There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. . . – 1 John 4:18a

When we feel threatened in relationships, we tend to become defensive and guarded. On the other hand, when we feel safe, we’re far more willing to be open and vulnerable. This is true of our relationships with other people, and it’s also true in our relationship with God.

The apostle John wrote: “Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that [God’s] love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of his loving us first.”

If Jesus hadn’t paid the price for our sins on the cross, there would be every reason for fear and defensiveness before a holy God. But, God showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and free us from them. As a result, it’s safe to open yourself to God.

Jesus has his arms wide open, calling you to come and receive His love. Could there be anything better? His love is real, and waiting to embrace you. His love is ready to transform you and drive the fear from your heart. God is love, and He shows Himself to you in and through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When you open yourself to God’s love, you’ll become open to seeing the truth about God and yourself—and you’ll no longer need to be afraid.

Never take counsel of your fears. – Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – Hebrews 12:1

If you’re a Christian, God has already transformed your heart. But He also wants you to enter life in him like an athlete enters competition. That’s why the Bible, more than once, likens the Christian life to a race. Our faith in Christ motivates us to run it, and His power provides the strength to finish–despite the many times we all stumble along the way.

This illustration of a race refers to races where the runner would strip off his tunic and robe so he could run without any hindrance. If someone tried to compete in his robes, he would get tangled up and wouldn’t have a chance at winning.

God wants you to finish the race of life well. Set aside the distractions and the sins that entangle you. Pace yourself. Exert yourself. And remember, many have run and finished before you. They’re that “huge crowd of witnesses” Hebrews 12:1 speaks about, and they’re cheering you on!

By perseverance the snail reached the ark. – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

Studies have found that 85 percent of the things we worry about never happen. This means that of all the things you’re worrying about right now, 85 percent of it won’t happen. But what about the other 15 percent? Well, the Lord will be with you in your time of difficulty.

God has not promised that we’ll live in a pain-free world. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We need to face facts. Loved ones are going to die, marriages might struggle, days might be hard, and hardship will come into our lives.

But here is the good news: we live in the land of pain and struggle, but we are headed to the land of the living. Yes, death will come, but we have this promise from Jesus: “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:17–18). I’m so glad that He holds the keys. If I had the keys, they would’ve been lost for years now.

Someone asked me not long ago what the most spiritual moment of my life was. In other words, when was the time in my life when I felt God’s presence more than any other? I had to think about it. And then I realized the most spiritual moment of my life, the moment when I felt the presence of God more than any other was when I spent time in rehab for addiction to alcohol. It was one of most trying times of my life, but looking back I am amazed at God’s grace. I was afraid, I was beat down, and I was unsure of what to do next. However God was there and that made all the difference!

We can rejoice in the fact that God is in control. He will be with us, giving us what we need, when we need it.

My prayer for each of you today is that you will turn to the God who knows what you are going through, the God that loves you, and the God that will carry you through!

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” – Mark 9:23

It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don’t exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.

Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!

Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”

Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won’t reach them – Unknown

Blessings,

Chaplain Rob

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. – Psalm 37:5–6

Some people go through life excusing their shortcomings because of some disadvantage they’ve had stacked against them. Others have grown up in great families and circumstances of great advantage and privilege. They’ve had less in their lives to overcome and less occasion to stumble.

If you’re one who hasn’t had these benefits and you’ve had a disadvantage or two to overcome, you may feel angry, resentful, and even ashamed as a result. If so, I have two important things to say to you: first, your feelings are certainly understandable. Second, despite the fact that your resentful feelings may be justified, you simply must let go of them–those feelings will slowly eat you alive.

Letting go is so simple and at the same time so hard to do. Daily, we face the same challenge . . . a challenge to surrender. Surrender your will, your power, your bitter, angry feelings of resentment to God. Empty yourself so His Holy Spirit can come and fill the void.

See if God won’t respond to your surrender.

The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender. – William Booth

Blessings,

Chaplin Rob

This is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words. – Jeremiah 15:19a

Have you ever been at a loss for words? Needed to pray in a tough situation and couldn’t find the words? Can words explain the depth of your love for your spouse, parent, child or sibling? Or can they begin to describe the intensity of grief at the loss of one of these same people?

No, words sometime fall short. Consider Job, arguably the most profound story of human suffering ever told. This righteous man loses material possessions, servants, children, health, and ultimately, the support of friends.

Initially, suffering silences him. But Job grows agitated and seeks answers to his growing anguish. God answers Job, yet not at all in the manner Job expected.

God doesn’t explain himself nor does he explain to Job why he’s in this situation. In fact, he counters Job’s “why” questions with “who” answers. God shows up, and Job’s questions suddenly seem out of order. In humility and awe, Job says, “I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (Job 40: 4-5).

What problem has been weighing heavily upon you? I suggest you write it down, put your pen away, close your eyes, bow your head, and be still in God’s presence. Let God know you trust him regardless of your limited perspective. Like Job, our “why” questions often mask deeper questions—questions that require “who” answers. Why is never the right question to ask God. God is God, and he’s enough for us. Let his presence give you peace that transcends your ability to articulate it with words.

I find that doing the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.  – George MacDonald

Blessings,

Chaplain Rob

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. – James 1:23-24

How many times would you say you looked into the mirror each day? Most of us check our appearance quite frequently, and if you notice a dirty spot on your cheek, you’ll immediately wipe your face to clear up the problem.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a mirror capable of seeing your insides too, a mirror able to show you that smudge of greed, that drip of lust, or that blotch of anger which spot your heart; a mirror that would allow us to examine our spiritual state, then address whatever appropriate and necessary changes were brought to our attention?

In the Bible the book of James calls Scripture just that type of mirror. James tells us reading or listening to Scripture without obeying it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance, like seeing yourself, then promptly walking away and forgetting what sloppy shape you’re in. On the other hand, God’s word and acting on it puts you in a position to address your situation.
You see the truth and are equipped to deal with it in a truthful way.

Examine yourself regularly in the mirror of Scripture. And if you find you’ve got some smudges to clean up, take immediate steps to do so. By God’s grace, you’ll look a little cleaner next time you take a look.

Many a man’s reputation would not know his character if they met on the street. – Elbert Hubbard

May we all find peace and joy today!

Chaplin Rob