“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.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

Two kinds of fear

It’s important to understand that there are two definitions of the word fear and they have very different meanings from each other. According to the Word of God we are commanded not to do one but we must to do the other. It’s important to know the difference between the two. We are commanded in Scripture to fear God (the fear of God) and not to fear man or the devil (worldly fear). So, what does this mean? The following are the two definitions. 

• Worldly fear - The most general term for this kind of fear implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. Itis defined as “dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation, and/or painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. This kind of fear is not from God, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV) By the way, the command, “Don’t be afraid” or “fear not” (both are essentially the same thing) is the command most given in the Bible. In fact, you will find it said in one way or another 365 times, one time for each day of the year! And understand that worldly fear is the exact opposite of faith; you can’t have faith when you allow worldly fear. 

• The fear of God - The Bible refers to the fear of God over 300 times. It is very different than worldly fear described above. This kind of fear is defined as a feeling of respect and wonder for God who is supreme and powerful. We are commanded to fear God this way. The fear of God is very positive! “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10 ESV), and “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Prov. 19:23 ESV)

In other words, to know the fear of God is to know no fear of man. 

God has commanded: Be strong and courageous

We are not to give in to worldly fear! We are strong and courageous when we realize God is always with us. 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9 ESV)

If worldly fear attacks do this

“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.” (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm. 34:4 ESV)

Therefore…

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6 ESV)

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isa. 41:13 ESV)

“…The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 ESV)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9 ESV)

I heard someone say recently, “God’s Grace keeps pace with what we face.” That’s so true! There is nothing you can ever be confronted with greater than God’s ability to cover it completely with His Grace! In fact, the Bible passage at top says it plainly, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” At the end of this Bible promise about God’s wonderful Grace, Paul says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” In other words, God’s Grace is powerful when you are weak! What a huge promise!” 

Rest on God’s power!

“so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” (1 Cor. 2:5)

Do not be afraid!

“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious," he said. "Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!" As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” (Dan. 10:19)

Christ gives you strength!

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

Therefore…

“I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.” (2 Cor. 12:5)

“I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,” (Eph. 3:16)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph.1:3 NIV) 

The Doxology (glory and praise to God)

When Susan and I were first married we were regularly invited for Sunday dinners at her parent’s home. Before eating the meal, her father would sing the doxology and the entire family joined in…

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly host. 

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 

Amen.”

I really enjoyed his beginning Sunday meals like that! It was very uplifting. My father-in-law has been gone for many years now, but whenever I think of him, I remember the sound of his voice enthusiastically proclaiming praise to God.

Sing to the Lord all the earth!

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the Lord in holy array. Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” (1 Chron. 16:23-31 NASB) 

“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8 ESV)

Your steps are established by the Lord 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalms 37:23 ESV)

Even in uttermost parts 

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalms 139:9-10 ESV) 

Wisdom and understanding will help you go on your way in safety 

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.” (Prov. 3:21-23 NIV)

God’s Word will light your path 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Angels guard you by His command

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11 ESV)

You may have good success whoever you go

“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:7 ESV)

“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” (Prov. 16:28 ESV)

Gossiping is very serious!

When most people think of “serous sins”, gossiping is usually not too high on the list. But, gossiping is very serious and is condemned in both the old and New Testaments. 

Gossips are listed in the Bible with those who commit murder!

“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips…” (Rom. 1:29 ESV)

Saying what they should not

“Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” (1 Tim. 5:13 ESV)

Slandering your neighbor 

“You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” Levit. 19:16 ESV)

“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.” (Psalm 101:5 ESV)

Spreading false reports 

“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” (Ex. 23:1 ESV)

Revealing secrets 

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” (Prov. 29:19 ESV)

Careless words spoken

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” (Matt. 22:36 ESV)

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Psalm 34:13 ESV)

Don’t listen to gossip! 

“An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” (Prov. 17:4 ESV)

“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” (2 Tim. 2:16 ESV)

 Love covers a matter

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Prov. 17:9 ESV)

Jesus said we won’t know what day he will return. But He told us to keep watch and He gave us some signs to watch for. 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matt. 24:42) 

“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thess. 5:4 ESV)

So what are we to recognize and watch for? 

Four things: Terrible times, deceptive times, disabling times, and demonic times; all happening at the same time! Let’s look at them. 

• TERRIBLE times  

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5 NIV)

• DECEPTIVE times

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Tim. 4:1 NIV)

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:4-14 KJV)

• DISABLING times

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:11-12 NKJV)

“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:17-20 ESV)

• DEMONIC times

“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.” (Eph. 6:10-12 NIV)

Therefore…

Be ready, keep watch, be busy, be encouraged, and also encourage one another .

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28 KJV)

“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:4 ESV)

“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:17 ESV)

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11 ESV)

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58 ESV)

“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25 NIV)

Lift up your head, straighten up, because your redemption is drawing near

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28 NASB)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but not God’s words

“Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. “So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:29-33 NASB)

Be on guard and don’t be caught in a trap!

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 NASB)

God makes your enemies be at peace with you 

“When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Prov. 16:7 ESV)

You will win favor and a good name

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Prov. 3:3-4 ESV)

Our troubles are light and momentary

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor. 4:17 ESV)

We have great and precious promises 

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:4 ESV)

Benefits from the Lord every day!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19 KJV)

Hello My Dear Friends who daily receive Power Packed Promises.

Today, besides the normal posting that is going out as usual, I’m sending this to you as well. With a special reminder to be praying fervently for the millions in Ukraine who are under attack at this moment. Pray also for the Russian people who are caught up in this and also in danger.

Many friends also have asked if the Bible says anything about this. I think the clearest message I’ve heard on the subject (and there’s lots of opinion) is what I’ve posted here, “Is Ukraine in final Bible prophecy?” It’s basically about Ezekiel 38 and 39 and gives a lot of Bible passages to think about. It’s especially powerful and very thought provoking at the end of his message where he’s talking about Winston Churchill and the miracles that happened to stop Hitler.

Keep in mind that this message is just one pastor’s thoughts and others may understand these passages differently. Ultimately, God knows exactly what will happen in the world according to His plan and we can trust in Him completely and without fear.

If this link doesn’t work for you by clicking on it, please cut and paste it in your browser to watch.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-_MAS48w3eQ&feature=share