DEVOTION
PROVERBS
FINDING GOD
Prov 13:19
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
NIV
The truth which lies within this saying is surely the object of this longing which is sweet to the soul. Is there anything a person could desire which is sweet to the soul that is a part of this material realm? I think not. It would appear the only thing which could be sweet to the soul of man would be God himself. How sweet it is to have a longing for eternal life in the everlasting presents of God and have it fulfilled. How much better could it ever be than to have a personal relationship with God? How sweet it is be fulfilled with his working in my life. How sweet it is to see how he accomplishes his plan through me. How sweet it is to be blessed daily by his hand of provision. He has already told me a longing fulfilled is a tree of life and this longing is therefore one for God. Whenever a person longs for God, he is surely going to bless the socks right off them. Whenever a person longs for the life God has designed for them, they will be blessed with all sorts of goodness within, being satisfied deep within their soul. It is such a blessing, such peace, contentment, completeness, and fulfillment to know God has me in the palm of his hand and he will never let me go. Those who refuse to turn from evil will never be truly satisfied. They will never find peace and contentment, nor a satisfaction deep within their soul. They may long for many things, both material and emotional, but as long as they refuse to accept the life God has designed for them, they will find no fulfillment. It seems to me a shame people think their desires for life outside the realm of God is a better way, when in reality it is just the desire for evil. I do not see any middle ground, no fence riding, and no grey area here at all. A person is either on the side of God or on the side of evil. People have to pitch their tent in one camp or the other. God or evil is the only choice, even when choosing self, which is in the camp of evil. When a person refuses to turn from evil and choose God, than God says that person is a fool. Why would anyone choose evil or God? Are they that deceived by Satan they cannot see the truth? How many years do they have to live without experiencing sweetness in their soul before they recognize the truth? How can they continue to go unfulfilled within their soul? Life is too short to spend it all in denial of the truth. How blessed I am to have found the longing for my soul, to have found God.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Best Choice
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
BEST CHOICE
Prov 13:18
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
NIV
It is most likely many poeple would see this as a reflection upon those who refuse to accept the teaching and discipline to learn a skill or profession which would provide for the necessities of life and thus receive honor from his fellow man for being a production member of society, but instead by refusing such become a beggar of sorts and be looked down upon. That would seem to be what is going on here on the first glance, but I am not sure we could stop there. Although it is true one needs to apply yourself to the task of learning which does require a certain amount of discipline in order to work successfully at any type employment. It is also true society holds those who are successful at their professions with a certain amount of honor while not thinking so honorably about those who live off the provisions of others. But what is the best for of discipline? Would it not be spiritual discipline which brings the greatest form of honor? Would it not be the correction which is provided by God’s word which provides honor before God? If a person ignores the discipline and correction God provides for life, that person would surely be spiritually bankrupt and have nothing but shame when standing before God on the last day. Therefore it is the most intelligent choice to heed, to accept, to apply the correction God declares. The wisest decision is not to ignore his discipline for life, but to apply myself to the task of learning how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. If I ignore the teachings about faith, how am I to please God? If I ignore the correction regarding areas of my spiritual being which need change, how am I going to please God? If I simply live to fulfill and satisfy or gratify the cravings of my own desires, how am I going to please God? I need the discipline and correction of God in order to please him. In accepting these I will never be spiritually poor but rich with great reward and honor as I stand before my God. This is the best choice.
