— D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The fearsomeness of God is often shunned to focus on His love. Many say we are not to fear Him, that His grace and mercy should overcome our fear. Yet fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). We cannot rightly know or understand the love, mercy or grace of God except when we fear Him properly. Only when we realize how fearsome He is are we prepared to understand the incredible riches of His love toward us.
Wisdom, while preparing a feast of understanding, mixed wine for the simple to drink and learn the way of God (Proverbs 9:1-6). At that time, wine would be mixed with spices in order to improve its flavor and strengthen its affects. Many spices eaten alone are unpleasant, yet when mixed they improve the flavor of the mixture.
The fear of God is a spice that when mixed with the wine of His love improves its flavor and strengthens its affects. Like many spices, the fear of God alone is a most unpleasant experience. Although, when mixed with God’s love, the sweetness of that love is greatly enhanced. Without a proper fear of God, we can’t even begin to understand the outrageous wonder of His love.
The fear of God is a versatile spice that complements our knowledge of God in every way. For instance, when mixed with His mercy we begin to comprehend the wrath we have been spared. When mixed with His grace, the greatness of that grace is perceived, for it is grace far greater than our sin and our shame.
Ever since Kay joined Facebook, she has been on a wild friending spree.
Politicians in the United States are blamed by many for the moral decline of our country. They are scrutinized twenty-four hours a day on news channels. All the while, those truly responsible are given a free pass. The preachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ are the ones at fault. Most have exchanged the difficult demands of repentance for the easy pleasures of self-indulgence.
— Ephesians 4:29
God wants us to live for Him with the same commitment winning athletes have. http://bit.ly/FQNVh
Ran a couple miles out and back on the South Rim (Blue) Trail at Oak Mountain. It is beautiful up there but watch for Copper Head snakes.
Working at La Reunion in Helena. Had Reunion Club for lunch. Not the traditional club but warm meat and melted cheese was a nice touch.
God will lead us if we will wait for Him. - http://bit.ly/N3j61
Check out Google wonder wheel. Search for something. Click Show options. Click wonder wheel on the left. Click links around the wheels.
RT @DAXKODave Wow! Now that’s an acceptance speech - http://bit.ly/HMiDM (Basketball player David Robinson)
The scriptures are full of wonderful, marvelous, and extraordinary truths. http://www.churchatbrierfield.org/p/799/
Who is the worst sinner you know? - http://bit.ly/Xz4yq
Just had the excellent Cinnamon Crunch bagel at Panera Bread with Honey Walnut spread. My opinion of bagels has been permanently altered.
