FEARLESS - Intro video
If it says "Sorry" on the video screen, just click the "Fearless Intro" link below
Fearless Intro: Why Are You Afraid? from UpWords Ministries on Vimeo.
Introduction
Welcome to our book club on FEARLESS by Max Lucado.
Together let's overcome our fears and walk in FAITH.
"Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty, or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business.
COURAGE DID THAT! FAITH DID THAT!
I'll be posting a new blog for each chapter.
Feel free to add comments and share your stories with us.
(click on "comments" below to enter)
Feel free to add comments and share your stories with us.
(click on "comments" below to enter)
At the end of the book, there are discussion questions for each chapter.
And remember ....
"God has not given us a spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Tim 1:7
CH 1 - Why Are We Afraid?
In this first chapter, Max takes us into the boat with Jesus and the disciples. What are your thoughts about being in the storms.
- I'd like to believe that if I'm in the boat with Jesus, then storms will not come - but that isn't true.
- I use to be bothered by seemingly unanswered prayers to storms and wonder why God wasn't there, now I know He was and always IS with me. That is great comfort.
How do you react to these statements?
- Fear is a perceived loss of control.
- Fear creates a form of "spiritual amnesia" where we forget all that God has already done and how good God is.
- Fear may fill our world, but it doesn't have to fill our heart. Dont' invite it in.
- Do you worship SAFETY?
"My Father is with me.
I have told you these things so that you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But TAKE HEART!
I have overcome the world"
John 16:32-33
I have told you these things so that you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But TAKE HEART!
I have overcome the world"
John 16:32-33
CH 2 - Fear of Not Mattering
Insignificant. No one wants to feel that way, yet at times we do. For some, it may be on occasion when not invited to join with a group. Or it may last a season while going thru a time of rejection possibly from a divorce or loss of job. Then there are those who it seems to be a way of life, full of low self-esteem or self-worth.
How do you know you matter? Where do you receive your confirmation that you are worth much. Who are you listening to that confirms your value?
The world tells us we need to do this, buy that, or be like them in order to matter. But God tells us He loves you and created you wonderfully (Psalm 139:14).
He can't stop thinking about you. He made you. You were His idea, His masterpiece. You ARE special. You DO matter. God cares and He notices you.
If you have a hard time with believing you matter or you're just struggling in this area of not mattering at this time, please reach out to me or someone you are close to. Let us help you find the real you, the one God created. Let us agree with God that you are of great worth. Be set free to enjoy the life God has given you. He sent His only Son just for you! Because He loves you.
How do you know you matter? Where do you receive your confirmation that you are worth much. Who are you listening to that confirms your value?
The world tells us we need to do this, buy that, or be like them in order to matter. But God tells us He loves you and created you wonderfully (Psalm 139:14).
He can't stop thinking about you. He made you. You were His idea, His masterpiece. You ARE special. You DO matter. God cares and He notices you.
If you have a hard time with believing you matter or you're just struggling in this area of not mattering at this time, please reach out to me or someone you are close to. Let us help you find the real you, the one God created. Let us agree with God that you are of great worth. Be set free to enjoy the life God has given you. He sent His only Son just for you! Because He loves you.
You are God's beloved child. He loves you - His banner over you is love
CH 3 - Fear of Disappointing God
Max shares stories of those ONE REGRETS we have in life that seem to haunt us forever.
Do you have one of those events where
- you let yourself or a loved one down
- you wasted a portion of your life in a useless way
- you blew your chances in a certain area
- you can't go back and change or fix something
These are things that may make us feel like failures and afraid to try again. For some, shame over the mistakes and worries over the consequences may be daunting. But God is a God of second chances. He loves do-overs. He forgives and forgets and loves and gives grace and mercy.
Do you need forgiveness today? God has given it, just receive it.
Do you have one of those events where
- you let yourself or a loved one down
- you wasted a portion of your life in a useless way
- you blew your chances in a certain area
- you can't go back and change or fix something
These are things that may make us feel like failures and afraid to try again. For some, shame over the mistakes and worries over the consequences may be daunting. But God is a God of second chances. He loves do-overs. He forgives and forgets and loves and gives grace and mercy.
Do you need forgiveness today? God has given it, just receive it.
"Take courage son; your sins are forgiven"
Matt 9:2
Matt 9:2
CH 4 - Fear of Running Out
It seems there is never enough of anything. We don't seem to have enough time, enough money, enough love, enough patience and so WORRY knocks on our door.
But WORRY solves no problems and usually brings more worries. WORRY accomplishes nothing positive and brings on stress and steals LIFE and PEACE.
Worry goes beyond conecern and responsibility.
Worry faces the future without FAITH and without GOD.