PROVERBS
BEST CHOICE
Prov 13:18
18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
NIV
It is most likely many poeple would see this as a reflection upon those who refuse to accept the teaching and discipline to learn a skill or profession which would provide for the necessities of life and thus receive honor from his fellow man for being a production member of society, but instead by refusing such become a beggar of sorts and be looked down upon. That would seem to be what is going on here on the first glance, but I am not sure we could stop there. Although it is true one needs to apply yourself to the task of learning which does require a certain amount of discipline in order to work successfully at any type employment. It is also true society holds those who are successful at their professions with a certain amount of honor while not thinking so honorably about those who live off the provisions of others. But what is the best for of discipline? Would it not be spiritual discipline which brings the greatest form of honor? Would it not be the correction which is provided by God’s word which provides honor before God? If a person ignores the discipline and correction God provides for life, that person would surely be spiritually bankrupt and have nothing but shame when standing before God on the last day. Therefore it is the most intelligent choice to heed, to accept, to apply the correction God declares. The wisest decision is not to ignore his discipline for life, but to apply myself to the task of learning how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. If I ignore the teachings about faith, how am I to please God? If I ignore the correction regarding areas of my spiritual being which need change, how am I going to please God? If I simply live to fulfill and satisfy or gratify the cravings of my own desires, how am I going to please God? I need the discipline and correction of God in order to please him. In accepting these I will never be spiritually poor but rich with great reward and honor as I stand before my God. This is the best choice.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Envoys
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
ENVOYS
Prov 13:17
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
NIV
Absolutely under any circumstances a believer should never accept any type of advice from a person who is classified by God as wicked. I do not believe any message they have would ever contain any of the truth of God and would be for the purpose of benefiting his kingdom or for the spiritual wellness of the hearer. I am confident many of the messages brought by those who are considered wicked by God are worthy of this worlds way of living, and have some good, well meaning, thought provoking concepts, but they are for the world not for the kingdom of God. Any messenger which brings such types of advice will ultimately fall into a great deal of trouble, especially on the Day of Judgment. Why would I ever want to listen to much less accept any message from any messenger which is among the wicked? It is unconceivable any of their messages would bring healing to my soul. The only worthy messages are from those who know God and are bringing his word to life in my being. The Word of God is the only truth which will bring healing to a dying world. It was the only thing which brought healing to my sick soul. It is the only thing which can cure the disease of this world, sin. Anyone who brings a message who either ignores the truth of God or perverts the Word of God is wicked in the eyes of God and will find all sorts of trouble coming his way. But anyone who brings a message containing the absolute truth of God in the purest from will bring healing to those in need. This should be the goal of every believer. This is my goal, the reason I preach and teach, the reason I write and share my thoughts which are based on the Kingdom of God and his truth. I believe God has called every believer to this task, and I am sure he has called me to such endeavors. I know that if I were on my own all I would do and say would be without any worth at all, but I am not alone, for God has given my his Holy Spirit to guide me and inspire would I do and say. He has empowered me to fulfill his purpose for my life. I am but one of many trustworthy envoys.
PROVERBS
ENVOYS
Prov 13:17
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
NIV
Absolutely under any circumstances a believer should never accept any type of advice from a person who is classified by God as wicked. I do not believe any message they have would ever contain any of the truth of God and would be for the purpose of benefiting his kingdom or for the spiritual wellness of the hearer. I am confident many of the messages brought by those who are considered wicked by God are worthy of this worlds way of living, and have some good, well meaning, thought provoking concepts, but they are for the world not for the kingdom of God. Any messenger which brings such types of advice will ultimately fall into a great deal of trouble, especially on the Day of Judgment. Why would I ever want to listen to much less accept any message from any messenger which is among the wicked? It is unconceivable any of their messages would bring healing to my soul. The only worthy messages are from those who know God and are bringing his word to life in my being. The Word of God is the only truth which will bring healing to a dying world. It was the only thing which brought healing to my sick soul. It is the only thing which can cure the disease of this world, sin. Anyone who brings a message who either ignores the truth of God or perverts the Word of God is wicked in the eyes of God and will find all sorts of trouble coming his way. But anyone who brings a message containing the absolute truth of God in the purest from will bring healing to those in need. This should be the goal of every believer. This is my goal, the reason I preach and teach, the reason I write and share my thoughts which are based on the Kingdom of God and his truth. I believe God has called every believer to this task, and I am sure he has called me to such endeavors. I know that if I were on my own all I would do and say would be without any worth at all, but I am not alone, for God has given my his Holy Spirit to guide me and inspire would I do and say. He has empowered me to fulfill his purpose for my life. I am but one of many trustworthy envoys.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Silence Can Be Golden
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
SILENCE CAN BE GOLDEN
Prov 13:16
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
NIV
It would appear there is somewhat of a difference as to how one interacts with people. Either being prudent or foolish is the choice. What would be this difference? I think it would or should be clear enough to see that a foolish person has no clue as to what he should say, to whom he should say it and when it would be appropriate to say whatever he thinks, without regard to the relevancy of what the conversation is. One the other hand a person who is prudent holds his speak for the right moment and does know as to whom he should speak and what it is he should or should not say. One or two well said words should make a far better impact then a host of non-meaning jibber-jabber words. I think some people just like to hear the sound of their own voices. I also think it may be because they monopolize the conversation with meaningless nonsense because they think they have the superior intelligence. But the truth is unless a person is speaking about real truths of significance they speech is all folly. I know I have been drawn into conversations I should have refrained from being a part of. It is difficult to remain completely silent in the course of hearing such non-meaningful palaver, yet I think that would be the prudent course. It is good to be reminded of the right course of action when surrounded with others who would be classified by God as fools at expose their folly. Could it be that God considers all and any conversation which centers on human wisdom as folly? I think that would be a true statement. The only real value of words exists in the truth of God. But once again if I would remind myself it would be prudent when, where and with whom I should express these words of value. I should be cognizant of not casting pearls of his wisdom before those who God would say are fools. It would be prudent to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit before making any such proclamations. In many cases, silence can be golden.
