Not Just for Kids

Have you read the story of Jonah lately? Every time my grandson and I read the Bible together, we read about Jonah—how he didn’t obey God, fled and got swallowed up by a whale. Read Jonah to get the whole story—it’s not just for kids!

Today I read the book of Jonah on my own. What caught my attention was his faith in God.

In Jonah 4:2 he says this about God;

I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, One who relents from doing harm

Jonah knew the character of God and had faith that He wouldn’t be anything but faithful. Why then did Jonah disobey God and run the other way?

Basically, Jonah did not let his faith in God change him.

He lived a life where He knew all about God but didn’t actually know Him.

I’ve lived this lifestyle and understand how comforting it can be. But the truth is—in living this lifestyle we miss the whole point.

Our faith in God must rearrange our life—transform us—causing us to become who we know God is. It must also draw us near to Him—where we actually know Him and experience what we believe. Knowing God causes personal relationship—relationship leads to obedience—the more we are with Jesus the more we become like Him.

Our goal in life is to live and be like Jesus. Please be encouraged to let your faith in God transform you.

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Suddenly Moments

What do you do when you are having a bad day? Do you ever just worship God? Give thanks, glory or praise? Understandably being the humans that we are—this is not always our default reaction.

But I want to challenge you to step out of your normal default box and into the realm of suddenly moments—that result in God shaking our life to its very core and bringing about change.

I heard an amazing message—totally worth repeating—on Acts 16. Follow along with me as I reiterate what was happening and how God—our Knight in shining armor suddenly comes to save the day.

Paul and Silas, in the will of God—directed by Him—went to Macedonia. As they were lingering in Philippi, they met a God-fearing woman named Lydia who on hearing the Word of the Lord believed with all her heart, as a result she and her household were baptized and insisted the men stay at their home. At this point all is going well, Paul’s preaching—God’s moving and they are invited to stay and be cared for, in a rather nice place. Acts 16:6-15

One day on the way to prayer a demon possessed psychic, slave girl, started following them around, drawing attention to them by yelling out “These men are working for the Most High God. They’re laying out the road of salvation for you!”

Paul, not wanting to be in agreement with her or to be identified as being with her, ignored her for a few days then finally when too annoyed he cast the demon out of her. The slave girl was suddenly free and her owners very upset—their lucrative little business had come to an end. Consequently, Paul and Silas were dragged into the market place—they were lied about and accused, causing the crowd to turn into an angry gang. Their clothes were torn off and they were ordered to be severely beaten and thrown into prison, under high security wearing leg irons.  Acts 16:16-24

Paul and Silas—bloody and beaten, sit chained in prison. Would you say they were having a bad day? Absolutely!

What did they do? Did they accuse God of unfaithfulness by whining and complaining?

No—just the opposite! Paul and Silas were found praying and worshipping.

What would you do?

I love how Paul and Silas handled the situation! Their default heart and soul reaction was to pray and worship God—in doing so they were giving thanks.

I pray our default heart reaction would be to silence the mouth of the accuser and give thanks by worshipping God.

How? Why? Because the truth is—He is always good. We must train our heart and soul to worship and give thanks according to truth—not circumstance.

This is when the suddenly moments of God’s faithfulness rule our life.

What happens next in Acts 16:25-26 is the cry of our heart.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! Paul and Silas’ worship caused God to shake the very foundations and set the prisoners free—the scripture says immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Not just our own freedom from the prisons we find ourselves in—occurs when we worship, but freedom for others as well.

I don’t know about you but I need and want God to suddenly shake the foundation of various situations in my life and in the life of those I love and care about.

This Word from the book of Acts has brought fresh understanding to the scripture in 2 Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Please be encouraged to grab ahold of and own this concept. Worship God, giving Him thanks in every situation—lifting our eyes from life and circumstances to the God of the impossible—the One who can suddenly shake any situation and change the landscape of impossible surroundings.

