“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!  John 1:29 AMP

All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has made to light upon Him the guilt and iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.  Isaiah 53:6-7 AMP

But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot. 20 It is true that He was chosen and foreordained (destined and foreknown for it) before the foundation of the world, but He was brought out to public view (made manifest) in these last days (at the end of the times) for the sake of you. 21 Through Him you believe in (adhere to, rely on) God, Who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him honor and glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God.  1 Peter 1:19-21 AMP

At Passover, there were specific things that the Israelites were to do and specific procedures they had to follow. All this pointed to what Jesus would do and go through and was fulfilled in Him.

Comparison of the Passover lamb and Jesus, the Lamb of God:

1. Observe the month of Abib and keep the Passover in this month (Deut 16:1).

“Abib was the Egyptian word for green ears, referring to the green barley that was offered as the firstfruits to God in that month. The Septuagint calls it the month of new things. Nisan is substituted for Abib after this. It means the month of flowers or blossoms” (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible). On the 10th day of Abib, later called Nisan, a year-old sacrificial lamb was to be selected from the flock. The chief priests and the scribes were already looking for their opportunity to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him without causing a riot, because Jesus was popular with the people (Mark 14:1-2).

2. Sacrifice the Passover to the Lord your God, of the herd and the flock, in the place where God chooses to place His name (Deut. 16:2). Do not sacrifice the Passover in your homes, but at the place where the Lord shall choose to place His name (Deut. 16:6).

No family could observe the Passover in their own home. The lamb was to be sacrificed where God chose—Jerusalem—where the tabernacle was located. At the beginning of the week of Passover that culminated in the sacrifice of the perfect lamb, the disciples asked Jesus, the Lamb of God, “Where do You wish us to go and prepare the Passover supper for You to eat?” (Mark 14:12). This same 10th day was the day Jesus made His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem!

3. Thoroughly inspect the lamb for spot or blemish for 5 days (Ex 12:3+5).

Only perfect specimens were acceptable. The chief priests and the scribes had Jesus arrested. They cross-questioned Him ruthlessly and brought false accusations against Him, but no charge would stick and no fault was found. In spite of that, they dragged Him before Pilate to try to get him to do their dirty work. Pilate tried to have Him released, saying three times, “I find no fault in Him!” (John 18:38; John 19:4+6).

4. Eat no leavened bread with the Passover. Eat unleavened bread for seven days, during the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. Leavened bread shall not be seen in all your houses or land for seven days (Deut. 16:3-4).

Leaven—yeast—represented sin. Jesus had no sin in Him—He had been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (He 4:15). The sin of the world was placed on Him. Hebrews 7:26 AMP says, “[Here is] the High Priest [perfectly adapted] to our needs, as was fitting—holy, blameless, unstained by sin, separated from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens.”  He took our place; He took our sin upon Himself; He gave us His life in exchange. 1 Corinthians 5:7 AMP says, “Purge (clean out) the old leaven that you may be fresh (new) dough, still uncontaminated [as you are], for Christ, our Passover [Lamb], has been sacrificed.” We must be washed in His blood and walk in purity before the Father.

5. Sacrifice the Passover at evening, before the sun goes down.

The acceptable animal was to be sacrificed on the evening of the 14th day—the ceremony led and initiated by the High Priest (Ex 12:6). The High Priest ordered Jesus to be crucified on this day.
6 PM was the start of the next day, so the lambs were slaughtered at 3 PM (the ninth hour of the day). At the exact time the lambs were killed, Jesus cried out to the Father and breathed out His last breath (Luke 23:44-46).

6. Roast and eat it in the chosen place and go to your tents in the morning (Deut. 16:7).

The lamb was to be roasted and eaten—symbolizing us partaking of His body—receiving all He has for us. We look to Him for life and sustenance; we live on His Word—not bread alone.

7. Neither shall the flesh of the animals sacrificed be left overnight (Ex 12:8-10).

Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried in haste, because preparation for the next day—the Sabbath—had already begun.

