Do not fear!

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Do Not Be Afraid
A weak and fearful person, like myself, who decides to follow Jesus will probably notice that angels and Jesus say these words often, “Do not be afraid.”  Jesus came to change the world and did so.  This is not accomplished by “shrinking violets”.  It requires boldness to spread good news when the world is addicted to bad news, cynicism and nihilism (nothingness).
I watched as Anne Lamott was interviewed by Tavis Smiley regarding her new book, Stiches.  She recommended that we should make ourselves as big as we are in God.  Dogs smell fear and we should not allow fear to rule our attempts to make a positive difference in people’s lives.  She said that the world has different ways to put Jesus followers out of commission.  You’re too old, too fat, too sick, too poor, or too rich.  These are ways of trying to get us to not tell the Good News that we know is true in Jesus. 


God is love.  Jesus knew this and taught it.  It resonates with people because we were created to flourish with love in our hearts.  When you have learned to love people, you are drawn to their language.  When shopping in markets in Russia, if I heard English spoken, I was drawn to it.  Here in America I will go through a drive-through fast-food place and the person may be speaking with a Russian dialect. I am drawn to it.  Why?  Because it reminds me of the love of the Russian people. 


People are drawn to genuine love. Remember perfect love casts out fear.
Larry Wishard

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