In Faith? In Hope? ... In wishful thinking?

When you pray... when you speak... when you act... do you do so from a foundation of faith? hope? wishful thinking? The last one really doesn't get us very far so I would recommend deleting it from your consideration. Are there other foundations for prayer, speech, action besides faith or hope? Confidence? Love? Shouldn't it be all? 

I would suggest that intercessory prayer as well as the prayer of agreement is definitely based in faith, hope, love, confidence - and probably more. Specifically, when we talk about intercession, this is an act that we do for others, not ourselves. standing with them, standing in the gap ...  Intercession, for me, has always meant lifting another person (saved and unsaved) to the Lord and seeking His answer for them. Quite often, if the person is born again, prior to interceding, I will ask them to specifically state what their need/want is so that I can stand in agreement with them because one of the most powerful prayers is the prayer of agreement.

   "“Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are 

    of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will 

    of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where 

    two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My follow-

    ers], I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20, AMP)

I can't think of anything stronger that this kind of threesome with the one asking for prayer, you as the intercessor, and Jesus. There is less likelihood of praying 'incorrectly' when the person seeking prayer is involved. And maybe that's the clue in all our praying, speaking, acting. We don't want the situation that James (4:3) refers to - not receiving because we ask amiss. And listening to the Lord will avert this outcome. 

I believe that we need to act/pray/speak in faith, hope, love, confidence. If we don't have understanding then we may be leading others wrong/inaccurately as well as ourselves. 2 Timothy 2: 9-16, AMP

   "Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the 

    presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does 

    no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those 

    who listen. Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, 

    a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accu-

    rately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. But avoid all 

    irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], 

    for it will lead to further ungodliness,"  

When we are confident we are not threatened by challenge or incorrect thinking, and we speak without malice or contempt. In all actions, we should use love as our motivation and understanding as our goal. When we act in faith supported by hope and Jesus is involved, we have it all. 

As I have loved you...

   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just 

    as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this every-

    one will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish 

    concern for one another.” (John 13:34-35, AMP)

When I first read this, the 'new' jumped out at me. In my mind I was thinking that 'new' wasn't new. We are told in so many places and in so many ways that we should love. How is this 'new'. It's in the ... as I have loved. Sooo, how do we love like Jesus... is this even possible???? Remember, if we are asked to do (fill in the blank) then it is always something we can do. We are never asked to do something we can't. With this context then we need to look at HOW Jesus loved to get our model, our understanding. In looking at the verses and context (verses before and after) John 13. 

Context is that these chapters are the final words Jesus gives to His disciples before He is arrested. He knows what He will be facing and is trying to instruct and encourage His disciples. He also is emphasizing what they need to know and how to act in the days ahead. Jesus' demonstration by washing their feet had to stick in their memories and provide a vivid statement of how His disciples heed to think and act toward each other. 

I suspect the question for today is - how have we accepted and acted on this demonstration? Do we esteem each other? Would anyone know? If you look at the evidence of the number of independent churches and the number of denominations, one may wonder if this lesson has even been broached! And all the church-jumping and offense taking... how does this show that we are acting on what Jesus taught, demonstrated, and expected from His disciples? In the final analysis - it really isn't about whether you are receiving this... it's all about if you are demonstrating it.

If this sounds like a rant... then it's directed as much toward myself as it is toward other believers. Would the suspicion, hatred, misunderstandings, riots, etc. be in existence if the church first loved? And love is strong... not wishy washy or pallid. It doesn't back away because it is based on/in the Lord's principles and standards. Truth is truth... spoken in love yes, but also uncompromising and unequivocal. Jesus never tempered truth, He never provided mixed messages because He didn't want others to take offense or be upset - but He was always available to explain and bring enlightenment.

If we are ever to do 'as I have loved you' then we need to know and understand how and when Jesus demonstrated love. Do we need to learn about love? There are countless number of verses that Jesus teaches on this. 

