August 1, 2017
Today’s Bible Reading:
Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3
Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:
Topic: Fear of the Lord
SCRIPTURE: John 3:19-21, Isaiah 66:2
Jesus says…
19 This is the
verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light
because their deeds were evil. 20
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for
fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen
plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (John
3:19-21 NIV)
The Lord says…
…"This is the one
I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.
(Isa 66:2 NIV)
OBSERVATION:
The one who God esteems is not the perfectly upright
righteous person (who, by the way, does not exist except for the person of
Jesus), but the one who lives openly in the light with humility and the desire
to live better and do better daily; the person who hides nothing from the Lord
and knows that there is no place for pride because whatever good they achieve
is due to God alone. The person God regards, “trembles” at His word, not
because they are afraid of Him but because they reverence Him and know that
what He says, He will do.
APPLICATION:
So here’s the question for reflection: Do I attempt to keep
anything hidden from God—are there things in my life I would prefer to keep in
the dark? I cognitively realize that it is impossible to hide anything from
God, yet I sometimes behave as if He can’t see me. Either I think He does not
see, or I don’t care as long as I believe I’m hiding it from others to see.
Either way, if the truth of God’s word does not cause me to tremble I am indeed
in a sorry state.
PRAYER:
Lord I tremble at Your word, not in fear of harm but because
I know Your word is true and immutable. By Your Spirit may I ever dwell
fearlessly in the light of Your presence. Through the grace of Christ and the
presence of Your Spirit within me. Amen. -AP
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