The Feast of Tabernacles is over, and after spending a nice, delightful week with other like-minded believers, we all find ourselves plunged back into the daily grind of living in our respective areas.  It’s never easy to go back into the world, which can be likened to Egypt symbolically.  It is especially difficult and painful for believers if they are the only ones in their particular areas and don’t have anyone to meet with regularly on Sabbath.  If you are in that situation, it is crucial to maintain regular contact with the brethren you met at the Feast.  Try to call, write, or email regularly so that you can stay connected with your spiritual family.

      So now that we know that almost everyone has a fear of something,  can anything be done to help overcome it?  Years ago, Walter Anderson, editor of parade magazine, wrote a book about coping with anxiety.  He wrote,” Of all the successful people I’ve known and written about in the book, it’s not just that they learned to live with and cope with anxiety, they’ve learned to live better because of their fear.”  It kind of sounds like the Apostle Paul, who admitted in 1 Corinthians 2:3 that he went to Corinth with his message “in fear and with much trembling.”  The point is that even though Paul was afraid, he did Yahweh’s work anyway by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit (see verse 4).

      Think about the things that make you afraid.  Is there someone at work who intimidates you?    Is there something you feel you can’t handle?  The best thing to do is admit that you are afraid, call upon Yahweh for help, and face it anyway.  Many times our weaknesses are an opportunity for Yahweh to show us His strength.  Yahweh is the true source of courage to His people. 

      Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 in its entirety, and reflect particularly on verse 3.  Consider that trust turns fear into triumph.  Do the following exercise.  Get a piece of paper and write: I’m not afraid to admit that I’m afraid of_____________________.  Then write out an action plan as to how you are going to overcome the fear.  Ask yourself; What am I going to do about it?  Do I really believe that Yahweh can help me in any situation?  How am I going to show Him today that I trust Him?

      Keep in mind that you may never fully overcome a phobia.  Most fears are absolutely legitimate.  Some fears are there to protect us—like the fear of poisonous snakes because it helps you to avoid poisonous snakes, therefore preventing you from getting bitten!  But you certainly can reduce your fear so that it does not rule your life.  That’s where the power of the Holy Spirit comes in.  Actively pray that Yahweh will help you in this area.   

      Know that Yahweh loves you and is in control of your life.  It’s important to overcome any sins you may have because sins can separate us from Yahweh.  In our dying world today, the last thing we want is to allow anything to come between us and Yahweh.  We need all the help we can get nowadays.  Let’s all depend on Yahweh’s strength to get us through!

Easiest Chicken Corn Chowder

3 cans cream of potato soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 cans cream corn (16 oz each)

3 cups of milk

2 cups cooked, diced chicken or turkey

Mix all together in a pot and heat on medium until heated through.  Have bread, biscuits, or crackers on the side.

Healthy Vegetable Soup

7 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1/2 of a small cauliflower, chopped

1/2 cup diced onion

3-4 medium carrots, diced

1 yellow squash or zucchini, chopped

1 cup uncooked rice brown

1-2 t. dried oregano, to taste

1-2 t. Italian seasoning, to taste

15 ounce can un-drained diced tomatoes

1-2 T. olive oil, to taste

1 t. minced garlic

Salt and pepper, to taste, optional

Heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until slightly soft.  Add rest of veggies and sauté for a few more minutes.  Then add rest of ingredients and simmer gently about 35 minutes or until rice is cooked.