We never turn the news on right after church. Why today? We got home happened to turn on the news and CNN was still going on about Rick Warren and the US people's aversion to him being involved in the inauguration. As I stood there and listened to them, I couldn't help but wonder, if the heavens parted today....and Christ was coming on his cloud, and the trumpets were sounding. What would they be saying. Would they still be protesting their gay rights, would they still be fighting for abortion, would they still be demanding their ways? Where has our focus gone? Where has our fear and trembling gone?
I did a study about a year ago, through the proverbs. As I began the study my thoughts really were, how can I fear somebody I love so much. Proverbs 1:7 "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (understanding). Proverbs 1:28 tells us to seek the Lord or He will turn from us "they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they did not choose to fear me." What truly is fear? How does one describe it? I didn't quite get the fear thing. Why would God want us to fear him? I think of wilderness experiences. Are they really all bad, or is that sometimes part of God's plan to help us see who we really are? Even Jesus had to go to the wilderness to see who he really was. It's in those wilderness experiences that I found out how weak I was and how strong He is. I once asked Bill why he thought that we tried to protect our children from the valleys in life? Looking back now, would I have traded those valley experiences? Those are the moments that I surrendered it all and became more of what God wanted of me. I laid aside my plans and had no choice but to look up and see His plan. When you're at the base of the mountain do you just start climbing or do you study the terrain, searching, looking up focusing on the way to the other side. Or do you blindly start climbing? It finally dawned on me as I studied on in Proverbs that "fear" is really reverence or worship to God. Suggesting that when we properly acknowledge who He is and give him the reverence that he deserves....than we can understand "fear and trembling." I live today knowing that I don't fear God as we know fear, but I fear Him in reverence....and I tremble at his ultimate power in my life. Isn't it time for those of us that proclaim to be Christ followers to "fear and tremble" at his presence in our lives?
5 comments:
Rick Warren is a wonderful human being, and great minister who is full of mercy. He donates, according to the story about him on dateline Saturday night, about 90% of his income to his different ministries. I was really glad to see Barack make Rick his choice for the invocation speech and doubly glad to see the democratic party squirm!! We need to keep praying for Barack to have this kind of wisdom. As for the gay marriage supporters bashing him, I could comment for hours and it wouldn't change a thing. Only God can help them.
I think about our ministry and the persecution yet to come for us as well. I think this is just a glimpse into what is going to be happening with Christians in the near future.
Tammy, you and Mark have such a way of expressing your thoughts and feelings. Thought provoking and eloquent. God has given you both a wonderful gift to share with others.
Thanks Kate, trying to get your brother to do a blog as he is such a gifted writer. Love ya, Merry Christmas
Fear & tremble!! Absolutely!! I'm crying my eyes out!! How eloquently put!! We are soooo small, but soooo important in God's eyes & in His mission to reach others. I try so hard everyday to be who He wants me to be. Thank you for continually making me think, listen AND feel!!
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