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Avoiding Relationship Failure

Relationships come in many shapes and sizes. From intensely deep to causal. No matter the relationship—the concept of preferring one another always applies.

This morning as I was preparing a word for a friend whose marring later today, the Lord dropped the word preference into my heart, along with Romans 12:10,

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Following is a re-post of a blog written about this time last year. This concept is timeless. Please—enjoy and apply!

Just the other day, I had a great conversation with a young bride to be. I was reminded of an amazing concept the Lord deposited in my heart years ago regarding relationships.

This approach to relationships is especially ideal when it comes to marriage.

Before I share this amazing secret with you, let me ask you a question. What do you think is the leading cause of any relationship malfunction and divorce?

Granted, I’m no expert but what God has shown me, is that selfishness and pride are the number one culprits of relationship failure.

I call it, “The Me factor.”

The secret  to relationships is “Preference.” Defined as: to value more highly, to hold before or above; and to give priority to.

Our example is found in Jesus. At the cross He preferred you and me. He knew it would be a brutal endeavor to go through, yet He chose God’s will over His. (Luke 22:42)

The concept unfolds as this—if each person in the relationship/marriage prefers and thinks more highly of the other, caring for the needs of the other person over their own needs, then all needs will be met.

Living a life of preference takes the focus off of our self; what I want—what I need and puts the emphasis on the other person in the relationship. We move out of the selfishness of concentrating on our own wants, needs and desires and tune into what will bless the other person.

Is this an easy way to live? No.

Why? Because in order to be like Jesus we must die daily—we must decrease so He can increase.

The fear to this lifestyle is; what if the other person in the relationship doesn’t want to live a preferring life style? What about Me? How will my needs be met?

Valid concern. The answer—Jesus.

Since He really is, the only one who should or could, complete, fulfill or meet our needs—then He is the answer.

This was a difficult concept to grasp, mainly because it opposed my flesh. But once I submitted to the Lord in this—it changed my life, not to mention all my relationships!

In my marriage I stopped choking the life out of my husband trying to get him to meet my every need. Essentially I discovered that Jesus really is enough for me.

This concept brings freedom. It frees you to go deeper in relationship with God, making Him all you need. It frees you to love others, love your spouse, parents, children and siblings without putting the heavy burden of meeting your needs on them. Basically you are free to love without unreasonable expectations on either party.

I have found such joy and depth in my relationship with God since He asked me to live life in this manner of preference.

I invite you to go deeper. To relinquish your wants, needs and desires to God and let Him be “The One” to complete you. You seriously won’t be sorry—just free. Free to love and be loved!

Eternally Minded

To live eternally minded is to set our complete desire on the things of God—exclusively giving all we are and have to what matters eternally.

Do you live with an eternal focus?

Although we may aim to live with an eternal mindset—it is easy to divert our attention to the here and now. After all, life and all its details—do scream for our devotion.

Living mindful of eternity does not mean we live careless of this life—just the opposite—we live as good stewards of all God entrusts to us, because we know everything has an eternal value.

Just the thought that our life and its actions carry an eternal value—should make us stop and evaluate what we spend our time, money, deeds, thoughts and words on.  Likewise this truth causes us to inspect our heart, because we know where our heart is—our treasure will be as well.

Everyone will face eternity and what we do now will matter then. It is important to examine our life and heart in regard to eternity.

• First—are we in right standing with God and Jesus?
• Second—do we live our life wholly devoted to furthering the Kingdom of God?
• Third—are we good stewards to the life God’s given us, and to all He entrusts to us?

Isaiah 55:1-3 says

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.  “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”

Essentially this scripture asks; why spend your life in service to self? Jesus is the bread of life. When we submit all—not just some—or part—but all to Him—we will be without want.

Please be encouraged to focus your heart on what matters—Jesus. In doing so we can’t help but to be eternally minded.

