Live Wisely, Fear the Lord

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

We must live in a manner where we understand that God will come the next second and we will stand before His throne.

Today’s devotional reading: Isaiah 13:6-16

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). Some may think this to be a paradoxical statement, but one ought to fear the Lord, but not be afraid of Him. To fear the Lord in such a manner would be to respect the Him, His power and His authority. Yet, we don’t have to be afraid of Him because the Lord loves us and desires for us to prosper.

Jesus told us that should we choose to believe in Him, we will not perish but will have everlasting life (John 3:16). However, those who don’t choose to believe in Him, Jesus made it clear that they are condemned already (John 3:18). One ought not want to take part in the eternal condemnation as the Lord does not hide that His punishment of sin won’t be pretty.

One should live wisely, should one not desire to face the guilty punishment of a sinner.

1. Living with love manifesting from a pure heart.
2. Living faithfully in obedience to His word.
3. Living by putting all our trust in Him.

Faithful living pleases the Lord! While we may have our missteps and our setbacks, when we live faithfully, God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in mercy (Ps. 145:8).

Today is a day where we must choose to live wisely because the day of the Lord is near. We don’t want to live in such a manner that when that day arrives, we find ourselves cast away from His presence.