8. The leftovers were to be burned—nothing left behind.

For when the blood of animals is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin, the victims’ bodies are burned outside the limits of the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the [city’s] gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through [the shedding of] His own blood and set them apart as holy [for God]. Hebrews 13:11-12 AMP

9. Eat unleavened bread six days, and on the seventh day you shall have a solemn assembly to the Lord, and do no work on it (Deut. 16:8).

There is a rest for the people of God. “So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the [true] people of God; 10 For he who has once entered [God’s] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.”  Hebrews 4:9-10 AMP

Thank God that He sent Jesus, the Lamb of God, Who was sacrificed for your sin and mine—so that we might have favor with God and receive, as a free gift, His grace and mercy.

And Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong, courageous, and firm, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to possess it. 8 It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit – depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].
Deuteronomy 31:7-8 AMP

By the end of his life, Moses had brought the people as far as he could, and it was time for new leadership – the baton was being passed. Joshua was God’s choice to take over from Moses. God gave Joshua his mission: to finish what Moses started. Joshua wasn’t better or worse than Moses – but he was God’s choice for the task that remained to be done at that time. Before Moses died, he publicly installed Joshua as his successor at the Lord’s direction, so there could be a smooth transition, with no arguments from the people later. Most of the time, if people are given their own choice of leadership, they will choose by looking at their appearance – the way they look or the way they present themselves. God chooses based on the heart! God’s choice doesn’t always look to man like the best choice, but it IS! We should not be too quick to judge anyone after the flesh – from a human point of view – especially under the New Covenant. 2 Corinthians 5:16 AMP says, “Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].” God does not call a person because of their ability alone, but He calls them because they make themselves available to Him, to obey and follow Him!

Joshua, not only had to face giants, but he also had to convince the Israelites to follow his leadership even as he followed God’s orders. The secret was in meditating in God’s word day and night and doing only what the Lord instructed him to do. God promised Joshua that if he implicitly obeyed Him, he would be successful in everything that he did! If God calls us to do something and if we worry too much about the opinion of other people, then we will choose our path based on what the people want rather than on what God wants. The Bible says that the fear of man is a trap of the enemy. If we choose to please people and do what we think will make them happy or what will cause the least amount of “waves”, then we cannot and will not please God!

Paul says this about when the Lord initially called Him: “But when it was the good pleasure of the One who set me apart before I was born and called me by His grace to give me an inward revelation of His Son in order that I might proclaim Him as glad tidings among the Gentiles, immediately I did not put myself in communication with flesh and blood for the purpose of consultation; neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:15-17 Wuest). It is fine and right to have certain godly people who offer godly counsel for your life, but when God clearly speaks to you, then stop talking and go and do what He’s told you to do! Asking everyone else for their opinion is a distraction, and waiting for their approval is a time-waster. We must focus on the Lord and what He’s called us to do and just get on with it. Leave the rest to the Lord to take care of. God knows what He’s doing – just trust Him and do what He says. It takes courage to obey God and to do it in spite of other people’s opinions!

Again Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 AMP, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase. 7 So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater. 8 He who plants and he who waters are equal (one in aim, of the same importance and esteem), yet each shall receive his own reward (wages), according to his own labor.”  People are often tempted to compare their leaders with other leaders, either favorably or unfavorably; lifting one up even as they are putting the other down. It is human nature to compare and compete, but if you get hung up with comparisons and picking sides, then it will only result in strife and competition! This comparing and competing is a work of the flesh and betrays the carnality of those involved.

Romans 12:3 AMP says, “For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.”  We must not have a too high estimation of ourselves OR a too low estimation of God and His ability in and through us! We are nothing without Him; but with and through Him, we can do all that He’s called us to do. We must appreciate each other for the gift that each of us is to the Body of Christ and also that we are each called to a different calling. If we will mind our own business, obey God for our own life, and get on with the task He has assigned to us, then God’s overall will shall be done in the end!

