Humility and the Fear of the Lord

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honour and life . . . with the humble is wisdom . . . The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  (Pro 22:4; Pro 11:2; and Pro 9:10)Walking in humility is the pathway for living by the grace of God. "God . . . gives grace to the humble" (1Pe 5:5). In our present verses, we see that humility and the fear of the Lord are related. Humility and the fear of the Lord result in the same blessings. "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." The closing trio ("riches and honor and life") are an Old Testament description of a life that is fully blessed by God. The New Testament counterpart would be fullness of spiritual life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (Joh 10:10). Humility and the fear of the Lord also result in wisdom. "With the humble is wisdom . . . The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Humility is the candid acknowledgement of our absolute need for the Lord to work comprehensively in our lives day by day. The fear of the Lord is respect and reverence toward our great God. It is not a fear involving terror or apprehension. Rather, it is based upon profound admiration and dependent devotion. Those who humbly fear the Lord (by placing their admiration and devotion in Him) also embrace His perspectives and values.  They develop a hatred for the things that He hates. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate" (Pro 8:13). Correspondingly, those who have respect and reverence for the Lord develop a love for all that He loves. The Lord loves for His people to walk in righteousness and justice. "The LORD loves the righteous . . . the LORD loves justice" (Psa 146:8 and Psa 37:28). The Lord loves Israel, His chosen nation. "The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples" (Deu 7:7). The Lord loves His church, the children of God. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1Jo 3:1). The Lord loves the world, those who need to know Him. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Joh 3:16).

Lord God almighty, I humbly bow before You, acknowledging my absolute need for You to work comprehensively in my life day by day. I want to walk in the fear of the Lord, placing my admiration and devotion in You. I want to hate all that You hate and love all that You love, in Jesus name, Amen.

- Hoekstra

God my fence, my hope for the future

“But I am poor and needy; [Yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.” (Ps 40:17 ASV)

“A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.” (Ps 37:23-24 ASV)

“In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Pr 14:26 ASV)

“I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass; and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?” (Isa 51:12-13 ASV)

“Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah.” (Jer 1:8 ASV)

“Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: for Jehovah thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (De 31:6 ASV)

“But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning: For thou hast been my high tower, And a refuge in the day of my distress.” (Ps 59:16 ASV)

“Thou art my hiding–place; Thou wilt preserve me from trouble; Thou wilt compass me about with songs of deliverance. [[Selah” (Ps 32:7 ASV)

Read more >God Helper and Deliverer

French >Dieu aide et libérateur
German > Gott Helferer und Retter

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > God mijn schutting, mijn hoop voor de toekomst
Full Dutch text: Uitgebreide Nederlandstalige tekst > God Helper en Bevrijder

When discouraged facing opposition

It can be easy to become discouraged when facing opposition in our ministry. Here are a couple of things which can help:

Knowing that the opposition we may face in relation to sharing Bible truths means that we are on the right track:
"You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my [Jesus'] name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
"If they have persecuted me [Jesus], they will persecute you also." (John 15:20)

Jesus and many other faithful ones of Jehovah have suffered far worse than mere harsh words. But when you think of it, what can Man do to us?

"And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Ge·henìna." (Mt. 10:28)
"Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them. Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your reward is great in the heavens." (Matthew 5:10-12)


What moves one to share Bible truths? Someone once said, "Preaching merely out of obligation becomes burdensome in time." If our motivation is the natural desire to share the wonderful, life-saving knowledge that we have learned with others, then it doesn't become burdensome at all.  Love for God is a primary reason why we share in the ministry, and truly being like Jesus includes being moved by compassion to preach and teach. (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus' loving compassion for people was a key motivation for his sharing the good news with them:
^"Well, on getting out, he saw a great crowd, but he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34)
"But the crowds, getting to know it, followed him. And he received them kindly and began to speak to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those needing a cure." (Luke 9:11)
"This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." (John 17:3) 
Here are some scriptures that have helped me with discouragement in the past:

"Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6,7)
"Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight." (Prov. 3:5,6)

"Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter." (Psalm 55:22)
"Those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power." (Isaiah 40:31)

Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it

"Truth never plays false roles of any kind, which is why people are so surprised when meeting it.
Everyone must decide whether he wants the uncompromising truth or a counterfeit version of truth.
Real wisdom consists of recommending the truth to yourself at every opportunity."
- Vernon Howard

“Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:” (Pr 3:3)

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Pr 12:19)

“Buy the truth, and sell [it] not; [also] wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” (Pr 23:23)

“These are the things that ye shall do: speak ye every man the truth with his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;” (Zec 8:16)

“Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether [there is any] truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye [are] spies.” (Ge 42:16)

“Now therefore fear Jehovah, and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve ye Jehovah.” (Jos 24:14)

“Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you.” (1Sa 12:24)

“Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springeth out of the earth; And righteousness hath looked down from heaven.” (Ps 85:10-11)

“But he that does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God.” (Joh 3:21)

“and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Joh 8:32)

Jehovah I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness:
Your ordinances have I set before me. I go for the truth.
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
Remember now, O Jehovah, I beseech thee, how I have walked before You in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Your sight.
Guide me in Your truth, and teach me; For You are the God of my salvation; For You do I wait all the day.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
Into Your hand I commend my spirit: You have redeemed me, O Jehovah, You God of truth.

Dutch version / Nederlands > Waarheid speelt nooit valse rollen van welke aard dan ook
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2013 update:

truth (Photo credit: Erick-Pardus)

Related articles (updated 2015 august)

• For Jehovah is greatly to be praised
• What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits
• Praise be to God
• True wisdom comes from God.
• Good News from God!
• God's Low Whisper
• The Prophet Of Fire
• Psalms 25
• Genesis 40
• Additional Thoughts on Theodicy

A Living Faith #2 State of your faith

A LIVING FAITH

What is the state of your faith?

Previous: A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for

Faith is a very personal thing and the true state of a person’s faith can only be judged by God. It is impossible to hide our true feelings from Him for He knows our innermost thoughts and all motives are laid bare before Him. Anything less than an honest appraisal of our personal level of faith is a futile effort, for it will be of no spiritual benefit whatsoever. As we have seen in the previous section even a small amount of faith, small as a mustard seed, can accomplish much.

However, we should know and must never forgot that whatever is accomplished is not by our own efforts, but is of God. We have nothing; no knowledge, no skill, no ability, not one single thing that has not been given to us. Even the apostle Paul was moved to say:

“I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1Cor 15:10

It is Paul who also notes: “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand” 2Cor 1:24. It is according to the depth and breadth of our personal faith that we stand or fall. Further, the value of our faith is proved by how we act upon it day by day.

Faith is demonstrated by the degree to which it affects and moulds an individual’s life. So what would you answer to the following questions?

•         What is the objective of faith?

•         What is your spiritual goal?

•         Are you moving towards that goal?

The promised reward of faith is eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Yet we must question if eternal life in itself is the objective of faith. If our primary personal spiritual goal is to attain eternal life, then it is possible we have somehow missed the thrust of God’s purpose with those called to be His children. The primary purpose of God is not that men might find salvation, but that the earth will be filled with His Glory. His purpose requires that the earth be filled with beings who will perfectly reflect His divine attributes. Thus in a sense eternal life is a consequence of the true objective of faith.

What then is the true objective of faith? Well, Jesus said in his prayer as recorded in John’s gospel record:

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3

So, eternal life is defined as firstly knowing Yahweh the one true God and secondly knowing Jesus Christ His Son who fully and perfectly displayed His Fathers divine attributes. Again Jeremiah writes:

“Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

To know Yahweh is not merely to know about Him. It is not just to have an academic knowledge of His Word and purpose. Knowing Him is not simply having an understanding about His dealings with Israel, His mercy shown towards them and how they fit in with His promises to the patriarchs of old. To know Yahweh is not just about appreciating the principles that lie behind His provision of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Job gives an object lesson for those who would truly know Yahweh. He realised the requirements of his Creator, such that in his fear of the wrath of God falling upon him and his family, after his children had run a course of feasting we read: “Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly” Job1:5. One would thus think that Job fully ‘knew’ the Lord his God and yet after losing all he possessed and enduring so much suffering, Job has these profound words to say:

