It has come to my attention that a glitch in the website caused those of you subscribed by email to get a link to this post that did not work correctly. So, I am trying again today! Here is Take 2…
It’s audio devo day! 2020 has become something none of us will ever forget. However, something far worse has come against us than COVID-19 and societal upheaval. It’s fear. With today’s episode we begin a series on how to decisively conquer this enemy. Be wonderfully blessed as you listen here:
(Encouraged by this? Know someone else that needs to hear this today? You can either share today’s blog link with them, or look up my Feeding on Jesus podcast for sharing and subscribing. You’ll find it at these links on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and most other podcast platforms, with episodes identical to these audio devos!)
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One day, while I was in the middle of some mundane activity, Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart about this verse. (He loves to insert Himself into some of the most run-of-the-mill moments necessary to our daily routines! I really cherish this.) What He said that afternoon impacted my life in a significant way, and I think it will yours, too.
He explained to me that “the fear of death” does not exclusively refer to being afraid of dying. Although that is certainly an important part of the meaning, there is more to it. “Death” here is an all-inclusive term. It expresses the concept of absolutely everything harmful that resulted from the fall of man.
“The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Have you sinned sometime since you were born? Of course you have. We all have. Are you dead? I would assume not, since you are reading this. Clearly, then, “death” here means more than physically dying. It encompasses everything that happened to us and to the planet when Adam and Eve first disobeyed God. This includes:
- Natural disasters
- Accidents
- Disfigurement
- Theft
- Demonic oppression
- Spiritual warfare
- Addictions
- Divorce
- Abandonment and neglect
- Betrayal
- Relational strife
- Rejection
- Vicious gossip and slander
- Domestic violence
- Physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse
- Racism and other forms of hatred
- Violent crime
- Losing loved ones
- Societal upheaval
- Life-threatening disease and pandemics
I could go on and on. My point, though, is that every element on this list fits into the category of “death.” Everything ugly or painful that you have ever experienced in your entire lifetime does too. None of this was in Eden. None of it was what God longed to give us when He created a perfect paradise on the earth.
And these are the very things that the devil relentlessly tries to hang over our heads. This is where our concept “the fear of death” comes into play. Those four words could be broken down into just the one: fear. Fear is the way the enemy keeps people in slavery. The fear of betrayal. The fear of abandonment. The fear of rejection. The fear of losing loved ones. Plug in any item from the above list into the phrase, “The fear of __________.” All of it is a manifestation of the fear of death, in death’s plethora of shapes and sizes.
Jesus came… and died… and rose again… to set us free from absolutely all of it. Our Scripture for today tells us that He came to destroy the one who has the power of death. Did He succeed on this mission of His? He unquestionably did. He destroyed the devil and violently removed from his claws the keys of death, once and for all.
Having vanquished the adversary, He is fully able to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” He is not only able, but He is also passionately yearning to do so. Are you struggling with fear? You don’t have to live afraid anymore. Jesus the Deliverer destroyed death, and all its vile counterparts, when He gave up His life for you.
He is closer than the breath in your lungs, and He is ready to set you free. He is leaning in longingly, listening for your prayer. With childlike faith, ask and receive that which He already purchased for you… receive perfect liberty today!
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Is there a specific fear that Jesus has delivered you from? I would love to hear about it!
Feeding On Jesus 
When Linda and I were apart for more then two years, my greatest fear was that my wife would not be taken care of [20 years of disability]. I believed that I was absolutely necessary for her to function and exist! The Lord showed me over time [in a strange way I was disappointed- my pride?] that HE would do what was necessary. Now that we have been together for almost 10 months [married 40 years] I am much better able to take care of her needs daily with an absolute spirit of joy and thanksgiving. Len
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What a beautiful testimony, Leonard! ❤
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Wow!! That is absolutely beautiful and priceless! What a sacred, special work He did in your heart through that process! Thank You Daddy God 🙂 🙂
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Great post, Jenn. It seems the media is trying daily to scare us all to death, and meanwhile many people are afraid of death by Covid, death of their finances, death of their business, death of a relationship, death of a reputation, death of our nation, etc. I have read (Haven’t counted myself) that the Bible has 365 verse saying “Fear not” – one for every day of the year. (I guess on Leap Year we take a leap of faith and just believe. 😉 )
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Chuckling about that thought on Leap Day. I was actually due to be born on Leap Day, tidbit of random info. But came a little early so avoided that birthday complication. But yes, there is SO much in Scripture about not giving way to fear! I so appreciate your thoughts on this, Annie 🙂
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So, is your birthday February 28? (That’s mine. 😀 )
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I was earlier than that. February 18. How fun that we share a birth month! Interesting thing, my mom had my siblings and I in February, August, and October. And I had my kids in February, August, and October.
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Perfect Love casts out ALL Fear…
Love is the matrix from which every Christian launches their lives into the darkness of this world. It is the one dominating power which defies the logic, the ethos and the lie of every generation. May we catch the vision of that same Love which sent Christ into this world send us. Let this be the same motivation which burns within our own heart…
Living sacrifices unto Him…
Blessings
BT
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Beautifully, beautifully expressed BT. Amen and amen, let it be Lord Jesus!
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My biggest one was a fear of flying……until I started to pray over the pilots, the attendants, my fellow flyers, the plane and wings. Once I focused totally and completely on the LORD, my fear vanished! Last time I had to fly, as I boarded the plane I thought wow……my heart isn’t in my throat like it usually is. Another fear HE has removed is what people think of me…….all that matters is what my GOD thinks of me. I am HIS beloved child and I remind myself of this so often. We can’t be loved by everyone and we won’t in our current culture……but that is ok because my JESUS loves me more than anything!! PRAISE HIM from whom all blessings flow! Loved your subject matter because fear is everywhere these days. Stay in HIS PEACE!
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My heart has so much joy, reading your words here, Maxine! They are flowing right from His heart! I sense the childlike trust in your heart, and I know it pleases Him so much! Praising Him with you, He set me free from the fear of flying too. Isn’t He beautiful??
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Amen!! GOD is so so good……all the time!
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😉 🙂 🙂
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“Fear not …” I’m working on this one!
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It’s a process for all of us, my dearly loved sister! Grace and peace to your spirit today 🙂 ❤
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