Tag Archives: lean on the power of the Holy Spirit

Relying on Faith to Overcome the Fear of the Unknown

Posted on October 26, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Thanks to all of the new apps available on modern phones, you can know how many miles you walk in a day, what your heart rate is as well as many other details concerning your own body. While astrologers still exist seek to predict the future, many use fortune cookie references to provide a vague look into your future. Subsequently, the fear of the unknown is prevalent every day.

You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. 10 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice, Isaiah 41:9-10.

In the days of the Old Testament, one prophet speaks to those who are overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, the believers in God died prior to many of the promises in the Old Testament being fulfilled. These individuals didn’t have access to the New Testament. Subsequently, everyone was forced to play the waiting game, likely resulting in fear.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

The apostle Paul provides a New Testament solution to modern day Christians. Reaching out to a first century pastor struggling with anxiety, Paul reminds Timothy that what you’re experiencing is not from God. Therefore, don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze you. Rather, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to fight through any nerves the next time fear of the unknown comes knocking on your door.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 280: There is Power

Posted on November 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As times change, so does the positions within churches across the country. One of the latest trends is the transition from a Director of Music to Worship pastors. Such is the case for Lincoln Brewster, who serves as a pastor when he isn’t on tour. Today’s song comes from a live performance for K-Love Radio. The song Lincoln chose to perform is There is Power. The lyrics speak to the power of healing and preaching in the name of Jesus.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

The apostle Paul provides advice to a teenager pastor in the passage above. Paul speaks about weak individuals who struggle with the fear of what other people think. Rather than be consumed by peer pressure, Paul urges this young man of God to lean on the power of the Holy Spirit. This includes a spirit of power, love, and self-control. While hidden from human sight, this supernatural power can transform lives by placing your sole trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 67: Freak Out

Posted on April 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Echoing Green is one of those groups that has grown on me over the years. One of their talents is creating cosmic remixes of classic song like Safety Dance. Today’s featured song is another remix that my oldest son James loved to listen to when I first bought Freak Out. The Echoing Green’s version contains the same classic funky beat with a modern style and sound.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7.

Fear is one of those aspects in life that often comes out of nowhere. This emotional shock will catch you off guard and will make some freak out. Perhaps, this is why the apostle Paul writes a letter to a teenage pastor who is struggling with fear. If you are always on the defensive and never switch over to a proactive faith, freaking out will wear you out over time. Therefore, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome fear.

by Jay Mankus

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The Unreasoning

Posted on April 2, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you like to meet new people, it won’t be long before you experience a one-sided conversation. If you enjoy politics, cable television is full of panel discussions with at least one stubborn individual who doesn’t listen to what other people are saying. One of Jesus’ disciples compares this personality type to unreasoning beasts that are uncontrollable. Not matter how hard you may try, the unreasoning won’t budge.

But these [people]! Like unreasoning beasts, mere creatures of instinct, born [only] to be captured and destroyed, railing at things of which they are ignorant, they shall utterly perish in their [own] corruption [in their destroying they shall surely be destroyed], 2 Peter 2:12.

Jesus’ earthly brother offers one likely scenario to help explain why people end up becoming unreasonable, James 1:13-15. If your mind is already made up, you may listen to advice that is offered but will ultimately follow what your heart is set on doing. For example, my dog is a husky who is friendly and kind. However, when Akira senses that there is a rabbit or squirrel in the back yard, she transforms into an unreasoning beast who follows her instincts.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]. 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, 2 Timothy 3:1-2.

The apostle Paul sets the stage for why people will become unreasoning beasts in the last days prior to the second coming of Jesus. Stress and trouble affect human beings in various ways, often changing their behavior. As these situations in life intensity, desperation sets in along with self-preservation. According to Paul, extreme conditions will push human beings over the edge to become unreasoning. If you find yourself falling prey to the Cancel Culture and wokeness, lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to find your way back to God, Galatians 5:25.

by Jay Mankus

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