Honor, Respect, and Fear - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

Honor, respect, and fear
shades of meaning
to understand the first step
the beginning of wisdom

Always present, all powerful
creator of the universe
listening to each of our cries
doing what is good

Awesome the thought
the creator’s power
His presence in our lives
reaching down from the heights
lifting us up.

August 13, 2009
Psalm 111:10
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines 2009
for August 13, 2009
New Revised Standard Version:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.”
New Century Version
“Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord;
those who obey his orders have good understanding.
He should be praised forever.”
and Alive Now Daily Reflection
for August 12, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-10-16/
and see
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The Beginning of Wisdom

In the beginning, we were afraid
we knew our nakedness
biting into the flesh of the fruit
of the forbidden tree

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
the psalmist wrote, oh so long ago
We forget so often
forget He is a jealous God
forget our weakness without him
walk in our own paths
for a separate false idol
graven images and temporal pleasures
Opportunities of epiphany lost
in our self-reliance

Cleave to the Lord
follow his commands
love one another
share in the Good News
Hear His still voice
burning within you now

July 1, 2006 7:50am
Psalm 111:10