DEVOTION
PROVERBS
HIS CHILD
Prov 4:1-4
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, 4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
NIV
I suppose it is possible to read the word of God, to listen to the teaching from his wisdom and not pay attention. I suppose I could just read it for the intellectual knowledge of the history as any historic document would serve and not see any application for my life. I think when I was a spiritual child that is what I did, reading the Bible from cover to cover, just so I had the information which was within. I was finding out who was who, the accounts of all those people of the past and how everything came to be. I read the account of Jesus, who he was, and then all the teachings which followed. Then something began to happen. I was no longer reading for history, but for my life. My Father was teaching me his ways, his truths, his wisdom and I began to gain understanding into who he was, is and will be and what he wanted for my life. How great it is to be but a child, open and pliable to the teaching and instruction of my Father. I think as an adult it is more difficult to accept the instructions from a father than as a child. I do not think I could ever think I am not a child of God. How could I be an adult of God? The point is to remain his child, to remain pliable and open, listening, learning, paying attention, and gaining understanding of his teachings. As an adult I sure could get set in my ways, not being open to new ideas, new thoughts, new teaching, new instructions, or better understanding and in a sense that would be forsaking his teaching. I must remain tender, always open and ready to hear from my Father and not doing that with one ear only. I cannot simply make God a part of my life, a part of my heart, keeping a portion for myself. No, I must pay attention and listen with both ears, with my entire mind, my spirit, my heart, giving one hundred percent of me to his teachings. There is death otherwise, that I am certain of. If as an adult I forsake the continued process of listening and learning and gaining more understanding I lose out on so much. No, I shall forever be a child, his child.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wise, Righteous and Humble
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WISE, RIGHTEOUS AND HUMBLE
Prov 3:33-35
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
NIV
There is quite a comparison between two types of people seen here. I could not live a very happy life, if I were the one consider wicked instead of righteous. Now I know without question the only righteousness I have is in Christ and that I would never say I am righteous on my own. I think that is in fact the case which is presented here. The difference between the two is that the righteous have accepted God, and their need for God, and the wicked have not. The wicked refuse to acknowledge their need for God or even that God exists. How could a house like that ever expect a blessing from someone they refuse to accept? But, I on the other hand, see so many blessings from my Lord; I almost do not have room enough to contain them, and once again, not because of me, but because of him. But when he starts talking about mockers, I do believe he is talking about those in the household of faith, for that Hebrew word implies “To make mouths at” which to me means to give God lip service. It might be much like the Pharisees who stood beating their chests saying, “See how spiritual I am” but in their hearts were really not. No, I know I have so many faults; I fail God way too often to ever make that of statement. I know I am in need of God, all the time in my life. Maybe it is even prideful to say I am humble. But again that word means needy, which I am, needy of God. I think it is the wisest choice I have ever made in my life when I choose to follow God. I do not think there is any other decision which could be considered wise in comparison to that one. I do think it is foolish to refuse God. It is foolish to think I do not need God. It is foolish to think I could live without God. It is foolish to think I could do things on my own. It is most foolish to think I could ever attain eternal life on my own. It is foolish to think everyone will go to heaven just because they are good, or because of the love of God, that he allows all to enter no matter what. There are consequences to the actions and attitudes of life. There is heaven and hell, there are wise and foolish, there are righteous and wicked, there are humble and mockers. I choose wise, righteous, and humble.
