Title

Fear God and Be Blessed

Scripture
Blessed is every one who fears the lord, who walks in His ways.
(Psalm 128:1)
Devotional
It is the wise man who wishes to be blessed, and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” There is no blessing in the fear of man. Proverbs says that the fear of man brings a snare. There are no blessings in phobias, superstitions or even death. Nevertheless, there is blessing in fearing the Lord. Whether we fear His judgment or His chastisement, we can be assured that the result will be a blessing. Fearing God will cause us to walk in His ways. It brings us to obedience. These in turn produce righteousness. The fear of the Lord will keep us from sin, and when sin is eliminated, righteousness, peace and joy takes its place. Furthermore, as we draw closer to Him, instead of fearing His chastisement and judgment, we begin to fear disappointing Him. Because of our love for Him, the last thing we would want to do is let Him down.
Thought For The Night

In The Chronicles of Narnia, an allegory by C.S. Lewis, Susan and Lucy, are getting ready to meet Aslan the lion, who represents Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver prepare the girls for the encounter: “’Ooh,’ said Susan, ‘I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.’ ‘That you will, dearie.’ said Mrs. Beaver. ‘And make no mistake, if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knee’s knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.’ ‘Then isn’t he safe?’ said Lucy. ‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver. ‘Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He's the king, I tell you!’” 

Evening Text
Psalm 128:1: Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.
Looking for Answers
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Fear God”: To know that the Lord is God and that He has the power of life and death, forgiveness and judgment, mercy and justice.
 
Referencing: “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king,” 1 Peter 2:17.
 
Applying: Listen to Jesus, “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Luke 12:4-5