For many of us, our fear is directed at any and everything... but God. In our mad rush to preserve our selves, we ignore the only real remedy available to us. Our many religions offer us platitudes and formulas, but cannot give the one thing needed... which is LIFE. There is the natural life we know while in this body, and there is the spiritual life that can only be found in a relationship with God. Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This 'abundant life' is not measured by the world's standards... it is not based on our social status, our bank account, our education, our achievements, none of those things which are esteemed as having worth in this world can even come close to understanding or evaluating the abundant life our Lord is speaking of here. This LIFE is wholly spiritual...Being in union with God, by His Spirit.

"We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also" 1 John 4:6-21.

Love is a scarce commodity in today's world. We have an abundance of the self-serving, humanistic kind of love flowing around. We have no shortage of organizations, institutions, ministries etc. performing all kinds of 'good works' for those less fortunate in our society. Where we fail is in our ability to differentiate between what is flesh and what is Spirit. We take the letter of the commandments, and perform them from the strength of our natural abilities, and then try to call them the works of God. We do not know how to tell the difference today between 'the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.' The world sees leaders like Joel Osteen and Rick Warren rise to pinnacles of power and influence in America's religious establishment, and they rightly assume that they are representative of the Church in America. The sad thing about this is, it is true. They are representative of the condition of the "Church" in this country. Carnal, worldly-minded, wishy-washy, self-serving, preaching 'another gospel' while despising the Gospel of Christ. "Everyone is welcome!" "No repentance required here!" Just make a decision, sign a pledge card, get involved, state of the art entertainment provided practically 24/7, it's all about 'making you feel good about yourself.' This kind of 'preaching' (if it can indeed be called that) is widely accepted and gladly embraced. Belief in hell, sanctification, holiness, repentance, these are 'old-fashioned' concepts that people in this modern era have cast-aside as being out-of-date and irrelevant. No, today it's all about numbers. Quantity has replaced quality. We are fast entering into the time when the language found in the Bible is being classified as 'hate speech.' This week on Larry King Live, he interviewed the man they actually have labeled 'America's Pastor - Rick Warren,' and he convincingly demonstrated his total inability to make any kind of stand for God, the Bible, or the Gospel of Christ. As he bent over backwards to be 'politically correct' and not offend anyone, refusing to commit himself as being either for or against homosexuality and gay marriage. He succeeded in once again exposing his own 'agenda,' that of promoting himself and his own purpose-driven philosophies. The same day I saw the paparazzi following Joel & Victoria Osteen down a city street. They asked Pastor Joel what the word from the Lord was for the day... he turned and smiled his famous big smile as he entered an establishment, and said, "it's all good." To which the young man from the television program responded, "even I know that's not in the Bible." For all their keen marketing strategies, what these mega-church leaders seem to be missing is the fact that the world is watching, the world is hurting and looking for answers, and these men are incapable of responding the way Peter did. Act 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. No, actually, both of these men are doing quite well by all the worldly standards, and would be highly offended if asked to lay it all down. They are fully confident that they can have the best of both worlds, now and hereafter.

What stands out with increasing clarity, is the total lack of any kind of reverence for or fear of God. The Lord said, "Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence...?" (Jeremiah 5:22)

Jesus is very straightforward and explicit telling us who and what to fear, in Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. And again in Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Our pursuit of the 'purpose-driven' drivel that has flooded mainstream Christianity in the west is comparable to what the Israelites were doing while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Horeb. We would rather dance around our own 'golden calves'... calling what is pleasing to our flesh 'worship,' and what makes logical sense to our carnal thinking 'knowledge' of the Holy. What is taking place today... is no different than what happened in the days of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the prophets of old... because the nature of fallen man has never changed.

In Jeremiah 5, The LORD goes on to describe who it is that do not fear Him, in verse 23 "But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone." And as a result... "For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men" Jeremiah 5:26.

Today's 'movers and shakers' do indeed have their own agenda's, and they are closely linked to their bank accounts. They are building their own empires (kingdoms); without any regard for God. They freely make use of His Name, they 'talk the talk,' but they do not 'walk the walk.' God is not someone that they take seriously. He is not real to them, He just happens to be the business that they are in, marketing (merchandising) their versions of what they call Christianity.

