Fear God or Fear Man-The Choice is Yours

Collins Maxwell, my granddaughter, secure in her daddy's Navy hat

Being afraid of the power someone holds or what they might think can cripple the smartest and most gifted person. Intimidation has been around for thousands of years and still operates today. Perhaps that is why the Bible says around 360 times to “fear not.” God gives us a reminder every day of the year to not walk in fear. The best antidote for a fear of man is a healthy fear of God. I am not talking about being scared of God, but caring more what God thinks than other people. 

A fear of God is a deep respect for Him and strong desire to please Him above all else.  It is caring more that my response to a situation pleases God above anyone other than Him.  Too many times in my own life, I have tried to please people more than pleasing God. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we will have fewer feelings of insecurity, abandonment, and anxiety. Do you struggle with insecurity, abandonment or anxiety? These three things can be evicted in your life by developing a fear of the Lord. 

Totally secure in Daddy's arms- no fear

Recently, I was visiting with a friend, and their comment was one that indicated a real fear of another person and their power. Their fear was valid because of previous experiences, however, I could see that they were truly afraid, and, therefore, would not confront the situation. Their fear actually enabled the other person to totally control the situation. Scripture tells us in I Peter 1:7 that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and a sound mind. Therefore, the fear someone is trying to use on us is not from God and a force that is trying to disempower us. 

When we are walking in the fear of the Lord, we have an unshakable confidence that God is on our side. Fearing God is also a reverential trust in His power and ability. Proverbs 14:26 says, “In the of fear of the Lord there is strong confidence...” It is not an unshakable confidence in our ability, but in His. Too many times we fear other people’s reaction and it holds us back. David showed an unshakable confidence when he said in Psalms 127: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” What fear is controlling you? In what ways do you have a fear of man instead of a healthy fear of God? Author Oswald Chambers said “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God, you fear nothing else; whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”

Perfect love casts out fear

Just some of the benefits  of walking in the fear of the Lord are wisdom, living long, riches, honor and abundant life. Proverbs 9:10 tells us “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...” Do you need wisdom in a situation? Ask His opinion and He will help you. I know in my own life I have been in numerous situations where I simply did not know what to do. I can confidently move through my day because I ask Him every morning to give me His wisdom and I am learning not to move in situations until I feel His direction.

Proverbs 22:4 says“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” (NIV) I think all of us, except a few people I know, could use an upgrade in humility and reap the wonderful benefits.

Proverbs 14:27 states “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” (NIV) As hot as it has been lately, we could all use a drink a cup of the fear of the Lord and enjoy the fountain of life it will bring to us. 

Will you join me in walking more in the fear of the Lord? Let me hear the testimonies of the benefits you reap!

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. She can be heard on Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.on The REV-FM, 94.3. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com
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How Good is Your Cast?

How Good is Your Cast?

July 2013

Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie

Life can be challenging and all of us have burdens. Financial woes plague many with our economy, problems in relationships challenge others, work stress press down on a number of people or caring for an ill loved one. What burden is weighing on you right now? Maybe you are trying to carry all the above burdens by yourself. If that is the case, I would suggest you need to practice your cast.

Cast means to throw forcefully in a specific direction. Psalms 55:22 says,“ Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).(AMP) When trouble lands on our shoulders, we are told exactly what to do-to throw them forcefully to the Lord. God knew we were not designed to carry the problems we would encounter so he offered to carry them for us. I love how he is the perfect gentleman!

In the recent years of my life, I have encountered numerous trial and have had the opportunity to practice casting my burdens on the Lord. To be honest, I would have crumbled by the weight of them if I tried to cary them. Sometimes I would try to cast them, but it was more of a toss, instead of a forceful throw. If we do not throw our cares forcefully and in the direction of the Lord, they can weigh us down and rob us of joy, peace and even good health. We must be intentional about our cast and practice it often.

My new husband is a fisherman. The world of fishing is foreign to me and I’m discovering it is part of my new life. Recently, we were invited to go bass fishing with another couple. I am always up for new adventure, however, all day of fishing was a little more adventure than I had signed up for. About six hours into the nine hour trip, my shoulders ached,my skin was sticky, I was tired and longed for a good bath. To make matters worse, I had not caught near as many fish as everyone else.

“Why am I not catching as many fish as everyone else?” I asked my husband. “We are all fishing out of the same boat and using similar lures,” I stated.

“Well, honey, it takes practice,” he encouraged.

“You’re doing good but the main thing you need to work on is practicing your cast,” he continued.

