DEVOTION
PROVERBS
DILIGENT
Prov 10:4
4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
NIV
Is it true God is so concerned about the material gain of a man he needs to speak about it? Although I agree that in the sense of the Hebrew it is a deceitful hand which might well make a man poor. That is a man deals deceitfully in business it will ultimately bring him to ruin if in nothing else than is reputation. I think it is also true that if a hand works hard and honest at his labor he will at least make some honest gain from it. I am convinced some believers will see this only in the context that God desires us to be wise in the ways of the world, investing and making the most of every opportunity to grow our worldly position and possessions. But I also think this goes much deeper than the material loss or gain of worldly goods. Does not God deal more vigorously, more diligently with the spirit of mankind? Does he not spend most if not all of his words dealing with the spiritual well-being of his creation? If a man is lazy or deceitful in his relationship with God is he not so very poor? Those who are remiss in their communication and fellowship with him surely have little to nothing within them that would be of worth. How poor can a spirit be if it is not connected to God? But also I see that if I am diligent in my relationship with God I will have great spiritual wealth. I will be blessed, happy, content, fulfilled, complete, satisfied, in fellowship with him, if I am diligent in our relationship. There can be no slacking off, no just cruising through life, calling myself a believer, but not growing in the word. There can be no just sliding alone, just being saved and not pursuing after his ways. There can be no resting, no retiring, no just sitting around, but I must continually be about my Fathers business. I cannot rest both in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm until I have fulfilled his purpose for my life, and when I have I can then step into eternity, but not until. How can any believer think they can just be, and not be doing for the Kingdom? I must be diligent!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Who's Who
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WHO’S WHO
Prov 10:3
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
NIV
How clearer can this be? I will never go hungry. Now of course is this taking about food? I think not. I have seen times throughout the record men of old who at times were hungry, such as Saul, David Paul and even Jesus. Surely God was meeting their needs. Now this to me is all about God supplying all my needs according to his riches in glory and my being extremely content with his supply. It also means that even though some people here on this earth have a greater abundance of material wealth, they will never be satisfied, nor find peace in their ill-gotten gain. I the question I have to ask, because if I ever taught this, surely some believers would ask, is why are their believers who seem to have so very little, and in fact, appear to be suffering? Why does God allow them to be hungry? Could I dare think they may not actually be righteous? Again, I have to be careful in my thinking, but anyone’s righteousness is not due to anything they do, but because of Jesus. Is it possible some people only appear to be believers, but have actually not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, that is they are not Born Again? I cannot know the answer, only God does. All I know for sure is that I am, and he does not allow me to go hungry in the sense of food and in the sense of need. I have all I need and even more. I have eternal life, what more do I actually need. Maybe this is simply talking about that aspect of faith. God gives the righteous, those in Christ, eternal life, and the wicked do not, no matter how hard they try to save themselves with religion. Either way, I know in whom I believe and trust to both save me and supply all my needs. I also know I am only righteous in the eyes of God because of Jesus. I was never perfect, I still am not perfect and I dare say I will never be perfect until that day I step into eternity, but I also can say I am not wicked, I once was, but now am not, and will never be again because of Jesus. The choice is clear righteous or wicked, who’s who.
PROVERBS
WHO’S WHO
Prov 10:3
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
NIV
How clearer can this be? I will never go hungry. Now of course is this taking about food? I think not. I have seen times throughout the record men of old who at times were hungry, such as Saul, David Paul and even Jesus. Surely God was meeting their needs. Now this to me is all about God supplying all my needs according to his riches in glory and my being extremely content with his supply. It also means that even though some people here on this earth have a greater abundance of material wealth, they will never be satisfied, nor find peace in their ill-gotten gain. I the question I have to ask, because if I ever taught this, surely some believers would ask, is why are their believers who seem to have so very little, and in fact, appear to be suffering? Why does God allow them to be hungry? Could I dare think they may not actually be righteous? Again, I have to be careful in my thinking, but anyone’s righteousness is not due to anything they do, but because of Jesus. Is it possible some people only appear to be believers, but have actually not accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, that is they are not Born Again? I cannot know the answer, only God does. All I know for sure is that I am, and he does not allow me to go hungry in the sense of food and in the sense of need. I have all I need and even more. I have eternal life, what more do I actually need. Maybe this is simply talking about that aspect of faith. God gives the righteous, those in Christ, eternal life, and the wicked do not, no matter how hard they try to save themselves with religion. Either way, I know in whom I believe and trust to both save me and supply all my needs. I also know I am only righteous in the eyes of God because of Jesus. I was never perfect, I still am not perfect and I dare say I will never be perfect until that day I step into eternity, but I also can say I am not wicked, I once was, but now am not, and will never be again because of Jesus. The choice is clear righteous or wicked, who’s who.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Life or Death
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
LIFE OR DEATH
Prov 10:2
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
