Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”

We should fear the Lord, but we should not be afraid. The fear of the Lord is a fear that draws us near. We move from being afraid of God to "the fear of the Lord" as we progress from legalism to gospel-sanity.  The Law will make you afraid of God but the gospel will give you the fear of the Lord. HUGE difference! The solemnity of the Day of Judgment should move us to evangelism and missions. Knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men (II Cor. 5:11). And remember: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Your smart phone is the beginning of information and distraction.  

Father, be so large in our hearts today we think about no one else's approval. If we were still trying to please men, we would not want to be your servants, Lord. Father, thank you that in the Gospel we now have all reasons to follow you. You have given us your very Son. May our obedience match our profession today. In Jesus’ name.