What Is There To Fear?

Psalm 27:1-6; Romans 8:31-39 KJV There is nothing to fear if God is for us. Our desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Devil Was Evicted

A reading from Luke 8:26-39 KJV for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

The demons and the people were afraid of Jesus; but, the man who was given a new life was not.

Miracle of Wholeness Mark 6 Mar 26 2022

Be Not Afraid To Share The Good News

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." 

                                                                        (Jer 1:4-10 KJV)

It has often amazed me that when we leave the sanctuary after hearing the word of the Lord we don't talk about what we have heard. The talk is about things like our latest ailment or fishing or football.  We talk about everything except our excitement for the love that God has in us in Christ Jesus. 

If we cannot talk about Jesus with our brothers and sisters in Christ then how do we expect to talk about what he has done with those who we see during the rest of the week? We are after all called by the Great Commission to go and share the Good News of the Kingdom to all people. 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

                                                                               (Matt 28:19-20)

Are we so afraid that people will not like us; that they might even persecute us for speaking about Jesus that we dare not mention his name? Are we afraid that we won't know what or how to proclaim God's Kingdom through Jesus? God told Jeremiah that he was putting his words in his mouth. He would know what to say. When Jesus sent his disciples out to proclaim the Good News he did warn them that they might be persecuted for what they would say. He knew that they were uncomfortable not knowing if they would know how to speak or defend the word of God so he assured them that it would not be out of their own minds that they would be speaking but the Spirit of the Father would be the one speaking through them. He said:

"But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." 

                                                                   (Matt 10:17-20)

God had called you into his Kingdom. Share that Good News! Trust that he will put the words into your mouth and be not afraid of the enemy for the Lord is with you always! You are a child of the most high God.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thanksgiving Every Day

 

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17 KJV)

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today is the day set aside for all people to give thanks to God for all that He has given us. One day! Wah!  Is that enough!? 

According to St. Paul's letter to the Colossians we ought to be showing our thankfulness to God in everything we say and do. Being thankful should not be relegated to just one day a year.

Today would be a good day, though, to take the time to count your blessings. Consider all that God has given you. I know that as human beings we tend to complain a lot about what we don't have. While spending time and energy focusing on complaining and being angry and blaming others we are not able to appreciate and care for the people and the things that we do have. We forget that we are sinful human beings; full of greed and envy; full of anger and jealousies. We forget that without Jesus these attitudes would consume us. But; because of Christ, our sins have been wiped out. He bore those sins upon the cross for us and saved us from the penalties of our sins. For this above all other things we give thanks to God in Christ Jesus.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." 

                                                                        (Isa 12:2-6)

Give thanks to God! Shout it out! Praise Him! Let the world know that you are thankful for His love and mercy in all that you say and do and not just today; but, every day.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Be Not Afraid, Only Believe

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 

                                                                   (Mark 5:22-24, 39-39,  38-42 KJV)

"Do not be afraid, only believe." Jesus told the ruler of the synagogue not to worry himself; that he should not fear; but that he should believe; he should have faith. That is not to say that there is no fear that is healthy. Fear of God can be a good thing.  In the book of Hebrews we read:  "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 'For our God is a consuming fire.'" (Heb 12:28-29)

Fear and faith. Which shall we live by? Where there is no faith, you will most often find fear. Where there is no fear, there faith is found. According to Lutheran Theologian, Paul Tillich, "Fear is the absence of faith." Now that is not to say we totally lack faith if we get anxious over something. But, a little bit of anxiety should not turn into a fear that keeps us from moving forward in life. Fear should not stop us in our tracks! Fear should not keep us from living life in Christ.

I live in a rural community. There are a few small cities near by. In two of them, I find myself most comfortable. In another, I am not. I am not comfortable with the rudeness and arrogance I hear people aiming at one another of late. Some of them will even claim that they have to correct people because they love all people so much. Unbelievable! I know that the reason that they most probably do this is because they live in fear. It is a very sad thing to witness people living with so much fear. But, I admit that this bullying of others, that stems from fear, does make me a bit anxious as well (ok, a lot anxious) and so I avoid that community as much as possible. I do my business in the communities where people live in real community; where they show grace and mercy; respect and kindness to one another.

