Fear Of God

Well, here I am resuming my study of the character of the man god uses. Somehow I've managed to spend over two weeks on three days of study. To say that I've been side tracked is a great understatement. I am going to do my best to get caught up this week. And what that will look like is conducting at least two spiritual workouts a day for a while. That certainly won't hurt me...!

Wrapping up day three of week one is taking a look at Fear of God.

-I've never felt like I should be 'scared' of God. Indeed the discussion of 'Fear of God' starts out by stating that fear brings a sense of awe and reverence toward God. That's how I would describe it as well. I would substitute the word 'respect' for fear. Mr Blackaby does state that fear can also refer to the dread or terror of facing God's judgement.

WHOM should we REALLY fear...?

In Matt 10:28 Jesus states... 'Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the ONE who can destroy both body and soul in hell...' Here HE is referring to the fact that most men fear other men more than they fear God. It is God who s the ONE we should pay attention to!

Deuteronomy 10:12 explains what it is to fear the Lord. I have italicised each action that is explained and it's nothing we've never heard of before... In fact, it's a very familiar verse:

...And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to (1) walk in all his ways, (2) to love him, (3) to serve the Lord your God with all your heart, (4) with all your soul, and (5) to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good!...

Question/Exercise: Does the numbered list describe your approach to serving God...? Write what you would ask God to strengthen in your walk with Him...

Sam's Answer: I am quite familiar with the verse above. I would say that it definitely describes my approach to serving God. It is certainly my intention to to do all those things. However I must confess that i fall short nearly every day...! I will ask God to help me walk in his ways more. He is the ultimate role model. Jesus lived a perfect life!

***************

Exercise: Think About /Pray About:

As leaders in in our homes, churches, and workplaces, we must fear God. We should root out anything that dishonors God or would lead others astray. There can be permanent consequences if we continue to sin. The fear of God produces holiness in our lives. Ask God to do a work in your life that would create a deep sense of the fear of God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord God, You are my God. I love You. I FEAR You, Oh Lord. I respect You Oh Ancient of Days...! Lord I know that YOU are the only ONE I should truly fear. YOU are the only One who truly has power over me. Man may harm my physical body, but can never harm my soul. Not even Satan really has power over me. YOU are the only One, Lord.

Father God, my main request is help me rid myself of any thoughts or behavior that is not honoring You. Help me to be an arrow pointing to heaven. Help me to draw others closer to You. Lord Jesus, You started a work in me years ago. Father I ask that You continue that work by creating in me a deeper sense of the fear of God.

Lord, let my words and actions consistently reflect that Your spirit dwells within me. Let me be a solid, consistent witness to everyone I encounter, but especially to my family, Lord. I ask blessings for my self in this morning prayer, but I also pray a special blessing over my sweet wife and precious children.

Guard them Lord. Keep them safe. Help me to mold and shape them. Help me to lead them closer to You and to always walk in Your ways.

Thank You Dear Lord for all my blessings. I truly do love You. I give You praise this morning because You truly are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I pray these things in Jesus' Name, Amen.