PROVERBS
WISE, RIGHTEOUS AND HUMBLE
Prov 3:33-35
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
NIV
There is quite a comparison between two types of people seen here. I could not live a very happy life, if I were the one consider wicked instead of righteous. Now I know without question the only righteousness I have is in Christ and that I would never say I am righteous on my own. I think that is in fact the case which is presented here. The difference between the two is that the righteous have accepted God, and their need for God, and the wicked have not. The wicked refuse to acknowledge their need for God or even that God exists. How could a house like that ever expect a blessing from someone they refuse to accept? But, I on the other hand, see so many blessings from my Lord; I almost do not have room enough to contain them, and once again, not because of me, but because of him. But when he starts talking about mockers, I do believe he is talking about those in the household of faith, for that Hebrew word implies “To make mouths at” which to me means to give God lip service. It might be much like the Pharisees who stood beating their chests saying, “See how spiritual I am” but in their hearts were really not. No, I know I have so many faults; I fail God way too often to ever make that of statement. I know I am in need of God, all the time in my life. Maybe it is even prideful to say I am humble. But again that word means needy, which I am, needy of God. I think it is the wisest choice I have ever made in my life when I choose to follow God. I do not think there is any other decision which could be considered wise in comparison to that one. I do think it is foolish to refuse God. It is foolish to think I do not need God. It is foolish to think I could live without God. It is foolish to think I could do things on my own. It is most foolish to think I could ever attain eternal life on my own. It is foolish to think everyone will go to heaven just because they are good, or because of the love of God, that he allows all to enter no matter what. There are consequences to the actions and attitudes of life. There is heaven and hell, there are wise and foolish, there are righteous and wicked, there are humble and mockers. I choose wise, righteous, and humble.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Choose Confidence
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
CHOOSE CONFIDENCE
Prov 3:31-32
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
NIV
Why in the world would I ever envy a person of violence? Maybe understanding the Hebrew word which implies a person who opposes others for the purpose of an unjust gain, I really would not ever envy that kind of person. Although I suppose it could be easy enough to what to have all that gain, that great abundance of material things, and wealth. To live in such excess, never having to consider the cost of anything my heart could ever desire would not necessary be difficult. But to gain that unjustly, at the cost to so many others, would be completely against every principle of God and this especially for God detests that kind of action. People who live according to the principles of this world, using whatever means possible to gain an advantage over others, either by wealth or position are in trouble. Those who spend their efforts in the pursuit of having more, being better, attaining prestige through position in society and have no regard for the ways of God are deeply troubled. I think sometimes even those who profess a personal relationship with God get diverted into this kind of living, and that is why this warning has been spoken. I must ever be on my guard against such thinking, and never ever envy any who live in such a manner for their end may not be as pleasant as they believe they life is. No, I would much rather have that which only God provides for me, live as he has desired me to live, where he has chosen for me and do what he has directed me. What a great reward it is being included in his confidence. To be in close deliberation with God, to have that kind of intimacy, that kind of consultation, and know his secret is far greater than anything this human life could ever offer. Why would I envy someone who does not have that? I surely believe it has to be one or the other, for both cannot be had. I have decided to choose his confidence.
PROVERBS
CHOOSE CONFIDENCE
Prov 3:31-32
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
NIV
Why in the world would I ever envy a person of violence? Maybe understanding the Hebrew word which implies a person who opposes others for the purpose of an unjust gain, I really would not ever envy that kind of person. Although I suppose it could be easy enough to what to have all that gain, that great abundance of material things, and wealth. To live in such excess, never having to consider the cost of anything my heart could ever desire would not necessary be difficult. But to gain that unjustly, at the cost to so many others, would be completely against every principle of God and this especially for God detests that kind of action. People who live according to the principles of this world, using whatever means possible to gain an advantage over others, either by wealth or position are in trouble. Those who spend their efforts in the pursuit of having more, being better, attaining prestige through position in society and have no regard for the ways of God are deeply troubled. I think sometimes even those who profess a personal relationship with God get diverted into this kind of living, and that is why this warning has been spoken. I must ever be on my guard against such thinking, and never ever envy any who live in such a manner for their end may not be as pleasant as they believe they life is. No, I would much rather have that which only God provides for me, live as he has desired me to live, where he has chosen for me and do what he has directed me. What a great reward it is being included in his confidence. To be in close deliberation with God, to have that kind of intimacy, that kind of consultation, and know his secret is far greater than anything this human life could ever offer. Why would I envy someone who does not have that? I surely believe it has to be one or the other, for both cannot be had. I have decided to choose his confidence.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I Get It
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
I GET IT
Prov 3:29-30
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30 Do not accuse a man for no reason — when he has done you no harm.
NIV
I have heard in the past about individuals climbing the corporate ladder on the backs of other people and maybe in a sense that is one example of how this may apply. Yet I am having a sense more is afoot here. I am not sure if it is even necessary to speak those accusations in order to do harm to my neighbor. I am thinking that even if I think something ill about him, I am in a sense thinking myself better than he is. I am sitting in judgment and thus it becomes a plot to lift myself up and put him down. This could be nothing less than harming him in some way. I remember one person who said not a word, but nevertheless I believe was doing harm because at the mention of someone’s name, an expression said it all, just a simply raised eyebrow indicated some form of harm, and perhaps that was a plot in itself. To cast some kind of doubt as to the character or personality toward this neighbor was intended. Does not God tell me that as I think so am I? I cannot afford to think anything ill about another, especially those I live close to, my neighbor, or as the Hebrew implies my associates. I believe if I think it, it will come out in some form or another and harm would be in the gate, ready to race through the gossip course to the finish line. I think anything of this nature of harm flies directly in the face of not thinking more of myself than I should and especially the golden rule, of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me. I think if I loved my neighbor as Christ loves me, I could not possibly ever do any harm, or accuse in any manner anyone who lives trustfully near me. Yet I think it is so easy to forget and speak out so form of harm in conversation. I think it might also be too easy, because of thinking too much of myself, to consider some action, or nor action by another as a form of harm against me and thus free me to harm back. Careful consideration to this phrase spoken here must be given. Love covers it completely so I would do no harm. I do not think I am doing justice to this saying of God, but I get it.
