Devotions with Pastor Bill

In Isaiah 41:10 the LORD is speaking to the people of Israel as they are in the midst of being corrected for their sins of idolatry –“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.” In Ephesians 6:10-13 the apostle Paul writes to the church, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

I recently heard 2020 being referred to as the year of fear. I believe this refers primarily to the current pandemic, and it probably has aspects of political, social and financial worries as well. I have heard of fear being expressed as
False Evidence Appearing Real.
​Our Lord and Savior is the epitome of Truth (see John 14:6) but our enemy, the deceiver, brings fear. Scripture is very clear that there is no truth in him (see John 8:44 and Revelation 12:9)

Paul also writes to the church in Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We all need to make sure our faith is in the right place.
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Shalom, Pastor Bill