 

In like manner, wives, put yourselves in subjection to your own husbands with implicit obedience, in order that even though certain ones obstinately refuse to be persuaded by the Word and are therefore disobedient to it, they may through the manner of life of the wives without a word [from the wives] be gained, having viewed attentively your pure manner of life which is accompanied by a reverential fear; let your adornment not be that adornment which is from without and merely external, namely, an elaborate gathering of the hair into knots, and a lavish display of gold ornaments, or the donning of apparel, but let that adornment be the hidden personality in the heart, imperishable in quality, the adornment of a meek and quiet disposition, which is in the sight of God very costly. For thus formerly also the holy women, the ones whose hope is directed to and rests in God, were accustomed to adorn themselves, putting themselves in subjection with implicit obedience to their own husbands, as Sarah was in the habit of rendering obedience to Abraham, calling him lord, whose children [namely, Sarah’s] you become if the whole course of your life is in the doing of good, and you are not being caused to fear by even one particle of terror.  1 Peter 3:1-6 Wuest’s

The Word of God gives a believing wife the keys to a happy and successful marriage and it’s not just to find her Prince Charming, but it’s to always conduct herself like the princess she is. This passage in 1 Peter, gives eight keys: 1) Obey the Word (1 Pet. 3:1). 2) Submit to and obey your husband (1 Pet. 3:1, 5-6). 3) Conduct your life in a pure and modest way (1 Pet. 3:2). 4) Don’t let your outward adorning be your chief aim in life (1 Pet. 3:3). 5) Let your inner man be adorned more than the outward man (1 Pet. 3:3-4). 6) Trust in God (1 Pet. 3:5). 7) Do the right thing because it’s right (1 Pet. 3:6). 8) Be faithful to your husband in every way (1 Pet. 3:6).

We have already begun discussing some of these points. A godly wife is submitted firstly to God and His word and secondly to her husband as head of their home and their team leader. A godly wife is pure and modest in her conduct and appearance. A godly wife is not preoccupied with her appearance – she knows that godly character is both the most important thing in life and also the source of true beauty. A godly wife seeks to always keep her own heart right before God.

Verse 4 says: “But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.”  A humble, gentle, peaceful spirit – that is not anxious, fearful and tense – is more beautiful than any fancy clothes, make-up or accessories that you can wear! How else can you have a gentle, peaceful spirit, unless you are walking in faith and trusting in the Father to take care of you, no matter what?

The godly women of old, including Sarah, Abraham’s beautiful wife, were great women of faith. These godly women who have gone before us and who are our examples in the faith, such as Sarah, were known for their obedience to God and their respect for their husbands. The Lord exhorts us to follow their example. Sarah, and the other godly women of Bible days, trusted God with their husbands. They submitted to their husbands as a way of life, firstly, out of respect for God, and secondly, out of respect for their husbands. We need to do the same today. It can be a scary thought to submit yourself to another person, to relinquish control, and have to trust their leadership, but the Lord commands us to trust Him with our lives. Fear makes you try to control and be in control, but faith allows you to go ahead and trust the Father with your own life, even as you entrust your life to the leadership of your husband.

Verse 6 says: “let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].” And 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”  The Lord asks us to trust Him and not to take things into our own hands. If you are operating in fear, then you believe that nothing will work out unless you are directing it, but if you are operating in faith, you will trust God to do His job – and He does it so much better than you or I! Instead of trying to control everything, or trying to change your husband, you need to rather pray and trust God to work in your marriage and in and through your man. The Lord is the only one who can change someone – He knows exactly how to reach each of us. You need to pray for the Lord to give you the wisdom and to help you to be the best wife that you can be. Then you can pray and ask the Lord to give your husband His wisdom and help to be the best husband that he can be. Just pray and love your husband – leave the rest to the Father. Men respond so much better to genuine kindness, gentleness and sweetness than they ever will to nagging, whining and manipulation anyway!

If we live our Christian faith quietly and consistently in our home, then our husband and family will see Jesus in us and they will respond positively! The world is always trying to instill discontent in the hearts of people – to get them to be motivated by fear and selfishness – but true joy comes from loving and serving others – especially our family. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  We have to trust God and His word – that His way is the best way – no matter what the latest man-made ideas are. People have been listening to man’s counsel and not God’s counsel for years and we can see that society is all messed up as a result! It’s time to do it God’s way! Be brave enough to stand up for what is right and choose God’s way – the way of life and freedom! Just as Abraham is known as the father of all who believe, so Sarah is called the mother of all those daughters, who walk and follow in her footsteps. Hold your head up and be proud to be called a daughter of Sarah!

