KEY SCRIPTURE 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

RELEVANCE Now that the year is rising from its sleep, how have you planned to increase your faith? Have you devised a strategy to know your spiritual armour and keep it on better than last year to defend yourself against the devil's cunning? Or to stand firmer on faith decisions? Or to be a faith leader this year instead of a follower? How do you plan to challenge your every fear? The fear of death, friendship, lack of money, etc.?

Don't forget, each time you stand successfully on a decision for the Lord, even on small ones, your faith strengthens. It increases. God asks us if we're afraid to step forward in faith, simply believing He can see us through. He asks us many times throughout scripture not to fear the unknown, for with a strong hand, He leads His people, whether in the times of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Paul or us today.

In response, we let no fear reign in our beings. God desires a people who overflow with joy and faith in Him—faith that He can bring things to pass and confidence that He can keep us at all times. He calls us to let no fear reign in our beings except the healthy fear of our God. He calls us to come into the house of God as a joyous, holy people. He knows each heart as we open them unto Him. He knows all that there is in each heart.

The Lord questions us: is faith not enough? Faith enough to cast out all fear and know with assurance that once He has called, He can bring it to pass.

Today, let us allow no fear to reign. But let God's Word set us free to worship Him. Let God see our fruit for which He longs, even aches. In that freedom, we get the Body working together. Each part is needed to work as a whole unit. A body without a hand, finger or even a thumb is not the entire Body and cannot work in its completeness.

Fear is obstructive to a Christian and a key tool of Satan to slow the Lord's work down. It keeps those essential body parts from being knit together and working as a body should.

Let us meditate on His Word and understand our worth in His economy. We are His children, and He weeps for us day and night to come up higher and complete our part. Then we will see and behold His blessings ready to pour upon us.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, when fear reins, your work slows down or stops. Please help me not to be afraid of fear itself, for the Holy Spirit within is greater than all fears. I want your blessings poured out upon me.