Ecc. 12:13-14

Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

Passion

If someone invited you to a party using these words; “The party will be dull, pretty much boring and very stale—you should come”—would you go? I think not.

How about relationship? What if a young man has interest in a young lady and when asking her to date him uses this line, “I really like you and want to date you, but first you must know—it will be a very dreary and lifeless relationship.” What girl, in her right mind, would date a guy with that personality and perspective?

What would be missing from such a relationship? Passion.

There are a couple of meanings to the word passion—the passion I’m referring to is the zest in life.

The opposite of passion is—mundane, routine, common, boring.

Passion causes people to go beyond normal—in life, relationships, work and play.

All my kids love and play extreme sports. Why play chess for a hobby when you have rock climbing or MMA? Hockey, dirt bike riding, white water rafting, kayaking, snowboarding, skateboarding and skydiving? They are passionate people and could never be satisfied with anything dull or commonplace.

Likewise we should press the limits on our Christianity. Always moving forward—insistent on loving and knowing God more—adamant in service—courageously sharing our faith—undaunted by culture and boldly exhibiting godly character.  We are to be people who go beyond normal in everyday life—faith filled people who represent God—people consumed with passion!

When God created us He set passion inside of us. Just look at the young—who live with child-like wonder, excitement, and enthusiasm about everything they encounter.

Our relationship with God should be one of passion, where we crave His Holy Spirit, and His presence. A relationship packed with zeal and fervor—not mundane—birthed out of obligation.

Matthew 22:37 boldly states what is most important in life,

To love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (NKJ)

Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. (MSG)

It takes passion to love God in this manner.

Many things steal passion—heartache, sickness, offense, doubt, disobedience, selfishness and busyness. Mainly the devil—he loves to usurp our passion, along with it he steals our faith. He is master at causing situations to arise where we question and doubt God’s goodness. It’s what he lives for.

Along with passion for God we must have passion for His Word. God’s Word amongst many things, is where we read about the greatest love story ever! Not only that—but in His Word is the secret to living life skillfully.

John 1:1 says,

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

If you love God and are in a relationship with Him—filled with His Spirit, then you also love His Word and are in relationship with it as well. We must diligently guard our passion for the Bible—the sneaky devil is expert at making the Word seem uninteresting and irrelevant.

Last but not least—another area where passion gets evaporated by the enemy is where church is concerned.

Psalm 69:9 says,

Passion for your house has consumed me

We should be passionate for our church—if we belong to God, then church is our house and we should passionately—with all our heart—not just out of duty—love to be there, serve there and be a part of what God is doing in our local church.

The reason the devil loves to steal passion for God’s house is the isolation factor—he isolates the weak and picks them off. He initiates grumbling, offense and disunity—which make church seem routine and pointless. Fact is—passionless church goers weaken the church.

We have to be intentional in protecting our passion. Making sure not to waste our affections on trivial things of this world.

What’s your passion level? Has the enemy seized your passion for God, His Word and His house?

An incredible attribute of God is his loving-kindness. He will never be content with allowing the devil to steal from His people! He has made a way for each of us, by His grace, to take back what the puny devil steals. It will take an act of our strong self-will, but after that it’s a cake-walk.

We must simply use our will, to turn to God—access grace, confess our passionlessness and lean into His great and awesome love. With an open embrace He welcomes us—here we exchange our dryness for a greater thirst.

Please be encouraged to ask God for more passion—and it will be yours!

Our Reasonable Service

How do you give the perfect gift to someone who literally has everything? What could we humans—really give to the God who created the universe?

Romans 12:1 says,

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

According to this passage of scripture; in light of what Christ has done for us—given us salvation, unconditional love and endless mercy, grace and blessings—let us respond appropriately. It is our reasonable service to be a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice? Okay—this is a very extreme gift—right?

