Fearing the Right One…

There are multitudes of fear. The other night on “The Amazing Race” one of the participants was paralyzed by fear of heights and the result was the team being eliminated from the race. Everyone fears something some time and some fear something all the time.

Jesus said this - “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” Luke 12:4,5( NLT)

Jesus reminds us here that we should fear God who controls eternal, not merely temporal, consequences. Fear the right one and not the temporal things around you. There are many in our nation that are fearful of the economy and it is a real fear, one that could and does affect a person. Some fear the opinions of others. But Jesus emphasized fearing God. Now if you don’t believe in God there is no fear there only the everyday common fears that most people have.

The fear of God is a reverent fear of the all-powerful One. It is to respect and acknowledge His power to do whatever He so chooses to do. He has the power to heal or kill. He has the power to throw one in hell or send one to heaven. Fear God.

TLS ®

I Saw God at Work

One of our missionaries, Jose Luis, asked me a few weeks back if I could come and show an evangelistic movie in Santa Maria Totoltepec near Toluca. We worked out a day and I met him there to go to the designated location. I was not sure what or where it was, but I soon learned. We pulled up to a place and on the front of this white painted building was Alcoholics Anonymous.

We gather my equipment and passed through to the office to a building at the back, where they unlocked it. There were about 15 people locked into this place. They were alcoholics and druggies. The smell would overwhelm the average person and was pretty rank to me. They ranged in age from 16-60. There were two women in the group. It was a shabby looking crew.

We darkened the room after we set up the equipment and show an old movie called, ”A Thief In The Night.” It was not very professional by today’s standards but the message is very clear. They watched it with interest. Occasionally, one would head to the restroom but they were very attentive.

Next Jose Luis, a former alcoholic, actually in his own words , a gutter drunk, got up and shared the Gospel. Javier, a local pastor, also shared and they asked for a decision. Six people came forth. I did not understand all that went on but I could tell God was working in some of their lives. Some indicated they wanted to change, others slept and others sat quietly just observing.

Later we sang some songs and some sang, one knelt with raised hands and praised God, while the rest looked on. I prayed that others would be touched by the Holy Spirit.

God was truly working and continues to work. I left exhausted and renewed that evening.

TLS ®

What I've heard from God this week

I do my devotional Bible reading from the New Living Translation and it has great comments and illustrations to help clarify the scriptures. One section has the key lessons from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:3 says,”God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. From Isaiah comes this, Isaiah 57:15 (NLT)
^“ The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.”

There is a definite class between God’s standard and the world values. The world says, “ Got to make it to the top and it doesn’t make any difference who step on going up.

In the book of James , God gives us the practical way to develop the proper attitude.

James 4:7-10 (NLT)

^“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”

TLS ®

Seven Reasons Not to Worry

The other day a man told that 80% of that which we worry about usually does not happen. He is probably right. Jesus had a lot to say about not worrying in Matthew 6. He says,” That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.”

Here are seven reasons why NOT to worry:

1.The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

2.Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

3.Worrying is more harmful than helpful.

4.God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

5.Worrying shows a lack of faith and understanding of God.

6.Worrying keeps us from real challenges God wants us to pursue.

7.Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

Jesus always knows how to give wise advice. Listen to Him closely.

TLS ®