The Fear of the Lord

 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Psalm 2:11

What does it mean to serve the Lord with fear? Fear is something we perceive as being a negative emotion, and it can be. But I believe that fear can also be healthy. It is good to fear such things as breaking the law, crossing a busy interstate on foot, and dropping a baby. 

But how about the fear of God? How do we know that we fear God?  It seems that in our society, and even our churches, we have lost the fear of God. According to Greg Laurie:

"To “fear God” does not mean that you cower in terror before Him. It has been properly defined as “a wholesome dread of displeasing Him.” If I have sinned, it is not the fear of what He will do to me, but rather what I have done to Him." (http://blog.greglaurie.com/?p=5759)

When we focus on being obedient to God, we develop a way of living that honors, rather than shames, God. We will do whatever it takes to walk in the light of His word. 

What joy awaits us when we decide that He is worthy to be served. Our souls rise up in praise when we have surrendered all to Him. Today, let's decide to turn our backs on the world and instead live only for Him in complete surrender.

God's Goodness To A Single Mom

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11 (NASB)

Reading this Psalm, I am reminded of the goodness of the Lord. Years ago, when I was a single parent, my daughter was concerned about all the financial issues I was facing with putting her through college. One day she said to me, "Momma, when I finally graduate from college I am taking you to Europe." 

Well, tomorrow I am flying over to see her where she is currently working in Brussels. She is taking a week off to take me to Paris, Amsterdam, and London. Tomorrow we both see the coming true of a promise made years ago. You see, God was listening when that young lady made a promise to an overworked, tired, and often broke mom. His goodness will follow me all next week as He travels with us to see new places. I think He will also be smiling, don't you? As my husband says, "God likes to show out." 

Thank you God for listening to my little girl all those years ago and helping her to fulfill a promise made to her momma. Oh how You must love us!

“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 NIV

Scary, isn't it? We cannot hide from God because he fills the heavens and the earth. The name LORD is Yahweh, the great I AM, the One Who has always been and always will be. He fills all of the universe. It should give us pause as we go through the day, to think that God is always with us. It should make us think before we snap at our family, our friends, or even strangers. God is there and God sees.

It also brings comfort and hope to my heart to know that God is wherever I go today. He is there when I get the bad news from the doctor, when my strength is gone, when I feel trapped by life. God is there and God sees. 

What an amazing God! He fills the universe with His presence and beauty, but also is right here next to me, leaning in, listening to the cries of my heart. Hallelujah!!

Take a moment today to talk to Yahweh, the great I AM. He is right there, attentive and loving you all the way to Heaven and back!

Hey You! Why don't you mosey on over to my husband's blog? You will be blessed!


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