The Fear of the Lord

Note: over the next few weeks we're going to do a three part series on the importance of Bible memorization, all drawn from Revelation 14. For more information about memorization, check out our introductory Crash Course. Then, move on to our life-changing Breakout Memory Challenge...

Three angels giving a message to earth

Troubles in this world seem to be accelerating. The recent string of hurricanes and the mass shooting last week in Las Vegas are just two examples of terrible headlines suggesting the return of Christ is drawing near. Politics, technology, economics, and other trends all reinforce that conviction.

Fortunately God has a special message to prepare His endtime people for the coming crisis.

It is found in Revelation 14, where three powerful angels broadcast a message "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (). Ultimately, these messages produce a people at last who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (). And it is just in time. Immediately afterwards, John looks and "behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle" ().

Clearly it is important to understand these messages!

The message of the first angel begins with these startling words: "Fear God" (). It's a reminder that God is sovereign and should be given the reverence and respect He deserves as an omniscient and omnipotent being. It's given to a world that seems to have forgotten their moral accountability to their Creator and Judge.

The "Fear of the Lord" is also an important Bible theme. The Bible describes it as both "the beginning of knowledge" () and "the beginning of wisdom" (). Those who possess it come to the place where they are described as hating evil. (). It enables them to escape the snares of the enemy (). And by it, the power of sin is broken (). In fact, we are urged to abide in this experience "all the day long" ().

While there can certainly be an unhealthy fear of God, a proper reverence and respect for God is powerful.

But how can we obtain this experience? The Bible tells us exactly:

Proverbs 2:1-5
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

The process is clear. We open ourselves to God, internalize His Word (through memorization), actively apply ourselves to understanding and obeying the principles contained within it, and the result is sure. We will come to "understand the fear of the LORD" in due time.

I believe this is one of the most important reasons to memorize Scripture. As we go through our day, the internalized Word comes to mind in all the various situations of life. It is a constant reminder not only of the will of God, but also of the presence of God. Like Elijah, we hear that still small voice speaking to our hearts (). Like Hagar, we are reminded "Thou God seest me" (). That's the fear of the Lord...

To experience this "all the day long" () we must learn to make Scripture our "meditation all the day" ().

We learn to hate evil because the entrance of God's Word gives us the light we need to see sin for what it is (). We escape the manifold snares of Satan because meditation on Scripture makes us wiser than our enemies (). The power of sin is broken in our lives, because we have hidden Scripture in our hearts ().

We will come to understand more fully the true fear of the Lord as we grow into a conscious, continuous sense of the will and presence of God. And that growth happens when we begin to memorize Scripture.

Comments

Have you experienced a clear sense of the will and presence of God in your life? Has Scripture memory deepened that experience? Share a testimony or two in the comments below.

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	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/29/21 - Coach
	You are very welcome Lynie! It's such a blessing that we can turn to God at any time, isn't it?

	Posted by Lynie on 03/27/21
	Hi Ps Dan, I do experience God when I am in the situation which I don't know where to go to and seems there's no way. But God give an open way. God is very good.. That's the reason I wanna know our God more... Thank you Pastor Dan for this page.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/19/21 - Coach
	I am always thrilled when I hear of people connecting up here at FAST and encouraging each other. So glad you and Stella could do that. Things are moving "fast" Joan! Let's keep climbing higher! :)

	Posted by Joan Ziegler on 03/18/21
	Dan, we are living in a fast moving time. Our only security is our faith and trust in the Savior who is always there for us. Stella and I are faithfully appreciating the encouragement and accountability of each other every week as our list of memorized verses continues to grow and become important to us. FAST is still the best gift we have given ourselves!!! An interesting comment from E.G. White on Revelation 14:14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle., in my Maranatha devotional a couple of days ago .... the white cloud that Christ sits on when He returns is "angels". That was an exciting revelation for me!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/15/21 - Coach
	That's such an important point Valerie, about memorization being linked to a sense of the presence of God. There's resistance sometimes to this idea of "fearing" God, but I think that's just because we don't really understand the holiness of God. To truly come into His presence, and sense that holiness should evoke at least some trepidation given our sinful condition. But His majesty also overshadows any other earthly fear, and makes them seem rather trivial. That's what brings that comfort and peace you talked about. Good post...

