6 JULY 2024 devotional

"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." (Luke 12:4, 5)

I have walked with fear most of my life. It has cost my peace and joy, it has cost me my calling in many cases. I was raised to be afraid - afraid of failure and afraid of looking foolish. To compensate for that fear I became a total jerk - I made up for it by overplaying the confidence role. How foolish. No wonder I was afraid - I learned to be afraid of being found out.

Sadly the church further taught me that fear. I learned (through experience) to not share my real concerns, my real shortcomings, my real self with others. Even within the "safe space" of a Bible study or fellowship group. I would give the standard "fine" answer when asked how I was and when it came time for prayer requests I would usually respond with an unspoken request. In the very place I could have received the comfort, guidance, and sound counsel of those around me I learned to be silent and suffer in fear. Alone.

No more. I have finally reached the place in my life where I have learned how to discern those who are genuine, to get close to the ones who are genuine in their faith, who love me enough to stand beside me - even when what I have to share is ugly and disgusting. I have a VERY tight group of brothers and sisters who support me no matter what and will pray me through whatever I'm being attacked by. Even if it IS my own doing. They understand the true struggle. Hallelujah for REAL brothers and sisters!

Another thing I have learned over my 63+ years of life: God is NOT against me. He is for me. He loves me like no other. He sent His own Son to die in my place so I could gain the victory He won at Golgotha. Not just on the cross, either. That kills the negative, the evil, the sin. But at the tomb. It's one thing to kill the dark side. It's another to rise again afterward and celebrate that victory - sin-free and pure. Glorified.

Like Paul, I have not yet reached that point of perfection. Yet that remains my goal and destiny. My goal is to die with Christ daily and be raised to newness of life - a life free from the bondages of this fear, free from the desires of the flesh in which I live, free from the fear of death! Therein lies the hope of our lives over that of other religions. Our founder, our Savior, our Lord raised again from the dead, whereas theirs are still sleeping in their tombs awaiting the Day of Judgment.

I encourage you, my friends, to find peace in this realization. God loves you very, VERY much. He was willing to sacrifice the One Who meant the most to Him in order to save you and me. God loves you. God wants to forgive you. God wants to spend eternity with you. He has done everything He can do. Now it is up to you and me. Come running to the mercy seat and receive forgiveness. Come receive life. Come receive acceptance. Come receive whatever it is you need. Just come.

Be blessed.