Tag Archives: the fear of the Lord

May 12
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“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  (Proverbs 31:30, NIV)

For most of us, whether male or female, our model for womanhood is our own mother.

There are many praiseworthy attributes in our model woman — whomever she may be (wife, mother, grandmother, sister. . .); and we may debate which attribute is superior to all the others.  The Proverbs reminds us that a woman who fears the Lord is always worthy of praise.

Today, on the threshold of the Mothers’ Day weekend, we have, or will, honor (or remember) women who have earned our praise and gratitude.  Double-up on both when the object of your affection fears the Lord God.  A God-fearing woman is a wise counselor; a faithful friend; a worthy companion; an able helper; and a gift from God.  – Luther

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April 5
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“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”  (1 Peter 1:17, NIV)

In today’s scripture, Peter reminds the reader of two important things: (1) We are foreigners (some translations read “pilgrims”) on this earth.  Heaven — not earth — is our home.  We are, for a time, merely visitors here, and;  (2) We need to live each day of our lives in “reverent fear.”

Contrary to what the world would have us believe, fear is not a bad trait.  The problem is that we too often fear the things and people we should pay no mind; and we pay no mind to the things that we ought to fear.

For example, a fear of electricity is warranted.  Although we use electrical power every day, we observe and teach others a reverence for it that keeps us from abusing it.  Such an attitude is not a bad thing.  In fact, this “reverent fear” may have kept us from destroying ourselves by accidental electrocution!

As pilgrims on this rolling sphere, we need to keep in mind that our time is short, and our opportunities for good are constantly opposed by evil.  If for these reasons alone, live in “reverent fear.”  Our heavenly Father is awesome in His power, yet he deals with us with gentleness and grace.  – Luther

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January 21
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“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.”  (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)

The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider as valid the instructions of his Creator.  The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.

Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road?  Yes!  We feel the tug because of our humanity. However, we were created for grander purposes.  Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.

To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to be continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading.  – Luther

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