Fear not! Be bold!

Did you know you can smell fear? Research suggests that there is a chemical reaction when

people exhibit great fear. When we have great fear, a pheromone is released through our sweat,

which gives off a specific odor.

My first night of bootcamp, you go through and get equipment, change out of your civilian

clothes and put on the uniform, get a haircut and go to the barracks for the first time. In the

Marine Corp, you have a formation platoon for a week before getting dropped to your training

platoon.

After getting all our stuff squared away, we head to the barracks where they teach you how to make your rack

(bed), how to lace your boots and a few other tidbits of information that are good to know. During that

instruction phase, I remember a drill instructor asking if we could smell something funny in the barracks. He

said, that is fear. He said,“We always smell it the first night.”

We all have something we fear. Spiders, snakes, heights, we all have some type of phobia. For some, speaking to

strangers can be a phobia. Something that grips them with fear. I’m actually not the outgoing guy most people

think I am. I am nervous every Sunday and I am usually nervous before talking to a stranger. I have to force

myself to start the conversation.

I try to remember the words of Moses as he spoke to the nation of Israel. I talked about it this past Sunday.

When handing over the reins to Joshua, he told the people,

“Be courageous and strong. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”– Deuteronomy 31:8

In times of fear, we often forget that God is with us. We tend to allow the fear to grip us and have control over

us. Emotions are a powerful thing that can make the steadiest hand tremble. We have to learn to control our

emotions and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through whatever we are facing. Even if it’s just speaking to a

stranger for the first time so we can share the Gospel message.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter and the other apostles and disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly

proclaimed the Gospel. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you possess that same Holy Spirit. It’s not a lesser Holy

Spirit, that doesn’t have all the power as on the day of Pentecost. It’s the same one.

So, fear not! Be strong and courageous and go share the Gospel to all the world. Even strangers!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Glen

The Guardian

As a man, husband and father protection is a very important word. In my home I am to stand between my family and harm’s way. Today, I want to add to that definition.

I have come to realize, especially with a daughter near completion of high school and a son who will soon be a freshman, it is also my job to protect their reputation.

Many of us can think of someone from high school who did not turn out to be the person the rumors told us they were. We can name girls we thought got around, were stuck up or dingy. Guys who hit girls, drank too much or were doing something harder than alcohol.

While some of those rumors might have turned out to be true, many were not. The rumor mill fuels high schools.

Some would say I am too strict when it comes to my children. Not allowed to date, if they go to a dance, the movies or just somewhere to eat and there is a person of the opposite sex with them there has to be one or more people there too. Our daughter wasn’t allowed to wear make up until she was 16. If they are with friends on the weekends we have to know where they are at all times. These are just a few of our rules.

While these rules may seem harsh, they are meant to protect the reputation of our children. Even the most obedient child slips up from time to time. Without thinking they make a decision that stays with them the rest of their life.

When young men look at my daughter I want them to see a young woman rooted in a Christian foundation, pure, joyful and a heart so big that it breaks when she sees someone in need. When young women look at my son I want them to see a young man, rooted in a Christian foundation, pure, humble and who goes out of his way to help those in need.

Yes, my children may not get to experience certain things that other teens experience at their age. They may not get to watch certain movies, listen to certain music or get to go to all of the parties. But at the end of the day I won’t have to worry about an embarrassing picture or video finding its way to Youtube, Facebook or Twitter.

God does the same for us. Through-out the New Testament we are taught not to quarrel, fight to use good words not words that are harsh or offend, not to act on revenge and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Basically we are to live a life that is as blameless as possible.

Our reputation has a direct effect on our ability to witness. Every time we tarnish our image we make Christ a little less visible. If we are to be beacons who shine in the darkness we have to keep the lens clear of any dirt or grime that blocks the light from shining through.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

Have Fun, Live Free, Hope Strong

Pastor G