NIV
Once again I see this comparison between the ways of the world and the ways of God. But does this surely mean that all treasures gain in the world is ill-gotten? Surely an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage is not ill-gotten. This has to be speaking to other means of gaining material wealth, as compared to living a righteous life. I know of what that is, and I have dared to speak of it in the presence of believers, but I have been opposed all too often. I cannot understand how a believer feels it is not ill-gotten gain when he or she hands over their money to Satan himself for the furtherance of his agenda. I believe that is exactly what the stock market is all about. Why would I believer invest in a company that is not advancing the Kingdom of God? Why would a believer unequally yoke himself with a company of this world? Why would their partner themselves with the unrighteous? Is it all about the gold, the treasure? I do not understand why so many oppose that teaching. I do get it, are they just deceived by the gold? I have to keep to the truth; I cannot allow myself to give in to the deceptive scheme of the evil one. This whole business of investing for profit is of no value, of no eternal value at all; in fact it is quite the opposite. The righteousness of God delivers from death, so I have to believe the opposite delivers death. I have to keep teaching, I have to keep telling the truth of God in hopes some will see the hardship which can follow this ill-gotten gain. Of course I do not believe wealth in and of itself is evil, God blesses men with abundance of wealth. He has blessed me with what I consider abundance. Others have far more than me and others far less, but if it comes from God and not from the evil ways of the world it is all too good. I just cannot see it any other way and so I must continue alone the path God has set my feet. I must continue to speak about it, write about, in hopes som will see the truth. I believe it is a matter of life or death.
PROVERBS
LIFE OR DEATH
Prov 10:2
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
NIV
Once again I see this comparison between the ways of the world and the ways of God. But does this surely mean that all treasures gain in the world is ill-gotten? Surely an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage is not ill-gotten. This has to be speaking to other means of gaining material wealth, as compared to living a righteous life. I know of what that is, and I have dared to speak of it in the presence of believers, but I have been opposed all too often. I cannot understand how a believer feels it is not ill-gotten gain when he or she hands over their money to Satan himself for the furtherance of his agenda. I believe that is exactly what the stock market is all about. Why would I believer invest in a company that is not advancing the Kingdom of God? Why would a believer unequally yoke himself with a company of this world? Why would their partner themselves with the unrighteous? Is it all about the gold, the treasure? I do not understand why so many oppose that teaching. I do get it, are they just deceived by the gold? I have to keep to the truth; I cannot allow myself to give in to the deceptive scheme of the evil one. This whole business of investing for profit is of no value, of no eternal value at all; in fact it is quite the opposite. The righteousness of God delivers from death, so I have to believe the opposite delivers death. I have to keep teaching, I have to keep telling the truth of God in hopes some will see the hardship which can follow this ill-gotten gain. Of course I do not believe wealth in and of itself is evil, God blesses men with abundance of wealth. He has blessed me with what I consider abundance. Others have far more than me and others far less, but if it comes from God and not from the evil ways of the world it is all too good. I just cannot see it any other way and so I must continue alone the path God has set my feet. I must continue to speak about it, write about, in hopes som will see the truth. I believe it is a matter of life or death.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wise or Foolish
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WISE OR FOOLISH
Prov 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
NIV
Well now, I actually am getting to the opposed verses or proverbs themselves. What is the difference between a father and a mother? Why if I were wise would I only bring joy to my father and if I were foolish would I only grief my mother? Are these my earthy parents or does this apply to my relationship to my Lord and Savior who is both my Father and Mother? I would surely think that if I lived in a wise manner it would please my heavenly Father. After spending the first nine chapters I can say with certainty it had nothing to do with making wise decisions about the things of this world, but rather being wise in the ways of God. So if I make my life choices based on pleasing God that would be a wise thing and it surely would bring joy to HIm. If I were to behave in accordance to his plan that would be wise and thus bring joy to Him as well. But on the other hand if I made foolish choices, such as not paying attention to his commands, that would grief him. I think if I choose to live according to my own plan that would bring grief to him as well. The choice is mine. Although He has sent the Holy Spirit to influence my heart, I still have the ultimate choice to listen or not. I still am able to make bad decisions regarding my relationship with God. I still can behave badly, speak inappropriately, respond humanly and disappoint my Lord and Savior. Even with the Spirit there to help me, I can choice to ignore the help and I believe that surely would bring grief to God for I would certainly be foolish. I wonder if this applies to all the times I simply fail, or does this refer to a brazen disregard to his influence. Surely my humanity gets in the way of being wise at times, but is that an excuse? If it is a choice than I think the excuse is not valid, but if it is simply due to being imperfect because of the human condition maybe it is more a reason rather than an excuse. God surely forgives reasons but does he forgive excuses? Because he is God, I would have to believe because he said so, he forgives period, except of course if I were to completely turn my back and disown him, which of course I am not about to do. So back to wise or foolish, which shall it be? Although I think I am foolish at times, I make a conscience decision to be wise.
