I know. Looking at this, one probably wonders, what in the heck do drums have to do with the rest of these images? 🙂 Unless you have figured it out, like we used to have to do with my college pastor’s “clicker sermons.” He would put a series of images on a screen (back then it was film projector screens, not computer screens. However, I digress.) He would click on the screens & we would have to figure out the common thread, what was the topic of the sermon or message that day. I could never figure it out. Today, having developed different talents & with more life experience, maybe I could. Back then, clueless. “Thick as a brick.” In any case, drums was an image that pulled up when I plugged in “snare,” the verse “du jour.” “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Prov.29:25). I quickly realized what was going to come up… Snare is not a word we use a lot today. So I put in “trap” & got all these fun images. The verse came from today’s “Pray for Me” prayer guide that our church is using, to have 3 different generations pray for every single student in our congregation (written by Tony Sauder). It is awesome. But these verses are not just to be prayed for our kids, the Bible applies to every generation & the temptations never cease! I have only recently decided that yes, I am a people-pleaser, even though I tend to sometimes not give a hoot about pleasing certain people ;-). But with other people, oh yes I care how others see me. I am often riveted on my own reputation & self-image. But this is not how God would have it. In His hands, free from the fear of man, we are free to look to Him for our approval, we are safe. Today’s devotion went on to lead us to pray, “set them free from those snares & difficulties that come with giving man too big of a place in our hearts & minds…You [God] are safe & good, & you alone can set them free from the fear of man.” Yes – us, too! When I worry too much how I am seen, by “man,” bosses… anyone!…I am basically telling God, they matter more than You. Not true! People, btw, are in GOD’S control. When necessary, He can change a person’s mind “on a dime.” We are truly safe in His hands. Amen.
1truevoice (and it's not mine!) 