Category: Book Study

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: CONFRONTING FEAR

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears.
Today we wrap up our Do It Afraid Book Study by reviewing Mamma Joyce’s chapters on Confronting Fear.

  • Take One Step at a Time

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. ~ Psalm 37:23

“Anything you do in obedience to God is something you never have to do alone.”~ Joyce Meyer

One of the best ways to overcome anything is to take it one step at a time. Scripture tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. With that we know He is trying to teach us to trust Him as we go on our journey each day. Every journey starts with the first step. All God asks us to do is to take that first step with faith that He will be with us all the way.

  • Stand Up to Doubt

He said to them, ” Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” ~ Luke 24:38

If we truly want to live free from fear, we must learn to live without doubt. ~ Joyce Meyer

Doubt is just fear by another name. It’s sneaky. It doesn’t show up in the same way but yet it is fear nonetheless. Doubt means uncertainty, perplexity, to be without a way. These all imply fearfulness. The key with doubt is to believe we are going to hear from God. Begin by surrendering our will to His and continue on our path in faith thanking God for His direction as we go.

  • Refuse to Regret the Past or Dread the Future

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ~ Proverbs 4:25

“Don’t miss what God has for you today by living in regret. Today is an important day in your life. It is actually the most important day of your life, because right at this moment it is the only day you are assured of, so live it fully and trust God to take care of your past and your future.” ~ Joyce Meyer

It’s easy to live with regrets from our past and to dread the future. But if we do we are missing out on what God has for us today. Regrets are just rehearsing past mistakes over and over again that keeps us stuck in the past. Dread is much the same except we are worried about what may or may not happen in the future. And when we get there we will probably have a bad attitude and not enjoy it either. If you struggle with these areas, ask God to help you and He will.

  • Take Courage and Be Strong

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. ~ Joshua 1:9

“Don’t just pray for fear to go away. Instead pray for God to fill you with boldness, courage, and confidence.” ~ Joyce Meyer

It’s important that we manage our thought life. If we are focusing on our fears they will control us. We can instead, choose to focus on being courageous rather than what we are afraid of. Keep a confession of God’s Word in your heart, mind and words. Don’t think about what can go wrong. Thank God for His direction, strength and courage. Remember, courage is always stronger than fear.

  • Learn to Be Secure and Confident

Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. ~ Hebrews 11:1

“The more you use your faith, the stronger it will become. Faith is confidence in God… when you have faith that something will take place, you have it in your heart first (you believe), and then you will have it in reality in God’s perfect timing.” ~ Joyce Meyer

Ask God for what you want. Scripture says He wants to give us the desires of our hearts. And God cannot lie. But we must have faith to ask and believe for the things we want, not just for the things we need. Every time we have a prayer answered our confidence grows.

As we watch God work in our life we will gradually become more secure in our faith. We will be able to courageously take one step at a time; to stop doubting our decisions; refuse to regret our past and to not dread the future. We will stand strong, confront our fears and show the devil how big our God is!

Be blessed with this message on Confrontation by Mama Joyce! 

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: REST IN THE PROMISE OF ETERNITY

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how fear works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the eleventh post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH

By embracing death Jesus sets free those who live their entire lives in bondage to the tormenting dread of death. ~ Hebrews 2:15

Many people live their lives with a tormenting fear of death or dying. And this isn’t something strange or unusual. Experiencing  something that is unknown can be a fearful. But thankfully, God has given us the answer to that fear in Jesus.

We can first begin by talking about what death entails. The world’s definition of death would say that we cease to exist. But the biblical definition explains that while our physical body does cease to exist, our inner life (our soul) which is our mind, will and emotions, will continue on for eternity. In other words, death is when our soul is separated from our body.

For those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ, this isn’t a fearful thing. We have God’s promise of being in heaven with our new glorious bodies for eternity. But for those who don’t know Christ, this is a serious matter with eternal consequences that most people don’t even consider.

THE REALITY OF HELL

Hell is a difficult subject to discuss. Some people don’t believe hell exists. After all, why would a loving God send anyone to hell? What people don’t understand is that they are the ones who have made the choice to go there. God didn’t send them.

Yes, God is loving. But He is also a God of justice. Evil and sin must be punished. A price must be paid. Jesus lovingly came and sacrificed His life for all of the sinners in the world; freeing us from the punishment of hell where all sinners belong.

“Hell is a place we don’t want to go, so it is important to make the right decisions while we can.” ~ Joyce Meyer

THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION

Believers is Christ don’t need proof of the resurrection. The Holy Spirit placed that in our hearts when we became born again. On top of that, Scripture tells us many witnessed the empty tomb where Jesus left His grave clothes behind and the burial napkin, which had covered His face, was left neatly folded. Much like a person leaving a dinner table will fold their napkin when they are returning.  Many see Jesus’ folded napkin as a sign of His return.

“Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you.And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am.” ~ John 14:1-3

“Dying is something no one can avoid. We may feel some fear of the unknown, but we have assurance of the resurrection and heaven, and that is cause to celebrate!” ~ Joyce Meyer

If you are living in a dreadful fear of death and dying, if you have never prayed to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, take a couple of minutes to watch  the first video below with Joyce Meyer. After you pray with Joyce, watch the second video from Elevation Worship beautifully singing of the fullness of God’s love and glory for eternity. You will be blessed if you do.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the tenth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF TRUSTING GOD AND OTHERS

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3

Those of us who have been abused, hurt, abandoned or betrayed know all too well the difficulty of trusting God and people. Memories of our past pain can cause us to put up a wall of defense so high that we are unable to even enjoy our life.

Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. ~ James 4:8

When Jesus came to earth He had relationships with all kinds of people only because He first had a close relationship with His heavenly Father. Jesus wants us to have fear-free relationships with people on earth but we must start by developing  a healthy intimate relationship with God the Father first.

 

An intimate, trusting relationship with God is what sets us free from many tormenting fears and behavior patterns. ~ Joyce Meyer

Once we have a healthy intimate personal relationship with God we will no longer fear being hurt or taken advantage of. We can trust God to vindicate us when we are done wrong. We will no longer feel the need to constantly protect ourselves by withdrawing from or avoiding relationships. Our life will be less complicated and much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Be blessed by this teaching clip from Momma Joyce on Trusting God.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: YOU CAN RELAX

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the ninth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF NOT DOING ENOUGH

For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Many of us get caught up in the ‘doing’ trap. We do too much for others to make them like or love us. We work too much to prove worth to ourselves. We get sucked into serving too much in ministry hoping that God will approve of us more. The whole time we’re trying to prove to ourselves that God truly loves us when all we had to do was simply believe God’s Word!

God’s Word tells us our salvation isn’t a reward that we earn by anything we can humanly do. The gift of salvation is for those who have trusted in Christ to save them.  Because it is a gift from God through Christ, we cannot brag about it as if we had done it.

GOD HAS REDEEMED US

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. ~ Galatians 5:1

God has redeemed us from everything that Satan has taken from us. That means Christ purchased our freedom with His sacrifice on the cross. And one of those things Christ purchased for us was freedom from the fear of not doing enough.

WE’VE BEEN MADE ACCEPTABLE

…now you have been purified from sin, made holy, and given a perfect standing before God—all because of the power of the name of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and through our union with the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

We are made acceptable to God through our faith in Jesus Christ… we do not have to do a certain amount of work or make a certain number of sacrifices in order for Him to accept us.

JESUS CALLS THE WEARY TO HIM

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn’t tell us to come to Him and He would give us more things to do to be more acceptable to the Father. No. He wants to relieve us of these unnecessary burdens we have piled on our shoulders. In fact, the burden He gives us isn’t heavy at all, because He is helping us carry it. If we will let Him!

The only work we do that is acceptable to God is work that is done with a pure heart. ~ Joyce Meyer

WORK DONE FROM A PURE HEART (taken from Do It Afraid)

    1. Work done for God must be done purely because we love Him.
    2. Work done for God must be done in obedience to Him and His Word.
    3. Work done for God must be done in faith, leaning entirely on Him for its success.
    4. Work done for God must not be done to be seen and approved of by people, or to get their applause, admiration or acknowledgment. Purity of motive is God’s desire, and it should be ours, also.

Before we do anything we must check our motives. We don’t want to pray, study or do any works to gain approval from people or God. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, God already approves of us. God loves us unconditionally. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more today or tomorrow than He did yesterday.

I pray you will take a few minutes and contemplate how much God the Father loves you today. Because Jesus Christ came to earth, you can be free from all the tyrannical fears that torment you. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your Savior. Talk to Father God right now. He is listening!

Be blessed by this teaching clip from Momma Joyce!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: BELIEVE GOOD THINGS ARE AHEAD

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the seventh post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR OF THE FUTURE

 I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.~ Jeremiah 29:11

One of the strongest fears among people is the fear of the unknown. Add to that our tendency to lean toward negative thoughts of the future. This combination can wreak havoc on the peaceful life available to us. God doesn’t want us to live our life filled with fear and dread. All through Scripture we’re commanded to not fear but trust.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

If we can push past our human weakness of fearing the unknown future and trust that because God is not only for us, but He is with us, we will find a much more peaceful daily existence. But actually walking in trust is often very difficult depending on our season of life or current circumstances.

We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good. ~ Romans 8:28

Life is filled with challenging and disappointing situations. But by daily staying in fellowship with God, through prayer and His word, we can transform those negative fearful thoughts into positive trust in God. We will begin to trust God truly has a plan. Soon we will see that He can and will take all things and create something good to bless our lives and the lives of those around us.

Be blessed by this beautifully uplifting song by Gateway Worship!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: STOP MONEY WORRIES

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the sixth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM FINANCIAL FEAR

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19

The Bible is full of verses that teach us not only the importance but also the rewards of giving. If we’re having money worries, there’s a good chance we need to either begin giving to others or step our current giving up a level.

I know from personal experience when my husband and I have gotten slack on our giving, we’ve opened the door for the enemy to steal from us. As long as we are faithful in our giving, not just our tithe, but over and above the tithe in a sacrificial way, God has always honored and blessed what we’ve given. We’d rather have 90% of our income that’s blessed, than 100% that’s cursed.
Take a look at this important passage of Scripture from the Apostle Paul:
Here’s my point. A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest. Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving—all because God loves hilarious generosity! Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything—every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.  ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
God will make good on His Word every time!  We can take God at His Word!
He said it. I believe it. And that settles it!
There are thing we may have to do afraid in order to be free from the fear of lack. Give, even if you have to do it afraid; spend as you’re led by the Holy Spirit, even if you have to do it afraid, and turn your worries into prayers.~ Joyce Meyer
If you’re struggling with financial fears today, I challenge you to test God’s Word in your life. Pray. Ask Him to show you where and how to give, and in the mean time be thankful for what you have while you are waiting on God to give you more. Always remember you can never out give God!

Soak in this beautiful song by Kari Jobe as you contemplate trusting God for all your finances.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: BE YOURSELF

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the fourth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

Freedom from the Fear of What Other People Will Think, Say, or Do

Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place. ~ Proverbs 29:25

Wanting others to like us isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But when others try to intimidate us for their own personal gain or power trip, that’s wrong and oftentimes abusive.

Many of have endured peer pressure as a teenager. However, it isn’t only teens who struggle with the pressure to conform to the ideas and will of others. Employers, coworkers and even family members can use intimidation to manipulate us to do their will. If we allow ourselves to be intimidated by people we are putting them above God.

You will either be yourself or you will try to be who and what other people think you should be. Only you can decide which it will be. ~ Joyce Meyer

Without an personal relationship with Jesus Christ we may succumb to that pressure and end up doing something we may regret later. Regular, quality time with God, in His Word, in prayer and worship will help prevent us from being swayed by the opinions of others.

Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One! ~ Colossians 3:23-24

When we know who we are in Christ, we have no reason to put the opinion others have of us over what God says about us. Knowing our real value to God, His kingdom and plan for our life gives us the confidence to freely be ourself.

Let Go and let God show you how to be the real you with this awesome some by Jack Cassidy! Turn this one up… Enjoy!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: ACCEPTANCE

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce! This is the third post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

Freedom from the Fear of Rejection

Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects Him who sent me. ~ Luke 10:16

While we all experience some form of rejection. We will never know the amount of rejection that Jesus experienced. He knew who He was and why He had come to earth to do. Because He kept His eyes on His Father’s love, the rejection of people didn’t change Him.

The Father gives me the people who are mine. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them.~ John 6:37

In the above verse, Jesus tells us that those who come to Him will never be rejected.  We can trust God loves us unconditionally and be delivered from the fear of every being rejected by God for any reason. With confidence in God’s love for us we will be free of the fear of people controlling us or the pain of rejection from others.

“No matter what kinds of fear people face, it all comes from one source, which is the devil. We need to say goodbye to all fear and learn to resist it at its onset. The longer we allow something to remain in our lives, the more deeply rooted it becomes and the harder it is to get rid of.” ~ Joyce Meyer

Many of us have a challenge with our thoughts. Old thought patterns that may go back to our childhood are like recordings rolling over and over in our mind. These negative thoughts keep us in bondage to fear and rejection.

We can reprogram our mind with God’s Word and in just a few minutes everyday change how we think about ourselves. When we declare God’s Word over ourselves with these Scripture-based confessions they will change the image we have of ourselves and help us to see the people and things around us in a new light as well.

Start with these Scripture-based confessions:

I am the apple fo God’s eye. (Psalm 17:8).

I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

God rejoices over me with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

I am precious in God’s eyes ( Isaiah 43:4).

I have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

When we see ourselves the way God see us and allow His opinion of us be more important that the opinion of others we will have no reason to fear rejection of God or of people.

