Today we heard an impressive message from Pastor Greg from MRCC in Enumclaw – on a topic that is a difficult one:  ”The Fear of God”

Pastor Greg took us through several passages of scripture – the main one being Luke Chapter 12 where Jesus is talking to his disciples about the religious leaders – the  ”bullies” of their time.  He said to them:

^4-5“I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands., I tell you, fear him. ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

We live in a culture today where we have forgotten what it is like to really fear God.  When a people do not fear God – or any consequences for their actions – then such immoral and violent acts can take place.  It is the unraveling of a society.

The fear of God is a healthy thing.  It is the beginning of wisdom.  It keeps us from being stupid.  Just as a child fear the discipline of their own earthly father – we need to fear the discipline of God – knowing that He holds our very lives in His hands.  And because God loves us so very much – sent His Son to die for us – you know that He will do anything it takes to keep us safe and from making those irreparable mistakes that will lead to our destruction.  For God disciplines those He loves.  Just as a Father disciplines out of love for His son – seeing the danger that the son does not see – and bringing safe guards into his life to protect him – so God does for us.  We need to be VERY afraid to make those wrong choices – to sin even in the smallest way.  We need to develop a love and a fear for God – that does not allow us to step over the line of safety for us.  God knows the heartache and long line of regret and troubles that will follow our “stepping over the line” .

On the flip side – I just want to say that I have experienced God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy – more than I deserved – when I messed up.  But that does not mean I will not still experience the “fall out” from those choices.  Forgiveness yes – but almost impossible for me to forget.  It follows me.

I do not believe that for a moment – God wants us to “live in fear” from a past failure or hurt.  Far from it!  His mercy is new every morning – and He is there for those that have failed and are hurting – promising newness – promising help for the hard days to follow.  And what is forgiven by God – is FORGIVEN.  Period.  The fear of making that same mistake or one just like it – will always be there – but our healthy fear of our loving Heavenly Father will be an ever present reminder to help us stay the course.  Stay within the “safety net” that He has designed for each one of us.  And that my friend – is true freedom.  A place where there is no fear anymore.  When we truly fear God – we lose our fear for all those other things that hold onto us.

I love this song by Phillips Craig and Dean –  ”You make your mercy new everyday” I couldn’t find it on youtube – but if you ever get a chance to download it on your computer or Ipod – it would be well worth the time.  Enjoy!

I thought that I had crossed the line

Walked away from love one time

Too many

I thought I’d used up all the Grace

Set aside for my mistakes

So many

On my knees I found to my surprise

that  your grace

renewed with each sunrise

You make your mercy everyday

You change my life in so many ways

Cradle me in your sweet grace

You fill me yeah

Yesterday Today Forever more

There’s one thing I know for sure

Fresh as the morning dew

You make your mercy new

Every morning

God Bless