Friends and family, it is time for another message from your old pal, Lloyd. I have many fun things to tell you about my weekend in Nashville, but tonight, I have some more important things I want to talk to you about. Those of you who are brothers and sisters in Christ, and followers of the Way, children of God, these thoughts are directed specifically at you.
You obviously have access to the internet if you are reading this. In our country, we have television, magazines, and all types of media able to tell us what is going on in the world. Reading the news, especially on the internet can be scary these days. So many bad things over which we have little or no control happen every day. The more we see these and the more we take them to heart, the easier it is for Satan to come in and steal our joy. It is ever easier for him to make us doubt… ever easier for him to try and bind us with fear.
At times I notice myself worrying about all of the ills in this world. I worry how God will take care of it. I worry whether my descendants will live in as great a nation as I do now. I know I am not the only one. Yes, there is much going on in the world right now, and it is directly in our faces 24/7 more than has ever been possible in the past. There are some crazy things happening, but keep in mind, it has always been so.
I say this to encourage you. Paul said to Timothy, “for God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.” (1 Timothy 2:7) Do not cave into the fear Satan desires to ensnare you with. Put on the “full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13) Paul told us about this protection and weaponry for a good reason. Stay in the Word, keep on praying daily, and do not fall prey to the spirit of fear under which Satan wishes to place you. Our God is already the victor, the battle was won when Jesus was raised from death.
May the Lord continue to be with you, and please pray for me as well. I am struggling to keep that armor on and to leave fear buried with my old sinful self. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 1:18).