ALL your needs are not too great for GOD. Jesus tells us "Come, and I will give you REST" Mark 6:31
Max gives us a plan to fight off worry - let's practice these daily - here are his first and last suggestions
- Pray, go to God first when something comes up
- Let God be Enough, because HE IS!
Let's look at a few phrases in Matt 6 and pull them together (verses 8, 9, 11, 34)
But WORRY solves no problems and usually brings more worries. WORRY accomplishes nothing positive and brings on stress and steals LIFE and PEACE.
Worry goes beyond conecern and responsibility.
Worry faces the future without FAITH and without GOD.
ALL your needs are not too great for GOD. Jesus tells us "Come, and I will give you REST" Mark 6:31
Max gives us a plan to fight off worry - let's practice these daily - here are his first and last suggestions
- Pray, go to God first when something comes up
- Let God be Enough, because HE IS!
Let's look at a few phrases in Matt 6 and pull them together (verses 8, 9, 11, 34)
"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him"
"Pray .... Our Father Who is in heaven"
"Give us this day our daily bread"
"So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow"
CH 5 - Fear to Protect My Children
Every child is different with a different set of circumstances. Born to rich or poor families, born to couples or single moms, born in cities or small towns. Yet they all have the same needs - love, protection and nourishment. And we pray over them constantly.
My parenting comes from raising 2 boys (now young men). The last 5 years I've been a single mom and the intertwining of our lives has been memorable and challenging. Whatever our circumstances, we all have need of a God who can meet our every parenting need.
I currently have one son in Africa where malaria, political unrest and recent kidnappings seem to be the norm. While 1/3 of the crew he went with have returned home for various reasons, he tells me, "Mom, I'm staying, I feel safe here and I want to continue my work here". And I believe him and trust God. I sleep well every night and have peace that God watches him.
My other son is here at home. A safer place? Maybe. Except for the other kinds of threats that can kidnap the soul and steal life from within - the tempations are great and many.
I could spend much of every day worrying and losing sleep, but instead I choose to trust the One who knows how to take care of my children, and in that I rest and have great peace. I daily seek Him for wisdom and guidance, in sharing words to my sons and praying for their safety, health and most importantly, that the Holy Spirit is meeting them right where they are and calling them to Him.
Let's join Max as he says "Parents, we can't protect children from every threat in life, but we can take them to the Source of Life. We can entrust our kids to Christ".
If you would like to have someone come alongside you to pray together for your children, including adult children, please contact me. God does miracles every day, and He has His eyes on your child.
My parenting comes from raising 2 boys (now young men). The last 5 years I've been a single mom and the intertwining of our lives has been memorable and challenging. Whatever our circumstances, we all have need of a God who can meet our every parenting need.
I currently have one son in Africa where malaria, political unrest and recent kidnappings seem to be the norm. While 1/3 of the crew he went with have returned home for various reasons, he tells me, "Mom, I'm staying, I feel safe here and I want to continue my work here". And I believe him and trust God. I sleep well every night and have peace that God watches him.
My other son is here at home. A safer place? Maybe. Except for the other kinds of threats that can kidnap the soul and steal life from within - the tempations are great and many.
I could spend much of every day worrying and losing sleep, but instead I choose to trust the One who knows how to take care of my children, and in that I rest and have great peace. I daily seek Him for wisdom and guidance, in sharing words to my sons and praying for their safety, health and most importantly, that the Holy Spirit is meeting them right where they are and calling them to Him.
Let's join Max as he says "Parents, we can't protect children from every threat in life, but we can take them to the Source of Life. We can entrust our kids to Christ".
If you would like to have someone come alongside you to pray together for your children, including adult children, please contact me. God does miracles every day, and He has His eyes on your child.
Arise, cry out in the night
as the watches of the night begin
Pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord.
Lift up your hands to Him
for the lives of your children.
Lamentations 2:19
VIDEO - A Meeting with Max (Part 1)
If the video screen says "Sorry", click on the "Fearless Town Hall" link below.
Fearless Town Hall with Max Lucado | Part 1 of 2 from UpWords Ministries on Vimeo.
CH 6 - Fear of Overwhelming Challenges
Max asks us, "What storms have you encountered in life?"
Some of us have passed thru storms recently and some of us are in the middle of a storm right now.
More important than the storm is "Where is Jesus?"
Often, we can look back and see He was with us. But can you see Him while in the storm? He is there. He is always there. If you set your sight to find Him, you will see Him. And you will have HOPE, even in your storm.
Some of us have passed thru storms recently and some of us are in the middle of a storm right now.
More important than the storm is "Where is Jesus?"
Often, we can look back and see He was with us. But can you see Him while in the storm? He is there. He is always there. If you set your sight to find Him, you will see Him. And you will have HOPE, even in your storm.
"Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love
we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."
Lam 3:21-23
CH 7 - Fear of Worst Case Scenario
What are you really afraid of? What is the worse possible thing that could happen in your life? Probably for many of us it has to do with life altering changes we can't fathom living through.
