Do Not Fear – February 2, 2020

Revelation 2:8-11 

 8“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
      The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:

      9‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Psalm 27:1-3, 14

1The LORD is my light and my salvation;
            Whom shall I fear?
            The LORD is the defense of my life;
            Whom shall I dread?

      2When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,  My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

      3Though a host encamp against me,
            My heart will not fear;
            Though war arise against me,
            In spite of this I shall be confident.

    14Wait for the LORD;
            Be strong and let your heart take courage;
            Yes, wait for the LORD.

Psalm 91

1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
            Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

      2I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
            My God, in whom I trust!”

      3For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
            And from the deadly pestilence.

      4He will cover you with His pinions,
            And under His wings you may seek refuge;
            His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

      5You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
            Or of the arrow that flies by day;

      6Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
            Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

      7A thousand may fall at your side
            And ten thousand at your right hand,
            But it shall not approach you.

      8You will only look on with your eyes
            And see the recompense of the wicked.

      9For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
            Even the Most High, your dwelling place.

      10No evil will befall you,
            Nor will any plague come near your tent.

      11For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
            To guard you in all your ways.

      12They will bear you up in their hands,
            That you do not strike your foot against a stone.

      13You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
            The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

      14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
            I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

      15“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
            I will be with him in trouble;
            I will rescue him and honor him.

      16“With a long life I will satisfy him
            And let him see My salvation.”