   "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow 

    man) and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly 

    seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who

    persecute you," (Matthew 5:43-44, AMP)

Wow! This takes love an additional step. Love has some strict requirements. And I'm beginning to think that the starting point is our motives. Our 'why' of loving. 

   "I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love 

    [and do not doubt My love for you]. If you keep My commandments 

    and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept 

    My Father’s commandments and remain in His love." (John 15:9-10, AMP)

For me, these 2 verses tell me what to do:

   1. remain in His love, 

   2. do not doubt, 

   3. keep His commandments, 

   4. obey His teachings

 

and then I will succeed and remain in His love. Then my motivation toward others will be based in love and I will be demonstrating love. Not necessarily easy... then again, who among us is always easy to love? Not the issue - we are to love as Jesus loves.

Warfare

[This post is really part 2 which began with the previous post called, "And after having done all to stand... Stand.]

Do you know, realize you are in a battle... always? We were told to resist (James 4:7), to be on guard against our enemy.

   "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at 

    all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring 

    lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, AMP)

Obviously, the devil doesn't like to see the word 'like' because it's not that he doesn't knows... he just doesn't want us to. Regardless, he is defeated and it's up to us to do what's required so that he stays ineffective. So, daily we are in a battle to tell the devil precisely who he is and that we know it when he rears his head! It's not that we have to hunt him out... he's always prowling.   

Just as a quick reminder of what you have available to fight this fight against your arch enemy... You have the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) and You have the weapon Jesus used - The Word of God: it is written. The Word is one of the most effective weapons available but the caveat is that you have to have the Word in you. Remember that the devil is very aware of the Word and probably knows it better than we do. He uses it against us (Jesus' temptations) or misquotes it so that we tumble to his deception.

You will win every battle that the devil attempts to get you into. But never forget 1 John 4:4 [greater is He who is in me that he who is in the world]. You need to remember who your enemy is. It isn't other people... your enemy is:

   "...For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with 

    physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against 

    the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces 

    of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places." (Ephesians 6:12, AMP)

You can be assured that the devil will attempt to confuse us about who we're fighting against and use other people as his weapon. He, in my opinion, is the biggest of cowards - he doesn't 'fight fair' and he won't personally confront us, especially in front of others. He stays at a distance, probably so that he can fight another day. And that's the second thing to realize about this warfare - he really doesn't give up. He will always try to seduce or tempt us. Which is why I believe that the word 'stand' is used so often in Ephesians 6:10-17. 

BUT... our weapons are not carnal and ineffective. Rust does not consume them.

   "For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying 

    on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons 

    of man. The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh 

    and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of 

    fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every 

    exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge 

    of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the 

    obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience, 

    when your own obedience [as a church] is complete." 

    (2 Corinthians 5:2-6, AMP)

See what our weapons are destroying - sophisticated arguments, every exalted and proud thing, taking every thought to obedience of Christ, punishing every act of disobedience. That is powerful! And it is In Christ that we do these things. We ARE more than conquerors... but our strength is in Christ. 

   "I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who

    strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-suffic-

    ient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to any-

    thing through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

    (Philippians 4:13, AMP)

And after having done all to stand... Stand.

Personally, I've always loved these verses in Ephesians 6 (10-17). I always feel more empowered, enabled, equipped when I think on these verses. And what's asked of me to be in this empowered/enabled/equipped position is all to my benefit - armor for protection and stand for action.

   "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him 

    and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power 

    of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His pre-

    cepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so 

    that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the sche-

    mes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle 

    is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical oppon-

    ents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world 

    forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wicked-

    ness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the 

    complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist 

    and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done 

    everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully

    prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, 

    having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral 

    courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of right-

    eousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the 

    gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed 

    stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, 

    lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all 

    the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, 

    and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

Do you see all that's stated in those few verses? The enemy is identified by name: rulers, powers, world forces, etc. Our protection is provided (thought we have to do the putting on). We have everything we need to defeat our enemy. I wonder why we, too often, think we need to go into battle on our own? From experience, I've found that all I get are scrapped knees, black eyes, etc. Not necessary.

