The Fear of THE LORD is the beginning!
It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2nd Chronicles chapter 17:
3 Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,
4 but sought the God of his father, and walked in His Commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.
Jehoshaphat removed the manmade altars where people had worshipped other gods. When he did this, he exalted THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY above anything manmade. We must ask ourselves, are we worshipping anything or anyone other than FATHER? Are we focused on the worldly to the point where we are constantly drawn to it?
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. [8] And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah-the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
9 So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.
It is vital that we read and focus on The Word, especially the Words of Jesus! If He said to do something, then simply do it!
10 And the Fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat clearly expressed his Love for GOD when he removed those manmade altars. This was a precursor to the Fear of THE LORD manifesting in The Kingdom. What was the result? Nobody would dare to confront Jehoshaphat and the land was fully protected by the Fear of THE LORD.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
12 So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.
13 He had much property in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
The name Jehoshaphat means “Jehovah has judged”.
Do you want to be fully blessed and prosper in these challenging times? First, walk in Agape Love for GOD is Love. How do you do this? Plant those Scriptures in your heart and The Holy Spirit will take that Seed and water It so that It will produce good fruit. This will allow you to draw near to GOD, THEN HE will draw near to you.
As you draw near to GOD, you set the stage for the Fear of THE LORD to manifest in your life. When that occurs, you will never be the same and you will be fully equipped to fulfill your calling.