Just as it has always been, the things that men covet today are power and control. History reveals that world dominance has appealed to men in every age, and ours is no different. Religion is a proven way to gain power and control over masses of people. When it comes to people 'lording it over' other people, it is the same dominating spirit in operation, regardless of the number of people involved, be it few or multitudes, in a family unit or on a national or world level. There is overwhelming evidence around the world of the existence of 'wicked men' (not gender specific) who are deceiving (snaring, trapping, catching) people every single day. How is this possible?

It is possible... because we fear the wrong things. "As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" Jer 5:27-31.

These words may have applied to the people of Jeremiah's day, but they also apply to our generation. Prophetic websites are all the rage today. And there is no shortage of willing 'prophets' who punctually pump-out what the seekers are looking for. Foretelling the future, presenting their words as being from the throne room of heaven, without giving a moment of thought to the fact that we are all going to be held accountable for every single word that we speak. Again, there is no fear of the Lord, even though the 'word of the Lord' is what they claim to be putting forth. Ironic is it not? And at the same time sobering, to see how accurately God described thousands of years ago, exactly what we are seeing fulfilled today. There is intense competition among today's religious elite, and self-appointed prophets. "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" James 3:16.

The Word of God is not the 'dead letter;' it is alive, it is powerful, it is just as pertinent to this, the last generation as it was to the first. There is no expiration date on God's Word! Neither has what Paul told Timothy worn out with the passage of time. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

What makes all the difference? How do we know who is who and what is what? Well, we aren't going to figure it out with our carnal, reasoning mind, that's for sure. The sooner we comprehend that... in total contradiction to what today's prominent leader's are telling us... it is NOT all about us and how much God loves US. It is all about GOD. Our world is totally man-centered. IF we are in the Spirit, we are totally God-centered. These are two different worlds, and we choose by our obedience or lack thereof, which one we will live in.

Throughout the Bible we are told again and again, what we should and should not fear, and why:

Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 13:13 Whoso despiseth (disrespects) the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth (reverently) the commandment (law) shall be rewarded (safe, completed).

Proverbs 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.

Isaiah 50:10-11 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

We apply this to each other, but what about applying it towards God? We have no trouble grasping the concept of what 'render to Caesar' means (paying taxes, etc.)... but we are conveniently blind to all that is written concerning honoring and obeying God. Only when we bring our attitudes and priorities into alignment with the Word of God, can we declare..."The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" (Psa 118:6). Only then will we fear God more than we fear man.

Before you write this off as some eccentric point of view, consider what you have just read. If we would be genuinely wise, then of necessity we must comprehend the nature of God, and our own relationship to Him.

We are given insight into how this works in Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

As for the Roaring Lions...

The most often quoted scripture substantiating the power of the devil is found in 1 Peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

We need to keep our perspective concerning our adversary in line with all of the Word. This warning is preceded by: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" 1 Peter 5:5-7.

And followed by: "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" 1 Peter 5:9-10. Note that although yes, the devil is more powerful than we are, we are able to resist him. He can tempt, he cannot force. There are also many others who have been compared to a 'roaring lion,' as in Proverbs 28:15 "As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people." When it comes to determining what we should fear, our natural tendencies lean overboard toward those things that our flesh can most readily grasp. And the imagery we conceive of the devil, usually far outweighs our perception of God, giving more credence to the power, might and fearsomeness of the devil, while displaying a gross inability to equally conceive of the holy, righteous, faithfulness of God. This is a demonstration of the fact that we 'are yet carnal.' We must exercise our 'faith.' We must believe God over (instead of) our senses and our carnal, reasoning minds. In fact, it is our carnal reasoning which must be brought into subjection to the Spirit of God. We are clearly told that if we will... "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7.

There is only one place of safety, and that place is in our personal relationship with God. Fear is an integral part of life. Fear of the right things can keep us from harm, and visa-versa. We can only benefit however, from developing a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord.

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:26-39.

As the psalmist declared... "A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalms 27:1. (As in men or God?)

We are indeed even now entering into the day and the hour when it can be said that mens hearts will fail them for fear of the things that are taking place... "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" Luke 21:26.

We also already know how this story ends...

"And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20:9-15.

All the atrocities and abominations that are happening around the world today, are the result of man without God, operating from their own 'knowledge of good and evil.' We cannot change any one else. We can however, respond when the Spirit of God calls us. We can, believe, obey, and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, in the knowledge that the battle is the Lord's, not ours.

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him" Ecc 8:11.

If we would know God, if we would live by the power of His Spirit in our life, if our name is written in the 'book of life'... then we will come to a reverential fear of the Lord, for our God is a consuming fire.