Fear of the Lord!

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but the fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~Proverbs 1-7

Most people despise any kind of correction. We are so convinced that we know it all. We don't want to learn anything new or change our ways because we think that our way is the only way. When someone tries to correct us, we set up a wall. This happens many times when we start a new job, or anything new. We come with the old habits and we are not open minded to new things. But, there are times that we need time out to rethink in our ways. Nothing can make me more upset than a disrespectful child without discipline. Nothing gives them the right to mistreat a parent. Respect is non-negotiable. Patents, set boundaries and know your limits. Your child is not your partner or your peer.  Many parents don't know where to draw the line when it comes to their children's disrespectful behavior. Today's society we don't know who is the child and who is the parent. Which is why; we need the fear of the Lord. As a child when our parents gave us that tough correction, it was that look that just gave fear. My parents were old school; they only had to look at us and we would already be in our rooms making sure that the room was in order, and clean. My mother didn't even have to touch us; she just had to look at me and my siblings and we already knew that as soon as the visitors were gone, we were all in big trouble. Growing up my parents were very strict. We were not allowed to sleepover, stay up late or have friends over uninvited. We had to have dinner together as a family; and for Sunday mass we had to be ready on time, no one was allowed to stay home alone. I never learned the fear of the Lord until I gave my life to the Lord. Fear is an affectionate reverence that we bring before God. 

Fear is mentioned approximately 437 times in the bible. Regardless of translation, different types of fears. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy one is insight”. If you are experiencing any fear that is not from the Lord, you can overcome fear by faith with prayer and submission. There are many different kinds of fears, but we must learn to trust God. He says: “Fear Not” “I am with you”. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but power and love self control”. Even in the bible there were men and women who displayed a spirit of fear in the bible, but emotion of impending danger never overwhelmed Jesus. We must tremble at the Lord's holiness, just as we are drawn to him in Love. We must accept instruction. To resist the pride that will take us off our path. Many seek money and treasure over fear, it is wise to fear God and be obedient. On day two of my nursing residency I had such fear; that could not explain. As I wore my navy blue scrubs all that I could do was cry and praise. I remember the days that I prayed for what I have accomplished today by grace. I remember that I am a nurse of fear because God was who created me to be the woman, the nurse of fear who remembers that God still answers prayers. “Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord himself is God; It is he who has made us, not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture”. I remember what it was like when I didn't have what I prayed for. I told my God I will forever worship you. I will dedicate my license to the Lord. I will forever preach to the sick. My fear was in reference; acknowledge that the God who gives can also take away in the blink of an eye. I want to stay humble and be a prudent nurse who fears God over everything and every one. My second day was full of emotions and joy. I have waited a very long time for this day; humanly, I was a little nervous; but I knew that the same God who did the miracle is the same God today, tomorrow and forever. He is the God who will walk with me in the next eighteen months by providing me with his wisdom, and knowledge. Today, in “Butterfly by Grace Mommy & Daughter blog” I would like to encourage you to take the step forward of faith to walk by faith and not by sight. I encourage you to remember to stay humble and walk with the fear of the Lord. Don't forget God when he answers your prayer. Stay with a humble heart and submit to God. Walk with fear, and I will guarantee you that God will fight for you every step of the way. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up”. Being humble opens doors. 

Lets pray,

Holy Spirit, make us aware of people around us. Let us come before you with fear and in humbleness. Help us to position our hearts and walk humbly. We choose to like without pride and follow your lead. Father God, please prevent us from trying to attract attention. Do not let us gloat over praise. Help to live and walk like you Jesus. Amen