Fear, a snare of the enemy

It creeps in when we least expect it.

Our lives are tainted with it from birth, because of sin.

It is so common, it’s become entertainment and even a holiday.

But fear is nothing to joke about.

Nor is it something to ignore.

Fear is often an underlying motivation, for a long list of actions.

It pushes us quietly from within.

It couches itself as “being cautious” while lacking the truth of wisdom.

It disguises itself inside of anger or pride.

When motivated by fear, people can choose death over life.

The scriptures tell us about some who believed, but were afraid.

John 12:42 NKJV — Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;
John 12:43 NKJV — for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

And through this fear, their love was established.

They loved the praises of men more than the praises of God.

Thus we must be on guard against fear of anything, except God.

Luke 12:4 NKJV — “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:5 NKJV — “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

Luke 12:8 NKJV — “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.

For in fearing Him, respecting and revering God we find life.

Psalm 27:1 NKJV — A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

And in this life through Christ we find true love.

1 John 4:18 NKJV — There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your Word. What incredible truth and freedom we find there. Please, Lord, help me to be on guard against fear of anything except You. Lord, continue to teach me how to trust You in all things and not to allow fear to be my motivation. Lord, it is so easy to fall into fear. It is so common that I often don’t recognize it. Please help me to be discerning and wise. Lord, please teach me what ways the enemy tries to ensnare with fear and help me avoid them. Lord Jesus, thank You that perfect love casts out fear. Thank You that when I’m afraid I can rest in Your love and trust You for my life, today, tomorrow, and into eternity. Thank You so much for saving me! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Honor all people

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. I Peter 2:17 NKJV

It was as if these words knocked me down.

I’d been praying for hours.

Wrestling with circumstances which I simply couldn’t find the answer to.

Not even sure how God would want me to pray.

I went to the scripture.

This is the answer.

“Honor all people.” 1 Peter 2:17a

To be honoring to all people requires a purposeful attitude.

It begins in the heart, where our attitudes towards others become our actions.

Because actions will always follow our attitudes.

“Love the brotherhood.” 1 Peter 2:17b

How sad that we don’t do this automatically.

Yet, as followers of Christ we don’t always see things the same and it can cause friction, pain, and loss.

Each of us is commanded to love each other, no matter the differences.

“Fear God.” 1 Peter 2:17c

This is the key to unlocking it all.

If we don’t fear God nothing we try to do will be effective.

It is only through our personal relationship daily with God Almighty which gives us the ability to walk in honoring others, loving the brethren, and honoring authority.

Through God alone do we find all that we lack.

He supplies our needs, heals our hearts, forgives our sins, and loves us unconditionally.

Out of this relationship we are then able to love each other, honor people, and authority.

“Honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17d

Nope, it’s not always easy to honor those in leadership.

But we honor and fear God when we honor the authority He has placed over us.

Yes, history is riddled with those who have clearly called what is evil good.

One can easily point to history where the authority was not fearing God nor honoring people and some action had to take place.

Yet, as an individual, my heart found so much peace in returning to this verse.

I can’t change many things which I find troubling.

But I can choose to follow Jesus.

I can honor my local, State, and Federal government by doing my best to abide by the laws, to pray for them, and to be edifying with my speech.

I can love fellow Christ followers by praying for the body, reaching out to those God puts on my heart, and continually teaching our children about walking daily with Him.

I can and do fear God. His Word is my answer, my comfort, my guide. His will I seek daily, spending time with Him in quiet. As I hear His direction I choose to respond with obedience and love. All this I do because His love is so compelling!

Lastly, I can honor all people.

Because that’s what God has asked me to do.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this verse and how it has brought clarity to my heart and mind. Lord, You know there is such unrest, hurt, and pain happening. I feel so sad when I see people so afraid and struggling. Thank You for saving us from all this. Thank You that we have hope in You. Lord Jesus, please help us to be people of integrity, honor, and love. Help us to reflect Your Word and Your will. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of You! Amen.