From:
Date: August 18, 2020
Subject: It's August 18; Good Morning Union


“Fear not…”     Isaiah 43:1

More than 365 times in the Bible God, or Jesus or one of Their supporters say, “Fear not,” or some equivalent. At least one for every day of the year. Apparently fear must have been a big deal back then, as it is today. In that way not much has changed. Many mental health issues appear to be the result of fear, or anxiety, (which be definition is “generalized fear”), depression (hopelessness in fear), and just fear itself, fear of the unknown. COVID isn’t helping any either!

So the most common command in the Bible, “Fear not,” is perhaps an antidote to some of those helpless, depressing, anxious moments. The “fear not” that caught my eye this morning is from Isaiah, probably because I like lists and he gives me a really nice list in this text:

“FEAR NOT:

  1. For I am with you
  2. I have called you by name
  3. You are Mine.”

I can squelch many fears by acknowledging that God is with me. I can defeat many fears when I realize that He knows my name; I’m that special to Him. And I can alleviate many anxious moments by focusing not on the fear but the One to Whom I belong. Focus, focus, focus, on Jesus. He is with me, He calls me by name, I am His.

Have a great day without fear,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day:      "I came to Him because I did not know which way to turn. I remained with Him because there is no other way I wish to turn. I came to Him longing for something I did not have. I remain with Him because I have something I will not trade. I came to Him as a stranger. I remain with Him in the most intimate of friendships. I came to Him unsure about the future. I remain with Him certain about my destiny."          - Ravi Zacharias

PS        Remember, today, and every Tuesday from 12-2 Pastor Gua, young adult pastor at CVC will be in Campus Ministries in case you are in need of a female perspective on the spiritual journey. Make an appointment with her (gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org) or just stop by.

PPS      HeartScan is still open until Friday. Pick up a form outside Campus Ministries if you want to be a part of our spiritual mentoring program. If you are having problems with the uGroup process talk to Roxanne Force in Student Life. You must receive verification from Student Life before you are officially in the program.