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Power Over Fear (The Power of Love & Sound Mind) - Part 4
by Frank King | July 12, 2011
We don’t often see Love as a weapon against fear, but the Word of God is clear that Love has the power to eradicate fear. When we are perfected (fully accomplished) in the Love God has for us and our love for him, we can have confidence in this world and in our eternal destiny. In 1 John 4, the apostle John talks about the abiding love we have in Christ, he contrast this love with the torment that fear brings. Have you ever thought about it, fear is tormenting and terroristic! Here’s the bottom line, when we grow in the confidence of the Father’s love for us – not only is there no need to fear but His love grips our hearts and has the power to drive the overwhelming motion of fear out of us. A revelation of His deep care for us brings a sense of peace and a “knowing” that all will be alright.
Ultimately this leads to soundness of mind, which is translated from the Greek language to mean “a balanced or sensible mind.” One translation says, “a saving of the mind.” I don’t know about you, but fear has a way of causing a wreck in the thought life – fear can cause you to imagine things to be the worst than they really are and cause sudden panic. Our minds have to be saved from the torment that fear brings. Praying for a sound mind can prevent us from making fear-based decisions, which from my experience, always turns out to be the wrong decision!
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God; having a sound mind is important to living out our lives in focused faith. Get a Word from God, let faith arise in your heart and put your mind to rest. All will be well! As a matter of practical application, there are many things we don’t need to fear if we put our trust in God’s Word, let me end with at least three things you never need to fear:
1. No need to fear people or what that can do to you. Psalms 118:6-9 (NLT) 6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? 7 Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
2. No need to fear the enemy. Proverbs 3:23-26 (NKJV) 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
3. No need to fear not having your needs met. Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT) 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Be Blessed and FEAR NOT!
Power Over Fear (The Might of God in You) - Part 3
by Frank King | June 17, 2011
Fear is a power, but there is a greater power available for you. The bible declares that we have the Spirit of Power. The Holy Spirit of God gives us power over fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the word power can be translated “might, force or mighty workings.” God gives us power for action to overcome something. Power is not necessary if there is nothing to accomplish. When Jesus walked on the earth, he had power to heal and to deal with those who were tormented with unclean spirits. (Luke 6:17-19) That same power that worked in Jesus is available to every believer to deal with things that “torment” or cause us to be in fear.
The power of God in us combats and overcomes fear for those times and season when we deal with difficulties and trials. He gives us what is necessary to do all task well, without fear of failure or disaster. Power is released when action is taken!
Have you noticed that every time you decide to take action, fear shows up in force? Many accept the invitation to fear and turn back from the opportunity that could propel them into purpose and victory. Why? Because they don’t realize that the Power of God is available to meet the fear and more importantly they don’t know how to harness the strength of God available to them to move forward and act in faith. When fear shows up, combat it with the Power of His Word! Know that the “exceeding greatness of His power is given to us who believe.” (Eph. 1:19)
You may look strong to others on the outside and feel weak and tormented by the overwhelming fears that are within . . . fear of death, loss, struggle or failure, but the Word of God declares that you will be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in your (emphasis added) inner man.” (Eph. 3:16) You can not only look strong on the outside, but know and experience the strength of God on the inside.
Do not be afraid, power is available for you through the renewing of you mind by His Word. Here’s your confession of faith, say this out loud to your self . . .
I know who I am, I will not fear. I belong to God and He has given me everything I need to overcome fear. I will not be distracted, I will move forward. I stir up and re-kindle the divine grace gift that has been given to me by the Holy Spirit. He has given me power and I will take action. I will move forward. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Stay Tuned for Part 4 . . .
Power Over Fear (The Power of the Gift within You) - Part 2
by Frank King | June 10, 2011
The effect of fear in our lives is real! In reality, each of us will have to face off against the enemy of fear. Many are unable to function because they live in constant fear and it rules their lives. Fear of loss or less; fear of man (being afraid of what people think about you); fear of failure or opposition; fear of criticism and fear of harm – these are all real issues that many of us deal with.
Take courage, God has given us the tools to live free from the power of fear. In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, there are four power points which help us to win the battle over intimidation. You are spiritually equipped to overcome!
Power Point #1: The Power of the Gift within You
2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
It is absolutely important to know whose you are (you belong to Him) and who you are (your identity in Christ). It is your identity that motivates the purpose of God in you. When you know “why you exist,” then you can live out the will of God with confidence. Knowing and living the will of God is your place of favor and when you walk in the favor of God using the gifts He has invested in you, fear is eradicated.
The enemy is a master at using fear, primarily, to keep the gift of God from operating in you. He’s not just after your talent or skill, but it’s the “grace gift” of God, His enablement in you that he seeks to hinder.
