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Followers of the Lord have often wrestled with the relationship between fear and faith. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10), yet the presence of the Lord is the reason we need not be afraid (Ps. 23:4). A healthy fear of our awesome God is a crucial part of directing our lives—while fear of anything else can prevent us from experiencing the life God has planned for us.
Faith does not replace fear; it puts fear in its proper place. No one goes through life without experiencing fear, but people who fear God (and trust in Him) handle the threats and challenges of life much differently than those crippled by fear or filled with false confidence. And the Bible is filled with illustrations of the best and the worst ways to handle fear.
To begin another year of studying together in Today in the Word, we'll work on developing a biblical understanding of fear. We will see how a deep and abiding reverence for the Lord can orient our hearts in the right direction. Scripture will also show us how the fear of the Lord can give us courage to face any obstacle or to pursue any goal within His will.
As a new year dawns, it brings with it new fears and challenges. Thank you for using Today in the Word to help prepare you to fear the Lord, and trust in Him to comfort you and carry you through whatever 2012 holds. And thank you also for your financial support to provide this same comfort to thousands of other readers!
Introduction
| Jan 1 - Fearing and fearless: Portrait of the righteous Ps. 112 |
Portraits of Fear and Courage
| Jan 2 - Noah: Holy fear Gen. 6:9-22, Heb. 11:17 |
| Jan 3 - Abraham: Radical obedience Gen. 22:1-19 |
| Jan 4 - The Hebrew midwives: Unflinching courage Ex. 1:15-22 |
| Jan 5 - Rahab: Fear and faith Josh. 2:1-21 |
| Jan 6 - Joshua: Summons to holy fear Josh. 4:19-24 |
| Jan 7 - Saul: Cowardice 1 Sam. 13:1-15 |
| Jan 8 - David and Goliath: Courage in action 1 Sam. 17 |
| Jan 9 - David: Courage in the fields Ps. 23 |
| Jan 10 - David: Courage in the face of enemies Ps. 27 |
| Jan 11 - Abigail: Courage in the face of vengeance 1 Sam. 25:1-35 |
| Jan 12 - David: Courage in the face of betrayal Ps. 3 |
| Jan 13 - Solomon: The wisdom of holy fear Prov. 1 |
| Jan 14 - Solomon: The priority of holy fear Eccl. 12 |
| Jan 15 - Jesus: Teachings about fear and courage Luke 12:1-6, 22-34 |
| Jan 16 - Religious leaders: Paralyzed by fear John 12:37-43 |
| Jan 17 - New Testament Church: Empowered by fear Acts 5:1-16 |
| Jan 18 - Timothy: Paul’s encouragement to a young pastor 1 Tim. 4:11-16, 2 Tim. 1:3-7 |
A Closer Look: Getting, Losing, and Regaining the Fear of the Lord
| Jan 19 - Parting of the Red Sea: Inspiring holy fear Ex. 14:10-29 |
| Jan 20 - The giving of the Law: Inspiring holy fear Ex. 19:16-19, 20:18-21 |
| Jan 21 - Prophetic judgment: When fear fails Isa. 57:1-13 |
| Jan 22 - Prophetic judgment: When fear fails Jer. 5 |
| Jan 23 - Return from exile: Courage in the face of threats Ezra 4:1-6 |
| Jan 24 - Return from exile: Courage in the face of threats Neh. 4 |
Promises for Believers Today
| Jan 25 - Slaves no more: Freedom from fear Rom. 8:12-17 |
| Jan 26 - Witnesses: Courage for ministry 2 Cor. 5:6-15 |
| Jan 27 - Saints: Sanctification and fear Phil. 1:3-6, 2:12, 13 |
| Jan 28 - Courage: For those suffering or persecuted 1 Pet. 3:1-17 |
| Jan 29 - Love: The antidote for fear 1 John 4:13-21 |
| Jan 30 - Death: No longer our enemy Heb. 2:10-18 |
Conclusion
| Jan 31 - Blessings for those who fear the Lord Ps. 128 |
Executive Editor
Paul Currie
Managing Editor
Heather Moffitt
Associate Editor
Elena Mafter
Contributing Editors
Adam Kellogg
John Koessler
Kim Pickett
Writer
Jennifer Michel