I once talked to a young man, who considered himself to be a believer, who thought it was. I said “Jesus gave His life for you—died on a cross for you, He wants your heart.” He said “I’ve thought about that, Jesus knew He’d raise from the dead and be in heaven back with His Father, it wasn’t really a huge sacrifice”

Over the years I’ve pondered this mind-set. Essentially it says I don’t owe God anything—especially not to be a living sacrifice.

I think this passage of scripture is one of those that a lot of us just might want to skip. But we can’t take the bless me scriptures and ignore our reasonable service.

What would it look like if Christians actually were living sacrifices?

I’m not saying it is easy to be a living sacrifice, but either was enduring the cross.

Mainly, we need to check our response to this urging assignment from the Word. What is our heart attitude towards God when we know He wants us to live a sacrificial, totally abandoned life-style to Him? This will tell us a lot about our heart.

Our response should stem from our relationship of mutual love with God. Not from duty should we be a living sacrifice, but because of our deep love for Him.

My reasonable service as a wife and mother has to come from my heart of love for my family or else I would burn-out really quick! Why would we painfully bear children, change poopy diapers and endlessly clean, cook and serve unless we love? Why and how does a man work his whole life to provide for his family—if it’s not for love?

It’s no different with God.

Presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice is a form of true worship to God.

Deserting self and all its ambitions—is our first step in reasonable service. Be reminded God will never ask you to do anything He won’t equip you for and the only way you can fail—is to disobey.

Please be encouraged to say yes to God—give Him the gift of wholeheartedly diving into the life-style of being a living sacrifice. In light of the abundant gift of God—it is a very reasonable thing for Him to ask of us.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

The Secret to Relationships

Just the other day, I had a great conversation with a young bride to be. I was reminded of an amazing concept the Lord dropped in my heart years ago regarding relationships.

This approach to relationships is especially ideal when it comes to marriage.

Before I share this amazing secret with you, let me ask you a question. What do you think is the leading cause of any relationship malfunction and divorce?

Granted, I’m no expert but what God has shown me, is that selfishness and pride are the number one culprits of relationship failure.

I call it, “The Me factor.”

The secret  to relationships is “Preference.” Defined as: to value more highly, to hold before or above; and to give priority to.

Our example is found in Jesus. At the cross He preferred you and me. He knew it would be a brutal endeavor to go through, yet He chose God’s will over His. (Luke 22:42)

The concept unfolds as this—if each person in the relationship/marriage prefers and thinks more highly of the other, caring for the needs of the other person over their own needs, then all needs will be met.

Living a life of preference takes the focus off of our self; what I want—what I need and puts the emphasis on the other person in the relationship. We move out of the selfishness of concentrating on our own wants, needs and desires and tune into what will bless the other person.

Is this an easy way to live? No.

Why? Because in order to be like Jesus we must die daily—we must decrease so He can increase.

The fear to this lifestyle is; what if the other person in the relationship doesn’t want to live a preferring life style? What about Me? How will my needs be met?

Valid concern. The answer—Jesus.

Since He really is, the only one who should or could, complete, fulfill or meet our needs—then He is the answer.

This was a difficult concept to grasp, mainly because it opposed my flesh. But once I submitted to the Lord in this, it changed my life, not to mention all my relationships!

In my marriage I stopped choking the life out of my husband trying to get him to meet my every need. Essentially I discovered that Jesus really is enough for me.

This concept brings freedom. It frees you to go deeper in relationship with God, making Him all you need. It frees you to love others, love your spouse, parents and siblings without putting the heavy burden of meeting your needs on them. Basically you are free to love without unreasonable expectations on either party.

I have found such joy and depth in my relationship with God since He asked me to live life in this manner of preference.

I invite you to go deeper. To relinquish your wants, needs and desires to God and let Him be “The One” to complete you. You seriously won’t be sorry—just free. Free to love and be loved!

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Romans 12:10

Skillful Living 101—6 Avoiding Pitfalls

Escaping life’s pitfalls.