PROVERBS
SILENCE CAN BE GOLDEN
Prov 13:16
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool exposes his folly.
NIV
It would appear there is somewhat of a difference as to how one interacts with people. Either being prudent or foolish is the choice. What would be this difference? I think it would or should be clear enough to see that a foolish person has no clue as to what he should say, to whom he should say it and when it would be appropriate to say whatever he thinks, without regard to the relevancy of what the conversation is. One the other hand a person who is prudent holds his speak for the right moment and does know as to whom he should speak and what it is he should or should not say. One or two well said words should make a far better impact then a host of non-meaning jibber-jabber words. I think some people just like to hear the sound of their own voices. I also think it may be because they monopolize the conversation with meaningless nonsense because they think they have the superior intelligence. But the truth is unless a person is speaking about real truths of significance they speech is all folly. I know I have been drawn into conversations I should have refrained from being a part of. It is difficult to remain completely silent in the course of hearing such non-meaningful palaver, yet I think that would be the prudent course. It is good to be reminded of the right course of action when surrounded with others who would be classified by God as fools at expose their folly. Could it be that God considers all and any conversation which centers on human wisdom as folly? I think that would be a true statement. The only real value of words exists in the truth of God. But once again if I would remind myself it would be prudent when, where and with whom I should express these words of value. I should be cognizant of not casting pearls of his wisdom before those who God would say are fools. It would be prudent to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit before making any such proclamations. In many cases, silence can be golden.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Good Understanding Please
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
GOOD UNDERSTANDING PLEASE
Prov 13:15
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
NIV
How difficult life is without good understanding. How much must be endured if a person does not have the understanding of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. If fact their life will not endure at all, for in the end they will perish. I know, from my past, that my life was extremely hard with the awareness of death and the endlessness that followed. Without the understanding of the free gift of God, I was horribly afraid of what life would be at the end. I hardly really enjoyed the life I had. Oh sure I was about self-gratification, but I knew it would end someday and I would never ever know that I was ever alive. The way of the unfaithful is hard is just the beginning of a dreadful life. But, praise God, I know have a good understanding, which of course, is an understanding of the Good News of God. How much favor I have already won by gaining this understanding is uncountable. Yet the greatest of the favors is eternal life in the everlasting presence of God. Because I have gained this understanding I know have a personal relationship with God, one on one, being about to talk with him and listen to his great wisdom for my life. Anyone can have this good understanding and do the same thing; I am not the only one. God is available to anyone would desires to understand who he is and what his desire is for fellowship with his creation. Although I was once like many others who have a hard way in life, and who will have an even harder way in death, know I have a difficulty in understanding why they cannot see the simple truth to win the favor of God. I even have difficulty understanding how some believers still cannot grasp that being good is not good enough. I do not know why they must insist they have to be completely free of sin in order to win his favor, for it is not by works, but by faith. Who can live free of sin? If a believer actually thinks that is possible to live completely free of sin they have been deceived by Satan, and do not have a good understanding of what it means to be faithful, therefor would they be considered unfaithful? Do I dare consider this? Surely if they believe they can be completely free of sin, their way must be really hard, either knowing deep down that is impossible, or being deceived into believing they actually do not have any more sin in their life. I know I still have sin in my life, but I also have the favor of God, for I have gained the understanding of the Good News, and I have an advocate before the Father ever making intercession for me, Jesus died for my sin, all of it, past present and future sin. Sure I make every effort to no sin, but I fail, I am human, I am bound to fail occasionally, not that I intend to, or accept it, or make an excuse for it, I am simply honest about it. That is also a part of having a good understanding. I will always chose a good understanding over a hard way.
