In Pamplona, Spain, there is a festival called the Running of the Bulls. I didn't participate. I know that there's a lot of danger involved, machismo, and fear involved in the activity in which bulls are let loose to run down the streets while people are running with them. If you're running with the bulls, you can't be overwhelmed with fear, because fear will stop you in your tracks. And if that happens, you're in a world of hurt. You have to be vigilant as to what's around you (bulls, people) and also focus on where you're heading (down the street to the finish line). To live without fear we must run the race of life with total confidence in ourselves and the power that we have within. If we can consistently orient ourselves, our direction life, to God and practice the presence of God in our lives, this will help us eliminate fear and live and life that is set before us.
To help us live without fear, we can look to spiritual truths, written thousands of years ago, by men and women who desired to share what they knew to be true and applicable to your present-day life. In II Timothy 1:7, we read, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Back then, the church was teaching people to fear God. It's even written in the Bible. But after studying the original text a more accurate translation would be "respect". Not "fear." Fear does not come from God. We don't fear the Spirit. Now there are times in our lives where we can be challenged or tempted to fear. If we decide, for some odd reason, to run with the bulls in Spain, for example. To eliminate fear we shift our focus away from fear, pay attention to what's going on around us, and direct our thoughts and attention to the ultimate truth, God, Spirit, who has given us power, love, and a sound mind. When you're living without fear and filled with the knowledge of God, you have:
We can live without fear because God gave us those things. POWER In Acts 1:8, it says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost [holy spirit] is come upon you." Ephesians 1:19 says, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." The believer has potential power residing within her. God’s power is manifested in our lives when the Word is heard, believed, and acted upon. That's what is referred to as "believing action." In Ephesians 3:20, there is a spiritual promise. And it's for you. Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." We have the right and privilege to rely on God’s power each day. We put it into operation and God does the energizing. We can live without fear because God gave us love. LOVE I John 4:18 says that there is no fear in love. Perfect love casteth out fear. Love is the antidote for fear. God can be realized by studying. The knowledge of God’s Word gives us all things that pertain to life (II Peter 1:3). When we put our focus on living God’s love and keeping His commandments, we’ll find no room left for fear. Sound Mind We can live without fear because God gave us a sound mind. A sound mind demonstrates good judgment and wisdom. It includes disciplined thinking. James Allen illustrates this in his work entitled As a Man Thinketh where it says, "A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth... Just as a gardener cultivates his plot, keeping it free from weeds, and growing the flowers and fruits which he requires, so may a man tend the garden of his mind, weeding out all the wrong, useless, and impure thoughts, and cultivating toward perfection the flowers and fruits of right, useful, and pure thoughts" We eliminate fear when we direct and focus our thoughts on God. We keep heading in that direction. James Allen goes on to say, “By pursuing this process, a man sooner or later discovers that he is the master-gardener of his soul, the director of his life.…” II Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." We do not have to live with fear in our lives. We can observe what's going on around us and direct our attention to what provide us with power and love. We are sound in our minds because God has given us a spiritual power that works in us to manifest the spiritual fruits in our lives. We can live in love. We can live without fear. We can meditate upon these things which have been given to us. And let's live a life that's more than abundant. More Spiritual Lessons for Men From kids in school to powerful world leaders, more and more people are talking about environmental concerns, like global warming. According to recent studies, over half of the people in the United States are worried about climate change, and people in other countries are even more concerned about the potential for global environmental changes. But we have learned from Scripture how to live a more abundant life, which includes both:
To learn how we relate to our natural environment, we can look to both science and to God’s Word to see how we can be mindful of our local and global environment and how to take action based upon what we believe. First, let’s get something straight. Who or, more accurately, what is God? I ask that, because by clearly understanding what God is, we can, secondly, understand God’s creation and our relationship to our environment.