20. Grace cannot impart eternal life to men who serve sin and Satan.

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  1 John 3:7-8 NKJV

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.  Matthew 6:24-25 NKJV

21. Grace cannot keep man from moral falls if they willfully sin.

But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.  Numbers 32:23 NKJV

Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin.  John 8:34 AMP

So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.  Romans 8:8 AMP

22. Grace cannot force God to go contrary to His own program of grace.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.  Romans 1:16 NKJV

But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.  Hebrews 3:6 NKJV

The good news of the Gospel is that we can come to the Father through Jesus. It is a free gift given by God’s grace. God has the best plan – anything else is a road to nowhere. You cannot follow your own path or do your own thing and expect God to extend His grace and excuse your rebellion. There is only ONE Name whereby men might be saved – the Name of Jesus! Follow His path!

23. Grace cannot cancel the law of sowing and reaping.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  Galatians 6:7-9 NKJV

24. Grace cannot guarantee unconditional favor to anyone who relies on the Law.

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.  Galatians 2:21 NKJV

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.  Galatians 5:4 NKJV

You cannot acquire God’s grace through relying on the law or good works. Righteousness comes through faith in God. The only way to please God is through faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

25. Grace cannot guarantee unforfeitable life without conditions being met.

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.  Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV

You cannot expect God’s grace to never leave you if you willfully sin. You cannot expect God’s grace to bring you to heaven when you die if you have been hardened by sin and departed from the faith. You must choose life. You must choose blessing. You must choose to serve God fully.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.  Hebrews 3:12-14 NKJV

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse — 27 The blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day; 28 And the curse if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you this day to go after other gods, which you have not known.  Deuteronomy 11:26-28 AMP

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.  Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP

26. Grace cannot guarantee sinlessness to men unless conditions are met.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.  Hebrews 12:14-17 NKJV

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!”  Ezekiel 18:30-32 NKJV

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 AMP

We were called to freedom – freedom from guilt and fear and judgment and freedom from the power of sin. Jesus did not free us so we could indulge our fleshly impulses or have an excuse for selfishness. We are free to love and serve the Father with all our heart and we are free to love others and to serve them. This is our mission and this is our call.

Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].  1 Corinthians 8:9 AMP

Do not deliberately offend others with the liberty you have in Christ.

All things are legitimate [permissible?and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 24 Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 AMP

There are all kinds of things you can do – that are permissible – but which are not helpful, nor constructive. The New Covenant is NOT about us being free to do what we please; being selfish; seeking only our own good and advantage and profit – but rather it is about becoming like Jesus; being unselfish and seeking the welfare of your neighbor; putting others above yourself. Consider who is watching you and do not deliberately do anything that will cause them to stumble. You want to serve them and be considerate of them, out of love, in order to win them for Christ. The most important thing is not that our needs are fulfilled, but that others might be won for Jesus.

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP

The context of this chapter concerns food – especially food offered to idols – and the bottom line is that whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the honor and glory of God. Do not allow another man’s conscience to determine your liberty of action (Vs. 29). Your liberty is determined by the word of God, not the opinions of others. At the same time, do not let yourself be a hindrance by giving an offense to the Jews or to the Gentiles or to the church of God. Do not be a show off. That will not reach anybody.

No one knows better how a Christian should behave than a non-Christian! They are not living like they should, but they still expect you to walk and talk like the believer you say that you are. Do not do those things that you know will offend those to whom you are a witness. Adapt yourself, without violating your own conscience or transgressing God’s word, in order to win them to Jesus. Be considerate and do not lead others into sin by your mode of life (Vs. 32).

