Battling the enemy of fear

Posted on August 24, 2009 by valerie

God has blessed us with his word, so we can find hope, encouragement,
and strength to fight whatever battle we’re facing in life.

Our enemy may be a gang, terrorists, abusive parent or spouse.

It may be poverty, sickness, or fear of not fitting in to the clique at school.

Today’s devotion is taken from 1 Samuel 14.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to your hearts and show you how loved
and special you are to Him and me.

God’s word is like a secret weapon to fight the enemies of our world.

The Bible says…
And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger
than their enemies. Psalm 105:24

King Saul and his son Jonathan’s army had dwindled
from 3000 men to only 600 because the people feared
the Philistines.

The Bible tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power,
love, and a sound mind.

We all feel fearful at times, but we must choose to walk forward in faith,
and not allow the spirit of fear to cripple or depress us.

When God draws us into the battlefield of life we; must not run and hide every time
the enemy tries to kill, steal, or destroy our family and dreams.

We must continue to praise and thank God, even in the trying times of testing,
and trust that all things will work out for good, because he loves us.

The Philistines were shrewd and had removed all the blacksmiths
who could sharpen weapons of swords and spears. This
left only Jonathan and King Saul with sharp weapons to fight.

One day Jonathan and his armorbearer went up to spy out
the Philistine camp without his father’s knowledge.

Jonathan said, let’s go and taunt these uncircumcised Philistines.
It may be that God will be with us, for his power is not restrained
by the size of the army.

His armorbearer had seen God deliver his people and said, do all that
is in your heart, for I am with you.

Jonathan wisely chose an encourager and follower of God to be his friend
and partner in battle.

Jonathan said, we’ll show ourselves to the Philistines. If they say be still
and we’ll come to you, then we will not go up…but if they say, come up
to us, then we will go, for it will be a sign that the LORD has delivered
them into our hand.

When the Philistines saw the 2 men, they said, come up and we will
show you something.

Jonathan said, Let’s go, for the LORD has delivered them into the hand
of Israel.

Jonathan and his armorbearer defeated about 20 men on 1/2 acre
of land.

There was a great trembling in the field and the earth quaked.

Saul’s men in Gibeah look and saw the multitude of soldiers
running away and beating down one another.

Saul numbered his people and it was discovered that his
son Jonathan and his armorbearer were missing.

The noise in the camp of the Philistines increased and Saul
assembled the men for battle.

The Hebrews who had run and hid before came out and joined
in the battle.

So the LORD saved Israel that day and the battle passed over to Bethaven.
1 Samuel 14:23

Jonathan had learned at an early age to trust in the LORD. He wisely
realized the victory would not be determined by the size of their
army or their weapons.

He knew if God was for them, no one could be against them.

God not only gave them the courage to fight the battle, but sent
an earthquake and a spirit of confusion into the hearts of the
enemy, so they killed each other and ran away.

The same God who helped Jonathan loves you very much and
wants to help you defeat the giants in your life.

God loved you so much he sent his only son Jesus to die for your
sins on the cross. He rose again on the 3rd day and defeated
satan and death.

Jesus holds all power in heaven and in earth.

With him on our side, all things are possible.

Whoever calls upon him, will be saved.

He promises to never leave you or forsake you.

I urge you to call out to him today and let him fight
your battles with you.

He’s only a prayer away.

O most merciful Father in Heaven,
Holy is Your name

Thank you for the inspiring words of scripture to teach and correct us.

Forgive me for my sins of fear, doubt, and unbelief. Too often I have
allowed my enemies to defeat me, because I forgot just how powerful
you are. LORD Jesus, come into my heart, I ask you to be my Saviour.

Through you we will push down our enemies and tread down those
who rise against us.

Teach us the art of overcoming our enemies through faith and prayer.
You make wars to cease and the hearts of our leaders are in your hands.
We offer to you the sacrifice of our worship and praise. We call out
to you in our day of trouble. You will deliver us and we will glorify you.

Open the hearts of all who are unsaved to believe in Jesus as their Saviour.
Let no one perish, but all to have eternal life.

We offer to you our bodies, gifts, and talents as a living sacrifice. Show
us how we may serve you today and win souls for the kingdom.

Thank you LORD for abundantly providing for all our needs. We are grateful
for your loving hand of provision. Bless and prosper all who have
sown seeds to reap a bountiful harvest.

We ask you to heal all who are sick, comfort those who mourn or are
in pain, cast out the spirit of addiction in all who are oppressed, defend
the unborn, the fatherless, and the helpless. May your saving grace be
known among all nations, so all will soon know that you are the only
true God and Jesus is the only way by which man may be saved.

We lift up special prayers today for Elijah, Lana, Kevin, Cookie, Gloria, Shirley,
Daniel, Jeff, and Margaret. We cry out to you for our brothers
and sisters who are suffering from sickness or pain and ask you to
reach down from heaven and make them whole with your healing touch.
Jesus bore our sickness and sins upon the cross, and in faith we know
you are well able to restore them to health…never the less, not our will
but thine be done.

Watch over all the children and keep them safe in their homes
and schools. Raise up a godly new generation of disciples
who will preach and publish your word with power.
We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.
If you are for us, no one can be against us.

In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen

TERROR REIGNS WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS

Terror reigns within our schools.
For they no longer have God’s rules.
And now in order for them to pray.
A child must loose its life today.

Our children are crying out in need.
As their parents…we must take heed.
Let’s show our children Jesus’ way.
To solve their problems in non-violent ways.

We need to show them how to seek…
Strength from God, when they feel weak.
For only God’s Word can quiet their fears,
and help them to know, He’s always near.

Oh Lord, we pray for forgiveness and peace.
Please give our children the love they seek.
Through you guidance, please let us find…
Joy and hope and peace of mind.

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee,

that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after

thee forever, when thou doest that which is good and right

in the sight of the Lord thy God…

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: Thou shalt not add thereto,

nor diminish from it. Deut. 12:28 & 32 KJV

May the words of this message and the meditation of our
hearts be acceptable in your sight,

O LORD, our strength and our redeemer.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble

themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from

their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will

forgive their sins, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14 KJV

In Christian love,

Valerie Rousseau