Daily Devotionals
September 6, 2018
The Fear of the Lord
September 6, 2018
DAILY READING
Proverbs 1:1-19
This weekend’s reading: Genesis 11:1-9
FIELD NOTES
The Book of Proverbs may seem like a jumble of old sayings, but it is carefully constructed to teach us about applying wisdom to our daily life. Verse 7 begins, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” So what is the fear of the Lord?
Contrary to popular opinion, the phrase “the fear of the Lord” does not mean the fear of divine punishment for sin. It is used repeatedly in the Old Testament, and simply acknowledges the vast difference between human understanding and God’s overwhelming power and presence in Creation. John Wesley taught that fear of the Lord meant “Reverence and obedience to God.”
So wisdom begins by revering and obeying God!
QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD
- What are the steps you take when you have an important decision to make? Consider adding worship and prayer to the beginning of that list.
- How are you revering and obeying God in this season of your life?
FAMILY FIELD TALK
- What does “obedience” mean? Do you have house rules at home? Or classroom rules at school? What are the consequences for not following them?
- What does it look like to obey God? What are God’s “house rules”?
PRAYER
Loving God, we cannot know your vastness, but we know your deep love for us. Continue leading us on paths of righteousness, even though we are wont to stray. Continue seeking us and leading us back to you. Help us learn to trust and obey as we grow wise in our faith.