No Fear in Love!

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 1 John 4:18

Have you ever stopped to wonder what you are afraid of? I know I do more often than I would like. I am afraid of Dentists, flying, death and decisions. I am afraid of losing loved ones and I am afraid of being alone when they are gone. Of course none of these are reasonable fears at all by the Bible’s standards. I am just saying these are my own battles.

The Bible also tells us to pray about everything so as I was praying about my fears, God spoke to my heart with a question this morning. “Are you afraid to pray?” As I thought about that the absurdity of it hit me in the face. If I was afraid to pray then I wouldn’t be praying! And I am not afraid to pray because I remember that Jesus taught me to begin praying with the words, “Our Father.” So why would God listen to my prayer? Why would He be willing to allow me (Or anyone else) come to Him with my problems, needs and desires?

The answer is wrapped up in the mystery of the God of love and the love of God! If that very same God of love who sent Jesus to teach us to pray is interested in listening to me; how much more because of the cross of Jesus Christ will He be ready to receive me when one day we stand before His throne?

Be blessed! Have a great prayer time with your Father today. We can live without fear because when we come to Him – He will cast out all we are afraid of and replace it with His perfect love!

 

1549893108728_1280x1280.jpg

God’s Ultimate Gift

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life John 3:16 KJV

We often think of the baby in the manger of Bethlehem as God’s ultimate gift. But in reality it was on the cross on that God’s gift was fully given. God’s gift of love is eternal life. That gift is the life of Jesus Christ which can become ours at Calvary! This Christmas you can begin a new life’s journey that will last forever. Christmas is the perfect time to give your life to Him. He has given us so many gifts. Why not take some time right now and think back and be thankful for these 12 Christmas gifts. Why not open them today and experience all that God has prepared for you?

1539344181905_image.jpg

The gift of being a neighbor

The gift of Kindness

The gift of Prayer

The gift of Faith

The gift of Hope

The gift of Joy

The gift of Grace

The gift of Rest

The gift of Living Water

The gift of Mercy

The gift of a Guiding Star

The gift of the Love of God