Do not join the heathen in their drunken idolatrous feasts (1Corinthians 10:21). You do not need to join the world and be like them and do what they do, in order to win them. You do not win them by being one of them – you win them by walking in the fruit of the spirit. At the same time, you also cannot get so hung up on what they do and let that offend you and keep you away and stop you from being a witness and an example. Sinners sin, because they are sinners. Someone needs to be there to preach the Good News to them. If you are judgmental, it will be difficult to witness, but if you see people as valuable and precious, like the Father does, you will look past their faults and see their needs.

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.  22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.  Romans 14:14-23 NKJV

Whatever is not of faith is sin. People need to do what their conscience allows them to do. You cannot and you should not force them to do otherwise. You cannot try to change their behavior from the outside in, but you have to change them from the inside out, by the word and spirit of God. Do not make a big deal out of things, which have no relevance when it comes to salvation. You cannot expect people to know instantly what you know; you have to be patient with them and take time to teach them. Pursue the things, which make for peace and the things by which you may edify another

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Foundation Scriptures:

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? 34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Luke 5:33-35 KJV

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Acts 10:19-33 KJV

1. Jesus Said “When” You Fast, Not “If”
a. Fasting does not move God, it moves you.
b. It subdues the flesh.
c. It breaks strongholds and delivers from bondage.
d. Set yourself aside for prayer, fasting, and reading the Word.

2. Supernatural Things Happen When You Fast and Pray
a. Acts 10:1-8 and Acts 10:9-23
b. Acts 10:24-33
c. Acts 10:30
Cornelius was fasting and supernatural things started happening.

3. Relationship, Not Ritual
a. It is imperative that you do not do this out of a ritual, but out of a relationship with Jesus.
b. Do it to press into Him.
c. James 4:8: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
d. Be hungry for Him.
e. Do not look for manifestations, visitations, or angels, etc. The devil can also manifest as an angel of light to deceive.
f. Lay your heart out before Him; allow Him to do a work on the inside of you.
g. The work He does in you will be an eternal work and it can never be taken away from you.

4. The Supernatural Will Be Natural in Your Life When You Live a Life Set Apart
a. Not in bed with the world.
b. Not dirty and soiled.
c. With clean hands and a pure heart.

5. Living a Fasted Life
a. Be led by the Holy Spirit.
b. Cornelius fasted 4 days. You can fast one, three, seven, twenty one, or forty days.
c. Let God lead you.
d. Skip a meal.
e. Press in – praying, studying, fellowshipping with the Lord.
f. Lay aside hobbies, television, games – anything that distracts you, and consumes your time.

6. We are Going to Press in this Wednesday – as a Church – and Fast and Pray
a. We did three days last week.
b. Let’s do one day this week.
c. I believe that great breakthroughs are taking place:
i. In people’s hearts.
ii. In people’s bodies.
iii. In people’s families.
iv. In people’s marriages.

Foundation scriptures:

2 Kings 6:1-7 (AMP)
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look now, the place where we live near you is too small for us. 2 Please let us go to the Jordan [River] and let each man take from there a beam [for the building]; and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one said, “Please be willing to go with your servants.” So he answered, “I shall go.” 4 So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down [some of] the trees. 5 But it happened that as one was cutting down a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Oh no, my master! It was borrowed!” 6 The man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron [axe head] float. 7 He said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out with his hand and took it.

Elisha received the double portion from Elijah
Elisha – Jehovah is salvation
Salvation in Hebrew: To be set free from a limiting situation or limited existence

1. God Is Taking Us to the Next Level
   a) Change is inevitable but growth is intentional.
   b) To go to the next level you have to build it.
   c) Going from the natural to the supernatural.
2. Break Free from Your Limitations
   Isaiah 54:1-5 (AMP)
   Sing, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child! For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord. 2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes,
3. a) Sing, O barren one
   b) Enlarge your place
   c) Stretch out
   d) Spare not
   e) Lengthen
   f) Strengthen

God’s Promises
3 For you will spread abroad to the right hand and to the left; and your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4 Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more.

1. a) You will expand
   b) Possess the nations
   c) Take territory
   d) You shall not be ashamed
   e) You shall forget your past

5 For your Maker is your Husband—the Lord of hosts is His name—and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called.

