Focus On: 4: 7-21
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18, NIV)
Do you remember? (NEW! Look at these posts for a quick recap): Make Me Complete, Lord and Don’t Leave Love and Faithfulness!
I have something personal to share (as if it was enough?): I’m afraid. Of spiders. Arachnophobia. The skirmish of these eight-legged freaks (sorry, God!) is just too tempting for me to come forward. In fact, this has let me slow to enjoy Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant last night on the movies (without counting my corny misadventures)!
It was when I was six, in 1st Grade. I was playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time when a stupid skulltula appeared on the game! I was so shocked, I ran to my bedroom (we all had a big bedroom) to my mom and dad. Thus, this has harbored my fear of spiders. Now, the watching, viewing, or even thinking of spiders haunts me. Where is the love?
This is what many people experience: hatred, hardship, trial, pain, suffering, and many more things. This leaves many more in confusion, doubt, envy, losing faith, etc. John declared that God is love (1 John 4:8,16), and made it the central part of the book. In God’s love, fear is not harbored. In His love, His grace flows mightily open for all who desire and/or need so. Just like my irrational fear of spiders, God helps me cope with those frights of horror. His grace is enough, such a wondrous revelation! No fear can take us away from God’s mighty hand.
As always, you know the drill: It will take time for me to apply this truth (if I do something at all in this lifetime!). It may take time for me to squeal at some spider pictures, videos, or magazines, but what the hey? JESUS IS ENOUGH and that is all I need to hear.
Food-for-Thought: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14)
I have something personal to share (as if it was enough?): I’m afraid. Of spiders. Arachnophobia. The skirmish of these eight-legged freaks (sorry, God!) is just too tempting for me to come forward. In fact, this has let me slow to enjoy Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant last night on the movies (without counting my corny misadventures)!
It was when I was six, in 1st Grade. I was playing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time when a stupid skulltula appeared on the game! I was so shocked, I ran to my bedroom (we all had a big bedroom) to my mom and dad. Thus, this has harbored my fear of spiders. Now, the watching, viewing, or even thinking of spiders haunts me. Where is the love?
This is what many people experience: hatred, hardship, trial, pain, suffering, and many more things. This leaves many more in confusion, doubt, envy, losing faith, etc. John declared that God is love (1 John 4:8,16), and made it the central part of the book. In God’s love, fear is not harbored. In His love, His grace flows mightily open for all who desire and/or need so. Just like my irrational fear of spiders, God helps me cope with those frights of horror. His grace is enough, such a wondrous revelation! No fear can take us away from God’s mighty hand.
As always, you know the drill: It will take time for me to apply this truth (if I do something at all in this lifetime!). It may take time for me to squeal at some spider pictures, videos, or magazines, but what the hey? JESUS IS ENOUGH and that is all I need to hear.
Food-for-Thought: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14)
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And I pray I will hold on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You.
-Parachute Band, Complete, chorus (Remember the song?)
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