Do not Be Afraid, nor Be Dismayed (Part 3)

Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe 

(Read Parts 1and 2 at (pastorlonnie70.blogspot.com)

 Jesus is our portion. He is our inheritance in the world. He is our friend if we are obedient. He is our joy. 

Psalm 16:5-11: O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; 
You [a]maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; 
Yes, I have a good inheritance. I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; 
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. 
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy; 
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

John 15:13-14: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 

While the world comes against me. God calls me His friend.  The world is coming against particularly evangelical Christians at this time, but God is for us, His friends. 

Psalm 23:4-6 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil; 
For You are with me; 
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 
You anoint my head with oil; 
My cup runs over. 

(The Song of Solomon declares:  He took me to His banqueting table, and His banner over me is love.) 

 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
All the days of my life; 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord 
forever. 

 

Our enemies may surround us but in spite of that, we are in His Presence.  We are in fellowship with one another.  Our table has been prepared.  Our cup of joy overflows. 

Jude 24-25: 

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, 
And to present you faultless 
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 
To God our Savior, 
Who alone is wise, 
Be glory and majesty, 
Dominion and power, 
Both now and forever. 
Amen.