IMPACT Recap

Help!: I’m Fearful

December 5, 2021 · 0:56:56

FaithPeacePrayer

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn opened a new December series titled 'Help! It's Christmas' by acknowledging that while many celebrate, this season can be a difficult, stressful, lonely, and fearful time for others. He began with prayer, thanking God for the Bible as our guide for life. The pastor noted that December is often one of the most stressful months, filled with busyness that may not reflect Jesus's intent for His birthday. He then turned to the Christmas story in Matthew 1:18-24, focusing on Joseph's initial fear and disbelief upon learning Mary was pregnant. The angel's message to Joseph, 'Do not be afraid,' became the sermon's cornerstone, as Pastor Travis connected it to the modern 'pandemic of fear' that plagues our world, from health concerns to interpersonal anxieties. He outlined three practical ways to minimize fear in our lives: first, by walking in the light and coming clean with God; second, by surrendering control to God and learning to trust Him; and third, by focusing on faith instead of our fears. He emphasized that our life follows our focus, and by shifting our focus upward to God's promises, we can combat fear with faith, power, love, and a sound mind. The message concluded with a call to surrender control to God, step into His light, and refocus on His promises during the Christmas season.

Main Points

  • To minimize fear, walk in the light by coming clean and getting right with God, stepping out of darkness into His truth.
  • Surrender control to God; the root of control issues is often a lack of trust, and true peace comes from trusting God's sovereignty.
  • Focus on faith, not fear; your life follows your focus, so fight to fix your focus on God's promises to overcome anxiety.

Verses Mentioned

  • Matthew 1:18-24 - "This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us'). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." (NIV)
  • Proverbs 10:9 - "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." (NIV)
  • John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (NIV)
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (NIV)
  • Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)
  • Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)
  • Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)
  • John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV)
  • Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)
  • Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 1:20 - '...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife..."'

Focus Point: God's direct address to our fears.

Action Plan: Identify one specific fear you are holding onto today. Write it down and pray, 'God, I give you this fear.'

Deep Prayer: Lord, you know my fears. Help me to hear your voice saying, 'Do not be afraid,' and to trust you with this situation today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Proverbs 10:9 - 'Whoever walks in integrity walks securely...'

Focus Point: Walking in the light of integrity.

Action Plan: Is there an area of your life where you are 'in the dark'? Take one step to bring it into the light, whether through confession to God or a trusted person.

Deep Prayer: God, give me the courage to step into your light. I am tired of hiding. Help me to walk securely in your truth.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Proverbs 3:5-6 - 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...'

Focus Point: Surrendering control by trusting God.

Action Plan: Choose one situation you are trying to control. Verbally or in writing, release control of it to God. Say, 'God, I trust you with this.'

Deep Prayer: Father, I confess I try to control things. Today, I surrender my need for control to you. I choose to trust you with all my heart.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: 2 Timothy 1:7 - 'For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.'

Focus Point: The spirit God gives versus a spirit of fear.

Action Plan: When you feel fear or anxiety rising today, stop and declare out loud: 'God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.'

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind me today of the power, love, and sound mind you have given me. Drive out every spirit of fear in my life.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Philippians 4:6-7 - 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition... present your requests to God.'

Focus Point: Replacing worry with worship and prayer.

Action Plan: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Instead of worrying, use that time to pray about your concerns and then worship God by listening to a worship song.

Deep Prayer: Lord, I bring my anxious thoughts to you. I thank you for your goodness. Guard my heart and mind with your peace that surpasses understanding.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Isaiah 41:10 - 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you...'

Focus Point: Fixing our focus on God's faithful promises.

Action Plan: Read through the six promises listed in the sermon (Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:8, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, Joshua 1:9, Jeremiah 29:11). Choose one to meditate on and memorize.

Deep Prayer: God, thank you for your promises that are yes and amen. Help me to focus my heart on your faithfulness, not my fears. You are with me.

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