PROVERBS
WISE OR FOOLISH
Prov 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
NIV
Well now, I actually am getting to the opposed verses or proverbs themselves. What is the difference between a father and a mother? Why if I were wise would I only bring joy to my father and if I were foolish would I only grief my mother? Are these my earthy parents or does this apply to my relationship to my Lord and Savior who is both my Father and Mother? I would surely think that if I lived in a wise manner it would please my heavenly Father. After spending the first nine chapters I can say with certainty it had nothing to do with making wise decisions about the things of this world, but rather being wise in the ways of God. So if I make my life choices based on pleasing God that would be a wise thing and it surely would bring joy to HIm. If I were to behave in accordance to his plan that would be wise and thus bring joy to Him as well. But on the other hand if I made foolish choices, such as not paying attention to his commands, that would grief him. I think if I choose to live according to my own plan that would bring grief to him as well. The choice is mine. Although He has sent the Holy Spirit to influence my heart, I still have the ultimate choice to listen or not. I still am able to make bad decisions regarding my relationship with God. I still can behave badly, speak inappropriately, respond humanly and disappoint my Lord and Savior. Even with the Spirit there to help me, I can choice to ignore the help and I believe that surely would bring grief to God for I would certainly be foolish. I wonder if this applies to all the times I simply fail, or does this refer to a brazen disregard to his influence. Surely my humanity gets in the way of being wise at times, but is that an excuse? If it is a choice than I think the excuse is not valid, but if it is simply due to being imperfect because of the human condition maybe it is more a reason rather than an excuse. God surely forgives reasons but does he forgive excuses? Because he is God, I would have to believe because he said so, he forgives period, except of course if I were to completely turn my back and disown him, which of course I am not about to do. So back to wise or foolish, which shall it be? Although I think I am foolish at times, I make a conscience decision to be wise.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hear the Warning
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
HEAR THE WARNING
Prov 9:13-18
13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, 15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. 16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. 17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" 18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
NIV
Once again I meet this woman, who is not a woman at all but rather the anti-christ or sin itself. Wisdom or Christ was seen or depicted as a woman early so I have to conclude sin or the devil, the anti-christ is also depicted as a woman. The voices of the world, which is certainly under the control of him who opposes God, surely is loud and senseless. The people of the world, those who oppose God, and all he stands for are certainly undisciplined and without knowledge. I cannot afford to be counted in that number, nor can I afford to listen to the nonsense they speak. It is true the voice of the opposition is much louder most of the time than the still small voice of God. Why do they boast so loudly, does miserly love company? Why is the lure of sin have to sit on the high places and call out? I think it is easy enough to fail God on my own, much less having the devil making every effort to snare me into his trap. But I do think the failures to be absolutely perfect, totally without sin, are completely different than listening to the call of this woman and entering her house. To leave God and become a guest in the home of the devil has everlasting consequences. That is truly where death is. I am convinced it requires effort and a choice to not listen to that calling out, not to be enticed by the stolen water or anything which is prohibited. Many of the ways of the world are prohibited if I listen to the voice of wisdom. I have to remain, if I desire life, in the household of faith. I desire to remain there, even when I fail to live up to the standard God has laid out. I do not think I have entered the house of this evil one, but have simply been human, as unfortunate as that is. I wish somehow I was not subject to being human, having these moments of failing God. Why can I not be perfect, and never fail? It is not because the devil has won me over, and I have accepted his invitation to dine with him. I surely do no lack that kind of judgment, but I still fall short of perfection, having perfect judgment, having perfected the art of not sinning at all. Still I have to keep my ear plugs in concerning that undisciplined calling out for the control of my soul. Death shall not shallow me up, for I have life, I am a child of God, I live in the household of faith, within the Kingdom of God. I hear the warning.
PROVERBS
HEAR THE WARNING
Prov 9:13-18
13 The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, 15 calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way. 16 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. 17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" 18 But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave.
