Mark Hinton gave our communion meditation on Sunday.
Here is what he said:
"How many of you know that there has been over 100 days straight
of riots in Portland, Oregon? What about the fires in California? And
along the west coast? We have a hurricane heading towards New Orleans.
"We live in days that can cause us to FEAR: fear of the
unknown; fear of the known; fear of the future; fear of the present;
fear to go outside; fear to stay inside; fear for our health; fear
for our kids; fear for our grand kids; fear to live; fear to die.
"...and the list goes on and on and on........
"The consequences of fear can drain you of: HOPE;
encouragement; rational thought, energy; good health; critical
thinking; inaction.
"Fear can cause: isolation; poor decisions; poor health;
depression; anger; poor relationships.
"Why did Adam and Eve hide from God in the garden? They were
afraid. Why did 10 of the 12 spies bring back a bad report after spying
out the land of Canaan? They were afraid. Why did all the disciples
flee the night Jesus was taken away to be tried? They were afraid!
"There are some healthy fears: touching live electrical
wires while standing in water. Playing too many practical jokes on your
spouse. Things like that.
"If all we're living in is FEAR, we are in bondage. And the enemy
will do anything to keep us there.
"But that is NOT how God wants His children to live. Jesus said,
"I have come to give you life and to give it to you more
abundantly!" Paul said, "We are MORE than conquerors through
Him who loved us."
"We have to find our foundation and our weapons in God's Word: 2
Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but
of power, and of love, and of a right mind."
"Now that is either TRUE or it's not true. If it's in the Book, I
choose to believe it's true!
"I John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in Love. But Perfect
Love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears
has not been made perfect in Love."
"So when fear rears it's ugly head, rebuke it in Jesus' Name -
'Lord, this is not of You - You have given me the spirit of power and of
love and of a right mind.'
"We can live right. Love right. Think right."
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