Paul encourages Timothy to “stir up” or rekindle the embers the flame, which is the gift of God in you. When you are operating in the plan of God for your life, faith is released and fear is destroyed.
Whether you are afraid about your finances, loss, criticism, your marriage failing, ridicule or opposition that you face, it is secondary to the will and purpose of God for your life. The goal of fear is to keep you on the sidelines; but the goal of God is to get you in the game and fulfill the plan He has for you.
I challenge you to know your grace gift and get into the game of life; the world is waiting on you release the gift God has place in you, for His glory! NO MORE FEAR!
Stay Tuned for Part 3 . . .
Power Over Fear (You Have What You Need) - Part 1
by Frank King | June 4, 2011
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NKJV) 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
If you are going to do anything for God, you will have to conquer fear. John Wesley said, “Give me one hundred Christians who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; they alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.” Fear is a natural emotional response to a perceived threat to one’s security or general welfare. It ranges in degree of intensity from a sense of anxiety or worry to one of utter terror.
After 9/11, the President of the United States declared war on terrorism. The strategy of Al Qaeda against America and the west is to destroy democracy, not through bombs or bullets, but through “fear.” Hence, the “war on terrorism” is among other things, a war on fear.
Fear is a powerful force and can be a hindrance to the enjoyment. If you don’t have a method to deal with fear, it will lead to an inability to engage in the normal activities of life. For Christians, we can take courage. God has equipped us through His Word, to over the paralyzing effects of terror and intimidation. We do not have to lack courage or self-confidence. We do not have to live under the tyranny of the urgent, shame or cowardice because of fear. Fear is not our master and is not birth in us by God.
In Mark 4:40, Jesus dealt with his disciples over their fear of the storm, he asked, “Why are you so fearful, how is it that you have no faith?” Jesus is not just teaching them how to speak to storms, but more importantly that their strength and confidence must be in God. Here this, “fear is not just the opposite of faith, it is truly a lack of confidence in the Lord.”
In our message series, “Power over Fear” based from 2 Timothy 1:6-7, we talk about two foundational principles:
1. Fear is not birthed in us by the Holy Spirit
2. He has given us all the tools we need to overcome fear.
What are you afraid of? What is your greatest fear? Rest assured, God has a strategy and plan to help us overcome fear. We can face our worst fears and overcome them, with God’s equipment.
Stayed tuned for Part 2 . . . and take courage, you have everything you need to Win!
resurrection-promises
by Frank King | April 14, 2011
On April 24th, we will celebrate another Easter Service which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'm particularly excited about this advent season, there's anticipation in my heart and we are preparing to minister the hope of Christ to those who will come through our church doors. It's a privilege to be a vessel of Christ to communicate a message of Hope and Faith.
Prior to his death, Christ gave many promises. As a church we have been looking at the promises Christ gave in the book of John, chapters 13 - 17. One of those promises is that he would give His peace, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Jesus died and rose again so that we could experience both peace with God and the peace of God in our everyday lives. He came to eradicate fear and give us His assured confidence regarding his love and care for us. Take heart in the truth of God's word, you don't have to live a worried filled life but can have peace of mind and heart no matter the circumstance. Receive His peace today and know that all things will work out for good in your life.
What Do You Mean?
by Frank King | October 27, 2010
Are you a fan of Facebook? What an idea? It’s founder Mark Zuckerberg, a 26 year old Harvard student founded this company in 2004 and in 6 short years it’s a multi-billion dollar corporation with more than 1700 employees. It’s estimated that Facebook has over 500 million active users, that 1 in every 14 person in the world. Yes, the World which as of this writing is 6.875 Billion people and growing (US Population 310 Million). We all use it!
Like many social networking websites, I’m mostly amazed by how “in your face” Facebook is! I mean, people are really in your face – you know how people feel, you get a blow-by-blow of what they are experiencing and people are free to share the most intimate details of their lives. I’m amazed!!! Truly amazed!!! Couples argue on Facebook! Preacher’s preach on Facebook!!! You can get poke, prodded, punk’d and misunderstood on Facebook! You can start your business, advertise your product, sing your song, write your poem or de-friend your friends, all with the stroke of the proverbial pen. Of course, it all PRIVATE! RIGHT?
Further still, I’m not sure I know what people mean anymore. Is it just me or did I wake up and a new generation emerged with different values and social mores than I was taught to embrace. I’m not sure what things mean any more . . . there’s a new dictionary out there, and I do my best to stay in tuned with the lingo, but it’s a real struggle . . . OMG! SMH! LMSO! AAS! AAR! BIO! BG! M4C! MEGO! NI4NI! Words are replaced by numbers and everything is in code; how about the fact that words are not spelled out to their completion, aren't we blasphemy to the English language? “u know wat im sayin?”