3. All Hands on Deck
   a) 2 Kings 6:2 (AMP)
   2 Please let us go to the Jordan [River] and let each man take from there a beam [for the building]; and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live.
   b) Luke 9:62 (AMP)
   62 Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.
4. Make a Demand on the Anointing
   a) Do Not Build Without the Anointing
   2 Kings 6:3 (AMP)
   3 Then one said, “Please be willing to go with your servants.” So he answered, “I shall go.”

Exodus 33:15 (AMP)
15 And Moses said to the Lord, If Your Presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here!

1. b) Stay Under the Anointing
   1 John 2:27 (AMP)
   27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
2. c) The Anointing Will Set You Up for a Miracle!
   2 Kings 6:6-7 (AMP)
   6 The man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron [axe head] float. 7 He said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out with his hand and took it.
3. Decree and Declare: 4 Kinds of Miracles
   a) Notable Miracles
   – Acts 4:16
   Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
4. b) Great Miracles
   – John 14:12
   Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
5. c) Diverse Miracles
   – Hebrews 2:4
   God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

d) Special Miracles
– Acts 19:11
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

6. A great leader is fearless, because they fear God and not man.

You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. Deuteronomy 1:17b AMP

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high. Proverbs 29:25 AMP

I tell you, My friends, do not dread and be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5 AMP

A strong and good leader knows what they believe and why they believe it. They have guiding principles, based on something solid, that are consistent, unshakable and non-negotiable. God’s word is the most solid rock that you can stand on in your life. His word is unshakable and immovable.

Truly great leaders rule with a deep respect for God – His will and His laws. A worthless leader makes decisions based on the opinions of others and not according to what is right. Leaders and judges who open themselves to be influenced by others make unrighteous judgments. Some do it because of a desire to be popular; some do it out of fear over threats from others. In any case, it is unacceptable and God will judge them. It is far better to fear God than to fear man, since God has the final say!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

Fearful people are tormented people and tormented people make bad and wrong decisions. A great leader needs the qualities mentioned here in order to govern wisely, to administer justice, and to inspire confidence in those who follow them. They need to be confident in God’s love and approval on their own lives – because they have done and are doing His will. They need to have a calm and well-balanced mind in order to judge and decide fairly. They need self-control in order to be impartial and to do what’s right, no matter what their personal opinion is, or no matter what others do to sway or manipulate them.

The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 AMP

The wicked are full of fear, but the righteous, who have done what is right, need fear nothing and have nothing to fear!

7. A great leader is strong and courageous.

Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Joshua 1:7 AMP

Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty. Acts 6:3 AMP

A great leader has strong character. A great leader displays courage in their decisions and judgments. They have the courage to follow their own conscience and ultimately to do what is right in the eyes of God. They are not swayed by the opinions of others.

8. A great leader is obedient to the law – the law of the land and the Law of God.

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Joshua 1:8 AMP

A great leader is first of all personally obedient to the law – and they apply it faithfully to others as well.

Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time — for strength and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:17 AMP

9. A great leader is able and God-fearing.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me, When one rules over men righteously, ruling in the fear of God, 4 He dawns on them like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, when the tender grass springs out of the earth through clear shining after rain. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 AMP

And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship. Exodus 35:31 AMP

You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, which is [in His instructions] in your hand, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people [west] of the River; choose those who know the instructions of your God, and teach him who does not know them. Ezra 7:25 AMP

It is God who gives a person the ability to lead and the qualities to be a leader. A great leader has great respect for God – they know that wisdom and ability come from Him and they know that they need His help on a daily basis, in order to wisely govern, lead, and/or judge the people under their authority. Every wise leader has a humble estimation of themselves and a reverence for Almighty God.

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

6. A great leader is fearless, because they fear God and not man.

You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is God’s. Deuteronomy 1:17b AMP

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high. Proverbs 29:25 AMP

I tell you, My friends, do not dread and be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom you should fear: fear Him Who, after killing, has power to hurl into hell (Gehenna); yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5 AMP

A strong and good leader knows what they believe and why they believe it. They have guiding principles, based on something solid, that are consistent, unshakable and non-negotiable. God’s word is the most solid rock that you can stand on in your life. His word is unshakable and immovable.

