June 29, 2023 -- Proverbs 29:25 -- Whoever trusts in the LORD is safe

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus! 

The fear of man lays a snare,
   but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
Proverbs 29:25 ESV

It is a strange experience for me to walk around in the local Mall. Youth are walking around in expensive jeans that have been “pre-ripped”. It is ludicrous. (Before you get yourself in a knot, this comment is tongue-in-cheek, coming from a man who in his youth thought tight polyester bell-bottoms were the height of fashion! So, who am I to judge?) My point is this: many a young person fears being out of step with the latest fashions. There is a fear of not measuring up to peers. There is a fear of not receiving the approval of others. The fear of man twists one’s mind and antagonizes his heart. What can ever be enough to please the flood of FB critics? What will ever be enough to feed in the insatiable appetite of the influence-leaders?

Conversely, the one who trusts in the LORD is safe. He lives for an audience of One—His Father in heaven. He already knows that His Father loves him. Recall these words, "he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV) The Spirit of God gives talents, gifts and abilities to each one according to His pleasure so that each believer is unique. Each believer has something to offer the Christian community and the world. Each believer is secure in the fact that he is made according to God’s perfect purposes. From conception to death and then beyond death into life eternal, the believer’s life carries with it a weight of glory that reflects the majesty of our God.

Our Father in heaven forever blessed and honoured be Your Name. The more we read Scripture, the more we realize You are God, the LORD of heaven and earth. You made us and we are Yours, we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture. God our Father the Scriptures prove it and our lives bear witnesses to the fact that You are good! Your steadfast love endures forever and Your faithfulness rolls down through every generation. Amen.
(The prayer is based on Psalm 100:3,5)

https://youtu.be/bvTz6k7cTIA “Who Am I?” Casting Crowns

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