You may be called into spiritual warfare and if you are, you have everything you need to defeat your enemy because you have the whole armor of God. Take a look at what this armor is: waistband, breastplate, feet shod, shield, helmet, and sword. WOW! Nothing is missing. We are covered completely. Why should we ever go out without consciously putting on the whole armor of God. (You do see that it's God's armor we are dressed in?!) The 'rulers' and 'principalities' (2 Corinthians 10:4) should quake in their boots when they see you dressed and out in your world. This is never the 'Emperor's New Clothes' this is the creator of the Universe wardrobe. 

I think that one of the most important part of these verses is the one that tells us to Stand. Not too certain we 'fix it' creation realize that stand means stand. After having done all to stand.. Stand. It doesn't say 'fight'. It says Stand. It doesn't say 'speak', it says Stand. It doesn't say 'do', it says Stand.  And having done all to stand... Stand (v. 12). That's really all you need do is to stand: unequivocally, uncompromisingly ... confidently.

This directive always reminds me of another time that God's people were told to stand.

   "Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came ... 

    He said, “Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhab-

    itants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: 

    ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is 

    not yours, but God’s. ... 

    You need not fight in this battle; take your positions, stand and 

    witness the salvation of the Lord who is with you, O Judah and 

    Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against 

    them, for the Lord is with you.’” (2 Chronicles 20: 14-17, AMP)

Again... Stand. In this instance, God was telling them that the battle wasn't theirs, to not fear or be dismayed, that the Lord is with them. And recall the time when the people were to walk in silence around the city of those who were wanting them dead? On the 7th day they gave a great shout and defeated their foes.

What has always struck me is that God, in His Omni state knew what we would face and so He provided everything we need to be conquerors... but we need to put it on for it to be of any value. And we need to Stand.

In light of the cross

Do you live your life in the light of the cross? And actually... what does that mean?

   "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to 

    the full, till it overflows]." (John 10:10b, AMP)

   "More abundantly" means to have a superabundance of a thing. "Abundant 

    life" refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for spirit, 

    soul and body." (Google)

We are the 'they' and we are the recipients of the abundant, super abundant. Do you realize that we are designed to live in super abundance (overflowing). But... how does this thinking relate to living in light of the cross? Isn't it counter-intuitive? Actually, I would argue that it is the manifestation. When WE know and live in the '...abounding fullness of joy and strength for spirit, soul and body' we are demonstrating that our circumstances don't dictate and determine who we are, how we go about being us, and the power of the cross that sustains us in this..

But do we even live in abundance, though it is the 'super' that is our inheritance?

   "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] 

    life for the sheep." (John 10:11, AMP)

Jesus came to earth with the express intent of giving His life for all, of restoring the relationship between the Father and His creation that was severed at the fall. He lived His life in the light of the cross. There is no way we could be reunited with God, to have any place, any atonement for our sin apart from the spotless lamb that Jesus was and is. He could have chosen not to follow this path, to not lay down His life (Matthew 26:53-54). But He chose to do this for US! If He was willing to die and the horrendous death on the cross, take upon Himself all of mankind's sins, be separated from the Father ... shouldn't we, for whom He purchased this restoration, walk in the confidence of His act?

Living life to the fullest (individually defined) has to be part of living in the light of the cross. What does this mean For you? Are you putting off 'fullest' for a more convenient time... maybe after you retire? Or maybe it's after you have saved sufficient assets to fund your 'fullest'? But why? Perhaps it's our definitions? And our understandings? Have you seriously considered living in light of the cross and what was purchased for you?   

Do you even know what 'fullest' means for you? Is it impossible (or unthinking) to live in your fullest.. now? To repeat, I would argue that living life to the fullest is part of living life in light of the cross. It is part of our new inheritance in the Lord but not all of it is when we get to heaven. We should be living this way now. It's all in our perspective, our definitions

   "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth 

    nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for 

    where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; 

    that on which your life centers] will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21, AMP)   

The Message

   "Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] 

    Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through 

    Me." (John 14:6, AMP)

Jesus was answering Thomas but it could be any one of us who ask these types (the who, what, why, when, where) of questions. This verse is as succinct and thorough a reply as any that could be given... and should answer any question that might arise.

