Slideshow image
Scripture for the day: 1 John 5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Thought for the day: In the New Kings James Version of the Bible, the word ‘faith’ is used 391 times. The word ‘fear’ is found some 457 times. This tells me these two words constitute two significant, and often conflicting, themes in the Word. They also provide two conditions that must not be allowed to peacefully co-exist. Faith must overcome fear or it’s not really faith. The Psalmist said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). Isaiah was even more adamant in his affirmation: “God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2).
I recently read a story about a man named John who has been a missionary to China for decades. He has literally taken his life in his hands in order to reach the unreachable with the Good News. He has even made trips to Viet Nam, Thailand, and North Korea, hoping each time to be able to share the Gospel with as many as God put in his pathway. On one occasion, while visiting North Korea with a tour group, he was detained in country for an extra 13 days while the authorities investigated his activities while he was there. They forced him, at the end of their investigation to sign a “confession” which included the statement: “I wanted as many North Koreans to become Christians as possible.” His response was simply, “Amen!”
John, at 73 years of age, has gone, and continues to go, to places most of us wouldn’t even consider invading. He has affected countless lives for the Savior for two reasons. First, the Word of God has been a priority in his life. He has made it a habit to spend time every day with the Word. Why would be so important? Well, the Word is the revelation we have of Jesus, the Messiah. The more we read and meditate on the written Word, the more clearly we see who Jesus is and who He wants us to be. He has lived by the truth that “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). He has been encouraged by the fact that “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). And “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I can never hope to understand everything contained in the Word of God, but I know this: every promise contained in the Word is for me and, as I study the Word of God I can rely on the God of the Word.
Second, Jim can face the fears that come with stepping out in faith. As he says, “Fear and faith cannot exist within my heart at the same time. when we live by faith, trusting the Lord moment by moment, fear has no room in the heart.” I can’t begin to share with you all the times we’re admonished to live above the level of fear. One prime example, though, is found in Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Now, you can take that promise of His presence with you all the way to heaven, no matter the circumstances you may encounter between here and there.
When the early church was persecuted and scattered from Jerusalem to the ends of the Empire, they went everywhere living their faith and sharing their hope with everyone they met, not allowing fear to control their lives. Can we do any less?
Now go take on your world. - Bill