Is your relationship with God one of awe and reverence, or is God just "the Man upstairs" to you? Do you have the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom? (Sir 1:12) This does not mean a fear of harm but an overwhelming sense of awe in the Lord's presence. "Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown. Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days" (Sir 1:9-10).
Do you have more reverence for the Lord the longer you know Him? Is prayer becoming more of a privilege every day? Like the New Testament church, are you "making steady progress in the fear of the Lord"? (Acts 9:31)
"A reverent fear overtook them all, for many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles" (Acts 2:43). Is a joyful, happy fear overtaking you? "He who fears the Lord will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed (Sir 1:11).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I learn and live the fear of the Lord. May I see Your awesome presence manifested within three hours. |
| PROMISE: | "Everything is possible to a man who trusts. The boy's father immediately exclaimed, 'I do believe! Help my lack of trust!' " –Mk 9:23-24 |
| PRAISE: | Experiencing a newness in her faith, Joanna became aware in a deep way of the glory of God. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College