No God, Know Fear --- Know God, No Fear

Fear Not. Do Not be afraid. --> this is oftentimes mention in the bible

FEAR is wrong use of the imagination. It is anticipating the worst and not the best to happen.


When you allow your fear to overwhelm your faith, your future is over.


Fear is a good emotion if it's for your own good. Fear is a bad emotion if it's irrational.

Matthew 25:25-26

    ²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
   ²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

Nothing under God's control is ever out of control.

Genesis 15:1

   ¹ After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
   “Do not be afraid, Abram.
   I am your shield,
   your very great reward.” 

Exodus 14:13

   ¹³ Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

   ⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

Judges 6:23

   ²³ But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”

2 Kings 6:16

   ¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 

Isaiah 41:13

¹³ For I am the LORD your God
   who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
   I will help you. 

Jeremiah 30:10

 ¹⁰ “‘So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant;
   do not be dismayed, Israel,’
            declares the LORD.
‘I will surely save you out of a distant place,
   your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security,
   and no one will make him afraid. 

Joel 2:21

 ²¹ Do not be afraid, land of Judah;
   be glad and rejoice.
Surely the LORD has done great things! 

Matthew 10:31

³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 1:30

³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 

John 6:20

²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Acts 18:9

 ⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

Revelations 1:17

 ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

Mark 4:35-41

 ³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
 ³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
 ⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
 ⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Psalm 4:8

 ⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, LORD,
   make me dwell in safety. 

Faith is not believing in spite of circumstances.
Faith is obeying inspite of feelings and circumstances.

From the movie "Shawshank Redemption":
     I guess it comes down to a simple choice really. Get busy living or get busy dying...

KNOWING GOD CONQUERS FEAR!

John 14:6

 ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8:12

 ¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Psalm 27:1

 ¹ 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? 

FEAR OF GOD, CONQUERS FEAR!

Mark 4:41

 ⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” 

Psalm 111:10

 ¹⁰ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
   all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
   To him belongs eternal praise. 

Exodus 20:20

 ²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” 

Psalm 147:11

¹¹ the LORD delights in those who fear him,
   who put their hope in his unfailing love.  

Philippians 4:19

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 

John 11:25

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

Matthew 10:28

²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Master Your Emotions: Of Envy and Jealousy

Jealousy and Envy often times prevailed over friendship and Contentment

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Psalm 73:1, 12-28 --Asaph expressed his struggle

Deuteronomy 6:1-3

1) If we truly delight in the Lord We need to recognize our struggle - know our enemy.

If we don't recognize our enemy we will be facing sure defeat, like not recognizing the struggle, will make us surely down

ENVY
* Envy is resenting the advantage of another, with a desire to possess the same advantage
* Envy is coveting what another has
* The Latin word for "envy" is invidere, which means means to look at with enmity.

JEALOUSY
* Jealousy is resenting another's rivalry or unfaithfulness, with a desire to guard or maintain what one possesses.
* Jealousy is possessiveness.
* The Greek word for "jealousy" is zeloo, which means "zealous or burning with jealousy."

Envy is ALWAYS WRONG
Scripture never portrays envy in a positive light.
God is never depicted as an envious God.
Matthew 27:15-18

Jealousy IS NOT ALWAYS WRONG
It is natural and normal for feelings of jealousy to surface when a meaningful covenant relationship is threatened by unfaithfulness.
Numbers 5:25-31

Why is God called a JEALOUS God?
Jehovah God initiated a special covenant relationship with the Israelites. Because of His Love for Israel, God felt jealous pain when they threatened to destroy the covenant relationship and became disloyal.
Exodus 34:14
   ¹⁴ Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

The difference between Envy & Jealousy
ENVY
- burning desire to have
- coveting what another has
- empty hands that crave to be filled
- usually involves two people

JEALOUSY
- burning desire to keep
- possessive of what one has
- full hands that fear being emptied
- usually involves three people

Galatians 5:19-21
   ¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

How we know we are Envious?
- we feel boastful
- we feel internal pain towards the success of others
- we became competitive

How we know we are Jealous?
- we became judgemental
- not allowing others to outside relationship
- we became anxious
- overly possessive
- unable to trust God, distrustful leading to insecurity

