Hello my Friends,

Wow, it feels as though a long time has passed since I shared with you what the Lord is teaching me. I have a doozy of a lesson today. But before we jump in, thank you for celebrating our 10-year anniversary with us. I read every comment that arrived and was teary with joy at your expressions of love. These are treasures that are now part of my crown that I can’t wait to throw at the feet of Jesus. Forgive me for not responding, I’m living in a season of a million details. Can anyone relate???

But truly!!! Thank you.

Okay, let’s roll on.

I thought this topic of the fear of man was going to be fairly straight forward. It’s not. I’ve been embroiled in thoughts about this for weeks. So it’s likely going to take some time to wade through it all. Be patient.

So does this happen to you?

You are contemplating a decision in your life such as taking a bolder step of faith in public. Or speaking up about a situation in your life, marriage, career or social positions. Do you have to think through what may be all the possible responses and what people around you might think about you if you were to make changes or speak up?

Yep, me too.

This is the fear of man.

Whoa! Hold on you say. What I’m driving at is when you know that you know in your knower, God has spoken to you about a certain course of action, correction, direction and you then must contemplate, suppose and mull over every single person’s response before you decide if you are going to move, that is the fear of man.

I truly believe that fear is demonic in nature. Fear controls, manipulates and destroys what God intends to prosper, bless and set free. Often the devil uses others to create fear in order that we never come to live in our divine purpose and calling.

I could likely talk about this topic of fear for days on end. Almost every person I pray for has some kind of bondage to fear that blocks or diminishes God’s will in their life. What is so amazing for me is when I pray with them for their freedom, there are those whom I literally can see their eyes dilate as fear leaves. And in a few, I have watched as even the shape of their face will change as they are set free from fear and step into the love of Christ with greater confidence.

Awesomeness!!!

SUMites, many of us live in fear. And if all I do for the rest of my life is to bring freedom from fear through Christ Jesus to this community, I will have lived out one of my primary purposes on earth.

So in the next few weeks, I want to put some tools in your spiritual tool belt to deal with the spirit of fear. I am hearing the Holy spirit speak to us: Your time is at hand. Step out of fear and live in my promises.

How does that feel to everyone?

Cool!

Okay, we have a lot of work to do and a short time to do it as I will be taking the month of July off. In August we will launch into our annual Summer Bible Study series. But for June…. WE ARE TAKING DOWN FEAR. Woo Hoo!!

Start with this verse:

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. —Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

My friends, memorize this. But mostly…. Just believe it.

I have an assignment for you over the weekend. In your quiet time ask the Holy Spirit, “What do I fear? Does this fear sit outside the truth of the Word of God?”

Okay, if you are bold or ready, please share your answers with me in the comments. Firstly, taking fear out of the dark immediately lessens its power. Second, I can pray over this and perhaps will have some scriptures to offer you as well that will help you to become free. Thirdly, you are likely not alone. You will find another who can walk through this journey with you.

Funny thing. This post came out way different and unexpected to what I originally thought. Somehow I think the Holy Spirit will drive this series with power, purpose and GREAT FREEDOM. Hallelujah!!

TODAY IS YOUR FREEDOM DAY. I love you, SUMite Nation. Let’s get free and take the love of Christ to the world with power and purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you in the comments. Hugs, Lynn