Fear is the anticipation of bad things happening. Fear is born in our minds and thoughts. Fear robs us. Fear doesn't mean the thing we fear will ever happen. And fear can be brought on by a false report of bad news that isn't true. Yet, just the thought of something bad happening can put us into a panic and even paranoia.
Some fears are based on past experiences, out of legitimate concerns. But how you handle those fears is important. Do you let them rob you of faith and peace and joy? Or do you handle them with prayer and bring them to your Father who is looking after you? Do you trust God?
When fear knocks at your door, don't let it in. Immediately take it to your Father and ask Him for help. Ask Him to help you to trust Him, to not let fear rule in your heart, to seek his wisdom in your situations.
Fear is the anticipation of bad things happening. Fear is born in our minds and thoughts. Fear robs us. Fear doesn't mean the thing we fear will ever happen. And fear can be brought on by a false report of bad news that isn't true. Yet, just the thought of something bad happening can put us into a panic and even paranoia.
Some fears are based on past experiences, out of legitimate concerns. But how you handle those fears is important. Do you let them rob you of faith and peace and joy? Or do you handle them with prayer and bring them to your Father who is looking after you? Do you trust God?
When fear knocks at your door, don't let it in. Immediately take it to your Father and ask Him for help. Ask Him to help you to trust Him, to not let fear rule in your heart, to seek his wisdom in your situations.
"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed,
and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom;"
2 Tim 4:18
"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day"
Psalm 91:5
CH 8 - Fear of Violence
Violence and torture are hard to talk about. Probably because it forces one to admit it's real and happens - not just in past times, or in other countries, but here and now, or maybe even as close as home.
As we read the stories of those who passed thru these sufferings with such courage, may we remember these two things:
1. There's a difference between violence and the Fear of Violence - let's not loose sleep over fear, and if you can't sleep, maybe it's a good time to pray for all those who are being unjustly treated
2. Let us remember our Saviour has walked thru everything; spend time now with Him and know Him so that if we ever find ourselves in such a situation, we will be fearless to stand in the strength of our Lord.
As we read the stories of those who passed thru these sufferings with such courage, may we remember these two things:
1. There's a difference between violence and the Fear of Violence - let's not loose sleep over fear, and if you can't sleep, maybe it's a good time to pray for all those who are being unjustly treated
2. Let us remember our Saviour has walked thru everything; spend time now with Him and know Him so that if we ever find ourselves in such a situation, we will be fearless to stand in the strength of our Lord.
"Do not fear those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul"
Matt 10:28
CH 9 - Fear of the Coming Winter
Jesus told a parable of a rich man who had so many crops, he decided to build bigger barns to store them (Luke 12:16-21). As the story continues, the Lord calls all his planning foolish as he was taken from this life and wouldn't enjoy all he stored up for himself.
Max relates that the problem wasn't in the prudent planning and taking care of that which the Lord has given us in riches or talents, but thtat the man continually stated how he would do things and and how he would plan things and how he would care for all he had. He had not looked to God for taking care of his needs.
Today, who is protecting and providing for you and your family?
- You or God?
- Your job or God?
- Your savings plan or God?
- Your retirement fund or God?
- Your talents and abilities or God?
- Your good eating habits & exercise or God?
God is the great giver and the great provider. He is the fount of every blessing.
Max relates that the problem wasn't in the prudent planning and taking care of that which the Lord has given us in riches or talents, but thtat the man continually stated how he would do things and and how he would plan things and how he would care for all he had. He had not looked to God for taking care of his needs.
Today, who is protecting and providing for you and your family?
- You or God?
- Your job or God?
- Your savings plan or God?
- Your retirement fund or God?
- Your talents and abilities or God?
- Your good eating habits & exercise or God?
God is the great giver and the great provider. He is the fount of every blessing.
Today, let's not "trust in uncertain riches,
but in the Living God"
1 Tim 6:17
CH 10 - Fear of Life's Final Moments
How can we face death unafraid?
Do we view death as an end or a passageway to eternity?
Jesus said in John 14:3
Jesus promised not just an afterlife, but a better life.
He told us He goes to prepare a place for us. In Jesus' days, this is likened to a wedding, where the groom returns to the Father's house to prepare a place to bring his bride. Take a few moments to read some insight on Jewish wedding customs and its relevance to Christ and the bride. Click on
http://www.his-forever.com/jewish_weddings_rapture.htm
Do we view death as an end or a passageway to eternity?
Jesus said in John 14:3
"When everything is ready.. I will come and get you so that you will always be with me"
Jesus promised not just an afterlife, but a better life.