PROVERBS
I GET IT
Prov 3:29-30
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30 Do not accuse a man for no reason — when he has done you no harm.
NIV
I have heard in the past about individuals climbing the corporate ladder on the backs of other people and maybe in a sense that is one example of how this may apply. Yet I am having a sense more is afoot here. I am not sure if it is even necessary to speak those accusations in order to do harm to my neighbor. I am thinking that even if I think something ill about him, I am in a sense thinking myself better than he is. I am sitting in judgment and thus it becomes a plot to lift myself up and put him down. This could be nothing less than harming him in some way. I remember one person who said not a word, but nevertheless I believe was doing harm because at the mention of someone’s name, an expression said it all, just a simply raised eyebrow indicated some form of harm, and perhaps that was a plot in itself. To cast some kind of doubt as to the character or personality toward this neighbor was intended. Does not God tell me that as I think so am I? I cannot afford to think anything ill about another, especially those I live close to, my neighbor, or as the Hebrew implies my associates. I believe if I think it, it will come out in some form or another and harm would be in the gate, ready to race through the gossip course to the finish line. I think anything of this nature of harm flies directly in the face of not thinking more of myself than I should and especially the golden rule, of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me. I think if I loved my neighbor as Christ loves me, I could not possibly ever do any harm, or accuse in any manner anyone who lives trustfully near me. Yet I think it is so easy to forget and speak out so form of harm in conversation. I think it might also be too easy, because of thinking too much of myself, to consider some action, or nor action by another as a form of harm against me and thus free me to harm back. Careful consideration to this phrase spoken here must be given. Love covers it completely so I would do no harm. I do not think I am doing justice to this saying of God, but I get it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
No Withholdng
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
NO WITHHOLDING
Prov 3:27-28
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you. NIV
Is this just speaking to the issue of material things, or could this also apply to time and effort? I think both are at the center of this saying. Surely God has never withheld anything good from anyone who deserves it. But here, this tells me it is my turn as well. I must be ready, willing and able to give of what I have whenever the occasion comes my way. I am not sure I need to go looking for opportunities to give to those who deserve, but I know that when the time comes my way, when I am in the position, and have the means I need to act. Now, the question of course which I have to ask, is how does someone qualify to deserve receiving whatever is within my power to give? Is all they have to be is my neighbor to deserve? Then who is my neighbor? Is this just the household of faith? Or is this truly those in my neighborhood? I think Jesus answered that question in the story about the man on the road and the Samaritan. So there it is, if it is within my power, which surely must include all the skills and talents the Lord God has blessed me within and not just money or things, I must not withhold from giving when it is needed. I am sure even it is just my time, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a word of encouragement I should not withhold from those who deserve for that surely is within my power to act. What I believe I have to work on is the acting now part and not putting it off until some other time. Procrastination has always been my good suit. I have gotten real good at it, but this speaks directly to my heart, that must not be the case regarding this. I cannot hold back or put off, it is that simply. I think no matter what it is I must give, it is going to cost me something. Although I do not agree with everything Roberts has said or done, the idea if seed faith has some merit, not that I should give to get, but if I do give time, God will give more if it to me, if I give of my talent, God will bless me with more talent, if I give money, God will give me more of the same. I know this is true; I have experienced this many times and can attest to it. So this is what I must do, I think I have, maybe not always, but most of the time fulfilled this command. I think at least I try to, I am sure I have failed, but I will try to keep this more in the front of my mind, and be open to the moving of the Spirit in this area of my life. When I have it with me, I cannot withhold from those who deserve.
