Fear or Faith

 

 

 

Fear or Faith

 

 

We need to define both words, Fear and Faith. 

Define fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat: (fear for) a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone.

 

Define Faith: Faith is defined as complete trust, confidence, or assurance in something unseen, often centered on belief in God's character and promises. It is described in the Bible as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1),

 

It is my belief and witness that we are engulfed with fear; it is being sold to us every day in most of the ads on the radio, TV, and in print.  Some example gold is being pushed as the answer to your financial survival.  The health care pill pushers are selling fear; all the insurance groups are big on selling fear. If you do not buy a warranty from one of the companies pushing it, to make sure your car is not going to cost you may end up paying thousands unless you pay them a very hefty amount each month for protection.

 

What is the driving force in selling Fear?  Greed, maybe we should define Greed:: intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. “mercenaries who had allowed greed to overtake their principles."  That is a great definition for many in the Congress of our nation.

 

In the Bible, greed is defined as an intense, selfish, and insatiable desire for possessions, wealth, or power, often described as a form of idolatry that prioritizes material gain over God. It is frequently linked with covetousness and described as "filthy lucre" or "dishonest gain," warning that this craving destroys life and leads to spiritual ruin.  Once more, the Congress of our nation comes to mind.  Their actions speak so much louder than words. 

 

 Ephesians 2:8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

 Hebrews 11:1-3

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

 

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

James 2:26

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

 

 Galatians 5:5-6

For through the Spirit, we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

 

 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

 

 

 Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

I'm convinced that anger is the fruit, but fear is the root. To produce better fruit in our lives, we need to tend to the roots. Next time you get angry, stop and ask yourself what you are being threatened by. Ken Shuman

 

​I was taught like a bird dog how to fear.  I've been over many years learning how not to listen to that channel and walk by faith.  Each day, we choose who we will 

serve; Fear or Faith.

 

From our Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice