The Fight Against Fear

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Hebrews 2:9-18 (NIV)
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says,

"I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."

13 And again,

"I will put my trust in him."

And again he says,

"Here am I, and the children God has given me."

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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Father God, I do have fears just as everyone else, but probably at this period of my life I don't feel it as strongly as I could possibly have.

Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

I'm not too sure if there's any secondary meaning to this verse, but every time I read it, I will take it literally and feel encouraged.

Jesus my Lord knows me, died for me, and loves me even till today. Let the love of Christ manifest from within my heart. I want to live my days for You Father, and when the time comes for death to confront me, strengthen my courage and faith to stand strong and firm against it.