The Fear Factor

The images that rise when the phrase "fear God" is raised aren't the most accurate. The fear of God is actually the Christian's secret key to wise, fulfilled living. In Exodus 9:9-18, Moses knew the rich reality of what it meant to be in the very presence of God. He went eighty days needing neither food nor water on Mt. Horeb; God spoke to him there as man speaks with man-His revelation, The Ten Commandments. If Moses could comment on His time there with God. I believe He'd say that he felt at ease in God's presence but a little on edge for having tasted of the greatness and grandeur of God. To live in God's fear is to live awakened to the reality that this world is God's space, He sees all, knows all, and is never fooled. It's to live changed by our place in God's space. Our change begins with the revelation we receive for understanding His fear. The everywhere, at every time picture of God we glean leaves us transformed and transported into holy living. His fear makes for remedy it brings us clear vision, it's a place of provision. His fear also makes for rest, for with God on our heart's throne, our cares are as good as owned, we cast them on Him, He cares for us. No better place to live than in Godly fear.

God is love not shove

I grew up under the impression that the primary gene of God is His holiness. On studying Scripture and our place in God's program as the church; I'm not convinced. Yes, the angels in Isaiah 6 proclaim God a thrice holy God, yes, John shuttered at the brass feet of Christ, God of glory; but how do you want your children to remember you? As a distant dictator, one unapproachable, who always had it together or as one, who nurtured them well with empathy and compassionate care. The Bible is very clear in 1 John 1 that God is light, undimmed by darkness; but its portrait of God in 1 John 4 is love, not distance or shove. He desires to be near, not distant, for "He's not far from anyone of us," Acts 17. He is not cold and uninterested but near, mighty to save. Peter portrays Him as the Christ, who keeps us way beyond salvation with His delivering Hand. John 13 is crystal clear regarding how others are to know God, by our love for one another just as Christ showed us God by His demonstrating His love on Calvary's cross. He shared with us the Father's love dying for us enemies, without strength, and cursed by sin. Christ in a word is love. Your past need not keep you from His Hand of mercy; in Christ, you can be made new or restored today, for God is love.