Truly great leaders rule with a deep respect for God – His will and His laws. A worthless leader makes decisions based on the opinions of others and not according to what is right. Leaders and judges who open themselves to be influenced by others make unrighteous judgments. Some do it because of a desire to be popular; some do it out of fear over threats from others. In any case, it is unacceptable and God will judge them. It is far better to fear God than to fear man, since God has the final say!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

Fearful people are tormented people and tormented people make bad and wrong decisions. A great leader needs the qualities mentioned here in order to govern wisely, to administer justice, and to inspire confidence in those who follow them. They need to be confident in God’s love and approval on their own lives – because they have done and are doing His will. They need to have a calm and well-balanced mind in order to judge and decide fairly. They need self-control in order to be impartial and to do what’s right, no matter what their personal opinion is, or no matter what others do to sway or manipulate them.

The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 AMP

The wicked are full of fear, but the righteous, who have done what is right, need fear nothing and have nothing to fear!

7. A great leader is strong and courageous.

Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.Joshua 1:7 AMP

Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty. Acts 6:3 AMP

A great leader has strong character. A great leader displays courage in their decisions and judgments. They have the courage to follow their own conscience and ultimately to do what is right in the eyes of God. They are not swayed by the opinions of others.

8. A great leader is obedient to the law – the law of the land and the Law of God.

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Joshua 1:8 AMP

A great leader is first of all personally obedient to the law – and they apply it faithfully to others as well.

Happy (fortunate and to be envied) are you, O land, when your king is a free man and of noble birth and character and when your officials feast at the proper time — for strength and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:17 AMP

9. A great leader is able and God-fearing.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me, When one rules over men righteously, ruling in the fear of God, 4 He dawns on them like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, when the tender grass springs out of the earth through clear shining after rain. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 AMP

And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and wisdom, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge and all craftsmanship. Exodus 35:31 AMP

You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God, which is [in His instructions] in your hand, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people [west] of the River; choose those who know the instructions of your God, and teach him who does not know them. Ezra 7:25 AMP

It is God who gives a person the ability to lead and the qualities to be a leader. A great leader has great respect for God – they know that wisdom and ability come from Him and they know that they need His help on a daily basis, in order to wisely govern, lead, and/or judge the people under their authority. Every wise leader has a humble estimation of themselves and a reverence for Almighty God.

And the Lord said to Moses, How long will this people provoke (spurn, despise) Me? And how long will it be before they believe Me [trusting in, relying on, clinging to Me], for all the signs which I have performed among them? 12 I will smite them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and will make of you [Moses] a nation greater and mightier than they. 13 But Moses said to the Lord, Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for You brought up this people in Your might from among them. 14 And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, Lord, are in the midst of this people [of Israel], that You, Lord, are seen face to face, and that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. 15 Now if You kill all this people as one man, then the nations that have heard Your fame will say, 16 Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which He swore to give to them, therefore He has slain them in the wilderness. 17 And now, I pray You, let the power of my Lord be great, as You have promised, saying, 18 The Lord is long-suffering and slow to anger, and abundant in mercy and loving-kindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and fourth generation. 19 Pardon, I pray You, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your mercy and loving-kindness, just as You have forgiven [them] from Egypt until now. 20 And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to your word. 21 But truly as I live and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, 22 Because all those men who have seen My glory and My [miraculous] signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tested and proved Me these ten times and have not heeded My voice, 23 Surely they shall not see the land which I swore to give to their fathers; nor shall any who provoked (spurned, despised) Me see it. 24 But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14:11-24 AMP

When the twelve scouts – or spies – brought the report back from their trip into the Promised Land, two (Joshua and Caleb) brought a good report and ten brought an evil report. The people believed the evil report. The majority of the people voted to disbelieve and disobey God and also to stone those who chose to believe and obey Him. Thankfully, the Lord intervened and protected Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. These men were men of faith and confidence – not in their own ability or in Israel’s ability – but in God’s word and in His ability. They could not agree with the majority, because they would be disagreeing with God! The problem with most people is that they base their own opinion on what everybody else is saying instead of what is right and true. Very few are brave enough – like Caleb – to risk standing up to the majority and to speak the truth!

