Faith and Fear Do Not Mix

“But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.” – Proverbs 1:33

Fear is real, but God is bigger.

Fear zeros in on the problem, while faith keeps it in perspective.

Now, faith does NOT mean blindly running into danger or ignoring common sense. But it does mean turning to God every time fear begins to creep in. It means choosing courage rather than fear.

So, what is courage?

Courage is strength in the face of fear.

In other words, to really develop courage, you first have to know fear. The great violinist, Isaac Stern, once observed an incredibly talented nine-year-old violinist. While clearly talented, Stern made the remark that, “You can’t really tell how an artist will be until the teen years, for that is when fear comes in. Then and only then can you see if the person has courage. You can’t learn courage until you know fear.”

Fear can paralyze us. Courage frees us to live life to the fullest.

Jesus epitomized courageous faith as He boldly walked God’s will – even to the cross. However, He knew very well the power fear could have on our lives and often reminded the disciples to cling to faith, not fear. One example of this is found in Matthew chapter 14. The disciples found themselves caught in a terrible storm, fearing for their lives. Suddenly, out of nowhere, they see Jesus walking out to them on the water. “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 14:27), Jesus said – speaking right into their fear.

The comfort for Jesus-followers in this story is this: Finding courage in the face of fear comes through putting our faith in Jesus Christ.

Fear and faith do not mix – they’re like oil and water. When faith kicks in, fear moves out.  However, when faith disappears, fear rushes in like a tidal wave. The key to finding the courage to overcome fear is faith.

Are you struggling with fear? Maybe it’s fear of economic or political uncertainty. Perhaps it’s the current coronavirus crisis or other health concerns. You could simply be struggling with the unknown future. Thankfully, no matter the panic, no matter the problem, and no matter the uncertainty, God remains in control.

If you’re battling fear right now, take the time to pour out your heart to God in prayer. Then spend time meditating on who God is, what He’s done, and remind yourself of His promises found in Scripture:

T.A.S.S.E.L

T.A.S.S.E.L. is a Program through Polk County Schools where the identify & help out children and families in need. Whether it be re-occuring in a situation where the are indigent or in the event of a catastrophe like a house fire they are there to provide for the families. They are currently doing a drive for hygiene items. 

There are 3 ways to donate:

-purchase personal care items and bring them to my office.

-donation (we would just have to keep track as a company and then write a check when gathered)

-use the Amazon wish list below and they will be sent directly to them to distribute. 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1MSJ53JSHZQGY?ref_=wl_shar

Women: Know your risk factors for heart disease

As women, we’re likely to consider breast cancer our top health concern. But many of us may not realize there’s an even bigger risk to your health: heart disease.

It’s the leading killer of both men and women, and it’s surprisingly common. Heart disease strikes nearly 1 in 3 women during their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 women who will get breast cancer.

Heart disease risk factors

Some things can make you more likely than the average person to get heart disease, which sets the stage for heart attacks. For instance, your risk rises if you:

  • Are 55 or older or postmenopausal. One reason is the decline in the hormone estrogen (which offers women some heart protection) that occurs after menopause.
  • Have high blood pressure. This damages the heart’s arteries. In addition, women are more prone to heart disease if they had high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as pre-eclampsia.
  • Have high cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol (the bad kind of cholesterol) in the blood can clog arteries in the heart, triggering a heart attack.
  • Have diabetes. Or if you have its precursor, prediabetes.
  • Have a family history of early heart disease. If your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55 or your mother or sister had one before age 65, your risk rises too.
  • Are overweight or obese. Extra weight is hard on the heart.
  • Make unhealthy lifestyle choices. These include eating unhealthy foods, using tobacco or nicotine products or not exercising.

A good first step is to see your health care provider. Ask about your personal risk for heart disease and what you can do to lower it.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday Cupcake Candle Pink Cake For February
SUNSET FLEMINGSCHEVROLET SALESFEB 3
RYAN KEENEYLUBE TECHFEB3
JUSTUS HAYESNORTH SIDE PREOWN SALESFEB4
MICHAEL HUGHESGMC SALES MANAGERFEB6
CAMERON FOLDSNORTH PARTS COUNTERMANFEB 6
ANGEL BURGOSSOUTH SIDE DETAILFEB7
CHAD SUDDRETHSOUTH SIDE PREOWN SALESFEB 10
GILBERTO SANCHEZCHEVROLET SERVICE TECHFEB 10
ERIC KOFLERSOUTH SIDE P/O SALES MANAGERFEB 11
MISTY OSBORNEKIA SERVICE ASMFEB 13
RYAN COLEPEANNORTH LOT PORTERFEB 16
BRANDON WANISHCHEVROLET ASMFEB 24
RICKY CUSTODIOCHEVROLET SALESFEB 24
JORGE BENITEZ CASANOVABODY SHOP TECHFEB 26
JORDAN SEIBERTNORTH PARTS COUNTERMANFEB 26
SHAYNA GELPIBDC RECEPTIONISTFEB 27

RECALL NOTICE

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been identified as “Sub sequential Internal Non-morality,” more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:

 1. Loss of direction

 2. Foul vocal emissions

 3. Amnesia of origin 

4. Lack of peace and joy

 5. Selfish or violent behavior

 6. Depression or confusion 

7. Fearfulness 

8. Idolatry

 9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is:P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. 

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 

1. Love 

2. Joy 

3. Peace 

4. Patience 

5. Kindness 

6. Goodness 

7. Faithfulness 

8. Gentleness 

9. Self control 

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (BEST Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus. 

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as toprevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! – GOD

 P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by ‘Knee mail’! Because HE Lives!

Working for God on earth doesn’t pay much…..But His retirement plan is out of this world!