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If we would be honest with each other, we would probably realize that we all have some pretty big fears. There are things that make us uncomfortable, anxious, worry. I remember how terrifying it would be to go down to the basement in my old house with the lights off always afraid that someone would jump out of the darkness and grab me! It's not likely that we will experience such terrors, but we do have fears every day that cloud our enjoyment of God's peace and comfort. Psalm 23 is a wonderful passage that describes how wonderful a close and meaningful relationship with God can be. When we are afraid, we can be reminded that God is our "shepherd" that looks after us, cares for us, and has the power to protect us from evil influence. John 10 says that God's sheep hear his voice and follow him. It is good for us to remember that a characteristic of a true disciple of Christ is one who listens to God's voice in our life and we follow him. Take comfort in your day, God is with you and can restore you each day to live a life that is close to him. PETE

Galatians 5:1 - "For freedom Christ has set us free...". There were three laws present in my life when I was growing up: The laws of God, which told me how to live a life that was pleasing to Him, the laws of my parents, which was an attempt to steer me in the ways that they wanted me to go, and the laws that I set for myself. These laws were expectations that I wanted to live up to; to be a man that was likable, responsible, charming, intelligent, funny, and mature. No matter how hard I tried - I would fall short in every area. When I failed God, my parents, or myself, I would experience shame, embarrassment, fear, and guilt. Have you ever felt such things? We have a tendency to "...submit again to a yoke of slavery" and rely on these laws to gain and maintain a right relationship with God. It was not until I realized that I needed a "one-way" love from God in order to be truly free. People will let you down - you will let yourself down. We live free not because we are perfect, but because we are forgiven. People can no more live up to the expectations that we set for them than we can live up to God's laws. Will you use your freedom to show others about the Grace of God? Will you forgive and extend a "one-way" love when the time calls for it? PETE