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last week in light of the COVID19 pandemic and the fear and panic rising in our nations, I felt the Lord prompt me to write the post:
Fear Not with 12 prayer points, a personal prayer and Psalm 91 made personal for us to be praying and declaring as we navigate the uncertainty of what is ahead. If you missed it you can click here or the image below.
Last Friday night because of that post, I had the opportunity to join christian leaders from across our nation along with my husband to pray for the coronavirus and America. You can watch that video here and be encouraged by the prayers:
Be watching my social media for the possibility of another live prayer session possible this Friday night to deal with the spirit of fear. Plans are in the works but a time and specific date has yet to be determined.
The Church’s Finest Hour
Drifting off to sleep, I finished my prayer. “Lord, let my words tomorrow inspire others and help us to eradicate the spirit of fear which has infiltrated our minds and heart and this nation. If there is anything I need to change, then show me.”
…
The sun began streaming through the window, it was early and I had at least an hour before the alarm would go off. I pulled the cover up over my head and began to roll over when I had the whisper of a thought: “This is the Church’s finest hour.”
“Yes, Lord” I mumbled as I rolled over, “This is indeed the church’s finest hour.”
I tried to go back to sleep, but it continued to evade me. I was still sleepy, but I knew the Lord had just responded to my prayer the night before as I was drifting off to sleep. I needed to respond in obedience. As I lay there praying, I began to ask what else He wanted me to share besides the “Fear Not” message.
As I got ready for church, several scriptures were coming to mind along with a picture/vision.
I saw a bear hibernating for the winter. It looked content, warm, well fed and fast asleep. Then I heard: Awake. – Wake Up Oh Sleeper! It’s time to Rise and Shine for the Light has come!
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:13-17 ESV)
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV).
Faith Over Fear
I knew that “Fear Not” was only part of the message that we as a global church need to hear. The Word of God has around 365 times throughout the Bible places where God is telling His people to not fear. One for each day of the year. In fact, when I researched this, one sight said 366 one for each day of the year including leap year. While I did not do my own extensive research, I can say that God uses the words “fear not” and those like it over 300 times throughout scriptures. To the exact number, that would depend on which translation you were reading. Can we just suffice it to say that God is pretty serious that His people not be filled with fear.
In fact, we are to have more FAITH than we have fear. In my Bible Study workbook, on pages 114-115 of The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement I wrote this:
“Faith and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. So, if we allow fear to creep in, then it will push out and diminish our ability to have faith. Faith is of God; fear is not.”
Faith is of God, fear is not. It’s that simple, and yet it’s not. Fear is a four-letter word! A terrible tool and ploy the enemy wields against many believers today. Fear of people, fear of getting it wrong, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of … you fill in the blank.
Fear is not of God. Faith and fear cannot coexist at the same time. You are either operating in one or the other but never at the same time. Romans 8:15 assures us that if we are God’s child (and we are), then fear has no place inside of us.
On Page 34 of my training manual Releasing God’s Heart through Hearing His Voice, I state it this way:
“When we take our eyes off of God and stop having faith in the things He has said, fear can begin to creep in and take over our lives.”
I believe we can take the words of Martin Luther regarding the Black Death and apply them to the COVID19 virus:
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us.
Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it.
I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.
If God should wish to take me, He will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others.
If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely…
See this as a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”- Martin Luther
AWAKE – Do Not Remain Silent
Oh friend, this is indeed our finest hour. The finest hour for the church is now. We face a worldwide pandemic, but we need not be fearful. Instead we must let FAITH rise up inside us. We must seek God, repent and pray. We need to heed His voice and Love one another.
What we face is real, and can seem scary, but we have a God who is real and isn’t afraid of the things we face. We must begin to share the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel with others. Now is not the time to remain silent, now is not the time to hole ourselves up in our homes and cower in fear. Now is the time for the church to rise up, to awaken and share of who Jesus is. We must show compassion, mercy and love for our neighbors, friends, and enemies. We must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – there is a world outside our doors, our homes and churches that need to hear about the saving Grace of Jesus. While we may be quarantined in our homes and not allowed to meet for coffee or at church, we are not forbidden from sending emails, texts, or making phone calls. We can harness the power of social media for good and speak words of life, hope and encouragement. We can love one another and share the gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time.
Steps You can take today
Awaken! No more sleeping. Now is the time and you have a part to play. Ask God what He would have you do and who He would have you share with. Throughout history there have been major events that shaped the hearts, minds and lives of people. Events and tragedies like 911, natural disasters like earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes and even wars and rumors of wars. BUT GOD! Yes, but, God. God still sits on the throne; He still hears, answers prayer, and He gives HOPE and life to a world in need. God brings light to a dark world and the reality is, there are people who are living in shrouds of darkness that need the light, life, hope and saving grace of Jesus.