It’s enlightening to know what God is—the invisible Source of all life. Blessed, Not Fearful It’s important to understand that God wants us to be blessed in life, not fearful about the environment and its changes. Several verses illustrate ways that Spirit showers us with blessings by way of creation, such as the following verses from Psalm 104. Psalms 104:13-14 says, “He watereth the hills from his chambers. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Spirit is the source of all life. Psalms 104:24-25 says, “How manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all. The earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.” We are very blessed to live on such an amazing planet filled with abundant life. Our attitude toward environmental concerns do not need to be based on fear. Psalms 46:1-3, we read, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” So, even if the mountains tremble and the waters roar and swell, we do not have to be fearful. We can remain strong and safe. Rainbow In the Old Testament, there’s a story about a great flood in the days of Noah. After the flood, God promised that never again would a flood destroy Earth. This promise was established with a rainbow. When rainbows sometimes appear after a rainfall, they may remind us of this story, of the promise of care and protection, and that our world can be preserved and cared for. In Genesis 9:12-15, we read, “And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. I do set my bow [rainbow] in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow [rainbow] shall be seen in the cloud. And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.” My daughter and I saw a rainbow in a recent rain shower. It was beautiful and a good reminder. Decisions Once we understand what God’s Word says about environmental concerns, we can make proper decisions on how to take action and steward the natural resources that have been provided us by making decisions that are motivated out of love and thankfulness rather than out of fear. Even though there’s a heavenly-rainbow promise to protect the earth, we should still do our part in caring for our home. In Genesis there’s another story of how the first person was formed, made, and created. Man was put in the garden of Eden “to dress it and to keep it." Genesis 2:7-8 says, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.” This verse reminds me that my body is made out of the stuff that our world is made out of. Our bodies are about 60-70% water. The Earth surface is covered with about 70% water. Our bodies and our environment both have: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, sodium, iron, and magnesium. Every living thing (me, bees, grass, cattle) is made up of carbon. One of the worst things you can do to yourself is to believe that you’re not part of your environment—that you’re somehow separate. Martin Luther said that God is not just in the Bible, but is also found in the trees, the flowers, the clouds, and the stars. In the crisp, clean air of Boulder, Colorado, you can see the stars almost every night. The stars are amazing. They remind us of how vast God's presence is - not just throughout the universe, but also within each of us. Genesis 2:15 says, “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” And that verse means that man (men, women, children, people) was to labor or serve in the garden, to diligently protect it, to oversee and preserve it. I have a garden in my backyard. My wife loves to plant vegetables, flowers, and plants. That garden is well taken care of. It flourishes. Filled with life and beauty. And it provides for us -- along with the worms, birds, bees, bacteria, butterflies, bunny rabbits, and slugs -- with things that are needed for life. We take care of that garden, not out of fear of losing it, but out of thankfulness for what’s available with some effort. Today, we have to provide diligent care and protection for our gardens all over the world, our natural resources, and environment.
Think of something valuable that you own. When we think of something as being valuable, we will take care of it. Have you ever been given something really valuable? A new bike. A new phone. A new skirt. When we have that valuable thing in our possession, we take really good care of it. We protect it. We even guard it. Why? Because we want that thing to continue to provide for us and meet our needs. Psalms 119:129 says, "Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep [guard, protect] them." Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep [guard, protect] thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Prosperity This kind of thinking contributes to prosperity (success, flourishing, thriving, abundance). In Proverbs 21:5, it says, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness….” Which means that when we think, plan, and are mindful of what’s going on (attentive and persistent), what results is abundance and plenty. To Use Resources In Genesis, God explains that the purpose of various plants and animals is to benefit humans. God intends for us to use the resources of the earth for our profit. In Genesis 1:29, we read, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” In Genesis 9:3, it says, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” This creation, our Earth, our environment and world, is here for us to live within, enjoy, and take care of. We come from it. And it is in us. And, therefore, we have a moral duty not to neglect or squander the natural resources that have been provided to us. How well we take care of the place in which we live is a direct reflection on how well we take care of ourselves. The Founding President of The Way International, Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, wrote the following in his publication The Lifestyle of a Believer: “Living in this world, we have to take this world as we find it and resolutely endeavor to act as virtuously as possible in every situation, striving always to choose the better of two or more alternatives and to make it a better world in which to live.” We have the privilege and responsibility to determine how we are going to steward natural resources, based on the condition of the environment in which we live and the time we are able to devote to it. Conclusion As we face environmental concerns of our own or those of others, we can remember the stories of how God has provided everything we need to live an abundant life. We don’t have to live in fear. Our world can be kept like a treasure. We come from the Earth. We’re made of the same stuff as the dirt, the plants, the animals and even the stars. If we are mindful of what we have, and take care of what we have been given, with thanksgiving, what results is plenty and abundant. You may also be interested in reading The Root of All Fear, and a short video about Climate Change by Ben Gromicko. The secret of living an abundant life is to have no fear. In life, we can learn to control one thing, particularly when everything else is out of our control. And that one thing is our own mind. Because we can control our thoughts and our actions, fear, therefore, must arise from our minds. Fear does not actually exist, unless you think it does. It’s imaginary. Roaring Lion I can take a moment and imagine a lion outside my window. The fear of the lion might overwhelm me. Fear might make me stop in my tracks. In contrast, the absence of fear at that moment of seeing a roaring lion would allow me to think clearly, and, most importantly, act accordingly. In 1 Peter 5:8 we read about being mindful.
2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs us to not be afraid. God tells us to have no fear. To dispel imaginations and take hold of your thoughts.