"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.” Job 42:5

During his discourse Job had noted, “Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.” Job12:12 and later asks “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Job 28:12. Wisdom and knowledge may come with age and experience, but only if one with a true and honest heart seeks out the Lord God. For Job answers his own question saying that Yahweh “understands its way and He knows its place… Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:23&28

Job had throughout his life up until that time known of Yahweh, he had known about Yahweh, he had known the principles of Yahweh. But it was as it were almost an academic knowledge and appreciation, with reliance upon the observance of law.  But after all his sufferings, after hearing about the glory of creation and about the absolute power and wisdom of his Creator, Job was moved to say:

“You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” Job 42:3

Job’s faith was thus placed in an entirely new context, his eyes clearly saw Yahweh in His resplendent glory. Jobs emotions were stirred within him and he knew and feared the Lord his God. Fear in this context being that reverential love and piety that characterise the lives of all the true children of God.

To know Yahweh, is to truly love Him with the whole being given over to His service. Not just knowledge about Him, not just knowledge about His Word, but rather a deep and abiding emotional entanglement with all that He is and will be. Then, and only then, can we truly appreciate and fulfil the greatest commandment of all:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30

To be continued…A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action

Andy Peel

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In this series:
A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
A living faith #2 State of your faith
A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action
A Living Faith #4 Effort
A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
A Living Faith #6 Sacrifice
A Living faith #7 Prayer
A Living Faith #8 Change
A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life
A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2
A Living Faith #11 My place in the body of Christ and my ecclesia
A Living Faith #12 The Love for Jesus

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2016 linkupdate
 

Related articles

• Learn how to appropriate His power
• Hebrews 11:1
• Your Word for This Day: "By Grace Alone"
• Let Go
• Acceptance
• Blest Assurance - Part 3
• Thoughts on the Aging Process
• The Seed
• Hope by faith and free gift
• Justification - salvation is by grace through faith - JI Packer

A new year with hopes and challenges

"How swiftly flies by the time,
A new year with hopes and challenges.
Plan thoroughly and be
Prepared for joy in living
You will achieve joy.

Nothing fearing,
Expect all things possible
With God

Yearning true
Excellence in character
Aim for nothing less than the best you can
Rise up and shine, ready for loving and serving our God!"
- Compilation

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day."
Psalm 96:1-2
 

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2013 update + 2014 February update: :

god (Photo credit: Notes for the Voyage)

Related articles

• Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved
• Hope for new beginnings in a new year
• Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord In Every Tongue Known To Man!!!
• "You Got Me?" We Ask. Learning to Trust God Over and Over

• A royal psalm. The theme of deliverance is divided into past, present, and future. (proclaimingthegospelofchrist.wordpress.com)
  Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
• Psalm 96:1-2 - Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (church4u2.wordpress.com)
  There is an opportunity for musicians in our generation. The Grammy awards showed that the music industry has become a parody of itself, substituting style over substance. There is a great need for artists who can sing to the Lord a new song, going beyond the current categories of music set up by marketing companies. God has a new song for the earth. Can we hear it, or have we become deaf by the roar of money?
• Morning Prayer 1.24.14: Conversion of St. Paul (dailyoffice.org)
  O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

All Positive Energy People Are Acceptable

People of all nationalities, regardless of race, colour or religion are

open to the Salvation of Christ.

Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the eternal

gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the earth to every nation,

tribe, language, and people. Revelation 14:6.

Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who inhabit the world, both

low and high, rich and poor together. Psalms 49:1-2.

Then Peter began to speak: In truth, I understand that God doesn't

show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does

righteousness is acceptable to Him. Acts 10:34-35.

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2013 update:

Related articles

• See, I Will Save My People
• Your Mission Has a Name!
• The Look
• Eternal Salvation and Survival

The big agenda item

"The big agenda item is God and His glory,
not me and my comfort."
- Max Lucado

"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give Him glory,
because the hour of his judgment has come.
Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'"

Revelation 14:7

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• Thought for the Day
• Theme of the day - REST
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