Fortune of Fear

Today's devotion from the book Consolation

by Chas. E Cowman

"We all started somewhere at some point in our journey as a believer'

was my dad's reply a few months ago when I asked him to pray

for someone who, as yet, has not taken the first step of faith.

How often since then, those words have encouraged me not to give up

in lifting my loved ones to God in prayer,

whether it is for the first, sacred, genuine step of confessing that we are a sinner

and need Jesus as our Saviour, 

or in the ups and downs that follow repentance and belief.

On Sunday, the pastor closed his message with encouragement,

reminding us the Christian life is a course of ups and downs,

feeling near to God on some days and on others days

wondering why He doesn't feel so near.

He encouraged us to cling to the truth of a changeless God,

who, no matter how we feel steadfastly abides with us,

So then, he reminded us to abide in the Vine so we may live a fruitful life

for apart from Him we can do nothing.

John 15:5

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me,

and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Proverbs 3:7:

"Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil"

Matt.10:28

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Heb.10:31

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

It is impossible to truly love or follow God until we truly fear Him;

Until He who loved us so much He gave His Son/himself

to break the curse of sin, so all who believe

will never perish but have everlasting life...

 until this Holy God confounds our utter thought

as we try to fathom His love, mercy and holiness

we will fail to live the Christian life.

As our reverence/fear for God grows,

so grows our love.

Ps.103:11

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

 (read the whole glorious chapter of Ps.103 HERE)

Lord let not faith be warped by sight

Nor trust, by understanding

But let the fear of Thee delight

My will with Thy commanding

And let devotion not be swayed

By ups and downs of living

Lord, keep my want-prone wonder stayed

Beneath Thy cross, life-giving

And woo me, not with worldly creed

Or fortune's vain ovation/persuasion 

But, help me pay more earnest heed

To Thee, Rock of salvation

That I may gain a heart of love

Of wisdom's priceless treasure

And grow in grace and knowledge of

Thee, one true God, forever

Amen

Janet Martin

Ps.62:2

He only is my rock and my salvation;

 He is my defense; 

I shall not be greatly moved.

Rock of Ages