Verse of the Day 7/20

Through the Bible - Psalms 33-35, Acts 23:12-35   Good morning, We recently looked at Psalm 23 but did not focus on one of the more quoted verse one "even though I walk through the valley".  Matt Redman in his song "Never Let Go" combined the words and thoughts from that verse with "but perfect love casts out fear" which is found in 1 John 4:17 where we'll go for today's verse.   1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.   NKJV or from the NLT 1 John 4:16-19  God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. In the NLT above I included the end of verse 16 with the often quoted and often taken out of context,  "God is love".  Love, as found in the Bible, is very different than what is perceived to be love in the world around us today.  There are several passages that you can go to in order to get a better biblical understanding including 1 Corinthians 13.  Part of love, especially as a parent, includes correction, discipline, and allowing things to impact your child's life.  Not having these aspects would not be true, would not be "complete" love.   But having received true love, we are better prepared to experience the fullness of it and to recognize the importance of these other aspects of it.  As love grows, it casts out fear.  Can you look back and see this in your life?  In relationships with your children and spouse?  Have you experienced it in your relationship with Christ? I know that I've referenced this song before, but it's a powerful song, one that is worth sharing, considering, and possibly singing in your heart or out loud today.   Matt Redman - You Never Let Go Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won't turn back I know You are near And I will fear no evil For my God is with me And if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear? Chorus: Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on A glorious light beyond all compare And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We'll live to know You here on the earth   I've posted the 1 John passage below from The Message which sums up the passage with the following,  "The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both"   In Christ, Mike 1 John 4:13-5:1 This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. To Love, to Be Loved God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day — our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life — fear of death, fear of judgment — is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love — love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both. (from THE MESSAGE)