Dear LifeSpring Family
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of opening the word of God with our MLCF family.
Together, we discussed the Book of Romans focusing on Romans chapter 8:15-17 (ESV):
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Some of the symptoms we came up with when we allow fear to shape our identity, causing us to “fall back into fear.”
1. Easily offended.
2. Needing to be right.
3. Stinginess.
4. Jealousy and/or envy.
5. Constant busyness.
6. Lack of generosity to yourself and others.
7. Abandoned dreams.
8. Paralysis.
9. Thanklessness.
10. Resignation to your current situation.
11. Cannot think straight
12. Overthinking
13. Anxiety
14 Occupied with lies.
15. Trying to take control rather than letting God take care of the situation
16. Lose confidence
17. Fear of lack
18. Depression
19. Self conscious
20. Scaring yourself, leading to resignation to your current situation
God’s word is rich and deep and so full of promise. Together we were encouraged that in our Lord Jesus Christ we have overcome fear. Our Lord Jesus Christ knows what we face when fear invades our daily lives.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV)
When fear comes knocking on your door, remember that you have freedom from fear in Christ. Live in this truth.
Grace upon grace,
Jerry & Dorothy