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

Those who make peace should plant peace like a seed

“But the wisdom from above is, first of all, pure, then peaceful, kind, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And peacemakers who sow seed in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (Jas 3:17-18 Cjb)
“Now, all discipline, while it is happening, does indeed seem painful, not enjoyable; but for those who have been trained by it, it later produces its peaceful fruit, which is righteousness.” (Heb 12:11 Cjb)
“The profits of the wicked are illusory; but those who sow righteousness gain a true reward.” (Pr 11:18 Cjb)
“The effect of righteousness will be peace; the result of righteousness, quiet trust forever.” (Isa 32:17 Cjb)
“If you sow righteousness for yourselves, you will reap according to grace. Break up unused ground for yourselves, because it is time to seek ADONAI, till he comes and rains down righteousness upon you.” (Ho 10:12 Cjb)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self control. Nothing in the Torah stands against such things.” (Ga 5:22-23 Cjb)
“Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life.” (Ga 6:8 Cjb)
“for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, shalom and joy in the Ruach HaKodesh.” (Ro 14:17 Cjb)
“So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer.” (2Co 5:16 Cjb)
“filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Yeshua the Messiah – to the glory and praise of God.” (Php 1:11 Cjb)
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like sprouting leaves.” (Pr 11:28 Cjb)
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.” (Pr 11:30 Cjb)
““How blessed are those who make peace! for they will be called sons of God.” (Mt 5:9 Cjb)
“The one who reaps receives his wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that the reaper and the sower may be glad together––” (Joh 4:36 Cjb)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may more and more overflow in fullness of knowledge and depth of discernment, so that you will be able to determine what is best and thus be pure and without blame for the Day of the Messiah, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Yeshua the Messiah – to the glory and praise of God.” (Php 1:9-11 Cjb)
“Rejoice in this, even though for a little while you may have to experience grief in various trials.” (1Pe 1:6 Cjb)
“All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, “the Righteous Judge, ”will award to me on that Day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for him to appear.” (2Ti 4:8 Cjb)

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Dezen die vrede maken zullen vrede moeten planten als een zaad

Growth in character

"We are to speak the truth in love; the body is to increase unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is to be more than growth in knowledge and in numbers within ecclesial life. Our characters must increase and develop and our personality traits often must be modified.

The ecclesia, with all its component parts, is supplied that we, individually and collectively, might come "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11- 13). Love and persistence, forgiveness, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, wisdom, judgement, holiness, justice, integrity are all to improve for we are to "grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (v. 15).

This is a vital area of growth, for the saints of all ages are to be joint rulers of the world with Christ."
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Principles of Ecclesial Life - Growth in character
Brother Don Styles
http://www.christadelphianbooks.org/dstyles/poel/index.html

“Furthermore, he gave some people as emissaries, some as prophets, some as proclaimers of the Good News, and some as shepherds and teachers. Their task is to equip God’s people for the work of service that builds the body of the Messiah, until we all arrive at the unity implied by trusting and knowing the Son of God, at full manhood, at the standard of maturity set by the Messiah’s perfection. We will then no longer be infants tossed about by the waves and blown along by every wind of teaching, at the mercy of people clever in devising ways to deceive. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in every respect grow up into him who is the head, the Messiah.” (Eph 4:11-15 Cjb)

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Groei in karakter

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)

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• What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits
• Praise be to God
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• 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
 

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Get up in the morning and pray for the Lord's blessings

Dutch version / Nederlands > Sta op in de ochtend en bidt voor de zegen van de Heer

 

"Get up in the morning and pray for the Lord's blessings ... 
Pray for guidance.
  Pray for all these things. And then all the little things kind of slide in."
 - Mike Piazza

 


 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, 
and let the discerning get guidance -
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."
 Proverbs 1:5,7 

Already in the morning I put my ear to listen to your Word. 
With my prayers, I urge you to teach me wisdom and discipline.
Can the meaning of words of understanding be admissible for a fruitful
teaching.
For justice, sense of duty and honesty.
Your opinion, I fear, but your love I ask,
accompany me to eternal life. 
 

Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow

Aim High: Examples of Godly Characters to follow

Dutch version / Nederlands > Mik Hoog: Voorbeelden van te volgen Goddelijke karakters

Be Abraham in faith.

Be Isaac in fear (Gen 31:42).

Be Jacobs in wrestling.

Be Abels or Noahs in righteousness.

Be Enochs in holiness.

Be Jobs in patience.

Be Moses' in sacrificing the pleasures of sin.

