Good morning!
Text: Obadiah; Psalm 111
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever! (Psalm 111:10)
The first time I heard that phrase, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” I placed the event in the past tense. I was once afraid, I came to the Lord, and wisdom began…. sure glad that fear thing is over. But look at the Word – “all those who practice it.” Practice! Awe filled reverence and fear of the Lord ought to be a foundation of our “practice” – our everyday thoughts, words and deeds.
So, how are we doing in this? When I was growing up, sin had consequences. Did I think of my father when I had a naughty opportunity? Yes, I did. Whenever I am tempted, is God’s wrath in my mind? When I was a boy, old enough to be left home alone, knowing that Mom was out at the store made for a whole different environment than knowing she was home. Whenever I am taking matters of the Kingdom lightly, is it in my mind that God is certainly watching?
in Him, Mike