NIV
Once again I meet this woman, who is not a woman at all but rather the anti-christ or sin itself. Wisdom or Christ was seen or depicted as a woman early so I have to conclude sin or the devil, the anti-christ is also depicted as a woman. The voices of the world, which is certainly under the control of him who opposes God, surely is loud and senseless. The people of the world, those who oppose God, and all he stands for are certainly undisciplined and without knowledge. I cannot afford to be counted in that number, nor can I afford to listen to the nonsense they speak. It is true the voice of the opposition is much louder most of the time than the still small voice of God. Why do they boast so loudly, does miserly love company? Why is the lure of sin have to sit on the high places and call out? I think it is easy enough to fail God on my own, much less having the devil making every effort to snare me into his trap. But I do think the failures to be absolutely perfect, totally without sin, are completely different than listening to the call of this woman and entering her house. To leave God and become a guest in the home of the devil has everlasting consequences. That is truly where death is. I am convinced it requires effort and a choice to not listen to that calling out, not to be enticed by the stolen water or anything which is prohibited. Many of the ways of the world are prohibited if I listen to the voice of wisdom. I have to remain, if I desire life, in the household of faith. I desire to remain there, even when I fail to live up to the standard God has laid out. I do not think I have entered the house of this evil one, but have simply been human, as unfortunate as that is. I wish somehow I was not subject to being human, having these moments of failing God. Why can I not be perfect, and never fail? It is not because the devil has won me over, and I have accepted his invitation to dine with him. I surely do no lack that kind of judgment, but I still fall short of perfection, having perfect judgment, having perfected the art of not sinning at all. Still I have to keep my ear plugs in concerning that undisciplined calling out for the control of my soul. Death shall not shallow me up, for I have life, I am a child of God, I live in the household of faith, within the Kingdom of God. I hear the warning.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Rewarded
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
REWARDED
Prov 9:10-12
10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
NIV
Is this really meaning to be afraid of the Lord or can I use the other meaning of that Hebrew word, reverence? I think in the sense that when the angels visited the shepherds they told them to fear not, to not be afraid, so I think in that sense I can be assured I should not be afraid of God, but I should, if I have any wisdom at all give him all the reverence he is so completely due. If I have but a shred of wisdom I would revere, or give him credit, acknowledge his power and his majestic sovereignty over mankind. For I think those who refuse such reverence are just plain unwise, or in other words foolish. Although some people in the world of intellectuals think I am foolish for my faith, I am actually far wiser than them. All their knowledge is based on human thought, my knowledge is based on the Holy One, because I understand God is who he says he is. Their knowledge, their wisdom is limited to their own understanding of what other humans have said, mine is unlimited because it is based on what God said. Is that prideful? I think not, but it is surely wise. I have always acknowledged my Lord as the source of all I am, all I have and all I do. He was the beginning of my true life, my real life, and as such is due all the glory and honor for my life. Although he did in fact knit me together in my mother’s womb, and knew me even before the foundations of the Earth, my true life began the moment I bowed my knee and confessed him to be my Lord and Savior. He has already added days to my life, years have been added to my life because of him. I know without a shadow of doubt if he had not been for him a more than one occasion I would have been some other place, other than here. But of what purpose are those many days and added years? Are they to be spent virtuously on self? I think not, but these many days and added years have been given to me so that I might benefit the Kingdom of God for a longer time, that I might have some influence on others, that I might be a useful servant to my Lord. I have more to do, more to accomplish for his Kingdom. Much as with king David, when I have fulfilled my purpose, then and only then can I sleep in the peace of my Lord. Because I revere my Lord, I am already rewarded.