Fear is a Snare Proverbs 3:25-26 says to not be afraid of sudden fear when it comes to you. But to stand firm. And your believing will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Examples God’s Word gives us examples of those who stood bravely when faced with sudden fear, and they were not trapped because they renewed their minds, and trusted in God, and experienced the unconditional, everywhere-present, powerful love of God. Throughout God’s Word we read of God’s people being faced with “sudden fear” and emerging victorious because of their love for God. There is no fear in love. When we’re surrounded in unconditional love, we have no reason to doubt, worry, or fear. And “whoso putteth his trust in God shall be safe.” Let’s learn about a few examples of believers who loved God and put their trust in God when faced with fear:
The young man David had great love for God and was not afraid of the giant Goliath. In I Samuel 17, we're told the story of Israel’s mighty army that was at war with the Philistines. And the entire army was being intimidated by one of their soldiers named Goliath. This giant taunted Israel’s army every morning and every evening for forty days. No Israelite soldier would accept Goliath’s challenge to fight him because they were all afraid (I Samuel 17:24). Jesse, a father of eight sons, directed his youngest son, David, to go to the Israelite’s camp to bring food for his three brothers who were soldiers. While there, David heard Goliath harassing the army. So this young boy, David, asked the soldiers, who were all fearful, a couple questions (1 Samuel 17:26). He wanted to know why they were afraid of Goliath even though God was with them. Because of his great love for the living God, David himself bravely faced Goliath without fear and killed Goliath. When the Philistine army saw their champion was dead, they fled. Israel was victorious, because of David’s love for God and his brothers. There is no fear in love. Jesus and His Friends One day, the followers of Jesus were sitting around, and they were very hungry. And Jesus fed everyone with five loaves and two fish. Then, Jesus said to his friends to go across the lake in boat and rest. Jesus went up the mountain to rest for a bit. A windy storm comes. His friends need help, because the waves are crashing their boat (Mark 6:49-51). They see Jesus walking on the water to them, and Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.” The waters calmed down and they were safe. They were exhausted and relieved. Jesus provided his friends unconditional love. His friends were told to not be afraid. At that moment, Jesus was like the manifestation of peace and calm in the middle of a fearful storm. But love casts out fear. There’s no fear in love. There’s no need to fear when you’re surrounded by unconditional love. The Root of All Fear Scripture says that whoever listens to and learns from wisdom will live securely and in confident trust. And she will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.
There is no fear in love.
Perfect love (unconditional love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation) drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is simply not yet mature enough to fully understand the love of God in the renewed mind. The root of all fear is the absence of love. Renewing Our Mind How do we cast out fear from our minds? By renewing it. We renew it by filling it up with love. Because God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). From Romans 12:2, we learn that we can renew your minds.
As we mature spiritually:
Matthew 28:1-10 In Matthew 28:1-10, there is a story of a great woman named Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene witnessed Jesus’s crucifixion, and she was the first person to testify to the resurrection of Jesus, and she was the first person to meet and talk with Jesus after he rose. In this story, the angel tells Mary to not be afraid of this miracle that she has just witnessed. And Jesus also tells Mary to not be afraid. Mary Magdalene was with Jesus from the beginning; she was healed by Jesus; she followed Jesus; she cared for, listened to, and attended Jesus. She love him; and he love her back. And because of that love, there was no need, no place, no reason for fear to exist. Can You Imagine Living Without Fear? Can you imagine what you could do, if you had no fear in doing it? How can we do that? How can we get to that point where we have no fear? The key to having no fear in life rests upon understanding the presence of God.
Scripture says that God is Spirit (John 4:24), God is love (1 John 4:16), and God is everywhere present. God (love) is wherever you go.
Paul
In Acts 9, there's a story of Paul (Saul). He was hunting down and persecuting Jesus’s followers. One day, while walking on a road to Damascus, in search of some disciples, he was struck and surrounded by a light from heaven (Acts 9:4-6). At that moment, Paul was really afraid. Fearful. He was trembling. But he recognized that something amazing was happening, and he immediately renewed his mind, and asked what was it he could do. He changed his mind, and acted accordingly. Later in his life, Paul, would reveal the greatest truth anyone could ever know. Paul revealed the great mystery, which is that the powerful, unconditional love of God is everywhere present available to everyone at anytime. Conclusion Since there is no fear in love, and God is love, then there cannot be any fear in God. Like the examples we just read about, when we bring our minds to God’s Word and keep love as our prime motivating factor, we can trust in God and live a more than abundant life. Further Reading You may be interested in reading Eliminating Fear--Thought By Thought and Mindfulness Enables Men to Be Powerful. |
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