Christmas Joy, Pt. 2

I think there is more than one pandemic in our world that we are still contending with; more so than Covid, it is fear. God can free you from fear.

Christmas Joy, Pt. 2

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"

(Luke 2:10-11)

I recently read a Facebook post from a friend which said:

The Four Stages of Life:

1. You believe in Santa Claus.
2. You do not believe in Santa Claus.
3. You are Santa Claus.
4. You look like Santa Claus.

I hope that made you laugh or at least smile!

This week, I am writing on Christian Joy, the kind of joy that only God can give, the joy seen and experienced especially during Christmas time. By reading these devotions this week, I hope you will be blessed and your joy in the Lord will grow.

In Luke 2:10, the angel commanded the shepherds to stop being afraid. This is one of the 365 times we are told in the Bible to not be afraid (once for every day in a year). The Greek word phobeo connotes being struck with fear. The shepherds were indeed frightened by the angel, and so would we be! They are working like they did every night for generations, and suddenly, an angel stood before them, and the glory of God encompassed this band of shepherds. Verse 9 says they were not only afraid, but they were greatly (megas) afraid.

I think there is more than one pandemic in our world that we are still contending with; more so than Covid, it is fear. I see it especially in the world around us in those who have no faith or relationship with the Lord; fear permeates their lives. One of the first things people lose if they do not have the Holy Spirit living in them is common sense, and the one thing that attaches to their souls more than any other is fear. But that is not the case for the child of God. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Maverick City has a new song called "Fear Is Not My Future", and it is so good.

Here are some of the lyrics:

Fear is not my future
You are, You are (You are)
Sickness is not my story
You are, You are (You are)
Heartbreak's not my home
You are, You are (You are)
Death is not the end
You are, You are (You are)

Some of you reading today's devotion, if you are being honest, you are really struggling with fear. Your fear may be of the unknown. You are faced with what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle in your life. You are beginning to lose hope and believe that God will not come through for you or deliver you. As a pastor, I see this happening so often in people's lives. It breaks my heart to see them hurting so much. Their countenances are sad, their happiness is nonexistent, and their joy is not being fully realized in Christ. If that is you, will you take a moment and listen to Maverick City's song, "Fear Is Not My Future"? Also, commit to memory 2 Timothy 1:7, and each time you are tempted to despair, quote this verse.

God sees you. He is walking with you, and He will make things better. It is only a matter of time.

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Podcast of the Week

Mission Trip to Asia, Pt. 3

Pastor Danny continues to share about his recent 13-day mission trip to 2 different Asian countries (which cannot be named for security reasons, since the emphasis of the trip was ministering to persecuted pastors). He expounds upon what he has shared in his daily devotions, offering additional details, information, and testimonies.

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