Thursday 5/22/14
The Bible says: Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25) On the other hand, Proverbs 14:27 says: The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life turning a man from the snares of death. Obviously, it is wise to fear God and unwise to fear a man. Those who fear a person or persons in their lives are in a snare. That is, they are not free. It is possible that some of you who are reading this blog today, are in such a situation. There is someone in your life who is keeping you from serving God more fully if not altogether. In my many years in the ministry, I have heard the countless stories of those who lament not being able to go to church, or else be restricted when they do because they fear going against a certain person’s wishes or demands. Many have told me point blank that they don’t want to do anything to anger or upset that certain person, yet angering or upsetting God does not seem to bother them. They cannot see that they are making that person higher or more important than God, which essentially constitutes idolatry. Jesus said: Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both body and soul in Hell. (Mt. 10:28)
There is an account in the 5th Chapter of Acts of the time the Apostles were arrested and jailed for publicly preaching the gospel and healing many of their diseases. During the night, an angel of the Lord set them free and they went right back to preach to the crowds. When they were brought back to stand before the council, the chief priest asked them, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in this name?” (Jesus’) Unafraid of the consequences, Peter and the other Apostles replied “We must obey God rather than men.” Should it be any different with us?
If someone in your life has kept you from serving the Lord the way you would like to serve Him, completely and in freedom, I pray you will break free starting today. Remember, the consequences of going against God are much, much greater than going against that person in your life that has imprisoned you. Jesus is the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free.
Memory verse for the week: Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
