September 22, 2026

“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ ” – Hebrews 13:6 Yesterday I shared that the fear of the Lord isn’t about dreading punishment; it’s about honoring God’s boundaries and wisdom. My dad, even when disciplining us, was really a softie at heart. I remember once when I’d done something wrong and was sure I’d be in big trouble; I headed to bed early, pretending to be asleep. As soon as he arrived, hearing him stomp up the stairs and call my name, my heart pounded with anxiety. The door opened quickly, then closed quietly—and I got away with it. My dad could seem intimidating, but he was also so loving, always ready with a hug or a compliment. At school, I was still a little guy, and some of the older kids bullied me because of