I began to watch exactly where the other three experienced fisherman were casting. Their cast were specific, not just in the middle of the lake. I began practicing my cast.It was not too long before I too, began to catch a few more fish and even managed to reel in a 2 1/2 lb. bass. I was so excited, I thought I had caught Moby Dick!

I later began to ponder Psalms 55:22. When we specifically cast our burdens upon the Lord, he promises to sustain us, to uphold, bear the weight, prolong and strengthen us. Our job is to throw them forcefully, his job is to carry them. Actually, God not only promises to sustain us but the rest of that scripture says he will not allow us to fall or fail. 

I have been practicing my casting with the new rod my husband purchased for me preparing for an upcoming fishing trip. I am also working on quickly casting my cares on the Lord too so I can reap the blessings God promises for me as I cast my burdens upon him. God loves you and me so much and I feel he wants us to practice our cast. What burden do you need to practice casting? Will you join me in practicing your cast? Who knows what we will catch as we enjoy the adventures he has for us as we walk with Him.

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New Addition to the Family!

Collins arrives!

 Collins Elise Maxwell entered the world on August 3rd at 6:24 p.m. She weighed in at 5 lbs 10 oz and is 18.5" long. Mom, Dad and baby are all fine. I think Austin and Laura are a little tired after the 16 hour labor. Her hair is reddish like her Daddy and to me they look alike. She has her pretty mom's shaped face and is such a cutie! 

Life is good

Red hair

Austin did a great  job sending texted throughout her labor.

She already has him wrapped around her finger.

Precious Collins!

I want my Mama Max and Pops!

Austin as a baby.

First sneeze!

Collins enjoying her new room with her mom. We are so proud of Laura! Thanks for carrying her and getting her here!

Benefits of Loving One Another

As long as I can remember, I have heard the phrase - love one another. I heard it in Sunday School as a little girl but it was not until I was much older that I understood this commandment and its vital importance in everyday living. The past few articles I have talked about what scripture has to say about one another. Why did Jesus give us this commandment? I think one reason was he knew we would encounter difficult people and would need the reminder.

Loving one another is a commandment that defines us if we choose to obey. John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV) God’s love for us is unconditional, constant, and always there. When we believe and receive God’s love for us, we have a responsibility to give it away.  Is your love for others you encounter just like God’s? 

There have been a few times in my life I just have not felt love for a person due to hurt or disappointment. I simply did not feel like loving like God does. 1 John 3:23, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” (NIV) God never requires something of us without His provision for us. I have learned to quickly and constantly ask God to give me his love for people. Loving the unlovely can only be done well when we acknowledge our need for God’s grace to help us. When we ask for His help, we align ourselves with God and his love. We become  a conduit for love to flow. Who do you need to ask God to give you his love for?

Romans 13:8 states, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”   We never arrive at the finish line when it comes to love. We will always have a responsibility to love those around us. There are ten commandments, but if we simply remember to love, we fulfill all of the other nine commandments without thinking. Simplify your life and choose to love.

Where does real love come from? I John 4:7 tells us it come from God. That is freeing to me. I do not have to beat myself up when I do not feel like loving, however, my job is to open my heart to receive His love for me and then I can give it away. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (NIV)  I have prayed many a times, “God, I open my heart to you. Fill me with your love for ________.” In loving the irregular people in our lives, we get the opportunity to know more of God’s love and who He really his. Love is the core of who God is and it is in our DNA too as his kids.

When we choose to obey and love, we choose freedom for ourselves. As we celebrate the freedom our forefathers provided and Christ provided, let’s follow in their footsteps and lay down our lives and love one another...then enjoy the benefits!

Kathleen is a native of the Hill Country and is a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping people discover their value and worth. She can be heard on Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am on The REV FM, 94.3. Contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com or visit her blog on www.themaxwellminutes.blogspot.com

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Summer Fun with Family

Austin and Laura and my grand daughter that is hiding right now

 Summer is for fun with family! Our family has taken a different shape this past year with people we love saying goodbye and leaving this life. We have also gained new members to our family. I think it is so interesting that before my mom and dad passed away, both my daughter and daughter-in-law were expecting. God gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Recently, Stephen and I were able to go to Annapolis Maryland to spend some precious time with Austin, my oldest son and his wife. We loved getting to see their new home and help them with moving in. Laura and I worked to get things for the baby, while Stephen and Austin hung pictures and did various projects in the house. Of course we played a little. The boys played some golf while Laura and I shopped for the baby.

Downtown Annapolis

Enjoying Annapolis

My daughter and me celebrating  at a baby shower
My grandson is on his way!

Austin, my oldest son  and Stephen





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