	Posted by Valerie Wise Burrell on 03/15/21 - Coach
	Dan, I like your point about "the internalized word" and how it reveals to us not only the will of God, but also, the presence of God. Having the presence of God during these times gives a comfort and peace that passes all understanding.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/10/21 - Coach
	Yes, the more we memorize, and especially, the more sharp we keep our verses--the more readily they flash into our mind. Let's keep working towards that Carla!

	Posted by Carla Phillips on 03/08/21
	I like all the scripture you have listed here . I need to work on my scripture memorization, it really does help to speak the verse in times of need and all thru the day .

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/08/21 - Coach
	It is amazing how the internalized Word can really start to change us--from the inside, where it counts most. Thanks for sharing your testimony Stella! It's been great having you a part of our community! :)

	Posted by Stella on 03/08/21
	Pastor Dan, definitely I’ve experienced the will and presence of God in my life, just a quick example, I used to laugh at double meaning jokes (bad jokes) and now I see them very disgusting. My taste is changing, praise the Lord!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 03/08/21 - Coach
	You are very welcome Linda. This is such a rich theme all through Scripture. Definitely worth studying out more!

	Posted by Linda Ryan on 03/08/21
	Priceless! Thank you all so much 🙌🏻🙏🏻Linda

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/27/20 - Coach
	I think that lies right at the heart of the fear of the Lord kok, sensing His constant presence. Remembering at all times that thou God seest me... And yes that comes through prayer, reading, and especially, memorization...

	Posted by kok on 10/26/20
	The more time I spend on prayer and reading the words of God more often ,I can feel and sense the presence of God.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/25/20 - Coach
	Nice idea Carla to use a calendar to help with your memorization! That consistent daily review is so important. Keep at it! :)

	Posted by Carla Phillips on 10/25/20
	Scripture memorization has helped me though i do need to practice it alot more . I even have a calendar at work with verses that I try to memorize daily. If I am having a bad day at work, a verse will come to my mind and I will repeat it while I am working

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/25/20 - Coach
	I think that is the real key here Richard. We can't just be after rote memorization, we have to seek "a real life experience with God". Exactly right!

	Posted by Richard on 10/24/20
	It a real life experience with God indeed. Psalms 119:93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou has quickened me.

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 10/23/20
	Thank you, Dan for your prayers. Its a time to cling to Jesus and let Him reveal what HE needs to reveal to us God Bless Carole

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/23/20 - Coach
	Yes, that's definitely His will, and keeping His Word internalized is so critical to that. Sorry to hear you are facing some challenges though Carole, but my prayers are with you. God will guide, I'm confident!

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 10/23/20
	God's will is for me to stay connected to Him, to ask for His direction, to be humble. Scripture helps me in my time of need. We need to cling to His Word. Recently I have been going through a difficult situation. I am waiting on Him to lead me. Let the mind that be in Christ be also in me! Amen BLESSINGS, Carole

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/29/19 - Coach
	Diedra, be sure to join up for our Breakout Memory Challenge if you haven't already. It's a great way to restart a memory program that has stumbled, as well as a great help to those starting out. I'm sure you will love it. And the reference is Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.. :)

	Posted by Diedra A Alston on 10/29/19
	For a time I memorized scripture daily with my worship thought. I still remember the verses. I desire to do this again. Thank you for reaching out to all of us. The Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee. I wish I had memorized the location of the Scriptures. Thank you for giving me another opportunity.