Over and over again Jesus told people not to fear and to have faith. Is that knot in your stomach, born of fear, something you really want to live with for the rest of your life? Believe in God, Trust in the promises that He has made to all who believe in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

"...be not afraid, only believe." Believe and live an abundant life in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Be Of Good Cheer

"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
                                                                                      (John 16:32-22 KJV)

Jesus was never alone nor are we. No matter how many people might give us up our Father in heaven never does. He is always with us. No matter what kind of tribulations that might be occurring there is one thing that is constant. That one thing is the presence of God our Father. Do not be afraid. In the knowledge of His presence and in the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world we can be of good cheer. We can know peace. 

"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." (2 John 1:3)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Has The Best Plan!

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

                                                                        (Luke 1:26-31 KJV)

That ought to be enough to knock your socks off! What a sight! Can you even begin to imagine how you might react if an angel suddenly appeared before you? And... then tells you; although you are a virgin, that you are going to have a child by someone other than you are about to marry.

But, the angel tells her not to be afraid. This coming child may not be in Mary's plans; but, it is in God's plan for her and the world. It is a good plan. It is the best plan ever! Likewise; when things are happening in our lives that have nothing to do with what we have planned for ourselves, we need not fear; but, trust that God has a good purpose for those who love Him. 

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

Do not fear! Have faith that God has a good plan for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Death Is Not The End

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.                                                                    

                                                                                        (1 Peter 1:4-5 KJV)

We will all die. Unless the Lord comes before that time and takes us bodily to himself, we will all die. Death of the flesh is inevitable. But, thanks be to God through Jesus Christ this is not the end. Despite that some (including some clergy) say that death is the end, according to the word of the Lord, it is not the end! 

In St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians he wrote:

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

                                                                                 (1 Cor 15:50-55)

Christ has destroyed the power of death with his death. If we do not have to fear even death than why do we so often fret over the little obstacles in this world. Jesus, himself, tells us that we should not be worried; but to believe in him; to trust that he will take us to be with him.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

                                                                                (John 14:1-3)

Do not be afraid. Trust in the word of the Lord and live in peace no matter what would attack you; no matter what obstacles you might have to face. Just as the grass withers and the flowers fade so must our flesh. But, the word of the Lord stands forever. That word is the gospel, is the good news, of the eternal kingdom of God is at hand and is for you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Do not fear. Trust in the word of the Lord that brings you such good news!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

                                                                                 (John 14:17)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Don't Let Fear Corral You!

 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11 KJV)

The evil in the world is worse than it has ever been! The world is falling apart! The world will end if so and so is elected! Not! I do not believe a word of it. It is time to quit listening to the fear and hate mongering media!

Evil has been in the world since the dawn of time. The world will end when God decides it is time for it to end and not a second before. There is no reason to fear for those who trust the Word of God. The end that God has in mind for all who believe is an unexpected and good end. It is not an end that we should fear. After all; Jesus reminded his followers over and over again not to fear; not to be afraid.

According to St. Paul: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:18)

Hate and fear mongering has corralled many into dark places. It is time. It is past time to step out into the light and live life! Trust that God has a good plan for you!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Not

"Fear not: for I am with thee..." (Isa 43:5a KJV) 

How often we need to hear those words! Do not be afraid. God is with you. We often find ourselves in bondage to a variety of issues we are struggling to figure and work out for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it's financial difficulties or relationship issues that are causing anxiety. The Corona Virus today has an untold number of people today in a state of fear. The level of panic in so many today absolutely astounds me. There is definitely reason to be cautious. But, caution and fear are not the same thing. Being cautious and taking precautions is the wise thing to do. Panicking only causes more problems.

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed with fear; as though we are lost in a thick forest with no clue how to find our way out. We might find ourselves journeying through the wilderness and feeling like we are making that journey quite alone. But, fear not. You are not alone. The LORD, who created and redeemed you has not deserted you. He is with you. The word of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, promises this.

