Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
HEALTHY FEAR
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
You can hardly watch a movie, pick up a magazine or novel, or listen to the radio today without hearing or seeing the Lord’s name taken in vain. Even Christians use the phrase “Oh God!” in everyday language. As a society, we seem to have lost our reverence for and fear of the Father.
Maybe that’s why the Lord plainly instructs us to be careful about speaking His name. In fact, He made it the third of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). Our Father knows that to show disrespect for His name—to allow it to be used as a common curse—is to treat the King of the universe with disdain and vulgarity. Even the angelic beings in His presence say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8).
King David understood and respected Jehovah and His mighty power: “You have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name” (Psalms 61:5). If we want our families to understand that reverence, we must honor His name in word, thought, and deed. Reflect daily on His glory; let your voice fill with respect when you speak of Him; turn off movies, TV programs, and videos that degrade or trivialize His name. Above all, teach your kids why “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Before you say good night…
- Does your family have a healthy fear of the Lord?
- How can you model reverence for God’s name and Word?
Father, remind us to treat Your name with great reverence and honor. Forgive us if we’ve spoken of You in a light or frivolous way. We know that our children are watching and listening…and so are You. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.
Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).
Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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