fear of the Lord

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 NLT

To fear the Lord is to give Him high respect and honour. It also means that every word He has spoken and speaks is valued,  and respected.

Today I have been reading a Hebraic view of the book of Revelation. It has been most illuminating. The words Jesus spoke to the churches were meant to be heard. It is interesting that only one city referred to of the 7 where the churches resided, is still remaining in Turkey.

We cannot regard our Lord's words lightly. If He said He will come when we least expect Him, He will. We must take note. Amen!

the fear of the Lord

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 NLT

Fools are those who refuse to listen to godliness and godly wisdom, preferring the thoughts of their own minds.

A test for us as to our own foolishness is when we are under pressure from time or business. Do we revert to our own Lordship or continue to seek God's? It is a decption to assume that our own wisdom is God's or good enough for Him. Is selfishness or self pity involved? This reveals we are in the flesh and choosing our own wisdom.

Self pity flies to its own defence, as does selfishness. This defence is usually arrogant and self righteous. Not good!

Godly wisdom is humble,  seeking the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of men. It allows God to rule in the lives of others, selfishness demands obedience to self.

May Your Kingdom come Lord, Your will be done. Amen!

as each decides in his heart

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

Today at church I approached people, and asked for their help to raise funds for children suffering with cancer. They were all willing,  some more, some less. Each has their own threshold. I respect that, and am grateful, and trust the Lord to govern His sheep. I do not need to manipulate them. He is the master not me.

Myself, I have a threshold. I chose to ride 50kms and raise $500. It appears I will do that. There were times when I doubted myself, however, I prayed and the Lord directed.

Paul raised money from the provinces for the  church in Jerusalem. He encouraged them to stay faithful to their promise to give. However, he did not drum up business, but left it to each one to give willingly.

giving

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

Giving releases us into more so that in turn we can give to those in need. Giving is a cycle.

Today at church we will give our tithe. In the passage of scripture this verse is taken from, Paul writes, do not give out of compulsion,  give freely as you decide in your heart to give. 

This gift is not a tithe but a freewill offering. Paul is raising money for people in Jerusalem who have been affected by famine.

I am currently raising money for research into childhood cancer. I have posted my requests on Facebook and sent emails, without result. When I ask people face to face they might give, some a little, some more. Each of us have a giving ceiling. We have developed a response to requests for finance. Some use the fact that they are on a government pension to refuse to give. Surprisingly some pensioners give without excuse.

What is your heart disposed to when asked for funds?

shining light

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT

Today I let some light out. I had people over for afternoon tea, and one I discipled. She has watched me for years prove that prayer works. She decided to try it and had a peaceful sleep for the first time, a few nights back. Today I counselled her to do more of the same in the days ahead. I also invited her to church.  

I have  neighbours moving.  I made them fresh bread and took over a platter of salad and chicken for lunch. I also gave them gifts for the children I had befriended. The wife sees my bible posts daily. I pray she sees 1 +1=Jesus. Only Jesus makes a difference.

I posted on Facebook pictures of the week I just had serving at a church conference in Port Macquarie,  NSW. I want all friends to see that the way we do church is fun. I pray the light shines through.  Amen!

the light

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT

Praise God that darkness cannot overcome the light. The only way darkness can overcome is if the light is extinguished by the providor, or if the battery runs out.

Jesus told us we are the light of the world. The word needs light. Today is a dark period for the dwellers of the earth,  standards of morality are at an all time low, standards of truth and justice are below low. When politicians spruike about taxing farmers for their cow's methane, we know we have hit ridiculous.

Romans 1:21,22 tells us that when we start to create our own gods,  we become fools. Foolishness abounds on the earth today.

May we not be caught up in the foolishness. We watch as the Uniting Church and the Church of England follow the foolishness, who else are about to follow? These churches are extinguishing their torches. May it not be so with us! Amen!

seeing God

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8 NLT

Seeing God is an experience we would all like, if we are disposed towards God. However, even those not so disposed would possibly find the experience awesome. For the believer the presence of God is a treasure.

When God shows up all questions cease, all problems appear insignificant, and all answers are in Him.

Today I travelled for around 6 hours to my home. Before leaving the coast I walked along the beach and enjoyed God's creation.  It was so special. He is in all things. His creation sings His praises.He is worthy. Amen!