This enemy also disguises itself:
Here are disguises for masking envy or jealousy:
- Making an issue of unfairness of life
- Pretending apathy or indifference to people or situations
- Feeling of self-pity
- Avoiding problems or people that could produce envy or provoke jealousy
- Idolizing certain people by placing them on an unreachable pedestal
- Offering false praise and congratulations
- Dropping unnecessary, negative information about another
- Projecting jealousy or envy onto another
- Developing a superior attitude toward another
- Becoming a martyr

2) Run to the Lord after recognizing our struggles.

Psalm 75:4-7 --> Realize the Sovereignty of God

3) Resist Comparing ourselves from others

Managing / Mastering Your Emotions part 2

- 080711 -

Galatians 5:22-23

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

1 Timothy 4:7-8  --> Discipline yourself for the purpose of Godliness

⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

Discipline yourself:

- to have quiet time

- attend worship

- D-group

- Discipline of SOLITUDE

- Discipline of MIND --> what you think will impact your feelings and will impact your life

How to turn Negative Emotions to blessings ? 

- Master your emotions by being God-centered

1) Awareness

1 Kings 19:1-4  

Emotions are windows to your soul 

1 Kings 19:5-16

1 Kings 19:18

¹⁸ Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” 

2) Assume Responsibility -- God told Elijah to GO BACK and take ACTION

Psalm 32:3-4

3) Align with God

Psalm 32:5

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin.  

Psalm 32:10-11

¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked,
   but the LORD’s unfailing love
   surrounds the one who trusts in him.

 ¹¹ Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
   sing, all you who are upright in heart! 

  

2 Corinthians 10:5

⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 

Philippians 1:12-13

Philippians 1:15-17

Philippians 1:18

¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

   Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Philippians 1:21  >> Reason why Paul is joyful

²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

Matthew 6:33

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 11:28

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Snakes in my dreams

I woke up at the sound of my alarm at 6AM and tried my best to sleep again for a few minutes. Then I had this dream...

I was with a group of people chatting in a room. Looks like a bedroom with cabinets on top. Then I slouched against the wall and saw this snake dangling from the cabinet hissing its way toward me. I jumped out of fear. Then one person grabbed that snake and killed it. And then it all happened so fast, I saw a lot of snakes coming out of the cabinet. It turned into a cage with a hole (so that's the reason why they got out of the cage). The same person grabs the other snake and killed it with a snap of her hands. But she suddenly was bitten by another one and I think she died. Then I shouted "TULONG!!!" (Since we are Filipinos and in the Philippines I don't think shouting HELP is appropriate). Then in a flash, I saw a man with red eyes I think he killed the entire snake with the help of his comrades.

Then I woke up again feeling so tense and afraid it's just 6:20AM. I was not able to sleep after that.

It's my first time dreaming of snakes and it's really vivid. So this prompts me to research on meaning of my dreams about snakes.

"Seeing a snake or be bitten by one in your dream means hidden fears and worries that are threatening you. Your dream may be alerting you to something in your waking life that you are not aware of or that has not yet surfaced."

"The snake is a powerful dream symbol, associated with the feminine, healing and spirituality. Being bitten by a snake in a dream is actually positive, meaning you are accepting all parts of your nature as you grow into a stronger person"

This is contradictory to:

"If they bite you, you will succumb to evil influences, and enemies will injure your business."

I will research more about this if I have the time.

But whatever it is, whether good or bad, fortunes or misfortunes, problems, fears worries and trials. I must not believe in their meaning or interpretation. I just read a devotional today and God's word gives me peace.

How Do We Know If We Love Christ?

