Sunday, March 13, 2016

How Will We Respond to God: Fear or Faith?




This morning's Scripture reading had a verse that was so unutterably sweet that I'm still in awe of it. The passage in Deuteronomy 5 is part of Moses' farewell address to the nation of Israel. 

Moses recounted the time God spoke to the people from the fire. 

(Leanna paraphrase coming up.) When God spoke, the people were terrified. "This fire will consume us if we stay here and keep listening," they told Moses. "You listen to God for us and tell us what He said." 

The people backed away from a personal encounter with God because of fear. They obeyed His commandments because of their fear.

Moses had listened to God ever since the burning bush. Being close to God was a treasured spot. In His presence was the safest place to be, and Moses knew it without a doubt. 

Moses drew closer to God. He obeyed God from faith. From love.

We, too, will respond to God in one of these two ways. God will allow the fear response if we choose it. He will still give us His commands, His watch care, His provision. 

When we choose the faith response, however, He gives us all that and more. 

When Moses stood in faith, God extended an invitation that is breathtaking in its magnitude. It's the invitation I most want for myself and my family. 

"But as for you, stand here by Me, that I may speak to you..." 
Deuteronomy 5:11 nasb

When we draw close to God, He draws near to us. He speaks with us as a man speaks to his friend. He knows us, and we know Him. It is a place of indescribably holiness, overwhelming sweetness, incredible peace. 

Standing by God is the place where we learn to trust Him, and it changes everything. Limits fall away, because we know He will see us through whatever He asks of us. It's the place of faith, love, intimacy. 

Our Lord offers the same invitation to us today. "Stand here by Me, that I may speak to you." 

Will we move closer or step away? Which will it be?

The decision is ours. 

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Be sure to check the updated Prayer List 
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#fearorlove #chronologicalBible #JesusChrist #linesfromleanna #leannahollis

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