Most people are not like the ten scouts who cowardly brought a firsthand negative report. Instead, most people pick up the negativity and cowardice secondhand. They always want to know what the “experts” have to say, or what their friends have to say and base their own opinion on that. They blindly follow the herd. They forget to ask, “What does God say?” God’s word is the only truth, the only way and the only life. It is His word that has prevailed and will prevail throughout eternity. When we base our opinions and decisions on God’s word, we base them on the Rock that can never be moved. We must be bold on God’s word and faithfulness!

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 27 How long will this evil congregation murmur against Me? I have heard the complaints the Israelites murmur against Me. 28 Tell them, As I live, says the Lord, what you have said in My hearing I will do to you: 29 Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness — of all who were numbered of you, from twenty years old and upward, who have murmured against Me, 30 Surely none shall come into the land in which I swore to make you dwell, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 But your little ones whom you said would be a prey, them will I bring in and they shall know the land which you have despised and rejected. 32 But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness. Numbers 14:26-32 AMP

Those who choose to believe the bad report, follow the rest of the crowd, and refuse to hear or follow God’s word, will suffer and fail. They will never see God’s great promises fulfilled in their lives. This is not God’s fault, but it’s all their own. Before we can obey God’s word, we must know and believe God’s word. The problem and/or cause of failure and defeat are not in God or His word, but in the lack of knowledge of His word. The majority of people lean toward believing the lies of the enemy because he is constantly speaking lies, unbelief, disobedience, and failure to them through multiple sources.

Those who choose to believe and obey God’s word are most often in the minority or standing alone against a tide of negative opinions. We should take courage and know that no matter what the majority say or think – God always has the final word. Take a stand for God’s word and for what is right – even if you stand alone. God will never fail you when you stand on His word! When you are on God’s side, you and He are a majority!

But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14:24 AMP

Surely none shall come into the land in which I swore to make you dwell, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Numbers 14:30 AMP

God kept his word. Not one of the great majority of those who disobeyed Him was privileged to enter into His promises and the Promised Land – only Joshua and Caleb, who believed and trusted – according to the word of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life… Proverbs 14:27 NKJV

The fear of the Lord leads to life… Proverbs 19:23a NKJV

The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of both wisdom and knowledge:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. Psalms 111:10 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

The word “fear” does not mean being afraid of God, but it has to do with reverence and honor. The word “beginning” means: first principle. Reverencing God is the beginning of wisdom – not the end. True wisdom exalts God and His word above all other wisdom or knowledge or opinion.

This is how you fear the Lord:

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Proverbs 16:6 NKJV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 8:13 NKJV

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it…18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:11-15 & 18 NKJV

You fear the Lord by giving Him, and His Word, the utmost respect. When He speaks, you pay attention to His words and you also obey Him promptly. You fear God by believing His word over the word of man. You fear the Lord by continuing to be faithful to Him even under the pressure of persecution. You fear the Lord by hating evil; by departing from evil yourself; by doing good; by keeping your words free of evil and deceit; by seeking peace and pursuing it – determinedly chasing after it.

Those who fear God are close personal covenant friends of His and know Him intimately.

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant. Psalms 25:14 NKJV

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him:

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. Psalms 147:11 NKJV

The fear of the Lord will add years to your live and make it worth living:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. Proverbs 9:10-11 NKJV

The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 10:27 NKJV

In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 NKJV

In the fear of the Lord is both your protection and your provision:

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalms 34:7-10 NKJV

The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. Proverbs 19:23 NKJV

The Lord amply provides for the humble who fear Him:

By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NKJV

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, Both small and great. 14 Maythe Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 115:11-15 NKJV

He shows mercy to those who fear Him and keep His covenant:

For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalms 103:11-14 NKJV

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. Psalms 103:17-18 NKJV

Fear God, not man, because eternity is real and He is your only hope:

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; 18 For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18 NKJV