You have got to love the book of Proverbs. It’s overflowing with practical guidelines and warnings for skillful living. God in His faithfulness has given us an abundant amount of instruction for living sensible, prosperous lives.

People are always saying “Too bad life doesn’t come with instructions.” I used to think the same thing, especially once I got married and started having kids.

Life does come with an instruction manual, it’s almost as if the Holy Spirit is waving it right in front of our faces, pleading with us to read and follow it. There’s something about human nature—it has to try its own way first—stumble and fail—then look to God. I want to be smarter than that; I want my kids to rise above the norm and do life right. What about you?

It’s not impossible, again it’s just a matter of surrendering our will, making Him Lord—reading and following the instructions! Let’s do it—let’s choose to be wise!

Proverbs 6, gives five specific ways to escape life’s pitfalls. Keep in mind the ability to avoid pitfalls greatly depends on our connection with Christ.

According to Proverbs 6:1-5, financial pitfalls can be escaped by avoiding the ‘D’ word—debt! This goes totally cross grain with our culture, but if you have lived any amount of time, I know you can testify to its truth!

Also we are cautioned not co-sign for someone’s debt and to be careful not to make impulsive commitments, including get rich quick ideas. These scriptures urge the believer, that if we do make rash commitments or decisions to get out of them as quick as possible.

Essentially we need to be good stewards of all God entrusts to us. Pray and wait. Ask God to lead and instruct us to wise choices—this is where having a close personal relationship with Him is so important. In prior years I made so many mistakes do to my un-submitted will and lack of intimacy with God.

Proverbs 6:6-11, is pretty black and white, laziness leads to poverty! Take this a step further and apply it to our relationship with God. If we are lethargic and apathetic in our relationship with Him we will be spiritually bankrupt, consequently unable to make wise choices. We need to excel in a spirit of diligence coupled with excellence.

Another way to excel in diligence is to hate wickedness, in yourself and in others. Proverbs 6:12-15, gives detail on the behavior of the wicked, concluding that sudden calamity will overtake the wicked leaving them broken and without remedy—the wicked will not see God. Be mindful—to avoid wickedness, snuggle in close to God!

Proverbs 6:17-19, demands our undivided attention. It communicates the six things God hates and the seven He abhors. This scripture causes me to pray for mercy and for grace to walk uprightly!

“A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”

Lastly, Proverbs 6:20-35, gives insight on avoiding sexual promiscuity. Verse 25, holds a wealth of truth, speaking in regards to a seductress, “Do not lust after her beauty in your heart.” Ultimately, sexual purity begins on the inside. If we keep our heart and soul pure; undiluted by the world and faithful to the Word, we will prosper in our purity.

Please be encouraged to draw close to God, tucking yourself under the shadow of His wing, where you can hear His voice and respond to His will. The more we know God—the less we love sin!

Skillful Living Financial Tools:

• Avoid debt and co-signing
• Avoid impulsive commitments
• Avoid get rich quick ideas
• Submit finances to God 
• Ask God to lead and instruct you in finances
• Avoid poverty by being be diligent
• Laziness leads to poverty
  

Skillful Living Insights and Tools: 

• Live your life, both spiritually and naturally with excellence
• Hate wickedness
• Keep your heart and soul undiluted by the world
• Be faithful to the Word of God

Vacant Heart

This quote from Brother Lawrence—brimming with truth—summons our attention…

“The presence of God, a subject which in my opinion contains the whole spiritual life and it seems to me that whoever duly practices it will soon become spiritual [close to God]. I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of all other things; because God will possess the heart alone and as He cannot possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there and so do in it what He pleases unless it be left vacant to Him.” Brother Lawrence, Fifth letter

Christianity exclusively is about being in and experiencing God’s presence. When we try to make it more is when it gets complicated. If we practice His presence we will become like Him—sounds easy enough.

Psalm 16:11, You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 promises; as we practice Gods presence He will direct us to the right path of life, where we will find joy and pleasure.

