Thursday June 5, 2008 by Keith

Scripture:
Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

Ephesians 1: 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Observation:
The Psalmist writes that “the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love…”

I continue to long for a greater fear of the Lord. I never had to fear a parent’s wrath and have not ever been in trouble with the law, so I have not had that innate “fear” that some have.

I seem to know in my head to fear the Lord but it doesn’t always prove to reflect in my daily living. I think the reason I don’t fully reflect this is somehow I have misunderstood Ephesians 1 when Paul says, “4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…”

Application:
It is so easy to live my life routinely and without passion if I just assume it’s all taken care of. I’m adopted. It’s done.

Oh, but that is FAR from the truth. I have been chosen by the Ruler of all things, the King of kings, the Almighty One who has always been God has never not been God, is God right now, and will be forever, the Holy One, the Creator that made me, knows me, and gives me life.

If I choose to see this for what it really is, my life can’t help but be changed. When I pause and reflect on the Lord I have numerous reasons to fear Him put my hope in His unfailing love.

I fear Him, because he is the only one I should fear. I put my hope in Him because He is the only one that has unfailing love.

Prayer:
I ask that You God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of Your mighty strength, which You exerted in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms. I want to know you more. I thank you for your unfailing love. To You be the glory and power forever. In Jesus name, amen.