PROVERBS
NO WITHHOLDING
Prov 3:27-28
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you. NIV
Is this just speaking to the issue of material things, or could this also apply to time and effort? I think both are at the center of this saying. Surely God has never withheld anything good from anyone who deserves it. But here, this tells me it is my turn as well. I must be ready, willing and able to give of what I have whenever the occasion comes my way. I am not sure I need to go looking for opportunities to give to those who deserve, but I know that when the time comes my way, when I am in the position, and have the means I need to act. Now, the question of course which I have to ask, is how does someone qualify to deserve receiving whatever is within my power to give? Is all they have to be is my neighbor to deserve? Then who is my neighbor? Is this just the household of faith? Or is this truly those in my neighborhood? I think Jesus answered that question in the story about the man on the road and the Samaritan. So there it is, if it is within my power, which surely must include all the skills and talents the Lord God has blessed me within and not just money or things, I must not withhold from giving when it is needed. I am sure even it is just my time, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a word of encouragement I should not withhold from those who deserve for that surely is within my power to act. What I believe I have to work on is the acting now part and not putting it off until some other time. Procrastination has always been my good suit. I have gotten real good at it, but this speaks directly to my heart, that must not be the case regarding this. I cannot hold back or put off, it is that simply. I think no matter what it is I must give, it is going to cost me something. Although I do not agree with everything Roberts has said or done, the idea if seed faith has some merit, not that I should give to get, but if I do give time, God will give more if it to me, if I give of my talent, God will bless me with more talent, if I give money, God will give me more of the same. I know this is true; I have experienced this many times and can attest to it. So this is what I must do, I think I have, maybe not always, but most of the time fulfilled this command. I think at least I try to, I am sure I have failed, but I will try to keep this more in the front of my mind, and be open to the moving of the Spirit in this area of my life. When I have it with me, I cannot withhold from those who deserve.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
No Fear
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
NO FEAR
Prov 3:25-26
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
NIV
There is in the course of life things that just happen and sometimes those happenings at not good at all. Is this what is being talked about here? Is it in the current time of life, or is it in the final Day of Judgment? Here they are called sudden disaster or instant devastation which will overtake the wicked. I should not have to be afraid of this at all. I am thinking this surely would apply to the end times, yet I also see bad things happening to bad people. But do bad things happen to good people? I do not think there are any good people. God says that everyone’s heart is deceitfully wicked. The only difference is who is in Jesus and who isn’t. He is what makes the separation between the wicked and me. It is just a term used to describe those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior. But the case still exists, whenever disaster befalls upon those as either individuals or as a whole, either during the course of this life or at the final day, I have nothing to fear. I am confident of safety and security in this life and on the final day, because I am in Christ. If it is in this life, my steps, my path is straight and upright and will not be misguided by the evil one into ways that are not right, but rather evil. If it is speaking of the last day of mankind, or simply my last day when I step into eternity, my step will not be snared by the evil one, but I will confidently step into the everlasting presence of my lord who is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Wherever I step I will be stepping into his presence. He walks with me now, he talks with me now, and he holds my hand guiding me through whatever situations come my way. He will never forsake me, but will always be there to uphold me, in this life and the one to come. What could I possible ever fear, when he is with me? Not a dog gone thing! I do think though, that I have the choice to allow myself to get trapped into activities which are not pleasing to my Lord. I do not think that my steps are snared, but simply that I am being a man, allowing my own heart to lead, rather than following God’s leading. I fail him, at times, but I think that is very different than having my whole path of life snared and misguided by the evil one. My desire is to follow after my Lord, fearing nothing from the evil one and what he will do with the wicked. I live in Christ therefore I live with no fear.
