FATHER GOD--MY LOVE GIVES NO PLACE TO FEAR November 2016 Devotional Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17 We’ve found out the last few months that our lord God enlightens the path to our understanding. In turn, this leads us into the excellence of all we are in Him which (by design) is limitless in expression, influence and power. Here this month we have the promise of boldness which (by inheritance) gives us the courage and commitment not only to stand, but also to step out in the direction of holiness. Predictably, fear will threaten to kick-in but we have God’s built-in presence of Holy Spirit care and confidence available at all times. It’s an expression of… HIS LOVE! When weary and worn with no hope for tomorrow there’s one God who knows what will be. He’s Jesus my Lord and His prayers to my Father, His Love: Voiced at Gethsemane. When tossed too-and-fro in life’s ocean of doubt there’s one God on whom I can stand. In Jesus my Lord and His prayers to my Father, His Love: See the nails in His hands. When a need then arises that I cannot conquer there’s one God to whom I can pray. Through Jesus my Lord and his prayers to my Father, His love: See him carried away. When joy floods my soul in those moments of blessing there’s one God for whom praises flow. To Jesus my Lord and His prayers to my Father, His Love: Risen proof for my soul! Yes, it’s all about Jesus and His (abiding) presence! When the thought of what tomorrow might bring causes that sense of dread, be prepared and equipped with the certainty of He who is faithful. It is He who lived and was tortured, only to die on a cross of suffering and shame in our behalf--His mercy knows no bounds. Because He rose from the dead we can now live for today and have hope for all our tomorrows--indeed, His once-for-all sacrifice is sufficient for all time. We have Grace and peace even for all our yesterdays! There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 How could God’s Love be anything less than what it claims to be--perfect? In the natural realm things may change, but not God’s promises. By faith we must embrace the reality and power of His mighty Grace working (freely) in the lives of all who love Him… For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 That’s the answer isn’t it? The very idea of the darkness of fear overwhelming the light of God’s presence must be seen for what it is: impossible! By faith the illumination of God’s Word gives us all the strength we need to be victorious in any state we find ourselves in. Ephesians chapter 4 starting in verse 17b give us special insight into God’s formula for supernatural enlightenment: “…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” LORD, SHOW ME YOUR PERFECT LOVE I thank you Lord that when I look upon your face I see the substance of my hope. When you speak my name the certainty of your presence fills my entire being. In your everlasting arms of Love there is total peace. In your name is eternal life! Fill me. Enable me. Use me to spread your Word of perfect (unconditional) Love to a fearful and dying world. Amen!