It didn’t shout “Boo!”, but I did jump. Imagine my surprise to find a large possum Thursday morning trapped in the bottom of a trashcan behind the fellowship hall. I’m not overly scared of possums, but I don’t like being surprised by them. But my fear shortly turned to pity. It was written all over its ugly face, the possum was frightened and trapped. So with mercy, I turned the trashcan over and freed the poor thing. At times, like the possum, a lot of us are trapped and frighten by unhealthy fears. And God does not want any of us living in dread. That is not to say that some fears are healthy. Some fears are useful. Parents understand that creating a fear of the street can save their child’s life. Believers understand that having a respectful fear of the Lord can save one’s soul and add life aiding wisdom. Fears are healthy when the emotion is to protect and mature another.

Unhealthy fears are always self-centered and/or self-defeating. Self-centered intimidation leads to unhealthy immobilization. And like a deer in headlights, it usually leads to a bad result. I will share three biblical examples of this on Sunday. However, our main focus on Sunday will be on how God desires to release his children from unwholesome fears so that they can grow emotionally, socially and spiritually. Our main text will be Mark 14:22-33, where Jesus helps Peter, and reveals to us four steps to overcoming our unwanted fears. Think of them as the four C’s: Confronting, Comprehending, Convincing and Caring. One last helpful tip in overcoming our fears; read and mediate on all of Psalms 27. It is a powerful Psalm of David – a person who knew how to face his fears.

-Mike Abbott is the Minister of the Denham Spring Church of Christ, in Denham Springs, LA

I want to thank Bro. Joe Botha of Maryville, TN for designing this site and  showing me   how to  add to it—at the present there is a   Contact page—the  info you   insert  there will go to Bro. Terry Standerfer of the  Highway  church.

Please take the  time to  let   them know you  visited the  site and tell us  what  you think  of  the  newly designed site.   The Lord has  given us the  opportunity to  use the  internet   to  reach the lost and strengthen the saved.   Please pray for this  site and tell others   about  it.

Yours in Jesus

Larry Miles, WebServant

2008 Cherry Street Sermons (Audio)