Fear not for God is with you. May God grant you the peace that only He can give.  

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hope Rather Than Panic

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

                                                                                    Romans 15:13 KJV

There is a whole lot of panic going around. Panic is usually fueled by fear. What are we afraid of? Nothing in this world is greater or stronger than the power of the Holy Spirit that can bring to us joy and peace in the midst of the worst tempests.

Trust that the Spirit of Christ is with you; with us all, for our good no matter what it may look or feel like to us at the moment. God is the God of hope. Trust Him and go on doing the good that He would have us do; helping our neighbors and living in peace! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Comfort and Peace

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 KJV)

I have found over the years that the best place to go when I'm in trouble is to God. In Him there is a comfort that one can find no where else.

If the whole world would only turn to Jesus in times of trouble we would all know comfort and peace and a whole lot less times of trouble.

Turn to the Lord and trust the Spirit of Christ to guide you through the troubled times so that you might be comforted. Jesus had promised to send us his Spirit, the Comforter, so that we might know both comfort and peace. On that first Pentecost after his ascension that promised gift of the Holy Spirit was received unto the world.

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

                                                                                         (John 14:26-27)

Ask and you shall receive the Holy Spirit that has come to bring you comfort and peace. Jesus told the people and he tells us through the word:

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13)

You who are troubled, why do you not ask God for the comfort and peace that only God, the Holy Spirit can give?

May the Holy Spirit comfort you and grant you the peace that only God can give.

God's peace be with you always - Pr. J

Empowered To Share The Good News

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

                                                                                        (2 Tim 1:6-10 KJV)

A whole lot of Christians tend to think that they are paying their pastors to be the evangelists. It is true pastors are called to be evangelists sharing the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ. But, it is fallacy to think that not all Christians are called to share this Good News.

"But, I'm too shy." "I don't want to push my beliefs on others." "I can't." "I don't know how." "I am afraid of what others will think of me." "I might be bullied for my faith." Those are all really feeble excuses for not doing what we've been called to do. 

I listen to people lifting up, bragging about, and defending the sports teams and the politicians of their choice all of the time. But, who lifts up Jesus in their every day conversations? There are a few. But, not so many as have actually been called. The truth is that Jesus is absent from many of our daily conversations.

Christians have been called to a holy calling. We have been anointed with the Holy Spirit so that we might be empowered to live out our calling. There is no reason to fear sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. God has not given us the spirit of fear. He has given us a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

This spirit of power and love inspires to share the Good News with others so that they too might live life in the light, who is Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

I Will Not Fear!

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (Psalm 118:5-6 KJV)

What, indeed, can man do to us that God cannot fix or heal or whatever needs to be done for our good!? There is nothing. We may be persecuted, hated, attacked; but, God has a plan for those who love Him. 

There have been times that my husband objected to me taking a public stand for what was right. He was afraid that I would be in danger for doing so. My response then was: what is the worst thing that can happen. Even if I am killed, God is with me. I have eternal life. If life in the eternal presence of God; in His Kingdom, sooner than I expect is the consequence for standing up for what is right, then I know that there is nothing to fear in doing His will.

We are saved by faith and not by the good that we do. Rather, we strive to do good because we have been saved by grace through faith in our most gracious God and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fear Not For God Has A Plan

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

Joseph hears that his fiancee' is pregnant and not by him! Yet, the angel tells him not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife. God has a plan. It is a good plan.

Today, many men will marry a woman who is pregnant for another's child. They are not afraid to raise the child as their own. But, it was not so in the days of Joseph and Mary. Mary could have been stoned for carrying the child. Joseph did the right thing. He listened to the angel of the Lord and took Mary to be his wife and Jesus to be his son.

The faithful need not worry when things get rough. We do not have to be afraid. I know. It is natural to worry when things go awry. But, we don't have to. No matter what happens we can trust that God has a plan; a good plan for all who love him. (Rom 8:28)

May God bless you with the knowledge of His great love for you evidenced by the life and death of our Savior Jesus the Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Destroying the Children

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

                                                                              (Matt 2:4-8 KJV)

Herod was not in the least bit interested in worshiping this child born in Bethlehem. He wanted to find him so that he could get rid of him.

