One of the most well-known verses in John the apostle’s first letter is this: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). People tend to quote that verse to say we never have any need to be afraid of anything. However, the second part of the verse explains the context: … Continue reading Perfect love casts out fear?
fear
Big Brother Jesus
Jesus is my… How would you finish that sentence? Lord? Saviour? Friend? What about big brother? We don’t tend to think of Jesus in this way. However, Romans 8:29 says that Jesus is “the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Then there are passages like Mark 3:35 where he says: “Whoever does God’s will is … Continue reading Big Brother Jesus
Mesus and McJesus
Kyle Idleman came up with the term “Mesus.”* It’s when we project the things we like about ourselves onto Jesus---and only those things. If we like acts of mercy and adventure, we focus on those things in Jesus (while neglecting everything else). We think we’re honouring Jesus, but we’re really just honouring what we like … Continue reading Mesus and McJesus
Triumphant (over evil)
"Don't be afraid." That's easier to say than it is to live. Generally speaking, people need a reason to be unafraid. For example, if I'm an 8-year old and I see a bully on the playground, I might be afraid. But if I then see my big brother come onto the playground---who just so happens … Continue reading Triumphant (over evil)
Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
Have you ever noticed how much angels tell people to not be afraid? When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…” (Luke 1:30) When the angel appeared to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, he said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good … Continue reading Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
God is bigger
According to an old legend, many years ago when spies were taken captive by the Persian Army and brought in to be killed, the general did something strange. He would give the spy an option. He could choose to face the firing squad, or he could choose to be subject to whatever was behind a … Continue reading God is bigger
An unshakable kingdom
[Note: I'm on vacation next week so the devotional will go on pause after today and will return on March 20th.] Certain events and experiences can shake and unsettle us. A world war can do that. So can events like September 11, 2001. I still remember the day. When terrorists flew planes into the World … Continue reading An unshakable kingdom
Steadfast minds
In April 1943 bomb-raid sirens rang throughout the air above London, England. People dropped their things and searched the skies. Buses stopped, people flooded into the streets. Gunfire started to be heard. A nearby antiaircraft artillery launched some rockets. People started going into a frenzy. Some shouted, “They are starting to drop them!” although no … Continue reading Steadfast minds
An acronym for FEAR
I recently came across an acronym for the word “FEAR.” False Evidence Appearing Real. I don’t know who originally came up with it so I can’t give them credit. But I think it’s a helpful way to think about it. There are times when we let “false evidence” take over our thinking. These are untruths … Continue reading An acronym for FEAR
Beating back fear
Fear can’t rule you if God already has the job. In the Bible we are taught to “fear God.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 succinctly says: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Proverbs 9:10 famously says: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” But it’s not a … Continue reading Beating back fear