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV).
The steps you can take are as easy as 1, 2, 3 …
PRAY:
- Repent, Renounce & Cast off from partnering with a spirit of Fear
- You need to break off any agreements you or others have made with this spirit and kick it to the curb and out of your life.
- Pray for the spirit of fear to leave ourselves, others, our nation and other countries.
- Pray against panic, fear, chaos, hoarding, pandemonium, and uncertainty.
- Pray for Unity in the church
- Pray as the Lord leads
READ THE WORD:
- Find Scriptures to combat fear and to be filled with faith.
- Psalm 91: Isaiah 43; Psalm 27; Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7 and more
- Find promises in the Word of God and post them around your home, and even on social media.
- Declare, Decree and Proclaim these promises out-loud
CHOOSE FAITH
- Choose to be filled with faith and not fear.
- Be a dispenser of faith, hope, and encouragement to others.
LOVE:
- Love others period.
- Don’t judge, don’t point fingers or choose sides. Instead release the love and power of Jesus to others.
SHARE:
- Share the Good News of Jesus with others. Share your story and testimony
Can I ask a HUGE Favor: If you purchased a copy of my Bible Study: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living A Lifestyle of Encouragement would you please consider leaving me a review on Amazon? If you purchased on Amazon great, if you purchased a copy from me directly, you can still leave a review by posting a picture of the book or a selfie of you and the book. I currently have 22 reviews. Amazon’s magic number is 25 to kick in certain algorithms. I know I have sold more than 25 copies, so pretty please would you consider leaving me a review ? or if you know of someone or gifted the book to someone, can you please ask them to leave a review?
Thank you so much in Advance!
If you haven’t yet purchased a copy, I still have the e-book kindle version for a very low price. You can find it by clicking here or the click on the image above.
Stacey Pardoe wrote this great blog post about how my New Bible Study book and Free 6- week study has been for her. Check it out by click here or the image below and give her some comment love on her blog. Thank you Stacey!
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Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 48: Wonder, Full with Guest Rob Coscia Share on XEpisode #048: Wonder, Full with Guest Rob Coscia “Dare 2 Hear The Podcast” is now live!
Thank you to those who listened last week and have already left reviews! You have blessed us so much!
Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.
For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel. You can find it by clicking here.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday. Next week Episode #049: Seers vs Prophets with Special Guest David Michael Jenkins
Can I ask a HUGE Favor?
Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…
It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
- Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
- Listen to Episode 1 How to Hear the Voice of God
- Click on the “Subscribe” button
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- Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
- Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!
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With Much love and Appreciation,
Debbie
Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me. Click Here to order yours today!
We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
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Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
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YES! My thoughts have gone to the history of the church during times of plague, and my prayer has been that we would learn the lessons God has for us in this time of testing.
Michele – I agree – may we learn the lessons God has for us in this season and learn from seasons and lessons of the past.
No fear here. As I say in my latest post, God knew the coronavirus was coming. Every promise in his word still stands. When your life has been like one of the scariest rollercoasters, covid19 doesn’t faze you. Use wisdom to do the best thing for all and keep pressing on in Jesus’ name because this too shall pass. So today, I’m leaning on the everlasting arms while playing In Christ Alone on repeat. The words deeply minister to my soul:
“No guilt in life
No fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry
To final death
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell
No scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from his hand
Till he returns
Or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ, I’ll stand.”
Yvonne, Thank you so much for sharing these words! I am sure that they will minister to others as well. 🙂 I too am leaning on the ever lasting arms of my savior! Blessings
I do love that Martin Luther quote. I may need to make a printable with it. Great post, Deb. I will see you soon!
Thanks Susan! – making a printable of it is a fabulous idea – let me know if you do. It was so great to see you in person too 🙂
Praying for the church to rise up!
Amen Lauren! Me too.
Powerful post, Debbie! May we do what the Lord has called us to do.
Peace and grace to you and yours,
Tammy
Thank you Tammy! Blessings, peace and God’s protection to you and yours as well.
Faith over fear. Yes! I’m having to be very intentional about that; otherwise, fear keeps sneaking back in. Our memory group is beginning on Monday to memorize Psalm 91 with Donotdepart.
Lisa, oh yes, being intentional is something that is needed in this season. You are right – if we are not diligent, fear can and will sneak in. So glad to hear your group is memorizing Psalm 91. It’s a powerful one.
This is exactly what I needed to read this morning!
Elizabeth – I am so very glad that you were encouraged and it was exactly what you needed. Thanks for leaving me a comment too
So very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.
thanks Patrick. I hope you enjoyed it and that it encouraged you 🙂