J. C. Ryle writes:

1. If we love a person, we like to think about him. We do not need to be reminded of him. We do not forget his name or his appearance or his character or his opinions or his tastes or his position or his occupation... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

2. If we love a person, we like to hear about him. We find a pleasure in listening to those who speak of him. We feel an interest in any report which others make of him... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

3. If we love a person, we like to read about him. What intense pleasure a letter from an absent husband gives to a wife, or a letter from an absent son to his mother... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

4. If we love a person, we like to please him. We are glad to consult his tastes and opinions, to act upon his advice and do the things which he approves... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

5. If we love a person, we like his friends. We are favorably inclined to them, even before we know them. We are drawn to them by the common tie of common love to one and the same person... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

6. If we love a person, we are jealous about his name and honor. We do not like to hear him spoken against, without speaking up for him and defending him... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

7. If we love a person, we like to talk to him. We tell him all our thoughts, and pour out all our heart to him. We find no difficulty in discovering subjects of conversation... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

8. Finally, if we love a person, we like to be always with him. Thinking and hearing and reading and occasionally talking are all well in their way. But when we really love people we want something more... Well, it is just so between the true Christian and Christ!

Holiness, (Darlington, England: Evangelical Press,) 247-249.

from http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/how-do-we-know-if-we-love-christ

Floating Incident

In line with the recent trending news about Christopher Lao I just realized that people are quick to judge. I myself is judging him that he even blame others for what is supposedly common sense for him. Good thing, John reminded me about the last week teaching -- Managing your emotions. As repeatedly said at church do not judge -- perhaps he was on a hurry to go home.

It's hard to manage emotions especially if you are in a difficult situation. Situations such as these where in something goes wrong and you wanted to blame others. His emotions that time is so high coupled with huge frustration that he didn't think straight and admit mistake. It really takes a lot of courage and character to accept your mistake and humbled yourself in front of all.

I'm like that most of the time, I know I'm wrong but wouldn't accept it. I would even defend and give excuses just so I wouldn't be totally wrong.

Anyways, sorry to Christopher Lao that I judged him as well. He got a point really, someone should have told him when they already saw that he is trying to pass the flooded road. There are a lot of people lurking in there and they should have warned him. Oh well, perhaps the people there didn't know either.

Managing Your Emotions

Master Your Emotions

- delayed gratification means to WAIT ....

What is Emotional Intelligence?
- ability to recognize moods, feelings and process them into right thinking and actions

When Expectations do not match Reality there is Disappointment

The more we shelter our children with disappointment, the more devastating their future will be.

1 Peter 2:2

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation"

>>> if you have tasted the goodness of God there is hunger for the word of God

Luke 2.52

⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

 ¹ Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 

Master your emotions by being GOD-CENTERED

How to be God-centered:
1. Turn to God all the time. PRAY
2. Process with God
3. Trust Him. Entrust circumstances, problems
4. Wait for the Lord
5. Praise Him

SAUL --> Example of Human-centered

1 Samuel 18:14-16 --> Insecurity
1 Samuel 15:24 --> Fear
1 Samuel 20:31-33 --> Anger


Do not make decisions when emotionally high

DAVID --> Example of God-centered
1 Samuel 17:28-29
1 Samuel 30:3-4

1 Samuel 30:6 

⁶ David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Psalm 56:3-4, 11-12

 ³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
 ⁴ In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
   What can mere mortals do to me? 

¹¹ in God I trust and am not afraid.
   What can man do to me?

 ¹² I am under vows to you, my God;
   I will present my thank offerings to you.

Psalm 43:5

 ⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God. 

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.

Psalm 57:1-2, 9

1 Samuel 24:4-10

Fact - Faith - Feeling

Psalm 27:4

⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple. 

>> David's attitude toward God

Reading the Bible

I love reading books. I read novels, romance, suspense, mystery, children, educational, series and a lot more. Books of Sidney Sheldon, Johanna Lindsey, Nora Roberts, Dan Brown, Paulo Coelho, Nicholas Sparks, J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer and many more.

However, I came to realize that I haven't read the most important book -- the BIBLE.

It was just now that I learned how can I finish the bible. At first, I was planning to read it on January. So i could really start it from the start. However, I realize why start on January if I could actually start today.

I pray that I could finish the bible every year, and learn to apply God's word. Even though I'm in the office or anywhere I should vow to have a few minutes to read what is in store for the day.

I pray that I could finish the book every year.

Good thing, Our Daily Bread is already online.

I could access it at the office and read bible online as well.