Context: "So then how should we live?" Francis Schaefer. An oft used quote. But the message is clear - we need to know, as in KNOW, how we should live. For the Christian, we have a manual that gives us all the information to be... in the know. Knowing is always a choice, a decision. While you can argue that one can stumble into information... it becomes 'know' when understanding is also present. Plus, I believe there is a personal involvement - you have to choose to know. And I believe that the 'evidence' of knowing is understanding and applying. 'Know' just kinda dangles until it is used.

So then, how we should live is based in our journey of knowing, understanding,  and applying. Getting specific... If you've made Jesus your Lord - do you have evidences of this? Have you turned to Him? Are you growing in your understanding of who He is, what He did, and who you are? Have you shared this? 

   "...because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that 

    Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], 

    and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you 

    will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as 

    Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—

    being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and 

    with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], 

    resulting in and confirming [his] salvation." (Romans 10:9-10, AMP) 

BOTH are important - the heart and the mouth. From this start we live a life free from the guilt and walking in abundance (take another read of Romans 6). Does this describe you? Is this how you act/live? If not... why? Are you living by sight, by what's in your hand? Are you living by another's message? Just how are you living your life? What message are you displaying by your words and actions? Is it congruent with your beliefs?

How should we live? What message should we be sharing? What message are we stating? All questions that really stem from our understanding and acting on the initial scripture - not just IS but HOW is Jesus your way... your truth... your life? Only YOU have your answers. Just remember, they are important - to you and your message to your world.

 

Living in a time of Grace

Do you realize that the Lord's Grace is the time we're living in? For the Gentiles, this is our time, and it is a time of Grace. Even in the midst of all the foolishness and divisiveness surrounding us, which only scratches the surface on what's happening in the world...  You may not feel you have any control when it comes to these forces. In a global sense, you don't, but you also don't have to succumb to this hopeless state (remember Whose you are). And you do know the times that are coming...yes? The following scripture is talking about these times of the Gentiles:

   "I do not want you, believers, to be unaware of this mystery [God’s 

    previously hidden plan] — so that you will not be wise in your own 

    opinion—that a partial hardening has [temporarily] happened to 

    Israel [to last] until the full number of the Gentiles has come in; and 

    so [at that time] all Israel [that is, all Jews who have a personal faith

    in Jesus as Messiah] will be saved; just as it is written [in Scripture],

          "The Deliverer (Messiah) will come from Zion,  He will 

           remove ungodliness from Jacob.”  “This is My covenant 

           with them, When I take away their sins.”

    From the standpoint of the gospel, the Jews [at present] are enemies 

    [of God] for your sake [which is for your benefit], but from the stand-

    point of God’s choice [of the Jews as His people], they are still loved by 

    Him for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are

    irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He 

    change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom 

    He sends His call]. Just as you once were disobedient and failed to listen 

    to God, but have now obtained mercy because of their disobedience,"

    (Romans 11:25-30, AMP)

That's a great deal of meat. It's important and we need to see the time of the Gentiles, our time, in the light that the Father sees it - plus why it happened and what should be happening as a result. Grace is what we (Gentiles) have received but the time is limited so it shouldn't be wasted.

Grace also needs defining and I am presenting the information from "Got Questions", a Christian resource. 

   "Grace is an essential part of God’s character. Grace is closely related to 

    God’s benevolence, love, and mercy. Grace can be variously defined as 

    'God’s favor toward the unworthy” or “God’s benevolence on the unde-

    serving.' In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly,

    in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt 

    with so generously.

    To  fully understand grace, we need to consider who we were without 

    Christ and who we become with Christ. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5), 

    and we were guilty of breaking God’s holy laws (Romans 3:9–20, 23; 

    1 John 1:8–10). We were enemies of God (Romans 5:6, 10; 8:7; 

    Colossians 1:21), deserving of death (Romans 6:23a). We were 

    unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and without means of justifying ourselves 

    (Romans 3:20). Spiritually, we were destitute, blind, unclean, and dead. 

