Devotion: Fiery Fearlessness

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them…” Acts 2:14

I write this on Memorial Day, knowing that you will not get it for a few days. But I feel a need to talk about Memorial Day. I spent my day doing acreage work. It was a long and fulfilling day in the hot sun. I generally treat Memorial Day as I do Thanksgiving Day. I spend time reflecting on all for which I am thankful. I know myself to be so blessed and to live freely with abundance. And I am positive that I did nothing to earn my lot in life.  

So I reflect on this great nation, and the many who have (and still) fight for our freedom. All my blessings are seemingly held in that envelope. Without their sacrifice, I have nothing. So despite having no one in my family who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, I am generally thankful for all my blessings and hold in prayer all who grieve and all (including Nebraskans and members of Sheridan) who are currently in harm’s way.  

We “memorialize” those who paid the ultimate price. This word is important, because we are “called to remember” when we memorialize.

This past weekend we began a new worship series at Sheridan entitled, Fearless. In this series we will be reflecting on how we have collectively become more afraid and how a “culture of fear” has entrapped us. We will see how being crippled by fear is in contrast to God’s Word and will. I hope that by the end of the summer, we will be more committed to courage.  

The singularly most alluring part of the culture of fear is that we turn our focus on ourselves. Narcissistic behaviors are running rampant and when we are focused on fear, then we are turned inward. No wonder it is contrary to the faith. The lesson we have from Acts 2 – the Pentecost text – shows Peter overcoming his fear. It is a beautiful lesson.

On this Memorial Day, I would ask you to consider that remembering – memorializing – is a selfless act. Even more, it takes courage, because it forces us to focus on someone else, and not on ourselves! If we remember how much others sacrificed for us… how can we be anything but grateful?  

Gracious God,
Let us never forget all those who served and died, in faith, for our collective freedom. Call us to remember. Give us a fearless heart to look at the horrors of the wars that have ended, and those which still remain. Be with those who grieve, and safeguard those who serve. We pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier

Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.