To fear or not to fear

The topic of today’s lesson really struck a chord with me.  What role do I allow fear to play in my life?  Am I a fearful person, maneuvering through life being careful to avoid the unexpected, or am I bold?  Unfortunately, I’m guilty of the former, at least when it comes to my spiritual life.  When opportunities for sharing the gospel arise, the Enemy is there planting seeds of fear. 

 

The Enemy knows me quite well, as he has studied me over the years.  He knows I have a natural tendency for shrugging off opportunities, for fear of offending someone or making someone uncomfortable.  He whispers in my ear – “don’t say anything, you’ll embarrass him” or “why bring God or Jesus into this conversation?”  And so I let fear have another small victory.  It’s shameful.  How does an eternity spent in hell compare to a few moments of embarrassment?  

I often wonder if those people whom I choose to ignore to appease my own comfort will one day find themselves in the presence of the living God offering up my silence as their excuse for not believing.  And I wonder what I would say if that person were allowed to ask me why I choose to remain silent about THE most important thing in the world.  That I risk someone’s eternal destination for the sake of my comfort zone is shameful.  

Following God is not without pain, suffering, and a host of other worldly discomforts, but these pale in comparison to what He has promised us.  And quite honestly, we in America have it pretty good.  I don’t risk death for sharing the gospel.  I have no fear of torture or imprisonment for talking about Jesus.  Most do, and I should be ever thankful to God that I live in America, and I should ever-relish in any opportunity to share His love with others, and deny the Enemy a victory.

Pray that I can continue to stand on God’s promises and be bold in the name of my savior.  He deserves nothing less.

On Worship

Our lesson this week focused on worship.  Matthew 2 recalls the story of the magi, who sought out the baby Jesus and upon finding him, fell to the ground and worshipped him.  This overt act of worship – physically bowing down before the Lord was most likely prompted by obedience.  The magi knew they were in the presence of God. 

   

The Bible tells us to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-4), but exactly what does this mean?  Old Testament worship was certainly different from New Testament worship.  We no longer require a building or physical structure in order to worship our Lord.  True worship requires only obedience.  True worship is transparent; it’s tuning in and responding affirmatively to God’s will for your life.  

God has called us to true worship, both in good times and bad.  In fact, I would argue that our most genuine worship comes in times of distress and hardship.  Worshipping in the “valley” can help to solidify the believer’s heart and deepen the relationship with God.

This week, think of ways God is calling you to worship, and then make a deliberate effort to be obedient to his call.

Joseph As Our Example

Matthew 1: 18-25

Joseph As Our Example

As we revisit Joseph in these verses, we are reminded that he had 3 choices: 

1. Expose Mary, according to the law,
2. Walk away quietly, leaving his engagement commitment to Mary, or
3. Step into conflict and make the difficult choice to commit to Mary.

To gain further insight into Joseph’s dilemma, let’s examine some background scripture from Genesis 3 where Adam is passive in the Garden of Eden; he is fearful, and he hides. This contrasts Joseph’s reaction in Matthew Chapter 1 to step into conflict and make a difficult choice.

As Christian couples, we must often follow Joseph’s example. The Lord often prompts us to step into conflict yet model (in our marriages) love, forgiveness, honesty (Proverbs 24:26), gentleness, and peacemaking (to name only a few).

This week, Shawn encouraged us to have conversations with our spouse at an appropriate time to discuss issues that bring conflict into our specific marriages. Take this as an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit into the discussion and then go deeper, with the LORD in the midst.

Matthew Chapter 2, next Sunday, March 6^th.

Humbly filling in for Brad,

Amanda Dunnagan