The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. ~ Proverbs 1:7 ~
• Do we really want to receive The Blessings of God? The end of Psalm 111 says:
"He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God— Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever! "
• All throughout The Bible, we are told that God fulfills our desires...but are we fearing/respecting God?
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them. ~ Psalm 145.19 ~
• It's funny how this world wants the Blessings of God, but the majority of the world does not fear God...we don't have a Holy Respect for Him. To Fear God is to Respect God. It is not to be afraid of God...it is to revere Him. Revere & Respect mean to have a deep admiration for God.
• When economic downturns and other problems occur in America and elsewhere, we are always quick to blame God. But when things are going great, are we quick to Praise God? We should give thanks in all circumstances...don't take my word for it, Look at 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18...by the way, this verse also tells us what God's Will is...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
• Instead of blaming God for everything, let's take a look individually and collectively and ask ourselves where are we falling short of His Glory, then let's do our part to be involved in the solution instead of making matters worse. In the words of Michelangelo, "Let's criticize by creating." (See Batterson's evotional for a great read!)
*note: The above Scripture references have emphasis added.
