Two Bookends : Fear of the Lord & Being Kept in His Love.Sample

We have seen that it is He who will keep us from falling and we need to keep ourselves in the love of God.

We will do well to submit to His Majesty, dominion, and power. Many people in the church do not want to live under His authority. We are often ruled by the idols of the heart which are the need to be in control and self-will. They come from the belief that God is not all that good and we need to control our lives and the choices we make.

Now and Forever

For how long can Jesus keep us from falling? Forever and ever!!! He is the one deserving of praise now and forever.

Amen – yes or so be it. It means that we can be certain it will happen.

CONCLUSION

We said you need two things in your life to keep you from falling back into old ways of doing things: The Fear of the Lord and the Love of God. Two sides of the coin or bookends if you like – that keep us together and strong till the end.

Ask God to give you a reverential fear of Him because it will lead you into wisdom and abundant life.

Keep yourself in His agape love. Don’t go to any other watering hole to quench that thirst because only He can give you living water by which you will be satisfied. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Remain in His love because Jude 24-25 also reminds us of an eternity perspective. One day we will see Him face to face. It will be a glorious day and truly awesome day. We will have to give an account of all that we have done and how we have lived here on Earth.

When we keep ourselves in His love, we have nothing to fear. Jesus will present us faultless before the Father. He “is able” to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before God.

Remember you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, belonging to God. We are different, we are not common. Praying that you will run your race well and finish strong.

In order to reflect on the idols of the heart you can read my YouVersion devotional titled “Idols of the Heart”

REFLECTION

·Thank Jesus for His agape love that never leaves us nor forsakes us.

·How will you remind yourself of these two book ends?

·Remember we are kept by Jesus so do not fall into the trap of striving.

·How can you cultivate a holy reverence of Jesus that will keep you from willful sin?