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!