Love and fear

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

—1 John 4:18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

There are many kinds of fear. Some of these are legitimate. Others are imagined. Still others are irrational. Thankfully, as Christians, we don't have to be afraid of the one crucial event in our life -- judgment. God's love saves us, empowers us, blesses us, works in us, and touches others through us. Most of all, having experienced this love, we can cast fear out of our hearts because we know where we stand with God. He is our loving Father who longs to bring us home!

My Prayer...

Holy, majestic, and awesome God, you are mighty in your strength. You are holy beyond comparison. You are righteous and fair in your dealings with your people. Most of all, dear Father, I thank you because you do not deal with me as my sins deserve. No, O God, you deal with me graciously, blessing me with your redeeming and transforming grace. Your love gives me confidence to live for you and to await the day I stand before you. Until that day I offer you my thanks and praise in Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.

Reflection, February 10, 2013

Reflection: When the opportunities to serve the Lord present themselves, will you have an excuse or are you ready to be used? Lord, I make myself available to You. Use me as You please. Bless me with the skills and gifts I will need and empower me with Your Spirit. Amen.

Reflection, February 9, 2013

Reflection: In every circumstance, we can choose to dwell on the problem or focus on the blessing. Father God, forgive me when I choose to see the problems and wallow in self-pity, thinking that I am a victim. Help me see what You see. Help me focus on the blessings, even in the most trying situations, and glorify You.