Be like a lion - Proverbs 28:1

My strong and mighty fellow warriors for Christ! Thank you for continuing in this fast. If you have never been on a fast of this length, you are finding out that there is a point that you will be tempted. To give up, to give in, to surrender all the work that the Lord is doing. Or you choose to resist temptation to quit and press into God and persevere. My friends, this has been my week. Full of challenges, physical and spiritual. Yet in all, God has been victorious in my spirit and soul. Be encouraged! If there are more days in between devotionals, go back and read over ones that God has placed on your heart to read. Chew on the new manna and ask the Lord what He has for you.

Remember, Psalm 16:8, 11 (NKJV), " I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved... You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." And so, I wait on Him for the next move. We are finally there. Today's devotional is on Proverbs 28:1 and being a like a lion. Let us pray.

My wonderful Father. How I adore You. Thank you for this past week. With all its unexpected distractions, dealing with my humanity, and yes tears. Lord You were there. Holding my hand and strengthening me, so that I could be there for others. I give You glory for creating me. I do not fear for You are with me wherever I go. And You fill me with Your word in due season to encourage others and to use in warfare. I praise You for Proverbs 28:1. Speak to my heart the wisdom in Your word regarding this verse and others that I need in this preparation for the season ahead. I give You my heart and soul. You have my all in all. I praise You. Forgive me from any trespasses and I boldly release others in forgiveness. For You have shown me the way, Your Truth, and Your Life. I choose You. Please bless this devotion and speak to our hearts. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I start with the reading of Proverbs 28:1 (NKJV) which says, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are like a lion."

God is Light to Dispel Darkness

When I read this verse, I immediately focused on the fear that impacts the wicked because they have no light in them or outside light to illuminate their path. I praise God that is not the case for those who follow Christ, the Light of the World. For the Holy Spirit within us produces the beauty of the Lord as we have studied. This in turn causes the light of His Love to radiate for others to see. His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path as it states in Psalm 119:105. There is more though. In 1 John 1:5, it says that "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." So, the benefit of knowing the Lord as our Savior is to have His light in us to dispel the darkness. Thank you, Lord, for being the Light of my life and the Light for my path.

God is Love to Drive out Fear

How does His light cast out fear? It removes the darkness, but does it remove fear? In 1 John 4:16 (NKJV) says "God is love". A few lines later in 1 John 4:18 (NKJV) it clarifies that, "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear."

Christ = Light of the World (John 8:12)

Holy Spirit = beauty of the Lord = Radiant Light (Psalm 27:4)

God's Word = Light (Psalm 119:105)

Jesus = The Word (John 1:1)

God = light = no darkness (1 John 1:5)

God = Love (1 John 4:16)

So, the Triune God is described through the Word of God as being Light and Love where there is no darkness and therefore no fear. Then why do we Christians struggle from time to time with this fact.

I, myself, think that it is that we do not see ourselves as our Creator sees us. This is sin. I must state the truth of who I am in Christ every morning and remind myself by using the sword of the Spirit, His Word, to slay any lies of the enemy. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says that we are to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Change the dialogue in your mind to agree with the Word of God. For we are fearfully and wonderfully made. When we accepted Jesus as our Savior we become like Him. He is the Lion of Judah. He is our righteousness. Therefore, we have boldness because our path is clearly lit with His Word and operate in His Love where fear cannot exist.

So, rise up people of God. Remember who you are and whose you are.

If He is for us, who and what can be against us. If we have Christ in us, then we are the light of the world and take on His righteousness. And we must act bold like a lion, like the lion of Judah, using His Word, Love, and Light to remove darkness and fear from around us, our family, our friends, and our communities.

Be like a lion clothed in the Righteousness of Christ. Bless you today.