Take a few minutes to watch/listen to this clip from Mamma Joyce teaching on the Fear of Rejection. Blessings…. Tamara

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: LOVE FEARLESSLY

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce! This is the second column in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

Freedom from the Fear of Letting Yourself Love

Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection. ~ 1 John 4:18

 

Many of us have been hurt by those we love or who have said they love us. Now because we’re afraid to let our guard down, we’ve created barriers around our heart hoping to protect ourselves from future pain and sorrow.

What we don’t realize is that this so called protection we’ve devised by pushing others away, leaves us more lonely and hurt in the end. True love requires an open and vulnerable heart. And yes, that can be very scary for those of us who have been betrayed  or abused in some way.

Just like God gives us multiple chances to redeem ourselves in His sight, God desires that we forgive other people and allow them another opportunity as well. It may take several chances. True love is willing to be hurt in the process.

We must stop building walls around our hearts and trust God to protect us instead. God will not only protect our heart but He will heal it.

He heals the wounds of every shattered heart. ~ Psalm 147:3

Fearlessly worship God with this wonderful Jesus Culture song.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: UNDERSTANDING FEAR

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid . We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life, and how to confront fear. We will also learn new mindsets that will position us for freedom from our most common fears.  Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce! This is the first column in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

In today’s post I summarize what I gleaned from the first eight chapters of Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer which she has under the section titled Understanding Fear.

1. IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHOICE

God has given us free choice for how we want to live our lives. We can choose blessings or curses. And we must remember that each choice will ultimately bring life or death. It’s up to us to make the right choice. God will not bless us if we are following the devil’s evil plan. It’s never too late to be obedient to God and choose faith, blessings and life!

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! ~ Deuteronomy 30:19

2. DO IT AFRAID

All through Scripture, God tells us, ” Fear not, for I am with you.” The reason we don’t have to be afraid is because God is with us. We must remember God is greater than any problem we’re facing today or will face tomorrow. God is for us and not against us. Knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us should give us the confidence to do whatever we must do even if we are afraid. We can trust God to take care of us in and through it!

Have I not told you? Be strong and have strength of heart! Do not be afraid or lose faith. For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go. ~ Joshua 1:9

3. I WILL NOT FEAR

As believers, God is with us all the time. He is ever-present. For most of us that is a difficult concept to grasp. But we must remember that He is only a thought or prayer away. In times of fear or trouble we can call out to him. Take a few minutes and review your day. Look back and see where you know God showed up to help you. Let that give you confidence to go forward tomorrow even in the face of your fears. Give Him thanks and praise for that now!

I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me.
    People can’t do anything to me. ~ Psalm 118:6)

4. FEARFUL THOUGHTS AND WORDS

God and the devil both have plans for our life. Who we agree with and follow will be revealed by the thoughts, words and eventually actions that come from us. If we stay in God’s word our minds will be transformed and fearful imaginations will go away. Likewise our words and actions will be in agreement with what God wants for our lives.

Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you. And you will be able to know what is good and pleasing to God and what is perfect. ~ Romans 12:2

5. I “FEEL” AFRAID

We must remember that fear is just a feeling. Feelings aren’t dependable. They come and go and can be good or bad. Don’t let your feelings run your life. Just because you are afraid or you don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. The fear of something is usually bigger that what we are actually afraid of. Don’t give in to fear and allow it steal your life. Pray, take courage, go forward and do what is asked of you.

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. ~ Psalm 56:3

6. WHY AM I AFRAID

Whenever we feel afraid we must remember that God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear. That comes from Satan. Sometimes we disobey God and when we do that opens the door for the enemy. A reverential fear of God is the only right fear to have. This means we are honoring God and with that He will give us wisdom. God wants us to have peace and joy, not fear. Put your trust in Him today and be blessed!

Listen! I gave you power to walk on snakes and scorpions. I gave you more power than the Enemy has. Nothing will hurt you. ~ Luke 10:19

7. THE ANTIDOTE FOR FEAR

Above we learned that one reason we don’t have to be afraid is because God is with us. Another reason to not fear is because God loves us. The devil doesn’t want you to know how much God loves you because that will make you secure, confident and fearless.  The antidote for our fear is receiving the perfect love of God in our heart and life!

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. ~ 1 John 4:18

8. LIVING BOLDLY

Whatever God has asked you to do, no matter how difficult, or how little experience you think you may have, God is big enough to help you do it.  Don’t let the devil use fear to steal the blessings that God is trying to give you. Instead of asking ourselves if we can do it. We should be asking, “God can You do it?” Let’s trust God and allow Him to use us to bless others.

What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot. ~ Luke 18:27

I pray you will take a few minutes and watch this short clip from Joyce Meyer’s teaching: Fear Is Not From God. Be blessed!