Be Jethro's in rejoicing (Exod 18:9).

Be Samuels in upholding obedience.

Be Josephs in forgiveness.

Be Davids in prayer and praise.

Be Nehemiahs in fearlessness.

Be Calebs or Joshua in whole heartedness.

Be Johns and Jonathans in love.

Be Josiahs in tenderness.

Be Aarons in consecration.

Be Jeremiahs in lamentation.

Be Pauls in enthusiasm and zeal.

Be Habakkuks in holy trembling.

Be Esthers in noble resolve (Esther 4:16).

Be Persis in labour.

Be Cornelius' or Dorcas' in benevolent work and arms deeds.

Be Isaiahs in sublimity.

Be Phebes in service and succour.

Be Stephens in irresistible argument.

Be Antipas' in faithfulness.

Be Nathaniels in guilelessness.

Be Arimathean Josephs in looking after the body of Christ.

Be Daniels in courageous devotion.

Be Marys in sitting at the feet of Jesus, and in expensive expressions of love.

Be John the Baptists in burning and shining testimony.

Be Mordecais in seeking the good of Israel.

Be Timothys in reading the Scriptures.

Be Gideons in valour.

Be Samsons in strength.

Be Solomons in wisdom.

Be Elijahs in fervent prayer.

Be Lydias in worship.

Be Sarahs in quietness and subjection.

Be Titus' in "earnest care".

Be Mark's in profitableness (2 Tim. 4:11).

Be Appolos' in eloquence, and might of the Scriptures.

Be Annas in testifying of Christ (Luke 2:38).

Be James' in faithful admonition.

Be Peters in boldness (Acts 4:13).

Be Philemons in refreshing the saints (Phil 7).

Be Lois' or Eunices in unfeigned conviction.

Be Hezekiahs in tearful recognition of the chastening hand of God.

Be Abigails in bountiful recognition of service rendered.

Be Nathans in straightforward accusation (2 Sam 7:7).

Be Elishas in discernment, as to time and circumstances when gifts may be

received and when refused (2 Kings 6:26).

Be Ezras in uncompromising counsel.

Be Ezekials in the faithful exhibition of wickedness and its consequences.

Be Lukes in writing to the excellent of the earth (Luke 1:3).

Be Malachis in bearing faithful testimony against evil.

Be Jepthahs in keeping your word (Judges 11:35).

Be Ruths in resolution and purpose.

Be Zadocks in not going astray.

Be Andronicus, and Junias in noteworthiness.

Be Priscillas and Aquillas in helpership.

Be Samaritans in neighbourly kindness.

Be Ephesians in refusing complicity with evil.

Be Pergamians in holding fast to the faith.

Be Thyratirains in works of faith, patience and charity.

Be Philadelphians in keeping the word, and confessing the name of Christ.

In a word, be Christ's in Spirit and in truth (Romans 8:9).

(1883)
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2013 update

Several characters from the game; left to right, Eliwood, Sain, Dorcas, Lyn, Rebecca, Hector and Serra (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Happy who's delight is only in the law of Jehovah

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:2, New International Version

Dutch version / Nederlands > Gelukkig de man die zijn vreugde vindt in het Woord van God

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    Delight! In things of God do you find delight? What holy things of the Father in heaven hold your thoughts throughout the day? Why not join me in trying to put more of God's word in your head through memorization and into your heart through prayerful Bible study?!

    Father in heaven, holy and righteous in all of your ways, I confess that I do not always make the most of my thought time. I often allow my mind to drift away into areas I shouldn't explore. I will occasionally get too focused on things that are inconsequential. I want my mind and my heart more in tune with you, your Word, your will, and your way. Give me true wisdom, enlightened by your Spirit, to see, know, absorb, and contemplate the things that are closest to your heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Even in tough times remembering the blessings

"Even when you are experiencing tough times,
remember the blessings in your life.
It’s like sprinkling sunshine on a cloudy day."
- Alice Gray

"When you reach the end of your rope you will find the hem of His garment."
- Unknown

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom,
and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16

"And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind
and touched the hem of His garment; for she said to herself,
'If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.'
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said,
'Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.'
And the woman was made well from that hour."
Matthew 9:20-22

Reading the New Testament, let the words of Jesus inspire me
and let me be touched by his spirit.
God let me be a worthy follower of Jesus Christ
and let me look at the life on the bright site.
I am thankful for the blessings I am able to receive.

Dutch version / Nederlands > Herinner vele zegeningen ook in moeilijke tijden

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2015 adding:

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