Fear

NCFI Cares: Sandals for Chicken Little

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We have fastened our belt and attached our breastplate of righteousness, now we are ready to secure the gospel of peace to our feet (Ephesians 6:15). These unique shoes or sandals are strong, sturdy and fortified with the message of Christ (Matthew 10:5-13).  Jesus did not come to judge, nor cause war or conflict (John 12:47). Instead, he brought healing, peace and forgiveness. This is the peaceful message we fasten to our feet (Acts 10:36).

One way we change shoes, is by not allowing our minds and hearts to be absorbed by stress, anxiety, or fear. All of these emotions and responses come from a spirit of fear and not the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). These are also emotions and thoughts that Satan capitalizes on.

I am reminded of a children’s story/folk tale entitled Chicken Little. It is about a chicken, who after having something fall on her head, runs in a panic yelling, “The sky is falling!” She runs to all her animal friends, Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey and others. Together they go to warn the King. Depending on the version, the animals either hide in a cave never warning the King; or they are able to warn the King, who explains to Chicken Little and her friends about the large acorns falling from the trees.

Obviously, Chicken Little and her friends forgot their peaceful sandals and the promises of Christ (Philippians 4:7). 🙂

Prayer: Our Lord is faithful to strengthen you and protect you from the evil one while directing your hearts toward his love and the endurance of Christ, amen. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5)

Blessings

Carrie

Learn more about Chicken Little @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henny_Penny

Carrie

Learn more about Chicken Little @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henny_Penny

NCFI Cares: No Fear

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Many of us know the story of Paul, who was Saul. The person instrumental to the Paul’s conversion is the person Ananias, “a disciple of the Lord.”  The Lord comes to him in a vision and directs Ananias to go and present the gospel to Saul. Remember, Saul had been violently persecuting Christians. So when Ananias receives this personal directive from God, he argues and says, “Excuse me Lord, do you know who this Paul is?” Ananias is trembling with fear and not sure if the Lord is really saying, “Go”.

Fear is a powerful deterrent to our obedience to God. Many of us may not be asked to go someplace fearful, but we may be asked to talk with someone who frightens us. Or we may be asked by God take on an unfamiliar role in nursing, or provide care for patients different from ourselves. The Lord will ask you to do something that is uncomfortable. It is also important to note, that what is fearful for me, may not be fearful for you.

The Lord responds to Ananias fear by saying, “Go, because this man (Saul) is my chosen instrumentto carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel”(Acts 9:15). So, Ananias follows the Lord’s instructions and meets with Saul to baptize him. Saul receives the first hand of love and forgiveness through Ananias. The Lord will call on us and we will have fears, but the Lord will guide us, strengthen us, and most importantly work through us for His glory.