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The Power of Praying in Other Tongues by Terri Copeland Pearsons “Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!”—Luke 12:32, "Amplified Bible, Classic Edition" Don’t you love Jesus’ tone in this passage? He is so gentle and encouraging. “Don’t be afraid,” He says. But doesn’t it seem odd that He would have to tell us to not be afraid? That the Father wants us to have the Kingdom? What is so scary about that? As a pastor, I have sensed fear in the form of intimidation come upon a congregation many times at the least expected moment. While the preacher begins to reveal some wonderful truth about the goodness of God, the people get excited. Everyone loves to hear about the blessings the Lord has in store for them. But then, as the preacher starts to explain that there are spiritual things that must happen to receive His blessings, you can literally feel disappointment and discouragement start to flood people’s hearts. I’ve felt that way before myself, and I am certain you have too. Why is that? It could be, in part, because we are not used to locating and using the spiritual resources within. Some people, maybe even most of them, rarely tap into the eternal part of their being. But I believe the greatest reason for fear is not knowing God well enough to understand Him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]” (AMPC). For some, God is just too big, too awesome and too beyond them. He and His blessings are untouchable. For others God is too small. He couldn’t possibly know of them and their personal life situation. He may be so small in their eyes that He doesn’t even exist. So, when we hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid. The Father wants to give you the Kingdom,” we should realize there is nothing to validate our being intimidated; unless we don’t understand what He meant by “the Kingdom.” Not Too Big, Not Too Small! What exactly is the Kingdom? Romans 14:17 declares that it is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. The word righteousness scares some off. “That’s just too hard to understand.” So, for them, the Kingdom is too big. Others see righteousness, and even peace and joy, as irrelevant, churchy words. For them, the Kingdom is too small. But actually, the kingdom of God is just right! First, it is small enough to be understood. Let’s break down righteousness, peace and joy. Briefly put, righteousness is perfect rightness. When things are right, they work. They produce a glad outcome. They are good. There is no righteousness, or goodness, anywhere outside of God. He is all that is right and all that is good. When He made us righteous with His righteousness, He made us as right as He is. There would be no other way for us to approach Him. His righteousness is so powerful that in His presence wrongs are made right, or they are destroyed. * * * * * article continues on p. 22 * * * * * BVOV : 21