Tag: Proverbs 16:6
Week 24–Day 1–Don’t fear men
Scripture reading for June 8: Luke 12:4-5“”I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear Him Who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”” Proverbs 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
Fear is a hidden force that lurks in the minds and hearts of human beings. Our enemy, the devil, thrives in an atmosphere of fear because he works through lies and deception. His lies bring about fears of punishment or rejection that allows for manipulation and control. A fear of failure holds man back from obedience to God and locks them in lifestyles of addiction and slavery to the flesh. Behind these fears, the devil works through men and women to plant fear and division instead of the faith and obedience that comes from hearing God’s Word. Proverbs 29:25 states that “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
Jesus warned His disciples concerning the fear of men and their manipulations. They were not to fear those who threatened them with death because those who can kill the body do not determine a person’s eternal fate. God Alone holds that authority and He is the One we must fear (respect) and obey. Through Jesus Christ’s steadfast love and faithfulness our iniquity has been paid for and fear of death and punishment is removed. Through a relationship with Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we turn away from sin and evil.
First responders who are also faith responders understand this admonition of Jesus. We act in faith, trusting God to keep us safe as we deal with those who are hurting or those who through fear seek to manipulate or control others. We can be free from the fear of man and the fear of death and punishment through resting in Christ Jesus. We are then free to more effectively do our jobs.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for delivering us from the fear of man and his manipulation and threats. Help me to live each day trusting in You Alone for safety and wisdom to effectively deal with each incident in the courage of faith. Amen.
“He has risen; He is not here!”
Scripture reading for January 23rd: Mark 16, Psalm 16, Proverbs 16
Mark 16: 1-6 “When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back–it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go and tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.””
Mark describes how the women who followed Jesus came on the first of the week to the tomb where they had witnessed Jesus’ body being laid three days before. They came to anoint His body with spices so that the smell of decaying flesh would be covered. As they came, they wondered how they might access the tomb. The rolling stone door was very heavy. But their fears were soon dispelled by the open door! Inside, they found a young man in white. He calmed their fears by telling them the good news, Jesus Christ was not there anymore! He was alive and risen from the grave! He invited them to view the tomb and HIs resting place. It was empty, except for carefully folded grave-clothes! They were instructed to tell His disciples He would see them in Galilee!
Psalm 16:9-11 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right had are pleasures forevermore.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing and steadfast love demonstrated for us through the giving of Your Son to bear our sins on the cross. Thank You that You did not allow Your Son’s body to decay or keep Him in Sheol, but raised Him to life eternal at Your right hand! I offer myself today to go and tell others that they may become disciples! I long for Your eternal presence and pleasures!
Proverbs 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
The simplicity of faith!
Scripture reading for April 4th: Luke 23
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 23:39-43 “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. A sign had been placed over Jesus’ head which read, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” One criminal mocked Jesus in unbelief: “Aren’t You the Christ?” He mockingly asked Jesus to save himself and them, never believing that anything would result. The other criminal rebuked him for not fearing God. He acknowledged his guilt and the just punishment that they were receiving and recognized that Jesus was innocent. Out of that humble spirit, he simply asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. What comforting ‘Truth’ Jesus spoke in return! A great reversal would take place that very day by faith!
Observations for over-comers: The fear of the Lord and a humble heart that simply believes brings life, salvation, and eternal reward. “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)