Reverent Fear
Good morning, Father! I am so grateful for Your hand upon my shoulder throughout the day, yesterday. Your palpable presence was invigorating and such an encouragement! I know You are always with me, but yesterday was just extra special. Thank You!
1 Peter 1:17b (<<click here)
“… live in reverent fear of [the heavenly Father] during your time as foreigners in the land.”
Lord, as I look at this passage this morning the word “fear” sticks out. It brings to mind many possible definitions. It seems that when we see the word fear, our minds automatically home in on being afraid. Even as I ponder the many facets of it, my mind is everywhere.
First of all, Peter writes “reverent fear.” My study Bible* notes emphasize its meaning as the “healthy respect…for the all- powerful God.” This is definitely a very important aspect in our relationship with God.
Over the years I’ve heard it illustrated in comparison to a “healthy respect” for fire or electricity. Both of these things can greatly enhance our lives…but we must be cautious. They are both very powerful and if they are interacted with in an improper manner, suffering can take place – even death.
God is all powerful and we must interact with Him with the utmost of respect. But we cannot be afraid of Him to the point of avoiding him or cowering in His presence. He loves us with such intensity that we can’t truly comprehend it. He desires not to harm us but for us to grow in Him and to love Him in return.
I guess the one area that we must guard against most is losing that reverent aspect of our interactions. He is our God. He is our Savior. Scripture tells us he is our friend (John 15:15, James 2:23) and we rejoice in that fact! But I don’t think we should ever consider Him as our “buddy”. That idea seems to knock the reverence right out of it.
Lord, You are many things to us. You love us beyond measure and we love You, too. But we would ask that we would hold You in his best regard. We are blessed and honored that You should call us friend. Amen
Nov 2nd, Wed, 5:51 am
Journey On
Father, I need You this morning. Many things are attacking me from many sides. I’m being distracted. I’m being side-tracked. I’m being pre-occupied. Forgive me. Help me regain my focus on You. For me to be victorious, You have to be my number one priority! It’s too easy to let other things take my time – less important things… It’s a new day in a new month – a fresh page with which to begin. Let’s do this together!
May my heart be right with thee,
and my life as becometh the gospel.
May I maintain a supreme regard to another and better world,
and feel and confess myself a stranger and a pilgrim here.
Afford me all the direction, defense, support, and consolation
my journey hence requires,
and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.
– The Valley of Vision
Lord, may this be my prayer…
An old hymn comes to mind, and I looked to see if I’d referred to it before – and I had, a year ago almost to the day! It is no less applicable.
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now my Savior!
I come to Thee. – Annie S. Hawks
Nov.1st, Tues, 6:32 am
Nothing Hidden from You
Father, I am grateful for Your presence. In every single circumstance in life, You are with me – guiding, directing, broadcasting Your love in and through me. I am truly blessed!
1 Peter 1:17 (<<click here)
It is not unusual in life to find ourselves in lineups; at work, in school, in families, on the playground, in church, there are people we are comfortable being around and there are those we tend to avoid. And the same goes for how people feel about us, some people like us and others could care less if they ever saw us again. We all play the game of favorites.
But not You, Lord, Peter says here that the “heavenly Father…has no favorites.” He will “judge or reward” us fair and square “according to what we do.”…and that is really a very sobering thought. We can pull the wool over some people’s eyes. We can be fake in our interactions with others and they may never realize it. But never with You. You see to the very core of our being. Nothing is hidden from You. Hebrews 4:13 says,
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God . Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to who we are accountable.”
Lord, we are only fooling ourselves if we think we can hide anything from You. May I be the real deal in all I say and do. You see me for what I am. Help me to be genuine with others, as well. And when I struggle in liking some people less than others, may I see them through Your eyes of love. Help me to be like You. Amen
Oct 29th, Sat, 6:01 am
Be Holy? You Betcha!
It’s been too long since I’ve come to sit with You, Father. I didn’t realize until just now that’s it’s been 4 days! I was thinking it had only been a couple! I’m sorry…I’m here to learn. Help me to listen.
1 Peter 1:13-16 (<<click here)
Lord, You have set the bar pretty high. Peter admonishes us to “prepare your minds for action,” so that’s where we begin. Living “as God’s obedient children” is challenging enough but being holy “in everything, I do, just as God who chose me is holy” – now that’s huge!
A couple of points come to mind. First of all, Lord, You want us to succeed. You would never set us up to fail. It’s not an easy task be we can do it. Of course, a big thing is we aren’t meant to do it by ourselves – You are there all along the way. You are there to teach and correct and encourages us all along the way. You strengthen and empower us.
Then Peter exclaims that Scripture commands us to “be holy because You are holy.” Lord, You yourself commanded us to “be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
Many at this point would cry out, “Why even try?” It’s a lost cause! I’m sure not perfect much less holy! But we can’t give up. There are things for which we strive.
Think of all the musicians and athletes out there. Their goal is to be the very best they can be. Sometimes they are spot on. Their performance is flawless; they pull off world record breaking feats. Other times it’s back to the basics because it’s just not happening. But when they falter, do they quit? No! They push on!
We must do the same spiritually! We will make mistakes! We will sin! And total holiness and perfection will only become a reality when we join You in eternity. But one must strain and push ourselves to attain the goals You’ve set for us for it is so worth it not just for eternity but for here and now, as well.
Oct 28th, Fri, 6:15 am
Invited to the Table
It was a very full weekend, Father, and it is a great comfort to have our time together this morning. May I be attentive to what You would have me learn from You this day – not just now but as we walk together through the hours ahead. Amen.
A passage from The Valley of Vision strikes me this morning.
Thou hast seen an abhorred all my sins and
couldst easily and justly have punished me,
yet thou hast spared me,
been gracious unto me,
given me thy help,
invited me to thy table.
Lord, I will never cease to be amazed at the grace You so freely extend to me. It seems that I consistently give You ample reason not to but over and over again You lavish me with Your love. You are always there for me…
The portion of today’s Puritan prayer that caught my mind’s eye is “yet thou hast… invited me to thy table.” It could refer to Your communion table but my thoughts went to a simple table of fellowship.
Some of my fondest memories are times when family or friends or even strangers have gathered with me, around a table, sharing a common meal together. Food is shared but so is laughter and stories. Love and fondness, joy and gladness are a part of our time, trust, and acceptance, too.
And You, Lord, invite me to Your table, as well. We share these things, too. I am welcomed – I am cherished. Oh, what a blessing! Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy, grace, and love. Amen.
Oct 24th, Mon, 6:17 am