fear not
Fear attacks us right where our faith lives and keeps us from stepping into the plans God has for us. Created for the Christmas season, Fear Not helps us overcome fear and transform it into faith and obedience. With messages on the angels' visits to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, Fear Not assures us that God will always give us the guidance we need to reject fear.
WEEK 1
What is your next step of obedience?
Reflect and respond: Luke 1:26-56. Read all of it at once then go back and write down all the feelings Mary may have felt. Don’t forget verses 46-55. What are the biggest steps of faith you’ve had to take so far? What have you learned about God and yourself along the way?
Pray: Ask God to give you clarity on what he is inviting you to do next. It could be something big like a job change or it could be something small like deciding to have a difficult conversation with someone. Here is the key - do it. Obey. Don’t justify your way out of obedience because your scared. God’s power meets you in the moment of obedience.
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
Extraordinary acts of God begin with ordinary acts of obedience.
WEEK 2
Reflect and respond: Read Matthew 1:18-25. Write down as many people (like parents, friends, etc.) that could have been upset and disappointed in Mary and Joseph for saying yes to God. Write down three names of people that you worry about disappointing. What are some of the ordinary areas of your life where you just need to obey God? Search for the song “Not Afraid” by Kim Walker-Smith and listen to it as you about obeying God in the small things. As you learn to be faithful with the small things, big things will come your way. - Pastor Nick
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
You have to know your need for God.
WEEK 3
Reflect and respond: Read Luke 2:1-39 & Matthew 5:3. What are some feelings that the shepherds could struggle with in this story (Luke 2:1-39)? Do you ever experience the same feelings? Ask God to help you feel the hope and the joy He intended by sending his son Jesus, Immanuel, which means God with us.
I believe the shepherds knew their need for God and the announcement made them burst with joy! Read Matthew 5:3, pray, and revive your own need for God. To be “poor” in spirit means to know your need and live with humility. Let’s go! - Pastor Nick
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
This Christmas seasons, let's choose trust over control.
WEEK 4
Reflect and respond: Read Luke 1:26-38, the story we read on Christmas Eve, and think about the trust it took for Mary and Joseph to do what God asked them to do. They didn’t know how things would turn out, but the chose to trust God’s promise.
Pray: God, help me learn to trust in You. Show me areas in my life where I need to trust You more.