    Our souls were in peril of everlasting punishment."

What does this have to do with you and the world you live in? Absolutely everything. No. we're not innocent. Thankfully, forgiveness goes beyond by 'only' cleansing us. I think that it is also meant to empower us to touch our world, to be whoever we are where we are and to share the incredible news that we can be saved and enter into the family of God. All are invited, but the time of living in grace will give way to the next season. We really can't postpone. The fields ARE white unto harvest (John 4:35).

Obviously this is merely an introduction on the Time of the Gentiles and our time of Grace. The point is that these are incredibly important times and we have a responsibility to not waste any opportunity that may present itself. We are His workmanship - Ephesians 2:10..

And God answered

How many times in scripture has 'God answered'? Innumerable. Do you recall ANY instance of Him not responding to a prayer, a request, a question... anything? Obviously I believe He always responds. Could the problem be that we haven't always been alert, listening for the answer? Or, maybe the answer isn't the one we want? But have you had occasions when the Lord didn't answer you? 

   "I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me,

    And delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4, AMP)

Two important parts indicated: 1. seeking on our part and 2. my fears. I sometimes wonder if how we act is based on our expectation that if we head toward trouble or find ourselves there, that automatically the Lord will act on our behalf. Why? Why should He? If we haven't sought Him, are we vain enough to believe that He is/should be at our 'beck and call'? The other component is that is 'my' fears. Real? Imaginary? What is the definition and status of the fear? Regardless, we have His assurance that He will deliver us from ALL fears. All we need to is... seek and ask.

   "On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and 

    confident with [renewed] strength in my life." (Psalm 138:3, AMP)

Point - being answered. But look at what you receive - bold, confident, renewed strength. We aren't suddenly and miraculously whisked out of the trouble and gently placed on solid ground. No, that isn't absurd because somewhere in the back of our minds I think that we hope this might happen. I suggest and strongly believe that part of the answer is to expect an answer but to not predetermine what that answer is. Remember that God says 

   "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My 

    ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the 

    earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts 

    higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55: 8-9, AMP)

If you are going to turn the Lord, then let Him be Lord. He knows best and has our best interests at heart. Thus His answers are perfect. We should focus on what we bring: asking and trust. And let the Lord do His thing knowing He has the perfect answer. And then... there's this admonition:

   "You do not have because you do not ask [it of God].You ask [God 

    for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong 

    motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that 

    [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] 

    desires." (James 4: 2-4, AMP)

Hmmm... do these scriptures give us a clearer understanding about God's answers, our behaviors, and a realization on how all that works together. If nothing else, remember God's words to us - I will NEVER leave or forsake you. And He doesn't... He always answers. Do we listen and understand our part?

Having the courage to...

(pursue your dreams, do something you've always wanted to do, ask for help, risk, express your feelings - fill in the blank)... but it will require you to be courageous, to be honest with yourself, and to stand for... Are you? If not, do you know why you aren't? Actually... do you know what 'being brave' is? Do you know how to be brave? In the world in which we live, it is critical to be equipped and 'armed'. To paraphrase... living is not for the faint hearted. You have to be bold, know who you are, and trust in Whose you are. And this is the beginning, but without this mindset you become defeated just as you start.

Daily we are bombarded by temptations, challenges, opportunities, etc. that we respond to by accepting, rejecting, ignoring. The 'overload' can become exceedingly overwhelming unless we take proactive actions, and I think it begins with a clear understanding of what the Lord's called us to in this day and also what's important to us, etc. And most of the time we need the courage of our convictions to rise, rule and continue our journey.

What about our courage to Stand? Do we... Stand? I alluded to this in the previous paragraph, but it truly is important that we know How to stand. Courage is typically built on what we know, what we've experienced but also a feeling, a sense of appropriating what's been provided for us. In Ephesians 6 we are presented with the Lord's armor and told to put this on. Interesting that verse 10 begins with the words - in conclusion. This is a restatement, a summing of what Paul was teaching: 

   "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and 

    be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His

    [boundless] might."

