Three Simple Words
In the early centuries, three simple words meant the difference between life and death; yet, Christians clung to another three words and gained eternal life.
Fear
No Retreat
Winters in northern Indiana, though severe by Floridian standards, are mild enough to accommodate a wide selection of birds. I enjoy stocking feeders for these beautiful little creatures. But my, how skittish birds are! At the slightest hint of a possible predator, they scatter to find refuge in the nearest tree or bush. In Psalm 11, David draws on this imagery to tell us how a believer is not to act in the face of evil opposition. Rejecting Bad Advice In the… Read More »No Retreat
Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 3
This is part three in a three part post on Fighting the Fear Monster – lessons from Psalm 3. For the previous posts, see Part 1 or Part 2. Shimei: Fear for Reputation We are all quite capable destroying our reputations without the help of others. Yet, we often get unsolicited help. As David was fleeing Jerusalem with his band of loyal followers, Shimei followed, literally within a stones throw from them. He flung not only dust and stones at… Read More »Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 3
Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 2
This is part two in a three part post on Fighting the Fear Monster – lessons from Psalm 3. For the previous post, see Part 1. Ahithophel: Fear from Vulnerability Finding that his own son had plotted against him was heartbreaking for David, but discovering that his chief adviser was helping Absolom was terribly alarming. Ahithophel was an expert strategist with a reputation of always knowing the advantageous thing to do (2 Samuel 16:23). In addition, he knew David. Ahithophel… Read More »Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 2
Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 1
Could it be a conspiracy? Are manufacturers of energy drinks funneling a cut from their profits to the publishers of academic textbooks and certain unscrupulous professors. Driven to drink these caffeine-laced concoctions by the looming disaster of a final exam over material in a coma-inducing textbook, the unwary college student falls victim to a trap. It is a vicious trap – lack of study will keep you awake, while studying will put you to sleep. In a bizarre twist on… Read More »Fighting the Fear Monster – Part 1
Fear and Favor
Fear not, O land;be glad and rejoice,for the LORD has done great things!Fear not, you beasts of the field,for the pastures of the wilderness are green;the tree bears its fruit;the fig tree and vine give their full yield. Joel 2:21-22 Praych It! Have you ever heard somebody praych? That is, have you listened to someone pray and suspected they were really preaching to you instead of speaking to God? It may be that someone has heard us pray that way… Read More »Fear and Favor