'Fear' Tagged Posts
Daily Devotions
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house…?” vss. 6-7a Isaiah 58:5-9a In the last couple of weeks, authorities have been conducting homeless counts. Volunteers scatter across the Valley and seek out the people living in the streets,…
Daily Devotions
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” vs. 9 Isaiah 11:6-11 Having lived through a virtual two-year shutdown of our country, and now, another contentious election, hope is a precious commodity. For some reason leaders of all kinds have been led to sow a message of fear and distrust that has found its way into too many hearts.…
Daily Devotions
And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.’” vs. 8 Luke 21:5-9 The gospel of Luke was likely written in the midst of what might be called apocalyptic times. Horrendous things were happening! Roman armies had been summoned to put down a Jewish rebellion and had devastated the country from one end to the other. Jerusalem…
Daily Devotions
Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.” vs. 3 Habakkuk 1:1-4 Twenty-four-hour news channels have made it possible for people to know everything that goes on in the world at any given moment, and many are overwhelmed by the stories of destruction and violence that they hear and see. Some have reacted by turning off the news and starting to watch the Hallmark Channel. The strife…
Daily Devotions
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 71:1-14 The psalmist had a strong desire for peace and tranquility in his life, and so do we. Our dream is to have meaningful work, loving families, good friends, retire early, and then live contentedly and happily…
Daily Devotions: July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020 Psalm 145:8-10 … “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” vs. 8 Words of love never get old! We can hear words of love and affirmation from one another every day, many times a day, and they never fail to work their magic. They bring healing to hurting hearts and lift our sagging spirits. In the same way, we never tire of hearing from Scripture that the Lord abounds in…
Daily Devotions: April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020 Psalm 16:1-6 … “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” vs. 1 There have been some religious folks, from a variety of backgrounds, who have claimed that, since God is their refuge and strength, there is no need in this pandemic to follow regulations on the size of crowds or physical distancing. Their leaders have encouraged them to continue to come together in large numbers and trust that God will protect them. Naturally they…
Daily Devotions: April 12, 2020 – EASTER SUNDAY!
April 12, 2020 Matthew 28:1-10 … “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’” vs. 10 There’s a double word of grace in today’s text. Twice the women hear–once from the angel, and once from Jesus–that they should not be afraid. That’s good news at any time, but it’s especially important now as we continue to deal with COVID-19. Once we had thought that restrictions…
Daily Devotions: January 22, 2020
January 22, 2020 For full passage click: Psalm 27:6-9 … Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!” vs. 9 The Psalmist had been basking in the glorious goodness of the Lord and celebrating the wonderful feeling of peace and security. But now another feeling has crept into his prayer. For some reason…
Daily Devotions: May 26, 2019
May 26, 2019 For full passage click: John 14:25-29 …“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” vs. 27 According to the world’s standards, peace is the absence of overt warfare and it comes at a cost. Lives are lost and cities and towns are destroyed as dominating forces duke it out…
Daily Devotions: March 13, 2019
March 13, 2019 Psalm 27:1-6: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” vs. 1 Fear is probably the greatest obstacle any of us face in the course of our lifetimes. It stifles our curiosity, undermines our adventures, and sabotages our good intentions. Fear paralyzes! While the benefits of healthy fear are obvious and prudential living is to be encouraged, too often fears…
Daily Devotions: October 11, 2018
October 11, 2018 Hebrews 4:12-16 …“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” vs. 16 Occasionally we run into folks who carry a heaven burden of sin. They’ve done or said things, mostly known only to themselves, that have left them with a giant dose of guilt. They know about forgiveness, but have the sense that it doesn’t apply for them; that somehow…
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