PROVERBS
GOOD UNDERSTANDING PLEASE
Prov 13:15
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
NIV
How difficult life is without good understanding. How much must be endured if a person does not have the understanding of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. If fact their life will not endure at all, for in the end they will perish. I know, from my past, that my life was extremely hard with the awareness of death and the endlessness that followed. Without the understanding of the free gift of God, I was horribly afraid of what life would be at the end. I hardly really enjoyed the life I had. Oh sure I was about self-gratification, but I knew it would end someday and I would never ever know that I was ever alive. The way of the unfaithful is hard is just the beginning of a dreadful life. But, praise God, I know have a good understanding, which of course, is an understanding of the Good News of God. How much favor I have already won by gaining this understanding is uncountable. Yet the greatest of the favors is eternal life in the everlasting presence of God. Because I have gained this understanding I know have a personal relationship with God, one on one, being about to talk with him and listen to his great wisdom for my life. Anyone can have this good understanding and do the same thing; I am not the only one. God is available to anyone would desires to understand who he is and what his desire is for fellowship with his creation. Although I was once like many others who have a hard way in life, and who will have an even harder way in death, know I have a difficulty in understanding why they cannot see the simple truth to win the favor of God. I even have difficulty understanding how some believers still cannot grasp that being good is not good enough. I do not know why they must insist they have to be completely free of sin in order to win his favor, for it is not by works, but by faith. Who can live free of sin? If a believer actually thinks that is possible to live completely free of sin they have been deceived by Satan, and do not have a good understanding of what it means to be faithful, therefor would they be considered unfaithful? Do I dare consider this? Surely if they believe they can be completely free of sin, their way must be really hard, either knowing deep down that is impossible, or being deceived into believing they actually do not have any more sin in their life. I know I still have sin in my life, but I also have the favor of God, for I have gained the understanding of the Good News, and I have an advocate before the Father ever making intercession for me, Jesus died for my sin, all of it, past present and future sin. Sure I make every effort to no sin, but I fail, I am human, I am bound to fail occasionally, not that I intend to, or accept it, or make an excuse for it, I am simply honest about it. That is also a part of having a good understanding. I will always chose a good understanding over a hard way.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Drinking
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
DRINKING
Prov 13:14
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
NIV
Is this not all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news, the plan of God for the salvation of his creation gone astray? What other teachings could possibly be a fountain of life? Surely before I was a believer my life was in the very grip of death. That was the end which surely awaited me at the conclusion of my hearts last beat. There was not an ounce of wise teaching within my being and I was doomed to perish. But someone shared that Good News with me. They exposed me to the wisest teaching any person could ever hear and I was turned from the snare of death and drank from the fountain of life. Why would anyone refuse to drink from this fountain? Why would people insist the fountain does not even exist? Are they so deceived by the evil one can cannot even understand the Good News? I knew something about God, but not his plan for my salvation. I knew about religion, but not about redemption. I thought God was all about rules and regulations which I wanted nothing to do with, but not about true freedom. I even hated the idea of God and professed I was not sure he even existed, that religion was man made. Yet God found a way to break through my hard shell, my self-defense mechanism. When I actually heard wise teaching my spirit was awakened to the possibility God actually existed and that he was concerned about me. Then when he revealed himself to me in a tangible physical manner, I had no more excuses and so I drank from the fountain of life. Why can’t others see the truth the way I did? Why are they so afraid of accepting the cup of cold water from the fountain? Is it because their life is so good without God? Don’t they know what awaits them after they heart has beat it last stroke? My actually heart might stop beating, yet I will be in the everlasting arms of my Lord and someday, somehow my heart alone with my body will be resurrected to once again live for all eternity enjoying, rejoicing, praising God! I drank, I am drinking.
