Hi Folks,
What a week it is has been so far!!!! In the midst of uncertainty and stress, God has shown His compassion, care, grace, mercy, provision and faithfulness to my family in ways that are beautifully amazing! I hope you could see and say the same thing about our own life today.
We are encouraged in Scripture to "Fear not", and yet we are also taught to "Fear God," but not man. Is this contradictory? No, not at all! Proverbs 29:25 states, "The fear of man (or virus, plages, wars, the economy) brings a snare,..."
Fear of these sorts of things will bring us into bondage, the ability to not even move, live, or exist! The verse goes on to say, "But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Amen to that!!!
The "Fear of God" is a deep, reverential respect for God, knowing He is sovereign, holy, all powerful.
The United States and all over the world could use some of this right now....
The verse above promises that for those who have peronsally trusted the Lord Jesus (have received Him as their Saviour, not just a head knowledge of who He is, but a personal acceptance of Him as Saviour and Lord in their life), will indeed be safe!!!! Does it mean we avoid problems and difficulty in life? No, but He promises to go though it specially with those who have trusted Him for salvation. "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3
In the context of these verse, the Nation of Israel is being spoken to, but we can apply the comfort to us.
Below I have several things for you to peruse at leisure this weekend.
I have two devots. on the Bible principle of what not to fear, and the right kind of fear (the fear of God).
This past weekend, our president called for a National Day of Prayer. Now, just for a few minutes set aside your political party and focus on our need for God at this time and all time. We need His help, grace and mercy right now in abundance!! We do not deserve it, on a national level or personally due to how we have turned our backs on Him in so many ungodly ways, but this virus is larger than what we can handle in our own human strength.
I have a link that show a history dating back to 1775 that shows the presidents who were humble enough to admit we needed God's help through a day of prayer to Him. I think you will find the history interesting.
I also have a sweet video of 2 siblings and how they are using the Word of God to battle their fears of the virus.
I have also added below a personal note from my family's pastor. Many churches are closing their doors due to the virus and he gave a short but neat perspective on why Christians are making that decision. Hope you will read that closely.
Lord bless, and keep you and yours this weekend! (Numbers 6:24-26)
Deliverance from Fear:
Fear the Right Fear:
(2 Devots. Used by permission. Taken from https://www.icr.org/homepage/)
National Day of Prayer, History:
Video: https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values. (The verse the little girl is teaching her brother is 2 Timothy 1:7.)
A Word from My Pastor:
Over the past few days, some religious leaders have implied that church's are canceling services out of "fear" instead of having faith. Then they imply and use the first part of 2 Timothy 1:7...
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear..."
Rest assured, fear had no bearing in the decisions made by the leadership of our church to cancel services and activities. Had those religious leaders chose to examine the entire verse in 2 Timothy 1:7, they would have also noticed it states...
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
The phrase "sound mind", describes the idea of sound judgment and wisdom. If someone asks you about canceling services, you have the opportunity to share two wonderful biblical principles with them to demonstrate the sufficiency of Scripture even in uncertain times like this.
- As believers we are to love one another. What better way to demonstrate love, then to show love and compassion to others by ensuring we are involved in keeping this virus from spreading to those who are vulnerable. Let those around you know that it is love for others that causes you to do what you do, not fear.
- As a believer, we hold firmly passages like Romans 13:1-2 where we are instructed to submit (obey) those who God has placed in government authority. How sad it would be if as a church we would defy and disobey what the government is asking us to do.