PROVERBS
REWARDED
Prov 9:10-12
10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
NIV
Is this really meaning to be afraid of the Lord or can I use the other meaning of that Hebrew word, reverence? I think in the sense that when the angels visited the shepherds they told them to fear not, to not be afraid, so I think in that sense I can be assured I should not be afraid of God, but I should, if I have any wisdom at all give him all the reverence he is so completely due. If I have but a shred of wisdom I would revere, or give him credit, acknowledge his power and his majestic sovereignty over mankind. For I think those who refuse such reverence are just plain unwise, or in other words foolish. Although some people in the world of intellectuals think I am foolish for my faith, I am actually far wiser than them. All their knowledge is based on human thought, my knowledge is based on the Holy One, because I understand God is who he says he is. Their knowledge, their wisdom is limited to their own understanding of what other humans have said, mine is unlimited because it is based on what God said. Is that prideful? I think not, but it is surely wise. I have always acknowledged my Lord as the source of all I am, all I have and all I do. He was the beginning of my true life, my real life, and as such is due all the glory and honor for my life. Although he did in fact knit me together in my mother’s womb, and knew me even before the foundations of the Earth, my true life began the moment I bowed my knee and confessed him to be my Lord and Savior. He has already added days to my life, years have been added to my life because of him. I know without a shadow of doubt if he had not been for him a more than one occasion I would have been some other place, other than here. But of what purpose are those many days and added years? Are they to be spent virtuously on self? I think not, but these many days and added years have been given to me so that I might benefit the Kingdom of God for a longer time, that I might have some influence on others, that I might be a useful servant to my Lord. I have more to do, more to accomplish for his Kingdom. Much as with king David, when I have fulfilled my purpose, then and only then can I sleep in the peace of my Lord. Because I revere my Lord, I am already rewarded.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Who's Who
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
WHO’S WHO
Prov 9:7-9
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
NIV
But what about bringing the gospel to the unsaved? Maybe this is the same as not casing my pearls before swine. If a person simply refuses to accept the scripture as the holy inspired word of God, are they not in the category of mocker? Why should I bother trying to convince them of their error? Why should I try to correct their ideas? It does not make any sense and according to this all I will get in return is abuse. If I tell them they are just wrong in their thinking, all will happen is hatred toward me and then I stand absolutely no opportunity to show them Christ through my live. I cannot turn my back on them, especially if they are my family, and then even if not, they are still lost and need Jesus. But if their scoff, make mouth at, God nothing I say will matter anyway, I can only live out the love of God in their presence. I do wonder sometimes though about if some believers even fall into this same category. I know that sounds awful even to verbalize, but if a believer refuses to accept the fact they still sin, or that they are unwilling to learn more about how to live, maybe they are not as wise as they think. I surely know I still have problems with sin in areas of my life, and that I am so lacking in knowledge of all the ways of God. I have so much to learn and understand, I do not think I will ever be done with my studies. Although I must admit I do have a great deal of opinions about the scriptures, insights which I believe God has revealed to me, but I am I sure I have more to come. I think this might apply toward that very concept in the sense of being rebuked by God and loving him for it, being instructed by God and being wiser for it, and being taught the ways of righteousness and increasing in the knowledge of it. Yet I think it also might be in a sense a calling by God, to those who hear it, to spend time and effort among the household of faith, bringing them the Word of God which in itself does the rebuking, instructing and training in righteousness. But it is good to hear it, to speak it, to explain it, expound upon it, bringing insights to those who desire to learn more about their journey with God. Should not all believers feel this way about the rest of believers, helping each other to learn more and be all that God desires us to be? I think so. Does it come down checking identities before opening my mouth about God? Can I tell who’s who?
PROVERBS
WHO’S WHO
Prov 9:7-9
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
NIV
But what about bringing the gospel to the unsaved? Maybe this is the same as not casing my pearls before swine. If a person simply refuses to accept the scripture as the holy inspired word of God, are they not in the category of mocker? Why should I bother trying to convince them of their error? Why should I try to correct their ideas? It does not make any sense and according to this all I will get in return is abuse. If I tell them they are just wrong in their thinking, all will happen is hatred toward me and then I stand absolutely no opportunity to show them Christ through my live. I cannot turn my back on them, especially if they are my family, and then even if not, they are still lost and need Jesus. But if their scoff, make mouth at, God nothing I say will matter anyway, I can only live out the love of God in their presence. I do wonder sometimes though about if some believers even fall into this same category. I know that sounds awful even to verbalize, but if a believer refuses to accept the fact they still sin, or that they are unwilling to learn more about how to live, maybe they are not as wise as they think. I surely know I still have problems with sin in areas of my life, and that I am so lacking in knowledge of all the ways of God. I have so much to learn and understand, I do not think I will ever be done with my studies. Although I must admit I do have a great deal of opinions about the scriptures, insights which I believe God has revealed to me, but I am I sure I have more to come. I think this might apply toward that very concept in the sense of being rebuked by God and loving him for it, being instructed by God and being wiser for it, and being taught the ways of righteousness and increasing in the knowledge of it. Yet I think it also might be in a sense a calling by God, to those who hear it, to spend time and effort among the household of faith, bringing them the Word of God which in itself does the rebuking, instructing and training in righteousness. But it is good to hear it, to speak it, to explain it, expound upon it, bringing insights to those who desire to learn more about their journey with God. Should not all believers feel this way about the rest of believers, helping each other to learn more and be all that God desires us to be? I think so. Does it come down checking identities before opening my mouth about God? Can I tell who’s who?
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