Matthew 1:20-21 - 20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Reflection: Do Not Be Afraid… Variations of it are in the bible over 80 times.
This command was given more than any other probably for a reason. We need reminded to not be afraid and to be bold and be anxious for nothing. When both of my own children were born, I became afraid, excited, but afraid at the same time.
So many questions: “Would I be a good father?” “ What will life be like now?” “Will they be as bad of a kid as me?” Funny how all of our fears are rooted in the future tense; minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even years in front us. Fear always gets looking ahead and away from the present moment. When we remind others to stay in the moment; it helps our own self remain in the moment as well.
Rob Bell
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings that You have given us. Those blessings that we see and those that are unseen. Grant us the ability and strength to remain steadfast in our hope and rooted in the moment. Fill our minds with the Spirit to be bold, and anxious for nothing. God, use us to help each other to not be afraid. Allow each of use our gifts to help those who need the reminder. Through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Reflection: Do Not Be Afraid… Variations of it are in the bible over 80 times.
This command was given more than any other probably for a reason. We need reminded to not be afraid and to be bold and be anxious for nothing. When both of my own children were born, I became afraid, excited, but afraid at the same time.
So many questions: “Would I be a good father?” “ What will life be like now?” “Will they be as bad of a kid as me?” Funny how all of our fears are rooted in the future tense; minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even years in front us. Fear always gets looking ahead and away from the present moment. When we remind others to stay in the moment; it helps our own self remain in the moment as well.
Rob Bell
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings that You have given us. Those blessings that we see and those that are unseen. Grant us the ability and strength to remain steadfast in our hope and rooted in the moment. Fill our minds with the Spirit to be bold, and anxious for nothing. God, use us to help each other to not be afraid. Allow each of use our gifts to help those who need the reminder. Through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen