Are you excited about today? I sure am!
I’m so grateful just to be alive, and I don’t take anything for granted.
I thank God for the ability to wake up, walk, see, and hear. To have hands that function, a voice to speak, ears to listen, and eyes to see—it’s all a blessing. We should never take these things lightly, because there are people who are struggling in areas we often overlook. But God has blessed you—and for that, we show gratitude.
Lord, I thank You for providing shelter. Some people don’t have a place to call home. Some are homeless and searching for comfort, but here we are—safe, covered, and loved. Thank You, God, for a healthy family and for blessing and protecting our homes. Truly, God is good all the time.
You might say, “Pastor KBN, you seem pretty excited this morning.” No—I’m just grateful. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the goodness of God.
So, let’s get started. I’m truly excited this morning. Thank you for being with us!
Let’s pray:
Father, forgive me of any sin. As I stand before Your people today, I surrender myself to You. Use my mouth and voice to audibly speak the words You’ve placed in my spirit. May the believers be edified, built up, and encouraged today. Let what You’ve placed on my heart bring revelation and inspiration to them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.
We’re continuing with our series: “Why the Enemy Works So Hard to Distract Us with Negativity.”
He wants us to dwell on trials, tests, and tough circumstances. The enemy wants us to live in fear—what I call the “big F-bomb” for believers.
But this morning, I want to ask you something: Is there such a thing as good fear?
Let me explain. The word is “awe.”
In the Bible, awe is a profound emotion that combines fear, reverence, and honor—especially in relation to God. The Hebrew word “yirah” is often translated as “fear” but also means awe, reverence, respect, and worship. It appears throughout Scripture and is closely associated with recognizing God’s holiness, power, and authority.
Awe is foundational to wisdom and understanding. It’s more than an emotion—it’s a disposition, a heart posture. Awe is a response to who God is and what He has done through creation, provision, redemption, and judgment.
Biblical Examples of Awe:
Let’s look at Luke 8:23–25:
“But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we perish!’ Then He arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And He said unto them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, ‘What manner of man is this! For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him.’”
That’s awe.
Have you ever personally experienced an angelic encounter? I remember one from my childhood. The house was dark, and we weren’t supposed to be awake, but my siblings and I were running around playing. Suddenly, the lights went out, and we saw a glowing angel. We were terrified—we ran upstairs and hid under the bed!
Here’s another moment of awe from Mark 16:
“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white robe; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.’”
—Mark 16:5–7, NKJV
Awe. Reverence. Shock. Holy fear. That’s what happens when you witness God’s hand in action.
Proverbs 1:7 says:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This isn’t “fear” as in being scared. It’s reverent respect—an acknowledgment of God’s authority and holiness.
When you fear God rightly, you begin to walk in wisdom. You submit to His will, and the Holy Spirit begins to guide, warn, and direct you. You gain insight and sound judgment simply by acknowledging God.
It’s a game-changer.
I love how David, when he sinned, would always return to God. What he feared most was not punishment—but separation from God’s presence.
Let’s look again at Proverbs 1:7, through different translations:
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NIV: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
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New Century Version: “Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord, but fools hate wisdom and discipline.”
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Holman Christian Standard: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Let that settle in your spirit.
Have you ever tried to give advice to someone who just couldn’t receive it? Like talking to a brick wall? That’s what Proverbs means by a fool—someone who rejects wisdom and discipline.
But when you reverence God, when you walk in awe of Him, knowledge begins to flow.
Listen, we’re out of time for today, but I’ve got so much more to share. So let’s pick this up again tomorrow.
I love you. Be encouraged. And remember: the fear (awe) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
God bless you, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.
Conclusion:
The fear of the Lord isn’t about terror—it’s about reverence. Embrace awe, gain wisdom, and unlock peace that surpasses understanding through a holy fear that draws you closer to God.
Takeaways:
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Fear of the Lord is rooted in awe and reverence, not fear of punishment.
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Reverence leads to wisdom, clarity, and strength in daily life.
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The enemy uses fear to distract you from God’s power.
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Holy fear produces peace, stability, and spiritual maturity.
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God’s presence becomes more real when you honor Him with awe.
From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: Fear vs. Faith (Part 7), Apr 17, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000703831405&r=15
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