	Posted by Carole Bliss on 03/24/19
	I have taken thus class. I still go over the verses regularly. I realize how vital they are. I use index cards and go over them when I walk BLESSINGS Carole

	Posted by Dan Vis on 05/06/18 - Coach
	Glad you found this a blessing Pam! I think all three messages point to the importance of Scripture memory. In this senses, it's as much a message for us on how to prepare, as it is a warning to the world about the prophetic symbols these messages talk about. You did a beautiful job describing the fear of the Lord experience...

	Posted by Pamela Kendall on 05/05/18
	Thank you Dan for this beautiful connection between scripture memory and the 1st angel's message! Thanks for pointing us back to these articles at BMC... such a great connection to the Revelation book focus! I especially like the emphasis on the memorized word providing a continuous sense of God's presence and his will. The internalized word makes Him more real to our minds (compare Deuteronomy 30:11-1411 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. & Romans 10:5-85 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; - Jesus = the word: when the word is near, Jesus himself is near!) The more personally acquainted we are with Him by intimate association/intimate communion through His word the better we will trust him and the more we will cherish and respect (fear - in the sense of awe/reverence) his opinion, his wisdom expressed in his word when making our choices and the more we will seek him/the word for counsel instead of trusting to our own (faulty) wisdom.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/26/17 - Coach
	Thanks Vicky, glad that spoke to you. It is an amazing thought that the God of the universe condescends to meet with us personally, isn't it? And yes, Debbie, it seems clear to me, the winds of strife are loosening more and more each day... And how that should redirect us to what is truly important. Well said... Hi Carolynn, great to see you again!

	Posted by Carolynn Joanne Kozak on 10/26/17
	This is a great blessing to experience more of God's Love by memorizing His Words of Life. "Wonderful, Wonderful, YES my God is Wonderful" Thank-you! everyone for sharing, your comments are a blessing to me.

	Posted by Debbie Payne on 10/23/17
	Thank you for this inspiring message of hope! As we see the four winds of strife being let loose your message redirects us to what is of vital importance...keeping a firm grip on God and His powerful words of love. Memorizing His word does kick up my spiritual walk...it is truly a blessing! Keep encouraging us...it's working!

	Posted by Vicky Lewis on 10/22/17
	"It (the internalized Word) is a constant reminder not only of the will of God, but also of the presence of God. Wow, that is deep. I had never thought about when memorized verses come to mind that I am experiencing the presence of God. . . God speaking to me!

	Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 10/18/17
	Oops, thanks, Dan - I forgot to tag Roy. I appreciate you spotting that ... :-D

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/16/17 - Coach
	Well glad to have you here Roy! Now I know 2 Roy Kim's. :)

	Posted by Roy Kim on 10/15/17
	Hi Fiona! Hi Dan! Thanks for having me. I look forward to getting engaged and learning in this community. Dan, I think you are thinking of another person with the same name because I've never been to Australia yet :).

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/15/17 - Coach
	Hi Roy! Great to hear from you again. It has been awhile hasn't it? Are you still in Australia? Let me know if you have any questions about anything, or I can help at all as you get oriented to our learning environment. Please see the comment above--a note from Fiona...

	Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 10/15/17
	A message for you, Dan, from Blessing. Welcome, Roy! Good to have you here with us! God works with us when we are searching. You will be blessed here, Roy. There are many classes and discussions to encourage you in your spiritual journey. It is true that we need some degree of quiet to memorize Scripture - whether in nature or at home. And the Scriptures are a stay and solace to the soul too. Do take part in our next challenge coming up - the discussions are lively and the topics presented very interesting! We hope to see you there! :-)

	Posted by Roy Kim on 10/14/17
	Hello and God's blessings to all. I recently joined this community and I would like to thank God for this ministry. I was searching for a Scripture memorization program or method when I remembered the FAST Missions which I first heard about around 2007. I remember the name Dan Vis also. I did a Google search and was able to find this website. I pray that God will strengthen my walk with HIm and that I would be trained to be a disciple of Christ through the classes and programs here. I feel God's presence most when I am in nature away from the noise and distractions of the city. I like to think about God during these times in nature and perhaps it would be an opportune time to memorize Scripture in the quiet and solitude.

