Morning Devotional

Nelson Mandela once said, " I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." In many ways I believe fear could be our greatest enemy. It can compromise your values, take away your peace, steal the promises of joy and hope and paralyze your faith. Fear can control your words, actions and negatively affect our every day living. Fear can only be overcome by a greater force, our faith in God the Father.

In our scriptures we hear Jesus say often in many different ways to "fear not". He knew how fear could cripple ones journey and their faith. I believe His deeper meaning in saying "fear not" was so we wouldn't miss the blessings of God in our lives. In Him telling us and the angels of the Lord telling us means, like many in the Bible, we have the capability to defeat it. I once read that "fear not" or words of that nature occurs at least 365 times. Interesting number since we have one "fear not" for each day.

But how do we fight fear? With our faith, our fellowship as a community of believers and putting our faith into words and our words into loving action. When fear enters your life remember the teachings of Jesus, read the words of Jesus and say to yourself; I will trust my God, I will not fear.

I pray you may join us for this Second Sunday of Lent.

Father, may all honor and glory be yours. Lord help me not to be afraid for the simple reason that you are with me. Show me how to think on good things and not the things that produce fear. Give me courage to face all that may want to hold me captive. Lord, I know you have given me all I need to overcome, you have given me your promises and I have seen them come to fruition. Father, let me have your peace and wisdom and when I am tempted to fear or be overwhelmed by darkness i will look to you. You make me secure, you give me strength, may I trust. Father I lift this up to you in Jesus' name. Amen