To Fear God

I was inspired by my sister's blog today.  For those who don't know, she recently gave birth to a beautiful sleeping angel.  My niece, Stella, was born still. 
My sister writes a blog about how she copes with this loss, and how she helps other momma's who are going through the same grieving process.  Today, her blog entry was about fearing God.  She questioned WHY God want's us to fear Him.  This was my response:

I am in no way a Bible scholar. I am a full time student, who learns more every day. When you asked why we are to fear God, I believe you are reading the word FEAR wrong, as it is stated in the Bible. Since the Bible was not originally written in English, the translations of each word may not be precisely what we see a word as meaning. Fear, for example. We see fear as a very bad thing. We don't like to fear things, it scares us, hurts us, binds us. That is not what God want's us to feel for him. I am going to quote a man named Clark, and post what he wrote, his commantary on the Bible referring to the FEAR of God.

"The fear of the Lord - In the preceding verses Solomon shows the advantage of acting according to the dictates of wisdom; in the following verses he shows the danger of acting contrary to them. The fear of the Lord signifies that religious reverence which every intelligent being owes to his Creator; and is often used to express the whole of religion, as we have frequently had occasion to remark in different places. But what is religion? The love of God, and the love of man; the former producing all obedience to the Divine will; the latter, every act of benevolence to one's fellows. The love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit produces the deepest religious reverence, genuine piety, and cheerful obedience. To love one's neighbor as himself is the second great commandment; and as love worketh no ill to one's neighbor, therefore it is said to be the fulfilling of the law. Without love, there is no obedience; without reverence, there is neither caution, consistent conduct, nor perseverance in righteousness.

This fear or religious reverence is said to be the beginning of knowledge; ראשית reshith, the principle, the first moving influence, begotten in a tender conscience by the Spirit of God. No man can ever become truly wise, who does not begin with God, the fountain of knowledge; and he whose mind is influenced by the fear and love of God will learn more in a month than others will in a year"

So this explains that to "fear" in the bible, is to be obediant, to gain knowledge in our Lord, and to follow what he wants for us in this life. So the Word FEAR would be better translated as the word WISDOM. I am not sure why the word "ראשית reshith" would transfer to FEAR, I can't even pronounce it. I just know that God loves us, and want's us to love others as he loves us. He wants us to be the best we can, to be His hands and feet, to spek His word. AND to be with Him one day. I hope that this is making some sense to you. I would love to get together and talk more on this, we can learn more together.

Here are some verses that were cross referenced with the word FEAR and the topic that this Clark man was talking about.

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Deuteronomy 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."

Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Proverbs 2:5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 5:12 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.

I love you, Krystal. God loves you more.
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I would like to know what everyone else thinks about the fear of God. 

COMMENTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

As always, thank you for reading, and God bless you!

~Karie Anne

Changes

So, it has been almost a month since my last post.  I have been wanting to speak up about what I have been up to, just havnt found the words and had slipped between happiness and little bouts of depression/confusion.  I guess they are all to similar!
Well, I am happy to say that a couple hours after my last post, I JUST DID IT.  I started my own photography business, Grateful Memories Photography.  I, coincidentely, met a woman online that had just started her photography business, and she kinda nudged me into starting a FaceBook page to get some interest in my work.  Since that day, I have done 3 photoshoots to build up my portfolio!  I am loving it!  The only thing, I really don't have all the things that I could really use to make it a successful business... that takes a whole lotta cash that I don't have (remember, no job :P).  Living in Wisconsin, winter time makes my photo shoots limited to indoors... not my favorite for photography.  My ideal image is to be outdoors with nature. Letting the client be NATURAL.  I have faith that I will get there, and thank you God, Spring is coming!
I really have put a lot of faith out there that God will guide me, and He has done wonders in my life.  Things have been so different than what I am used to... but better in many ways.  For one, had I been working full time still, I would have never had the opportunity to be a part of my daughters 4K Valentines Day Party today.  I wouldnt be the one potty training my 2 year old (which isn't going too great, but at least I am the one teaching him!).  I wouldn't have the patience to help my 11 year old with homework.  I wouldn't have been able to capture so many moments on camera for those  who I have photographed... memories that will last a lifetime for them.  I am raising my kids, not a daycare!  I can teach them the things that are important, teach them about God's love for us all.  That is something that was not ever taught at daycare... besides in my class :) 
There are so many things that I have to work on in myself, (remembering to remember!)  I have a lot more faith in myself than I ever did.  God answered my prayer. 
Thanks for reading, and may God put blessings into your life!