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Writer's pictureP L U N D E R E R
Nov 18, 20223 min read

Be Still (Unfair Treatment): Fight Fear Pt 3 - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 18, 2022

Last week, we discussed how we react to unfair treatment and the need to let the Lord take control in such situations. While not easy, because we've been conditioned to be Voltrons - transform in a minute's notice in order to fight - the Lord wants us to be still and allow Him to be the Defender of our Universe. On Tuesday, we focused on fear being the reason why we feel so compelled to defend ourselves instead of allowing our Helper to do the heavy lifting.


Today, we continue to look at that evil culprit - fear. We want to examine how to get rid of the fear that tries to hold us captive. The Bible makes it clear that fear is a spirit, therefore, as we are made in the image of the Lord and as carriers of a deposit of His Spirit, we too can overcome, IJMN, Amen.


To destroy fear, we must allow God to build our faith. And yes, He will do this through the very tough moments we prefer to avoid with our plans and contingencies. The challenges we seek to solve without His input. You might be wondering why we should be willing to experience these difficulties. Apostle Paul explained it best in 2 Corinthians 1:9 - ...But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.


It may seem counterintuitive, but God has always dealt with His own this way - taking them through troubles to show them He is dependable in all circumstances. Think of Gideon who lost tens of thousands of fighters because God wanted him to have a squadron of only 300 (Judges 7). Or Daniel who had to spend the night in the lion's den (Daniel 6). Their faith had to overwhelm all fear and once they did this, the Lord did the incredible! We are capable of the same. We too have a bold spirit and believe God is more than able. We have seen Him perform miracles and heard of His great works in the lives of others. Remember, He told us to believe in His works in John 14:11? We too can therefore be still and let the God who was the fourth man in the fire walk with us until we come out having not been set ablaze.


Since faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), we combat fear by proclaiming scripture. One such verse is Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. This way we acknowledge that though we are weak, our God empowers us against fear and anything else that is not of Him. If we believe in Jesus and profess He is our Savior, then we must rebuke fear and renounce any hold on us with 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. We must keep repeating the word until it settles into our marrow and becomes a part of who we are.


Submitting to God's way and applying His word are our weapons to resist satan and fight fear's stronghold so we can be still and let the Lord bring us to the fullness of life He has in store for us. May we each slow down to break all ties with the spirit of fear and let God be our avenger, IJMN, Amen.


What verses do you use to rebuke fear? How do you remind yourself that God will fight for you? Today, let's share the scripture and learn from one another. God will be our guide. See you at Noon EST for fellowship!




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Writer's pictureP L U N D E R E R
Nov 15, 20222 min read

Be Still (Unfair Treatment): Fearfulness Pt 2 - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) November 15, 2022

On Friday, we discussed how we react to unfair treatment. Today, we continue to look at this subject via God's word in Exodus 14:13-14 - 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. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”


When things go wrong, especially when we feel we're being treated badly (and not it as a result of our doing), it is very easy to start fixing things so we don't come out the loser in the situation.


However, the Lord wants us to fall back and let Him handle things. Unfortunately, it can be very hard for us to "be still" because we live in a world where that isn't normal. Each day is fast-paced and if we miss anything, our to-do list grows. Where, then, is the time to be still? How exactly can we do what prophet Habakkuk said in Habakkuk 3:16 - ... I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us.


The answer is that we each have to address our fearfulness. For it is fear that keeps us from trusting the Lord to do exactly what He said He will do. And in case you've forgotten, He has promised to fight for you.


Sadly, fear is all around us. We turn on the TV and its being fed to you via the news. It's waiting for you at work where everyone's wondering whether the higher-ups plan to let folks go. It's at home when you double-check your doors at night to make sure an intruder doesn't find your property an easy target.


Yet despite this, God wants us to have peace in knowing that the disaster that comes upon the ungodly will not visit His children (Proverbs 3:25). Sure, unpleasant things will happen, but that weapon formed by the enemy to attack our peace, our finances, our health, will not endure against you (Isaiah 54:17). If we would only "be still", then God - the Head of Heaven’s Armies - will do battle on our behalf (Isaiah 49:25). And we'll come out smelling fresh as a rose.


We must each say no to fear so the proverbial 'Egyptians' in our lives - those things seeking to keep us from God's freedom and promises - have no foothold to latch on to. And then, we can "be still" and watch the Lord fight for us.


Come fellowship at Noon EST!




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Writer's pictureP L U N D E R E R
Nov 11, 20223 min read

Be Still (Unfair Treatment): Affliction & Righteousness Pt 1 - Friday P & P (for others) Nov 11 2022

Recently, I faced a problem that involved another party. Prior to the issue occurring, I suspected it would arise and took every possible step to forestall it. The other party ignored my warnings. Of course, what I assumed would result came to be. And who do you think the other party wants to leave dealing with the negative consequences? Well, you guessed it - me.


My first reaction was to pray. However, the prayer was quite short because my irritation sparked and I kicked into my training to resolve the situation. Then something happened. I believe it was God's grace. I stopped what I was doing and called on the Lord sincerely. I spoke His word and somehow, I felt ... peace. It was in that environment that I was able to still myself and as I proclaimed scripture over the matter, He told me what to do next. His instruction was very different from what I would have chosen. In fact, it didn't change the injustice of it all.


And then, I remembered a verse and smiled. Psalm 103:6 - The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly (NLT).


The verse reminded me that God will give me something nice for my trouble - His righteousness. It was a reminder that I wasn't going through the trial for nothing. God's hand had not left me and no matter what the result, things would work out for me because that is His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


And as I write, another verse has come to mind. Nahum 1:9 - What do you conspire against the LORD? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time.


Although we don't want to be treated unfairly, the truth is that it will happen sometimes. Nevertheless, it is all for God's greater good for us. We forget that we cannot claim the promise of that verse - affliction will not arise again - without having experienced affliction.


As such, the way we react says a lot about the growth that's still needed in our walk with the Lord. We believers have to change our "default setting" to affliction, oppression or unfair treatment. It may take a while, but we must surely learn to switch from complaining, grumbling, or applying a scorched earth approach in retaliation. Instead, we must remember God will bless us for our momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17). Righteousness and freedom from repetitive troubles are but a few of the rewards He has in store. And we need to claim these things for ourselves in prayer, using His very word. Praise the Lord there is an overabundance of scripture to proclaim.


May we each grow stronger in the Lord, in our knowledge of His power, His voice, and His word. May His grace enable us to avoid the snares the devil has set for us. To His glory and by His grace, IJMN, Amen.


See you at Noon EST for today's fellowship hour. Thanks to all of you who held it down on Tuesday when I was unavoidably absent. May the Lord bless you greatly, IJN, Amen.



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