We're not doing our standing from our strength but from the Lord's. We're not in this alone, nor are we expected to do what I call 'stiff upper lip it'. That's more bravado than reality. Verses 10-17 go on to describe the pieces of the armor and what their role is and ends with:

    Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can 

    extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet 

    of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."

Shield, helmet, and sword... this is the culmination: faith, salvation, Word. With these we CAN have the courage to do what's required, what's on our hearts, what's needed because of what's available. Never forget that no weapon formed against us will ever prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Before we ever stand, before we ever take that first step, courage should rise up in us because we know Whose we are and, if it is of the Lord... we will stand and act as conquerors (Romans 8:37). 

What if it's not of the Lord? We can still turn to Him, repenting and seeking a way through (Hebrews 4:15, Isaiah 43:19) the mess that's been created. That too takes courage...

 

Fear and Love

Disclaimer:  read the following as an introduction. It is impossible to fully consider fear and love in a simple blog post, but I can suggest this as a teaser study for you and a promise that if you engage in it, it will profoundly affect you and everything you know and are. I do not believe it is possible to truly consider fear of the Lord and His love without being touched to the core of our being. These are not contradictory nor conflicting, but are intertwined so deeply that they cannot be separated. 

I can't take credit for this thought, it came from Dr. David Jeremiah (I strongly recommend his teachings). He was talking about Fear of the Lord and Loving the Lord - both commands we are 'tasked' with. But before progressing too far on the reality that fear and love walk hand in hand, we need to know what we mean about fear: how we define it and what we do with it. Believe it or not, there is a positive fear.

I've written about fear a couple of times, but I don't believe I've ever discussed the fear of the Lord. This is a 'fear' we need to understand and act on. And I would argue that fear of the Lord is something we truly do not understand or appreciate. This fear is evident throughout scripture and is something we learn and practice... and is something I'm continuing to grow in and not just understand, but appreciate. There is no way to cover the entirety of what fear of the Lord means, do a study on this subject, type in fear of the Lord in your concordance and you will be amazed at all the verses that discuss this. A few:

   "The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as

    truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its

    starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is

    understanding and spiritual insight." (Proverbs 9:10, see also

    1:7, 2:5, etc. AMP)

[That verse, for me, is kind of the summation of fearing the Lord because it talks about wisdom, worship, the beginning, understanding, etc.]

   "The [reverent] fear of the Lord is the beginning (the prerequisite, the 

    absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a

    teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the Lord;

    His praise endures forever." (Psalm 111:10, AMP)

   "Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by

    God] is the man who fears the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worships

    Him with obedience],Who delights greatly in His commandments." (112:1)

[It appears that now we are seeing some of the acts and understandings we need to display: reverence, worship, obedience, delighting... and we see the result in the Lord favoring us.]

   "Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear [and worship Me

    with awe-filled reverence and profound respect] and keep all My

    commandments always, so that it may go well with them and with their

    children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29, AMP)

   "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather

    be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." 

   (Matthew 10:28, AMP_

   "Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us

    cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,

    completing holiness [living a consecrated life—a life set apart for God’s

    purpose] in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1, AMP)

I could go on in this vein, but I think a strong case is made that we should fear the Lord. But realize that fear is specific: of the Lord. It isn't random or suddenly appears, it's not 'human' fear it is the awe and reverence of the God who has created everything and then did everything to reestablish a damaged relationship and restore us to Him. And we should never use 'love' as our trump card to make God do what we want. The greatest commandment is to:

   "And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

    and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest

    commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38, AMP)

There are many, many verses that talk about love and a whole chapter in 1 Corinthians 13 was devoted to the attributes and visible manifestation of love. In many ways, this discussion can be summed up in Proverbs 3:5-7, AMP

   "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on

    your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and

    recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing  

    obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord

    [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil."