The Finest Dining

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
THE FINEST DINING
Prov 9:1-6
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city. 4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. 5 "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
NIV
This is in the midst of the bright of day, standing on the highest point calling out, and it can be none other than the very word of God. Wisdom is God’s word and with the perfect number of God, seven. There is by far such great wisdom, true wisdom within his word. I admit without I certainly lack the proper judgment, even at times after accepting his word I still lacked proper judgment, but as the word develops, as I sit at her table, and eat and drink from this incredible meal of truth, I have been able to digest more of the word and leave behind those simple ways of just living for my own self, and have learned my life is more than me, it is about him. But it is not just one meal, one feeding, which will sustain my life. I have to stay at the table; I have to eat daily from the wisdom of God. If I do not it is way too easy to get up not completely full and find other food within the ways of the world. Food which is not good for me, which will harm by body, soul and spirit and it is plentiful and presumably free for the taking, but in fact it is not free, it will cost my life. No, I must stay each and every day at the table of my Lord, feasting upon his word, devouring it, consuming it so that I am overflowing with it, and then I must eat more. I need to stay full to the brim, so that I am not tempted by that seemingly tasty food elsewhere. I know that other food may look good, smell good and even taste delighted, but that is only for the moment fir in truth it is poison which will permeate my being until death overtakes me. The Word of God brings life to my bones, to my soul, and to my spirit. It feeds the very core of my being, my mind, the central place both temptation and understanding. Within my mind is the basics of my character, it is who I am, what makes me different from others, at least within the flesh. It may well be my spirit within the spiritual realm which differentiates me from other, but here I live in my body, my brain, my thoughts and feelings, my desires and my passions. Here is where understanding wisdom must begin; here is where I must fill up with the Word of God. The Word is the finest dining ever.

Waiting Daily

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WAITING DAILY
Prov 8:32-36
32 "Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. 36 But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death."
NIV
Is this not about seeking out the truth of God each and every day? Am I not to wait at his doorway instead of that wayward wife, the world? I need to watch daily for some sort of instruction from my God. I cannot just live my life as though I have read a portion or even all the Bible once and hear some sermon weekly and think I am waiting at his doorway. It is a daily watching for his instruction. It is each and every day that I must wait at his door and listen carefully for his words of wisdom. It is not about just calling myself a Christian and trying to abide by some set of rules, some do’s and don’ts, but it is listening and hearing from his wisdom each and every day I arise from my slumber. Sure I need to mediate on that wisdom all throughout my daily activities, but unless I first hear from him, what am I do mediate on? Can I rely on what I heard days ago, weeks ago, or months, and yes maybe even years ago? I think those this are valuable to store up within me, but here I am encouraged, no commanded to watch daily at his doorway, to listen to him. By this I will truly find life and favor from God. That is an extra bonus, this favor, for life is surely a blessing in and of itself. I would much rather chose life over death anytime, which is certainly the fate of those who not only hate God but oppose him and his ways openly, denying his existence and creative power. I cannot ignore his words, his wisdom, I cannot not listen daily to him, nor wait each and every day at his doorway. I need him in my life more than anything else. But not only is life mine, but I have been incredibly favored by my God. He has blessed me beyond my wildest expectations. Who would of thought that I could ever write books, or even these devotions, with the insights which I have been given? Surely not I. Who would have every thought I would be preaching his word to other believers, encouraging them in their walk with God? Surely not I. I am but blessed and honored to be useful to my Lord, for that is favor enough for me, but yet he have shown me favor in so many ways it would be difficult to enumerate. I will continue to be waiting daily.

Rejoice and Delight

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
REJOICE AND DELIGHT
Prov 8:22-31
22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; 23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. 24 When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water; 25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26 before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world. 27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
NIV
Although I mentioned it not yesterday it surely is clear in this section that wisdom, true wisdom lies squarely in the person of Christ. It does raise the question as to just when was Christ born. I have no problem with God always being, not having a beginning and never to have an end, simply because he is God, but want about the Holy Spirit and Jesus. Did they always exist also? It would appear from this section that the Lord brought him forth as the first of his works, even before his deeds of old, before he started creation. It does say that his Spirit was hovering over the waters, although it is more correctly translated juice. That is a whole study in and of itself and I need to stay focused on the face that wisdom, Jesus was his first works and that all that is and will ever be is because God created it. How futile man’s thinking is to even consider that he has any real abilities to make anything. Well we all make some kind of material things, but from what God created in the first place, as well as with the intelligence he has designed within us. I think if Jesus rejoiced in his whole world, and delighted in mankind, who am I not to do the same? I surely should be filled with delight day after day always in his presence. How could I ever not be delighted? I have life and I have it abundantly, because I know Christ. I have the very word of God to instruct me, to guide my thoughts, and my actions. I have the presence of his Holy Spirit dwelling within me to keep me safe, as his guarantee of my salvation. How could I not delight in that? When I step outside and see the wonders of his creation, how could I not rejoice? Even when it rains, or snows and the wind blows I know it is God’s plan for his creation. Nothing in this world is without his signature, except of course the evil that man has devised. But all of the Earth itself is his handy work, sure we have moved some of it around, we have planted where things have not been, and uprooted where things were, but still all that is his. We have designed wonderful spaces with his designs, but they are his designs. How could I not be forever thankful, grateful, delighting and rejoicing in all that he has created, including all of mankind? Now there is a whole trip in itself. I should rejoice because of all peoples on the earth, because they are his creation. Let me just rejoice because of him for now.

A Full Treasury

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
A FULL TREASURY
Prov 8:12-21
12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.
NIV
I not sure it can be said any clearer than this. It is either God’s way or the highway. I am so glad I have chosen God’s way, which I have determined to gain wisdom, his wisdom rather than take any counsel from the world. I think it is not only evil, prideful and arrogant to think I know more or a better way than God, it is just plain foolish and stupid. If I did not have God directing my life and I were out here all on my own, I am absolutely sure I would not be making sound judgments. Sure, according to those who are not believers, I am not making a very sound judgment by trusting in God, but then they without true wisdom and understanding. I know why, yet I have a difficultly in understanding why people would not seek him. He is not really hiding to make him hard to find, or I would have never found him. I am so glad he loves me and bestows upon me his riches and honor and enduring wealth. Oh sure, the wealth of the world might make it possible to self-indulge in material things and physical pleasures, but that is not enduring. As quickly as that can be gained it can be lost. It is at best temporary. The worst part about the wealth of the world is it deceives a person into thinking it has value, that it is something to pursue and it can become a treasure of sorts and thus be the object of a person’s heart rather than God being that treasure. Here is it, right up front, the fruit of God’s wisdom is better than fine gold and it yields far more than choice silver. I can’t think of any better way to say that myself. Why believers are so preoccupied with money is beyond me, when they should be preoccupied with God. The really truth of the matter is in setting my heart on God, and finding that path of righteousness, God actually makes me rich, sure maybe not super wealthy in the worlds sense, but I have a wealth far beyond any amount the world could offer. Yet still as far as this physical realm is concerned I really do not lack very much either. I enjoy the comfort of a fine home, good cars, clothes to wear and great food to eat. I have the enjoyment and pleasure of a wonderful wife, with great daughters and granddaughters who all love the lord. How much more wealth could I need. My treasury is full.

Voice of God

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
VOICE OF GOD
Prov 8:1-11
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; 3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: 4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. 5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. 6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. 7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. 8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. 9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. 10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
NIV
I just saw in chapter seven how the world tries to lure me into her house in the leaving of light, but here I see wisdom and understanding, I see God calling from the heights and the way, at the intersections of life, right there at the gate. Yes, God has called out loud for me to come in his direction, and to leave the direction of the world. I am to live according to his simply truths. The world surely makes every attempt to discredit the Word of God. Many of the non-believers I know make statements like, “The Bible was just written by men” or “Paul was a sexist” or some other dumb remakes which endeavor to refute it was God. I understand how the luring words of the world appeal to people. But God calls doing the day, out in the open with truth and with life, but some would rather stay in the dark and die. The world has perverted the Word of God so people can feel good about themselves while pursuing material gain. It is perverse to think I could chase after gold and silver and still follow God. How could I even think I could store up money and wisdom at the same time? I cannot go down her street and still listen to the voice of God. All the words of the world are false but the words of God are faultless. I do not know how some believers have been so deceived into thinking it is alright to invest, to save, to store up money for they personal use in old age, and think that is Gods way. I had to make a choice; I had to choose Gods instruction instead of silver. I had to choose his knowledge instead of gold; I had to choose his wisdom instead of rubies. How clear can that be? Why are so many deceived? What is the problem? I am almost laughed at, or told I am wrong, when I bring this kind of teaching to other believers. Can I be the only one who sees this? I surely would not think so, but it is hard to find someone who agrees with this teaching. But I have decided not to chase after the worlds way, but to listen to the voice of God.

My Choice

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
CHOICE

Prov 7:10-20
10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11(She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon."
NIV
The continuing story about the young man, the youth, the new born believers, the immature believer no matter of any amount of time they have spent believing, is laid out here. The importance here is to see how the world lays out traps; even the trap of saying it has devised a way to bring peace between me and God. That would be the religious world, which would say that, it would be those trappings disguised within those denominational rules and regulations which cry out “I have fellowship offerings at home” which is to say, “ I have ways to make peace with God”. The world sets it trap and the immature believer falls head over heels in love with her ways because she, the world has established a setting, a false sense of security in which a believers think he can have peace with God while all the time being engaged with this wayward world and all its pleasures. Oh sure do I enjoy my coffee, my chocolate, my model railroad, my golf game, my home, car, and others nice things? Yes, but that is not the pursuit of my life, my goals, my ambitions, or my focus and reason for what I do what I do. I desire not to spend my life in the pursuit of personal pleasure for the sake of personal pleasure. I have not engaged in the storage of material wealth for the purpose of long term personal use. The world’s way lead only to the path of personal destruction. The world wants to embrace me, make love to me, and drain me of all that I am, with its false promise of enjoyment. The world, even some houses claiming to be God’s try to convince me Jesus has gone away and will not return for many years, so live it up, I have time to enjoy myself and when I am old and feeble ready to face death, I still have time to actually make it right with God. But alas, that is not truth, I need to be ready at all time. Can I still enjoy my coffee, my railroad, my golf and some of those other things? God has provided them for me to have, but my focus is serving him, to write, to teach, to preach his word to others, to be useful to his kingdom as he see fit how to use me, when and where, in his timing and place. I dare not run ahead nor lag behind, but walk beside him as he leads the way. No, way world, I do not love you nor will I allow you to persuade me that you actually love me. I know you are full of tricks and ways to actually destroy me, to bring me to death. You will fail, God will win! It is my choice.

No Standing, No Stopping, No Parking

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
NO STANDING NO STOPPING NO PARKING
Prov 7:6-9
6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
NIV
The beginning of a longer story about this youth and a woman of the night starts here. I cannot include the whole story at once, but I feel I should first deal with this youth, this young man who lacks judgment. Is this not the story of a new born believer who still has so much to learn about the ways of God? Is this not the story of an immature believer who has yet to gain wisdom and understanding regardless of age, in the physical as well in the spiritual realm? Is this not the story of seeing just how close to the ways of the world a believer can get and still be a believer? I see this story playing out not for the good of the believer. It seems so clear for the need to stay clear of that corner. It seems way too clear I should avoid even walking along in the direction of her house. How more clearly can it be that a believer endeavors to hide any movement in the direction of her house in the fading of light? If I lack wisdom and understanding I need only ask God, but that is because I know I lack it. The youth do not even know it. They lack the judgment to know how to find wisdom and understanding. I don’t think it matters how long I have been a Christian, as far as having judgment. I think it matters how one decides to seek after the ways of God or to stray down that street close to the ways of the world. I think only an immature believer would think they could get that close without getting drawn into her trap. Yet I think it is possible I could let down my guard and find myself strolling in that direction. It is not easy to keep away from the ways of the world. It requires strength and determination to stay clear. It requires dedication to God, his word, his ways. There is no question that his ways are not the ways of the world. Why would I even what to get close to her, she is bad for me, she is evil she will bring death to my life. No I am not a youth, I am not an immature believer, I know the location of wisdom and understanding and I need but hang around that house, the house of the Lord. No standing, no stopping, no parking on her corner.