Why exactly would Herod be so afraid of a child? Could there have any other reason than that Herod believed the prophecy about Jesus? He was afraid. He was afraid that Jesus would replace him. He was afraid that he no longer would be the center; that he would lose his own power and authority; his prestige. It would not be one bit convenient for Herod this baby to grow up. 

After Jesus was born, Herod had ordered all of the children under the age of two years in and around Bethlehem murdered. Fortunately, Joseph had been warned of this in a dream and the family escaped Herod's wrath. Herod's fear of this child was great!

I cannot help but wonder if that is so like the reason so many parents today would rather destroy their children than raise them up in the way that they should go. Are they afraid that the children will grow up and the evil ways of those around them will be exposed and they will no longer have power or authority over the child? Are they afraid that when they are exposed they will no longer be lifted up in anyone else's minds? Are they afraid that the child will be protected by others and grow in the way they should actually be going rather in the self-centered way that the adults around them would have them go.

It is a sad thing when children are neglected and even persecuted so that the adult can look good. A very sad thing, indeed! Adults ought to be protecting them not destroying them for their own convenience and ego's sake.

May God protect the children from adults with their own personal agendas which have very little to do with the children's welfare.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Accepted or Rejected

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

                                                                                Acts 28:16-22 KJV

There were always be those who support the servants of God and there will also always be those who will do anything and everything to subvert the message brought by God's servants.

Paul had finally made it to Rome under guard. The believers from the area went to meet him when they heard that he was there. The local Jewish leaders also wanted to hear from him. But, they wanted to hear because they have heard only bad things about this Christian sect. Whether it is accepted or rejected; Paul, the prisoner, was still provided opportunities by God to proclaim the message of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ to many people.

Sometimes, we will share the Good News with people whom we think might be open to it. At other times, we will keep our lips closed for fear that the message (and we) will be rejected. This was not the way that Paul followed. It was definitely not The Way of Jesus. The Good News is for all people. Do not be afraid to share it.

We are called and sent to share the message of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Kingdom through the sacrifice of Jesus. Maybe we should ask ourselves what news it is that we share most often with others. Is that message about our favorite sports team or politician or maybe television star or musician? 

Hmmm... We humans tend to place a lot of emphasis on false gods. What about sharing the message of peace; the peace that is received in the knowledge of what Christ has done for us? For the Christian, there can be no greater focus than on sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord with those who do not know him. Do not be afraid to do that! Whether the message is accepted or rejected, it is still the message that saves lives. Give them a chance to know it and to know Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Let Him In!

Open the door and let him in.

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

                                      (John 6:16-21 KJV)

Who wouldn't be a bit afraid if you were out in the storm and someone came walking on the water toward you? The disciples were just that. They were frightened. But, Jesus speaks to them, "It is I; be not afraid." They recognize his voice and they let him in the boat.

Jesus is anxious to get in the boat with you. He is knocking at the door. He is already with you and for you. But, he will not force himself on you. It is not enough to know about Jesus. Let him into your small boat so you have a chance to really get to know him. 

There are many who profess to be Christians; however, they have no real clue who this Jesus of ours is. They may have heard of him; they may know about him; but, they wouldn't recognize his voice if he spoke to them because they don't know him. There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him. His sheep will hear his voice and answer. His friends will hear his voice and answer. 

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)

Answer the door and let him in so that you might have a relationship with the living God; the Almighty God, our LORD and Savior. Do not be afraid. He is there for you in the storms that you encounter. Let him into your boat, open the door, and let him in. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Fear; The Lord Is With You

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 NRSV)

Do not afraid; do not fear! We hear this words not just from the angel speaking to the shepherds; but, from Jesus on more than a couple of occasions in the Gospels. Who are they kidding? We would be very afraid, indeed, to have an angel appear before us with the glory of the Lord shining all around us.

Do not fear. The Lord is with you always. (Isa 41:10) The Lord who loves you and gave himself for you is always with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.