There is a lot of fear in our world and our lives these days. The fear of the unknown, illness, natural disasters, violence, being make to look like a fool, dark spirits, failure, and the list goes on. Jesus repeatedly said to His people, ‘Do not fear,” “fear not,” and “do not be afraid.” How could he say that to those living in a violent world in both the Old Testament and the New?

 James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Sunday’s (Oct, 5) gospel text is from Luke 17:1-10. Vss. 1-3 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.

News outlets and social media are not moving on from the assassination of the founder and CEO of Turning Point US (TPUSA), and thankfully so. To drop it only a week after means he and his work would be forgotten and die.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs has much to say about a father (parent) giving instruction to his son (children). It is their primary responsibility to instill in them not only faith in God but obedience to God’s word.

The nations surrounding Israel at that time often worshiped and deified parts of the created world. For example, many worshiped the sun, stars, moon, animals, and man. Sounds silly, but today many believe in a pantheistic worldview that says everything is God and God is everything.