Tree crimes

(Rom 5:8 KJV)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

“Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?”  It was.  And the song goes on to proclaim “Amazing love, how can it be...”  What a joy it is that we live in a day and an age where we can know that God loves us so much that He not only created us, but He died for us.

You may be a bit down today.  You may be looking at some struggles you’re having.  You may have been rejected in a personal relationship.  Look up.  Jesus died for you.  You are now called to live for him.  And he doesn’t want you living like you’re committed to tree crying.

Show? He died so that you can rejoice in your salvation. 

Understanding Fear

(Proverbs 2:5 KJV)  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

One of the joys of paying attention to what God is trying to tell us is that we begin to “understand” (995).  We understand the love of God.  It is no longer just a word we hear, it is a gut level understanding.  We understand the grace of God, maybe not in all of its depth, but at a level that makes life livable and faith doable.  And this leads us to understand the “fear” (3374) of the Lord.  Fear is not just something we feel, it involves the mind and discernment.

Do you understand how wonderful this fear is?  Do you still find that a mystery?  Keep listening.  A healthy, well placed fear can give us a sense of security and rightness.  It can open up to us the glory of God in such a way that we realize that there is reason to fear but the reason is tempered by the reality of God’s love.  Remember,

(Romans 5:8 KJV)  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So?  Fear and rejoice.  He is worthy of fear.  He is worthy of trust.  He is worthy of obedience.