PROVERBS
DRINKING
Prov 13:14
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
NIV
Is this not all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news, the plan of God for the salvation of his creation gone astray? What other teachings could possibly be a fountain of life? Surely before I was a believer my life was in the very grip of death. That was the end which surely awaited me at the conclusion of my hearts last beat. There was not an ounce of wise teaching within my being and I was doomed to perish. But someone shared that Good News with me. They exposed me to the wisest teaching any person could ever hear and I was turned from the snare of death and drank from the fountain of life. Why would anyone refuse to drink from this fountain? Why would people insist the fountain does not even exist? Are they so deceived by the evil one can cannot even understand the Good News? I knew something about God, but not his plan for my salvation. I knew about religion, but not about redemption. I thought God was all about rules and regulations which I wanted nothing to do with, but not about true freedom. I even hated the idea of God and professed I was not sure he even existed, that religion was man made. Yet God found a way to break through my hard shell, my self-defense mechanism. When I actually heard wise teaching my spirit was awakened to the possibility God actually existed and that he was concerned about me. Then when he revealed himself to me in a tangible physical manner, I had no more excuses and so I drank from the fountain of life. Why can’t others see the truth the way I did? Why are they so afraid of accepting the cup of cold water from the fountain? Is it because their life is so good without God? Don’t they know what awaits them after they heart has beat it last stroke? My actually heart might stop beating, yet I will be in the everlasting arms of my Lord and someday, somehow my heart alone with my body will be resurrected to once again live for all eternity enjoying, rejoicing, praising God! I drank, I am drinking.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Respecting God
DEVOTION
PROVERBS
RESPECTING GOD
Prov 13:13
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
NIV
I suppose this has some very good life applications in regards to living according to the instructions of those who serve as leaders to the people, but of what real value does this serve. I think we need to see this in the truest sense of paying very close attention to the instructions of God. If a person scorns the instructions of God he will certainly pay for it dearly, in fact with his life. I have absolutely no idea how anyone could ever think that by not only ignoring the instructions of God but actually scorning or as the Hebrew also implies, disrespect or hold in contempt his instructions they would not pay for in the end. God is not to be disrespected. God is not to be ignored. God is not to be scorned. In order to receive the crown of life a person must respect his commands. In order to be rewarded with eternal life a person has to accept and obey the commands of God. If I respect a command then I will obey it. Even in the human realm I believe must people would agree if they respect the person in authority they would listen and accept that persons command. I also believe they would agree if they did not respect that person they would also not respect his authority and resent and even resist his commands. I believe this holds true with the person of God and his position of authority. It may not be the easiest type of lifestyle to live under the command of God, but it surely is the one with the greatest rewards. I believe living for self is by far the easiest form of life, scorning all types of authority. Surely those who scorn the authority of human laws pay the most severe human consequence of imprisonment or in if the offense is grievous enough their life. But those who scorn the moral authority established by God will all pay with their life. It is difficult at times, when temptations assault the human spirit to resist every moment of every day, and sin creeps in and failing God is the result, but if the desire and intent is to respect and obey his commands, I believe the result of repentance and forgiveness will prevail and thus the reward will be great. In God I trust. Him I respect.
PROVERBS
RESPECTING GOD
Prov 13:13
13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it,
but he who respects a command is rewarded.
NIV
I suppose this has some very good life applications in regards to living according to the instructions of those who serve as leaders to the people, but of what real value does this serve. I think we need to see this in the truest sense of paying very close attention to the instructions of God. If a person scorns the instructions of God he will certainly pay for it dearly, in fact with his life. I have absolutely no idea how anyone could ever think that by not only ignoring the instructions of God but actually scorning or as the Hebrew also implies, disrespect or hold in contempt his instructions they would not pay for in the end. God is not to be disrespected. God is not to be ignored. God is not to be scorned. In order to receive the crown of life a person must respect his commands. In order to be rewarded with eternal life a person has to accept and obey the commands of God. If I respect a command then I will obey it. Even in the human realm I believe must people would agree if they respect the person in authority they would listen and accept that persons command. I also believe they would agree if they did not respect that person they would also not respect his authority and resent and even resist his commands. I believe this holds true with the person of God and his position of authority. It may not be the easiest type of lifestyle to live under the command of God, but it surely is the one with the greatest rewards. I believe living for self is by far the easiest form of life, scorning all types of authority. Surely those who scorn the authority of human laws pay the most severe human consequence of imprisonment or in if the offense is grievous enough their life. But those who scorn the moral authority established by God will all pay with their life. It is difficult at times, when temptations assault the human spirit to resist every moment of every day, and sin creeps in and failing God is the result, but if the desire and intent is to respect and obey his commands, I believe the result of repentance and forgiveness will prevail and thus the reward will be great. In God I trust. Him I respect.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)