He told us He goes to prepare a place for us. In Jesus' days, this is likened to a wedding, where the groom returns to the Father's house to prepare a place to bring his bride. Take a few moments to read some insight on Jewish wedding customs and its relevance to Christ and the bride. Click on
http://www.his-forever.com/jewish_weddings_rapture.htm
Video - A Meeting with Max - Part 2
If it says "Sorry" on the video screen, click the "Fearless Town Hall" link below
Fearless Town Hall with Max Lucado from UpWords Ministries on Vimeo.
2 of 2
CH 11 - Fear of What's Next
Life is full of changes. We see it in the seasons (especially here in New England), we watch as our children change and grow up, and even watch our body change over time. Some we like, others we don't.
But God knows all about lifes changes. And He made plans before life even began so that He would be there for us for every single event in our life. That should be comforting. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know that God is already there.
As Max shares in this chapter, God never leaves us. He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always. He knew we would need help, and He's our Helper, our Comfortor, He gives us the wisdom we need in every situation.
So what's your tomorrow bringing. Take a breath, enjoy today, and know that tomorrow the Lord will be all you need Him to be.
But God knows all about lifes changes. And He made plans before life even began so that He would be there for us for every single event in our life. That should be comforting. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we do know that God is already there.
As Max shares in this chapter, God never leaves us. He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always. He knew we would need help, and He's our Helper, our Comfortor, He gives us the wisdom we need in every situation.
So what's your tomorrow bringing. Take a breath, enjoy today, and know that tomorrow the Lord will be all you need Him to be.
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart.
And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
So don't be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27 NLT
CH 12 - Fear that God is Not Real
What if God isn't really, well, God? For some, atheists, it's easier for them to believe there is no God than to fathom all the wonders of God. For me, it's hard to fathom there isn't a God, nature expresses Him and the big bang theory is way too illogical for me to accept.
But are there moments that catch you wondering? Wouldn't it be great to see Him with your eyes, even just once? We have. When we're with other believers, we see and touch the Body of Christ. So if you find yourself in one of those moments, doubting God, draw close to the body and listen to His Words.
But are there moments that catch you wondering? Wouldn't it be great to see Him with your eyes, even just once? We have. When we're with other believers, we see and touch the Body of Christ. So if you find yourself in one of those moments, doubting God, draw close to the body and listen to His Words.
"When two or three of you are together because of me,
you can be sure that I'll be there"
Matt 18: 20 MSG
CH 13 - Fear of Global Calamity
What if things get worse in the world? Christ tells us "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen" Matt 24:6
Is He serious? We're not to be alarmed by wars when we know they will happen? Maybe we won't be as alarmed if we realize that He, our God, knows they will happen, and He is not alarmed because He has a plan. Verse 14 continues with "And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." And the end will come? That doesn't sound too pleasant either, unless we consider that the end of this earth brings in the New Jerusalem, our heavenly realm that we're all waiting to participate in.
Max shares with us .. "Jesus equipped his followers with farsighted courage. Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage. Real courage embraces the twin realities of current difficulty and ultimate triumph. Yes, life stinks. But it won't forever. Everything will work out in the end. If it's not working out, it's not the end."
In the meantime, reinforce your faith, read your bible, stay in worship, keep in earnest communion with God and fellowship and build up with others.
Yes, these things MUST come to pass. So don't be alarmed.
Is He serious? We're not to be alarmed by wars when we know they will happen? Maybe we won't be as alarmed if we realize that He, our God, knows they will happen, and He is not alarmed because He has a plan. Verse 14 continues with "And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." And the end will come? That doesn't sound too pleasant either, unless we consider that the end of this earth brings in the New Jerusalem, our heavenly realm that we're all waiting to participate in.
Max shares with us .. "Jesus equipped his followers with farsighted courage. Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage. Real courage embraces the twin realities of current difficulty and ultimate triumph. Yes, life stinks. But it won't forever. Everything will work out in the end. If it's not working out, it's not the end."
In the meantime, reinforce your faith, read your bible, stay in worship, keep in earnest communion with God and fellowship and build up with others.
Yes, these things MUST come to pass. So don't be alarmed.
CH 14-Fear of God Getting Out of My Box
Who is Christ? We like to define him as though we can place Him in a box. He's not just a bunch of doctrines, or a great man in history like other men. Christ has no counterpart. And when we get a fresh revelation of who He is, we will bow and worship Him in fear. A healthy fear. The only fear that conquers all other fears. When Christ is great, all other matters are not.
As David says, "The Lord is my light and my slavation; whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1.
Let Christ "grow" in your life. There are new dimensions outside the box that will astonish you.
Let us give him the reverence of the one and only God and hear what is said of Him ...
As David says, "The Lord is my light and my slavation; whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1.
Let Christ "grow" in your life. There are new dimensions outside the box that will astonish you.
Let us give him the reverence of the one and only God and hear what is said of Him ...
"This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.
Hear Him!."
Matt 17:5
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