| Today's Bible Verse |
| "The fear of man bringeth a
snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord
shall be safe."
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Proverbs 29:25 King James
Version (KJV)
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| Today's Bible Study |
The word ‘fear’ is used many
times in the Bible and in slightly different ways.
We are told that the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
Our fear of the Lord is a reverential and
respectful fear. We honor His might and control,
but we are not afraid He will use those powers
against us. In fact, knowing He has infinite might
and control is comforting to us. We trust Him to
use those qualities to care for and protect His
people.
Our verse says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare.”
This fear of man is a terrifying fear, one that
causes us to tremble. We may even hide from the
person or persons we fear. This kind of fear
renders us helpless and useless. All our mental and
physical energy is directed at protecting
ourselves.
If I fear a person to that extent, I am essentially
his slave. I cower and avoid doing anything that
might rile him. This is not healthy for me or for
him. God wants His people to live in freedom. He
does not want brutes to threaten and control us.
A healthy fear of some people is appropriate. If I
know a murderer is loose in my area, of course I am
afraid of him. I take measures to protect my family
and myself.
But if I am always afraid, to the point of not ever
wanting to leave a securely locked house, I am
indeed, as this verse indicates, trapped.
Reverently respect the power and control God has at
His disposal but trust Him to be on your side. Be
appropriately afraid of monstrous people. But don’t
let fear of people ruin your life. Pray that God
will lead you to find the freedom He intends you to
have.
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| Today's Prayer |
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| Father, I am comforted in the knowledge of Your great power and control. I trust You always to be working for my good. Deliver me from crippling fear. Amen.
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| Yesterday's Bible
Verse |
| "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."
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Philippians 3:12 King James Version (KJV)
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| Yesterday's Bible
Study |
Do you have a father or mother
in the faith? Do you admire them and long to
imitate them or some other mature Christian?
Paul was such a person to the church at Philippi.
But Paul was not the only preacher interested in
this church. Others were also preaching in love.
Paul rejoiced over this fact.
Still others preached Christ out of envy and
rivalry. They were selfishly ambitious and hoped to
stir up trouble for Paul, who was in chains.
Paul’s words reveal no selfish ambition. In fact,
they reveal just the opposite. He humbly prayed
that he would never need to be ashamed of his
actions. He sought courage so that Christ would be
exalted in his (Paul’s) body (Philippians 1:20).
In Philippians 3:12, our verse for today, Paul
admits he was imperfect, but he intended to keep
growing as he faithfully followed Jesus.
Paul understood his fallibility. He was not
prideful in his accomplishments. He gave all glory
to God.
Paul encouraged the Philippians to keep pursuing
Jesus and his ways. Christians must never stop
growing in maturity and in grace.
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| Yesterday's Prayer |
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| Father, I thank you for those around me who encourage and disciple me. I thank you for their testimonies that give me strength. Help me follow their example and Paul’s example and strive to grow in maturity and in grace. Guide me today, Holy Spirit. Give me wisdom. Amen.
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