Do not worry....but we still are, right?

1. vision w/o optimism
2. fear seems reasonable to us, even when irrational.
3. Fear is about:
-not getting what we want
-getting what we want and losing it
-getting what we don't want.
4. Fear reveals our values, loves, priorities, and longings.
5. Fear increases with more freedom
6. Fear turns into false prophets
7. Fear is not always sinful, but is always an opportunity. (either run to or away from God..that is OUR choice)


Hey Everyone! So, I was looking at sermon clips from Mark Driscoll, a couple seconds ago. I ran across "7 Truths about Fear". I thought of how appropriate this was, b/c I'm getting fears creeping up, as I leave tomorrow for Moody. (#5 was obvious and almost made me chuckle)

Fear and worrying is sin, essessively dealing w/ this is a pain. I step back and yell at myself almost, "GOD IS GOD AND I AM NOT! HE KNOWS ALL, WHY THE HECK DO I WORRY AND FEAR THINGS?" Answer: I'm a sinner SAVED by grace, but still a sinner who struggles in life. Those words screaming in my heart and head bring comfort, yes, but it also reminds me of what the father in the Bible said (Mark 9:34) Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" And how I need to be in the Word...bathing in the Word consistanly, b/c God KNOWS and has HIS divine reasoning for His divine plan. IT IS NOT MY PLAN OR MY WILL, BUT HIS ALONE. THAT..is AWESOME!

After looking over this list of 7 fears, the words of my high school youth pastor came to mind. He has taught me/us oodles :) of lessons, but one that has stuck and God has really ingrained this in my heart, has been "PREACH TO YOURSELF" Preaching the TRUTH to myself, when I fall into these moments of wondering, questioning, worrying, and fearing. (All those negative "ing" things..)

Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.


Joshua 1:9:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 119:105:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

So, I just thought I'd share these morning thoughts w/ you all today!