The Bible says that God “has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not from God; it is the devil’s tool to keep people from enjoying their lives and making progress” Fear causes a person to run, retreat, or shrink back. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:38 that we are to live by faith and not draw back in fear-and if we do draw back in fear, God’s soul has no delight in us. That does not mean that God does not love us; it simply means that He is disappointed because He wants us to experience all of the good things He has in His plan for us. We can receive from God only by faith.
Joyce Meyer, The Confident Woman
For as long as I can remember, I have been living in fear….as long as I can remember. To look at me, to talk to me, you wouldn’t know (initially) how my spirit has been infected with this disease, but it is. Fear has wrapped it’s self around my psyche and has influenced every thought and every decision I have ever made in one area of my life. It has distorted my vision, it has caused me to run (literally) and retreat, it has caused me to shoot down and shut out the possibility of God so many times. Fear has left me emotionless at times and fighting me and whoever else the other times. Fear has crippled and damaged me.
Ironically, in any other thing or area, I can and have acted/walked in absolute faith and trusted God. I have overcome and walked in faith so many times except in this area. I talk a great talk and I believe that all things are possible… But this week, this year, God has shown me a hypocrite when I looked in the mirror. He, in His love, grace, and mercy, has shown me I can no longer live a lie. I will both live (and love) in the spirit of faith or I will live (and die) in the spirit of fear. I am writing this because I don’t want you to miss out on whatever God has for you because of fear. Many of us are not living up to our potential and possibilities because we are fearful, but today, I want you to know how powerful you are…how powerful I am. How powerful El Elyon said we are.
The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 1 Sam. 10:6
I am a new creature in Christ.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Ps. 23:4
I will fear nothing.The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Prov. 18:21
I will speak life.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
I will boldly testify.You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
I have overcome AND I am a conqueror.In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23-24
I will…in His name.
My prayer for you this day is to be the man or woman God has called you to be. Don’t live to your fullest potential, live to God’s fullest potential for you. Start that business. Be that leader. Follow that possibility.
Prayer: I cast out this spirit of fear myself in Jesus’ name. I lay hands on myself in Jesus’ name. I speak life into myself in Jesus’ name. Where fear has crippled and damaged, I am embracing faith to heal and restore. I trust you Lord. Amen.
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Passionate, Loving, Loyal, Engaging, Obedient, and Direct are words often used to describe Shaniqua Rischer. However, the words she loves to be known for the most are Christian and daughter of the Most High God.
Shaniqua Rischer was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and is the youngest of three children. Her father was an educator and she grew up in a family where education was emphasized as the foundation for success. At the age of 22, Shaniqua dedicated her life to Christ and has been on a quest for a closer relationship with God ever since that time. "To live a life of faith and to be of service to all I meet is my ultimate desire" says Shaniqua.
Having struggled with low self-esteem, feelings of unworthiness and inadequacies, abject fear, and not knowing how to serve, love, and follow a God she could not see or feel made her tap into her inquisitive nature. Shaniqua has always been the type of person to ask why. She learned to never rely solely on the answer given, but to delve deeper and to question what she was told and taught. Shaniqua approached her relationship with Christ as she would any person she met � she started talking and asking why. Through intimate prayer and conversations with God, she gained a clearer understanding of the struggles many Christians face. The struggles include the responsibility of being called Christian; knowing what we are supposed to do, but too afraid to act or not knowing how to break free of the bondage that holds us captive. She has discovered a love un-like anything she has ever known, experienced favor that can only come from the Lord, and discovered what it means to finally let her guard down and let God be the center of her life. The result has been the development of a person that dares to be extraordinary and move beyond fear to faith.
While on a mission trip to Kenya in 2009, her global vision was formed to impact others. As a result, At The Cross Global Ministries was born. Shaniqua shares her experiences and lessons of faith in a direct and open manner, full of compassion, challenge and optimism. Currently, Ms. Rischer serves as the Executive Director of At The Cross Global Ministries and dedicates her life to being the hands and feet of Christ.
In February 2011, Shaniqua began publishing weekly devotionals under GreatIs.org an intercessory prayer site. Through this site, people can submit their requests for prayer and Ms. Rischer inspires many to continue their faith walk by sharing her personal struggles and walk with God.
With more than 10 years experience working with nonprofit organizations and an extensive background in program development, partnership collaboration, and fundraising, she has taken her experience and incorporated At The Cross Global Ministries. Shaniqua holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University.