	Posted by Blessing on 10/14/17
	OK Dan. I appreciate your quick response. Good night!

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/14/17 - Coach
	Cool. :) Guess it has been that long, John. Guess that means we're both getting older...

	Posted by John Gilmore on 10/14/17
	Indirectly about that long, Dan. My daughter, Tesha, introduced me to FAST in 1999. We didn't meet in person until a few yrs later.

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/14/17 - Coach
	Another wonderful testimony, Fiona! So appreciate your desire to share that experience with others... Blessing, just login and go to the Crash Course classroom (under classes). Our email provider had a glitch that caused them to lose several automation sequences. So your emails will not be coming, but the lessons are all unlocking properly. And thanks for sharing John. Hopefully some will respond. 18 years--praise God. Have we known each other that long?

	Posted by John Gilmore on 10/14/17
	Having been regularly memorizing for the last 18 yrs, yes, God's presence has been more deeply felt. His Word has grown more precious to me. I wish I had started earlier.

	Posted by John Gilmore on 10/14/17
	I did the Breakout Challenge earlier this year and was blessed. Thanks for the bulletin inserts, too. I'll pass some out today.

	Posted by Blessing on 10/14/17
	Bro Dan Happy Sabbath! Please I want to complete the Crash Course on memory gem. I stopped on day 3. Have a blissful Sabbath day rest! Blessing.

	Posted by Fiona van Wyk on 10/13/17
	I was just thinking that I need to send you a message, Becky, because it was been so silent from your side! Lovely to see your messages, Becky! It is a very timely post, Dan. I appreciated it. I have found Scripture memorization to be a wonderful blessing - while going about my daily business; chatting with friends - sharing Scripture even though they are not Bible people; helping me make decisions; encouraging myself and others; and understanding Scripture. As others mentioned above, working on memorizing Scripture makes the Bible come alive! I enjoy writing out my verses on cardboard to have on hand for moments in the day. My little verse packs give me joy. :-) I just long to have others start on the wonderful path of memorizing Scripture so that they can experience the blessings! I long to have friends and family prepared, for I believe that we are going to need those verses in our hearts and minds in the times to come. We need to be settled into the Truth. Having Scripture in our minds helps us know what we believe. I am keeping you in prayer, Shanthi. May the heavenly angels surround you like they did Elisha. I enjoyed reading everyone else's stories. :-)

	Posted by Dan Vis on 10/13/17 - Coach
	Glad to have you back Becky! God is so good...

	Posted by Colette Guthrie on 10/13/17 - Coach
	Becky thank you, I got your message :)

	Posted by Becky Rich on 10/13/17
	Ok, Dan I somehow didn't get the tags correct. Help? So sorry.

	Posted by Becky Rich on 10/13/17
	I hit the wrong button and sent my post before previewing it, so just want to add how much I enjoyed your testimonies, everyone: Robyn, Ann, Colette, Blessing Shanthi, how are you now? We were stateside a few weeks ago, and the smoke we inhaled traveling through the eastern side of Washington,Idaho and Montana, set me up for the pneumonia I'm now experiencing, I think. Protect your lungs!

	Posted by Becky Rich on 10/13/17
	I just read this memo this morning and it spoke volumes to me. I've been silent lately at Fast, Dan due to many reasons, traveling, illness, etc, but not silent with God. I read His word voraciously. It's almost like I can't get enough of it. I want to KNOW God's word, but even more, I want to know Him. I've slowed my memorizing down because as Qing mentioned above, it's not how many verses we memorize butrather the process of truly hiding God's word in our heart through meditating upon His word and internalizing it. It is too easy to get off track and let memorizing become an end to itself, but God patiently draws me back when I stray. I signed up this morning for the new challenge and am going to keep my heart focus on our Savior as I reclaim some of His beautiful promises and blessings in the book of Psalms.

	Posted by Blessing on 10/13/17
	He is bro Dan. May His name be praised forever and ever. Amen!

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