“Do Not Be Afraid” – Luke 1:13
What do you fear the most? Our Advent series looks at fear. Is there any benefit from fear? We know that there is a physiological response to fear. When something signals danger, like a loud sound or something that looks strange and out of place, our bodies react. It is called a “flight or fight” response, and our heart rate is increased and our muscles tighten. So, yes, fear can be helpful and, yes, there are reasons to have fear.
However there are negative consequences of fear. When can fear be harmful and bad for us? Fear that immobilizes us, fear that destroys our ability to live life “abundantly” is harmful. Fear that pushes us into a “cage” of doubt or discouragement and removes hope is so human but wrong. What overcomes fear? How can we live with an absence of harmful debilitating fear? We begin our series today answering that question with a story of a temple, a priest and an angel.
Question of the Week: Only two angels are named in the Scriptures. What is the name of the angel that appeared to Zechariah?
Answer: Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. Michael is the other named angel and they both are referred to in the Old and New Testament.
Update on our LifeCenter
The Planning Team is meeting with Rick Geiler, our architect, every two weeks and is continuing work on building details. Present plans are to distribute bid plans in early January to be returned in late February. Construction will start as weather permits in March or April. Projected completion of the LifeCenter is Thanksgiving 2014.
We pray and trust that God will lead us as we go, serving Him. Our LifeCenter for Christ and Community Campaign Co-Leaders are R.O. Ouellette and Jason and Lynette Windhorst, Mike McHargue and Tom Hoegemeyer. Contact me, Pastor Larry at 402-641-3692 or larkitoetting@yahoo.org for information on our prayer team and the vision we have in serving Him.