PROVERBS
NO FEAR
Prov 3:25-26
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
NIV
There is in the course of life things that just happen and sometimes those happenings at not good at all. Is this what is being talked about here? Is it in the current time of life, or is it in the final Day of Judgment? Here they are called sudden disaster or instant devastation which will overtake the wicked. I should not have to be afraid of this at all. I am thinking this surely would apply to the end times, yet I also see bad things happening to bad people. But do bad things happen to good people? I do not think there are any good people. God says that everyone’s heart is deceitfully wicked. The only difference is who is in Jesus and who isn’t. He is what makes the separation between the wicked and me. It is just a term used to describe those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior. But the case still exists, whenever disaster befalls upon those as either individuals or as a whole, either during the course of this life or at the final day, I have nothing to fear. I am confident of safety and security in this life and on the final day, because I am in Christ. If it is in this life, my steps, my path is straight and upright and will not be misguided by the evil one into ways that are not right, but rather evil. If it is speaking of the last day of mankind, or simply my last day when I step into eternity, my step will not be snared by the evil one, but I will confidently step into the everlasting presence of my lord who is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Wherever I step I will be stepping into his presence. He walks with me now, he talks with me now, and he holds my hand guiding me through whatever situations come my way. He will never forsake me, but will always be there to uphold me, in this life and the one to come. What could I possible ever fear, when he is with me? Not a dog gone thing! I do think though, that I have the choice to allow myself to get trapped into activities which are not pleasing to my Lord. I do not think that my steps are snared, but simply that I am being a man, allowing my own heart to lead, rather than following God’s leading. I fail him, at times, but I think that is very different than having my whole path of life snared and misguided by the evil one. My desire is to follow after my Lord, fearing nothing from the evil one and what he will do with the wicked. I live in Christ therefore I live with no fear.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Live In Safety
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
LIVE IN SAFETY
Prov 3:21-24
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; 24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
NIV
Keep my eyes focused, keep my heart focused, keep my mind focused on making sound judgments, or intellectual understanding of the ways of God, and discern or have a plan to execute those understandings in a way to please him. Is this not the way of a believer? Yet when I consider I have the understanding of the correct golf swing, but to execute it is entirely a different thing. I have studied videos and learned exactly how I am to move and balanced my weight correctly however to put that understanding into motion requires practice and more practice. I think it is the same with the understanding and discernment of the ways of God. Putting my understanding into motion requires practice and more practice. I cannot ever let up; I have to keep them within me at all times. If I am successful, with the aid of the Holy Spirit of course, I can expect more of life. Death will have no victory in my being. I will be able to walk through this life in safety and I will not stumble over those obstacles placed in my path by the deceiver. Just as I learned in hurdles to keep my eyes on the finish line instead of on the hurdles, I keep focused on the finish line of this life on earth and the beginning of my life eternal with God. Having the mindset of living the ways of God, knowing that I please him, due to his seeing me through the blood of Jesus Christ, I can lie my head down at night in peace and serenity. I have nothing to fear at all, for I am saved by the ever powerful grace of my Lord. I am in his hands and he will never forsake me or let me go. Of course, I can leave whenever I want, but why would I? I understand this peace, I discern his grace, I know how all this works and my very life depends on him. So at the end of the day, I can lie down, at the end of my life here, I can lie down, and have no fear, I need not be afraid of anything. My sleep each night of this life is sweet, I arise refreshed and eager for what the day brings me. I also know that as I lie down this life, my sleep in Christ will be sweet, and I will arise refreshed and be forever in the wonderful arms of my Lord. What should I ever fear? Nothing! I live in safety.
PROVERBS
LIVE IN SAFETY
Prov 3:21-24
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; 24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
NIV
Keep my eyes focused, keep my heart focused, keep my mind focused on making sound judgments, or intellectual understanding of the ways of God, and discern or have a plan to execute those understandings in a way to please him. Is this not the way of a believer? Yet when I consider I have the understanding of the correct golf swing, but to execute it is entirely a different thing. I have studied videos and learned exactly how I am to move and balanced my weight correctly however to put that understanding into motion requires practice and more practice. I think it is the same with the understanding and discernment of the ways of God. Putting my understanding into motion requires practice and more practice. I cannot ever let up; I have to keep them within me at all times. If I am successful, with the aid of the Holy Spirit of course, I can expect more of life. Death will have no victory in my being. I will be able to walk through this life in safety and I will not stumble over those obstacles placed in my path by the deceiver. Just as I learned in hurdles to keep my eyes on the finish line instead of on the hurdles, I keep focused on the finish line of this life on earth and the beginning of my life eternal with God. Having the mindset of living the ways of God, knowing that I please him, due to his seeing me through the blood of Jesus Christ, I can lie my head down at night in peace and serenity. I have nothing to fear at all, for I am saved by the ever powerful grace of my Lord. I am in his hands and he will never forsake me or let me go. Of course, I can leave whenever I want, but why would I? I understand this peace, I discern his grace, I know how all this works and my very life depends on him. So at the end of the day, I can lie down, at the end of my life here, I can lie down, and have no fear, I need not be afraid of anything. My sleep each night of this life is sweet, I arise refreshed and eager for what the day brings me. I also know that as I lie down this life, my sleep in Christ will be sweet, and I will arise refreshed and be forever in the wonderful arms of my Lord. What should I ever fear? Nothing! I live in safety.
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