...But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

This week we talked about having the fear of the Lord in our lives. We talked about how in our culture today it is not considered a compliment to be called "God-fearing." Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Do we fear the Lord the way we are commanded to? Have we become casual in our approach to worship and respect of who God really is?

We found out that there are essentially two types of fear that we are to have when it comes to the God of the universe. There is the fear that means to tremble, terror, fearful of, even- to be in dread. This fear is mostly for those who do not know God as "Father" and are living a life apart from Him and will, if they ultimately reject him, spend eternity apart from him. But as Christians we too are to have a "healthy fear" of God, knowing that he has the power to judge, condemn and punish sin. There will be a time when we will have to give account for what we have thought, said and done here on earth. Even the things done in secret. (Ecc. 12:13,14 and Hebrews 4:13)

The other category of fear has more to do with reverence and respect, worship and honor. We read in Isaiah 40:12-26 an awe inspiring account of who God is as Creator and the power and might he has displayed in his creation. We learned that fearing the Lord is the foundation for salvation because it is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). It motivates us to do what pleases him and obey the commands he set out for us as protection. And not that we aren't covered by grace but that we desire to please the Lord in all that we do. Just as a child desires to please his/her earthly father and mother.

I hope each of you were challenged to take that personally into your own life and do just what Philippians 2:12 says..." to continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

Remember to memorize Jeremiah 6:16 as well as a verse of your choosing. We will be saying these to our neighbors at our next bible study. You can do it!

a daughter of the King,
Jena

Your Assignment

These next two weeks we are studying chapter 3, Fear The Lord, of Ancient Paths. Come ready to discuss what the Lord has been revealing to you. We had a great discussion time last Tuesday and missed those of you who couldn't make it.
Also I am challenging you all to memorize Jeremiah 6:16, as well as a verse of your choosing. (motions really do help!) We will be saying these verses to our neighbor when we meet back up on the 18th so be prepared! :)
And lets not forget to continue to life each other up in prayer- for the various needs relationally, health wise and regarding the economy.

a daughter of the King,
Jena