Of course it’s not Facebook’s fault . . . social networks, texting and other electronic media has enable us to descend to a new state of confusion in how we communicate. By the way, if you don’t know what those abbreviations mean, as we were taught in the 4th grade (many years ago for me now), look them up in the dictionary! Not Merriam-Webster, there’s list of Chat Acronyms that you can find online . . . I ashamedly consulted this resource to enhance the effectiveness of this blog!! Okay, I’ll give you a couple of them . . . AAS – Alive and Smiling, BIO – Bring it On, BG – Be Good, NI4NI – Eye for an Eye!!!
After reading a couple of her published articles, she gave me an unpublished writing that summarized some of my feelings about this generation and how things are communicated. I use this with her permission. Jannie Johnson is Founder of Caring n Sharing, School of Preventative Counseling and consulting columnist of the Clarion-Ledger.
"In this age of change, renaming, reframing and redefining, I can no longer assume that I understand what you say or what you mean. Don’t think I am strange or call me names if I say, “I don’t understand what you mean.”
What do you mean when you say, “I want to move this cause, state, school district or whatever, forward?” Move forward? What direction is that? Will that be in the right direction or wrong direction, to the advantage of the taxpayer or to the advantage of your interests?
“I want to make a difference.” Good! Define that difference you have in mind. What does it look like now and will look like later? Is that difference you have in mind the kind of difference we need at this time, in this place or at that price?
“That behavior crossed the line.” What line is that? How is that line defined and by whom? How does behavior look that is not across the line?
That went too far, to the extreme.” What is the determinant of going too far or not going too far? What does “not to the extreme” look like in comparison to the extreme?
“I support family values.” What do you call family values? Name some. Are there other kinds of values? How do they differ from the one you have in mind?
“That is outrageous, out of hand.” Will you define that for me? Will the definitions be determined by who, when, and what is outrageous and out of what hand?
“I have not left my homeland, America, but I am beginning to feel like a foreigner at home. I am having difficulties in understanding the “new language” and probably, equally true, I am not understood either. I’m missing the Standard English and the meanings and understandings that once was shared and took for granted. What do you hear? Do you know?
Frankly, I don’t think I do know anymore what people mean! BIBI!! (Means: Bye Bye)Elections v. Elected?
by Frank King | October 18, 2010
2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.”
Ah! Another political campaign season is in full bloom. We see the myriad of television ads in which politicians promise to make life better for all in their desperate effort to get elected to public office. I’m sure you’ve seen the campaign slogans and the television attack ads! How can you miss them? Seemingly, campaigns get nastier and viler every year as politicians seek to get elected or re-elected to the place of power!
You may not be surprised that rough and tough campaigning has always been a part of American politics. In the 1884 Presidential Campaign, Grover Cleveland campaigned against James Blaine for the presidency of the United States and used the following campaign slogan:
“Blaine, Blaine, James G. Blaine, The Continental Liar from the State of Maine”
Cleveland wanted to highlight Blaine’s involvement in unethical business deals with the railroad industry and his behavior after they were exposed. How did Blaine respond? How about this slogan he used against Cleveland:
“Ma, Ma, Where’s my Pa, Gone to the White House, Ha, Ha, Ha”
What? Sophisticated huh! Well, at the least it hilarious! James Blaine was referring to the out of wedlock child Cleveland had allegedly fathered.
Well 126 years later, elections are still ugly business. However make no mistake about it; elections are about who rules and which person has the privilege and responsibility to govern us. This is about which ideas get promoted and ultimately the direction of our country at every level of government. Elections are truly important and as believers we should be aware of the issues and vote in a way that honors our faith and promote Godly values as much as possible.
Yet, in 2 Peter 1:10, we are admonished to work hard on another election; our being God’s elected and called people. As believers, this is not an election that is yet to take place but one that has already occurred. We are called, “His elected one” or “chosen people.” As his elected, it’s not primarily about our public service, it’s mostly about our private devotion to God.
We are his chosen ones and it’s a privilege to be called into His service. While public elections seek the vote of many, as His elected this is about the vote of One! Serve the One well and continuous victory is certain! As His elected, serve well and walk worthy of the call!
2 Peter 2:10 (NLT) “So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.”
Back to the Bible!
by Frank King | May 26, 2010
Balanced!!!!
by Frank King | February 15, 2010
Circumstances Notwithstanding . . .
by Frank King | January 31, 2010
Let me say very clearly, something is stirring in this hour! I'm sensing a significant shift in the culture and God is shifting us in the way we do "church." We all need something more than just religious expressions and cliches. We need authentic encounters ~ and I believe that God is giving true seekers a greater endowment of His power for the hour. Circumstances nothwithstanding . . . I'm a candidate for the release of this power! So we must not focus so much on trying to change the circumstances and let God change us and real power will come!
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