Everyone wants to be on the right road in life. The glitch for most people is how to first find His presence, then how to live in it. The how is simple, but difficult—it’s free, but costly.

The answer to the How question:  A Vacant Heart.

God’s presence longs to inhabit our heart, but first we must make our heart vacant of everything else.
Vacant defined as:  To give up possession, or relinquish, to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
Synonyms for vacant are:  Available, unfilled, untaken, free, unused and clear.

We are industrious people, always doing something and going somewhere. We know how to get things done. It’s good to be industrious, but when it comes to the presence of God the only thing we have to do is be empty. Be empty so He can fill us. Decrease so He can increase.

If there is no room for Him in our heart and life—then there’s no room—consequently He can’t occupy us.

As Christians we can get really busy doing Christians things, (or not) but in all reality the most important is to live in God’s presence. Life stems from this point. If we are too busy, too occupied, too smart, too hurt, too spiritual, too whatever—to first live in His presence then we are missing the point of life!

Please be encouraged to make your heart vacant for God alone—in His presence you will find His joy and pleasure!

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

The book Practice of the Presence of God containing the writing of Brother Lawrence can be printed for free at www.PracticeGodsPresence.com

Fear God?

A decade ago when the Lord first approached me on the subject of Fear of the Lord, I was unmistakably baffled, “Fear the God of love?”

As I searched for the meaning of the Fear of the Lord, God’s message unfolded as this—friendship– intimacy with Him, is set aside for those that fear Him.

As stated in Psalm 25:14

“Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear Him”

Therefore, to truly love the God of love I would have to fear Him and learn to balance the two.

The Fear of the Lord is a rare treasure to search for and to behold. This treasure holds the keys to the ultimate treasure of intimately and personally knowing God. The fear that we must partake of is based in love, reverence, honor and respect of His holiness—leading to the very essence of the meaning which is to unconditionally love and obey Him no matter the cost.

Psalm 34:9 heralds,

“Oh, fear the Lord, you saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.”

In today’s culture, no want would be a rarity. The truth is, the Fear of the Lord unlocks a deep love relationship with Him where carnal want is decreased.

You may ask, what exactly is the Fear of the Lord? The following scriptures enlighten us:

 “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom” Job 28:28
 “The fear of the Lord is clean [pure] enduring forever” Psalm 19:9
 “The fear of the Lord is the fountain of true knowledge” Proverbs 1:6
 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life” Proverbs 14:27
 “The fear of the Lord is His treasure” Isaiah 33:6
 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” Proverbs 8:13
 “Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8

Consider the Fear of the Lord as a gateway leading to many avenues of blessings for those that fear and reverence God. According to the few scriptures above, we see that the Fear of the Lord is the key to the passageway of wisdom, purity, knowledge, life treasure and good health.

Another question that may arise in you is why is the fear of the Lord a gateway or passage way to blessing, wisdom and knowledge? Understanding the fear of the Lord is one of those subjects that the humanness of our mind is opposed to. We have to ask the Holy Spirit for a revelation of the fear of the Lord that penetrates the core of our heart and soul.

Proverbs 2:3 gives us huge insight into comprehending the fear of the Lord.

“If you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

Discernment and understanding will give us understanding of the fear of the Lord. If you can’t wrap your head around this concept, cry out for discernment and understanding.

Psalm 89:7 says

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”

Fearing God causes us to put Him in His rightful place and to see Him for who He truly is GOD-Lord and Master! Not as ordinary, average or on the same level as our self, but highly exalted, honored, respected and to be obeyed. God acknowledges a reverent and obedient heart—this is one reason the fear of the Lord is a gateway to an abundant life.

The Fear of the Lord is not just something we gain knowledge of, The Fear of the Lord has to be ingested, becoming a part of who we are.

Be encouraged to search God out on this very essential subject—it will change your life!