Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
In the United States, there is an over-the-counter medication advertised as the medicine to take at the first indication of a cold, to keep it from getting worse and becoming full-blown. I take a lot of vitamin C if I have a scratchy throat or a runny nose because it often keeps me from getting worse. Catching something before it goes too far is wisdom.
I recommend that anytime you even begin to feel fearful about anything that you immediately begin to pray and confess, "I will not live in fear." You will see amazing results. When we pray, God hears and answers. When we confess His Word, we renew our own minds and come into agreement with His plans for us. No matter what God wants to do for us, we must agree with Him in order to receive and enjoy it (see Amos 3:3). We must learn to think like God thinks and talk like He talks—and none of His thoughts or words are fearful.
This thought—I will not live in fear—will help you become courageous rather than fearful. Call it to mind the instant you begin to feel fear, and meditate on it even during the times when you are not afraid.
By doing this you will be even more prepared to stand against fear when it does come. Remember that it will take time; be committed to stick with it until you see change. I still say, "I will not live in fear." Say it as soon as you feel fearful about anything, and you will be able to keep fear from controlling you. You may still feel fear, but you can move beyond it by realizing that it is merely the devil's attempt to prevent you from enjoying life or making any kind of progress. Do what you believe you are supposed to do even if you have to "do it afraid."
Trust in Him: What can you do to "catch it early" and not let fear control you? Trust that God does not want you to live a life of fear.
Working till Jesus Comes
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”
Luke 19:12–13
Harry Ironside’s father died when he was a young boy, so he went to work at an early age to help support the family. He got a job with a shoe cobbler who was a devout Christian man. Ironside’s task was to pound the leather for the bottom of the shoes after they were soaked and cut to shape so they would dry. It was a long and tedious task. There was another cobbler in town who skipped that step, using wet leather for the soles. Once Ironside asked him about it, and he pointed out that though the quality was less, it created return business because his customers had to come back for repairs.
When Ironside suggested this measure to his boss, he rejected it—not for financial reasons but for spiritual ones. Ironside wrote, “Mr. Mackay stopped his work and opened his Bible. ‘Harry,’ he said, ‘I do not cobble shoes just for the four bits and six bits that I get from my customers. I expect to see every shoe I have ever repaired in a big pile at the judgment seat of Christ, and I do not want the Lord to say to me in that day, ‘Dan, this was a poor job. You did not do your best here.’ I want Him to be able to say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
God has commanded us to be diligent in our work. This is true whether we are at work in the church, on the job, or at home. Every task is worthy of our faithful labor. While the world has devalued diligence and effort, God still sees and rewards those who work faithfully.
Luke 19:12–13
Harry Ironside’s father died when he was a young boy, so he went to work at an early age to help support the family. He got a job with a shoe cobbler who was a devout Christian man. Ironside’s task was to pound the leather for the bottom of the shoes after they were soaked and cut to shape so they would dry. It was a long and tedious task. There was another cobbler in town who skipped that step, using wet leather for the soles. Once Ironside asked him about it, and he pointed out that though the quality was less, it created return business because his customers had to come back for repairs.
When Ironside suggested this measure to his boss, he rejected it—not for financial reasons but for spiritual ones. Ironside wrote, “Mr. Mackay stopped his work and opened his Bible. ‘Harry,’ he said, ‘I do not cobble shoes just for the four bits and six bits that I get from my customers. I expect to see every shoe I have ever repaired in a big pile at the judgment seat of Christ, and I do not want the Lord to say to me in that day, ‘Dan, this was a poor job. You did not do your best here.’ I want Him to be able to say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
God has commanded us to be diligent in our work. This is true whether we are at work in the church, on the job, or at home. Every task is worthy of our faithful labor. While the world has devalued diligence and effort, God still sees and rewards those who work faithfully.
Today’s Growth Principle:
All of our work in every part of life is meant to be done to bring glory to God.
Catch it Early
by Joyce Meyer - posted August 28, 2016Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
In the United States, there is an over-the-counter medication advertised as the medicine to take at the first indication of a cold, to keep it from getting worse and becoming full-blown. I take a lot of vitamin C if I have a scratchy throat or a runny nose because it often keeps me from getting worse. Catching something before it goes too far is wisdom.
I recommend that anytime you even begin to feel fearful about anything that you immediately begin to pray and confess, "I will not live in fear." You will see amazing results. When we pray, God hears and answers. When we confess His Word, we renew our own minds and come into agreement with His plans for us. No matter what God wants to do for us, we must agree with Him in order to receive and enjoy it (see Amos 3:3). We must learn to think like God thinks and talk like He talks—and none of His thoughts or words are fearful.
This thought—I will not live in fear—will help you become courageous rather than fearful. Call it to mind the instant you begin to feel fear, and meditate on it even during the times when you are not afraid.
By doing this you will be even more prepared to stand against fear when it does come. Remember that it will take time; be committed to stick with it until you see change. I still say, "I will not live in fear." Say it as soon as you feel fearful about anything, and you will be able to keep fear from controlling you. You may still feel fear, but you can move beyond it by realizing that it is merely the devil's attempt to prevent you from enjoying life or making any kind of progress. Do what you believe you are supposed to do even if you have to "do it afraid."
Trust in Him: What can you do to "catch it early" and not let fear control you? Trust that God does not want you to live a life of fear.
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