The Bible says that it will be well for those who fear God and it will not be well for the evil man who does not fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The fear of the Lord also keeps us away from evil and leads us to life. The reason many people persist in the empty patterns of sin is because they have no fear of God. Countless people’s lives remain on the wide way that leads to destruction rather than the narrow way that leads to life solely because they have no fear of God before their eyes.

As the famine gripped the land, the four lepers sat by the entrance to the city contemplating their fate. The admitted that returning the city would lead to death, as would remained seated in complacency. They decided to get up and go to the Arameans seeking help. When they arose at twilight, The Lord caused the sound of a mighty army to terrify the enemy camp. They fled the area, leaving the spoils for the lepers. True faith is always accompanied by works. When we get up in faith, God’s power often meets our desperation. Maybe it is time for you to get up and take a step of faith. 

While Saul was headed to Damascus to persecute followers of Jesus, he was brought low by a light from heaven. The voice in the light declared that it is hard to kick against the goads. A goad being a sharp stick with which to move livestock. Many people today kick against the goads. Some, as they persist in their unbelief. Others, as they persist in their disobedience against what God has called them to do and be. There is great peace in submitting to the voice from heaven. 

Jesus compared our spiritual life to a slave who has been entrusted with responsibilities by his or her master. Depending on how we live, what we prioritize, and whether or not we are obedient, we are either a wise and faithful slave or one who is evil. Wise and faithful slaves maintain their allegiance to the Lord above all else and avoid getting distracted by the things of the world. If we do so we are promised to be rewarded upon the Lords return.

When Paul and Silas were beaten and put in prison, they found their strength in worship. The Bible tells us that they began to pray and sing hymns of praise to God. It is in our darkest hour that worship becomes vital to our faith. We worship for encouragement, power and as a witness. Be encouraged in your midnight prison cell. The Lord sees and hears you. And He is able to use your dire circumstance powerfully for His glory. 

Jesus told the woman from Sychar that true worship was not about a location but sincerity of heart. He proclaimed that the Father seeks people to worship Him in spirit and truth. Spirit is often understood to be our heart. We are called to love the Lord with all of our heart, believe in our heart and guard our heart. Worship devoid of our heart is not true. Our heart must be balanced by the truth. If we neglect the truth, our hearts can be misled. Therefore, we are called to worship in spirit and truth. 

The 3 Hebrew boys refused to worship the golden idol set up by the king. They boldly declared that they would not worship or serve any god except The Most High God. True worshippers will be found to worship God for who He is, what He has done, with all of their being. At what cost will you remain faithful to the one true God?

When Paul was in Athens he noticed that the city was full of idols. All will be found worshiping something, because all mankind are worshippers. We express our adoration, praise and service to object, nature, people and spiritual beings. However, the only one who is worthy of worship is our Creator God. We are rescued from our false idolatry and restored to true worship when we repent of sin and believe on Jesus as Lord. 

Fasting is when we abstain from food as an act of worship and seeking the Lord. There are other ways the principle of fasting can apply to the life of a Christian. Many people choose to forego certain comforts and pleasure for a season of time as they seek God in repentance, direction and favor. Fasting may have an important place in your life and circumstances as we study these Scriptures.