In the aftermath of Christmas, I love to look at all the Scripture surrounding the birth of Jesus---all the prophecies that tell of His coming, the account off His birth and death and resurrection, and then the promise of His second coming.
Luke 2:9-14 is a favorite passage:
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
I love the angel's command to "Fear Not." (KJV) So many times in life things seem so overwhelming. Trials come to us in many forms---sickness, loss, discouragement, disappointments, hardships, and the list can go on and on. But if we allow the truth of God's Word to penetrate our heart and soul we can carry on.
So many promises of God connect with that "fear not"
Fear not...I will be with you.
Fear not...I will never leave you or forsake you.
Fear not...My peace I give to you.
Fear not...Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Fear not...I (Jesus) have made a way for you.
Fear not...behold I make all things new.
Fear not...as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Fear not...Jesus will make a way where there seems to be no way.
If you find yourself in a discouraging time, I want to encourage you to fear not. Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Put your hope and trust in Him. He is the comforting answer to life's every fearful question.
Dorothy Jean Abbey, was born May 19, 1955 and grew up in Western New York. She married James Rugg in 1974. In 1989, her husband became an ordained pastor with the Assemblies of God. Dorothy ministered along side of her husband from the beginning, serving as her husband's secretary, teaching Sunday School, working in the nursery and making the most of every opportunity to preach the Word. In 2013, Dorothy became an ordained minister and currently serves as her church's Administrative pastor and a lay chaplain at our local hospital. She loves writing devotions and has had articles published in the Daily Boost, Pentecostal magazine, and one article was used in the Sunday School curriculum of Gospel Publishing House. Dorothy is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters, two wonderful son-in-laws and four precious grandchildren. She says, "I love the Lord with all my heart and I try to live for His glory, I love to encourage people in their walk with the LORD. I am thankful for God redeeming me and giving me new life in HIM!!"
