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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
It's a couple of days after Halloween and it seemed that everything about Halloween focused on that which made us AFRAID! The decorations were scary...the costumes were frightening...the music was eerie! All this was done to create feelings and emotions of fear deep within us.
Just wondering...are you 'afraid' of God?
I know that when I was growing up I literally feared God! I was afraid that I would die and have to stand in front of His judgment seat. I was afraid that He was ready to zap me for everything I had ever done that was bad...and believe me, He would have PLENTY of reasons to zap me!!
But when the Bible mentions 'fear' of God - we must remember that the word 'fear' in it's Hebrew origin does not mean 'to be afraid of' as we understand it today. Instead, the Hebrew word for fear in the Biblical context means to 'revere and respect'. It's the concept, especially in the Old Testament, to have an inner responsiveness and willingness to learn from the Lord.
So, if we are willing to seek God in a spirit of respect and obedience, He promises to provide instruction. Our main responsibility then is to wait for his words of guidance before we make decisions. UGH! That is not easy for those of us who tend to be impatient.
I don't know if you are impatient...but I AM!! And I have learned through the years that my impatience can oftentimes cause me to move forward without checking in with God first. I may even make a GOOD decision, but in my haste I may have missed out on God's BEST. So many times, poor decisions are made right before God's answer to our prayers would have arrived.
This probably is not a big shock to you...but God knows what you need and when you need it. Hold out for His best - - you will be pleasantly surprised by what He has in store for you.
Cling to the promise found in Psalm 25:12..."Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose." (NLT)
"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from
Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health
Read Article »He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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