fear – Acts 18, Part 3
Recently a friend sent me a video of an American pastor who said he received a vision from Jesus detailing awful and terrible things that will happen to the USA in the fall of 2020. I’m writing this in July 2020, and the last few months have already been deeply troubling, considering divisive politics inContinue reading “A vision from Jesus for those who struggle with fear – Acts 18, Part 3”
Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and growing as a Christian – Acts 18, Part 1
On Wheel of Fortune, what are the five letters contestants receive for free at the beginning of the final puzzle? Did you say, “RSTLNE”? If so, you’re right! Why does Wheel of Fortune give people those letters? It’s because they are the most commonly used letters in the English language. Now let’s combine that withContinue reading “Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and growing as a Christian – Acts 18, Part 1”
The first mission of the church was given to women- Matthew 28, Part 2
It is Sunday morning. Early. Still dark. In our previous post, we followed Matthew’s account of what happened after Jesus’ death on that Friday and Saturday long ago. We started at Matthew 27:50, watching as Matthew gave us short rapid camera shots, from a variety of locations around Jerusalem. Now look at Matthew 28:1. MatthewContinue reading “The first mission of the church was given to women- Matthew 28, Part 2”
How the Holy Spirit helps us have peace when we struggle with fear – Fourth Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5
What is at the root of fear? Human nature? Maybe it is just a part of the human experience? We fear that we won’t be taken care of. Clearly so many of us, young and old fear rejection, loneliness, insecurity, or being destitute. We can fear that people will look down on us. There isContinue reading “How the Holy Spirit helps us have peace when we struggle with fear – Fourth Sunday of Advent 2019, Part 5”
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