Fearing The LORD and Bringing a Heritage

Luke 1:50 (NKJV)

"And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation."

The fear of the LORD.

This biblical principle does not get enough "lip service" in today's church community.  Why not?  Well, let just say it is not exactly the "feel good" message that most Christians are seeking on Sunday morning.  Many leaders just don't want to "go there".  No worries sister, I WILL go there with you!

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forget the law of your God, I will also forget your children."

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Oh my . . . let this not be our plight!

What Mary had, is what we need.  A true understanding of the fear of God!  Not some vague notion or "generic-brand" knowledge, for THAT is not knowledge at all!

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of of knowledge . . . "

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Okay, so what is the "fear of the LORD"?  How do I get it and then keep it?

The fear of the LORD, in my humble estimation is this . . . 
to live with awe, wonder and holy reverence for the majesty of the One and sovereign God.

I submit that this is the time of year to renew, refresh or develop for the first time this fear that leads to knowledge.  What a great way to mark the beginning of the new year with a renewed sense of wonder and awe!

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Here is my own personal list for beginning and keeping my sense of wonder and awe:

1.  READ AND WRITE THE WORD!  This is something I've been doing a lot of recently.  Just slowly meditating on God's Holy Word and writing them down in my journal.  

If you are on Instagram you can use the hashtag #writetheword and join other ladies that have committed themselves to this process.  I also participate with the #hellomornings - Winter session begins January 28th, check it out here.

2.  Pray for wisdom and focus.  
James 1:5 (NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

3.  Purpose my heart.  My husband says these very words to my son, on an almost daily basis.  It is all part of "counting the costs" and deciding "whom you will serve".  I want to fear the LORD and grow in His ways, above the ways of men.  I MUST set it in my heart to this task, first and foremost, everyday.

4.  Stop sweating the "small stuff".  P.S.  That means EVERYTHING!  The in-law situations, the store clerk with attitude, the wreck-less driver in front of you, the non-perfect children in your house . . . all these things must be pushed to the wayside and rather spend your energies focusing on your awe and wonder for the Most High.

5.  Mark this time and season with purpose-filled moments of awe, wonder and joy.  This is the prescription for the stress and strain the world forces on us during this time of the year (oh, and every-other-day-of-the-year too).

• Listen to Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah chorus 
• ---> I like this one and my friend Connie suggests this one on YouTube.
• Start a Blessing Log!  Take a few minutes each day to count those blessings and your wonder will never cease at what the LORD has done.
• Go caroling with a group of close friends and bring cookies to hand out.
• Serve a dinner to a sick neighbor or church member and thank God for your health.
• Watch the sunset while drinking a hot cup of cocoa.  If you have a nine year old girl, invite her to come . . . she will be good to point out all the WONDERFUL things you might be missing! ;)

Be full of wonder this season and the fear of the LORD will spring out the wisdom and knowledge in your heart!  That is a remedy we could all stand to receive.

Hoping your winter is full of wonders and joy!

The Joyful Socks Mom 

HAVE YOU MISSED A POST:

Day #1 ----> Praying A Mary Heart for the Season
Day #2 ----> Remembering His Regard For You
Day #3 ----> 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!

• Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
• HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.

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