PROVERBS 23
"Do not eat the bread of a selfish man,
Or desire his delicacies;
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
He says to you, "Eat and drink!"
But his heart is not with you."
(vs 6-7)
There is a worldly spirit that can come upon a man, even one who is a Christian. A party spirit that is selfish and contains no Eternal Life. It was said of some of God’s people Israel -
"Yes, they are greedy dogs
Which never have enough.
And they are shepherds
Who cannot understand;
They all look to their own way,
Every one for his own gain,
From his own territory.
“Come,” one says, “I will bring wine,
And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink;
Tomorrow will be as today,
And much more abundant.”- Is 56:11-12
That is the party spirit that brings only death. There are those who would entice us to partake of that spirit with them, but it is to satisfy their own selfishness for truly their "heart is not with you."
Paul wrote this warning, and promise, to the Christian church -
"The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." - Gal 6:8
Continuing this thought... skipping down a bit in this Proverb we read -
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who tarry long over wine,
those who go to try mixed wine."
(vs 29-30)
Passages like these speak volumes to me. Because I’ve been there. I know the sorrow and the strife I brought upon myself. I can recall the complaining I used to do. I know the wounds I afflicted upon others without cause. I was walking that selfish path that leads to death. Praise God I am no longer on that path.
Ten years ago God showed me the destruction I was reaping, caused by many years of excessive drinking. He opened my eyes through the Scripture and made real to me the damage I was doing to my life and those around me, and the consequences that would occur if I continued in that way.
"Woe to those who rise early in the morning,
That they may follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
The harp and the strings,
The tambourine and flute,
And wine are in their feasts;
But they do not regard the work of the LORD,
Nor consider the operation of His hands.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine,
Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink."
(Isaiah 5:11-12, 21-22)
And had I not obeyed the voice of the Lord, those consequences would have been Eternal.
"Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble,
And the flame consumes the chaff,
So their root will be as rottenness,
And their blossom will ascend like dust;
Because they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts,
And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."
(Isaiah 5:24)
Now we know from the Bible our Lord Jesus drank wine, and indeed His first miracle at Cana in Galilee was turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). And we can read Jesus repeating what many were saying of Him, in Matthew’s Gospel -
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ’Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." - Matt 11:19
Those saying this were judging by external standards, for they had not ears to hear what He was saying, they had not spiritual eyes to discern the Truth. Jesus was not a drunkard. He did not desire the selfish things of man. For His heart is with us.
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Jesus invites us to come to the Truth. To get for ourselves as much wisdom, and understanding as we can, and not squander it or take it lightly. He warns us not to trade it for earthly pleasures or to become weary in seeking it.
"Listen, my son, and be wise,
And direct your heart in the way.
Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine,
Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty,
And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.
Listen to your father who begot you,
And do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy Truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding."
(vs 19-23)
"What is Truth?", Pilate asked. (John 18:38)
Jesus would say to us - "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me’." - John 14:6
My friends, all that our Lord Jesus told His disciples, all His instruction to the crowds, all the warnings He gave to those who believed Him not, and all His promises throughout Scripture are True. All He spoke about the Kingdom is True. He cannot speak anything but the Truth, for He is Truth. He is called "Faithful and True" (Rev 3:14, 19:11)
This Truth is available to us... for a price. It is not merely handed to us, lest we abuse it. As Adam and Eve experienced: wisdom and knowledge, without The Truth, without Christ, will only get us into trouble. There was another who desired greatly to obtain all wisdom apart from the Lord, one who desired to be equal to God on his own terms. His destruction was eternal (Isaiah 14:12-15)
God will not grant us all understanding if we were not subject to the Lord Jesus. He cannot allow us to partake of the Tree of Knowledge, unless we first partake of the Tree of Life. The price we pay to buy Truth is in setting aside our earthly desires to spend time with Jesus, and learn from Him. We purchase His wisdom and understanding not with money, but with our time. It is in prayer, in seeking Him, in crying out to Him that He opens our eyes that we may see, and our ears that we may truly hear. When we give up our selfish desires to follow Him, we exchange our human knowledge for His Truth.
"Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see." - Rev 3:18
Drunkenness is a sin. Partaking of the fruit of the vine as Jesus did is not. Disobeying a personal commandment from the Lord to abstain from certain activities that may be fine for others is a sin. Acting in faith, with a clear conscience before God is not. Causing your brother or sister in the Lord to stumble by your behavior is a sin. Exhorting them, and pursuing righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, is not.
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." - Rom 14:12-19
May we first judge ourselves, that we be found in right standing with God. And let us "judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Dear saints, I didn’t realize this post would get this long! I pray that what I’ve shared here is faithful to the Word of God, and that it may be a blessing and minister Life to those who managed to read it all the way through.
God’s peace and love to you & your families,
Michael
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Proverbs 22
PROVERBS 22
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished."
(vs 1-3)
"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it."
(vs 3) NAS
Webster's 1828 DIctionary defines one who is prudent as one who is cautious, practically wise; one who is careful of the consequences of enterprises or action; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility. And he quotes Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 14:15 to emphasis his definition.
Dear friends, may we always exercise wise discernment, that we may foresee the consequences of our actions, and hide ourselves from that which is evil; that we may turn aside from the paths that lead to pain and sorrow.
The Bible tells us to flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18), flee idolatry (1 Cor 19:14), turn from our wicked ways (Eze 33), flee the love of money and material possessions (1 Tim 6:10-11). God has called us to maturity, to be "conformed not to this world" (Rom 12:2), but rather "be conformed into the image of His Son." (Rom 8:29).
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." - 2 Tim 2:22
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, " have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.
By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." - 1 John 2:3-6
I love this song of King David, of whom the Scripture says was a "man after God's own heart" ~
"I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
I will give heed to the blameless way
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil."
- Psalm 101:1-4
Sin is a choice. Never do we HAVE to sin. We must choose to flee from temptation and turn away from sinful desires. God will not accept excuses for any willful sinful behavior from His children.
And I pray we would be found teaching these principles, these words of Life, to our children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."
(vs 6)
Oh, the wonderful promise to those who heed God's charge to us, to those who keep Christ's commands -
"He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious,
will have the King as his friend."
(vs 11)
The King, Himself, desires to be our friend. Christ Jesus, who is, and always be, our Lord and Master, would that we also enter into that deeper relationship with Him. That of friendship.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."- John 15:9-14
"The King shall be his friend."
The earthly king David had this hope within him. To have intimate friendship with the Eternal King. Therefore he determined as we read above "I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. A perverse heart shall depart from me." He set himself to purify his heart. The Apostle John, who got as close to the King as he could, writes -
"Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." - (1 John 3:3)
May this be our hope as well. To be not only servants of the Most High, but friends of the King as well.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matt 5:8
Peace & blessings,
Michael
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor have this in common,
The LORD is the maker of them all.
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,
But the simple pass on and are punished."
(vs 1-3)
"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it."
(vs 3) NAS
Webster's 1828 DIctionary defines one who is prudent as one who is cautious, practically wise; one who is careful of the consequences of enterprises or action; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility. And he quotes Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 14:15 to emphasis his definition.
Dear friends, may we always exercise wise discernment, that we may foresee the consequences of our actions, and hide ourselves from that which is evil; that we may turn aside from the paths that lead to pain and sorrow.
The Bible tells us to flee fornication (1 Cor 6:18), flee idolatry (1 Cor 19:14), turn from our wicked ways (Eze 33), flee the love of money and material possessions (1 Tim 6:10-11). God has called us to maturity, to be "conformed not to this world" (Rom 12:2), but rather "be conformed into the image of His Son." (Rom 8:29).
"Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." - 2 Tim 2:22
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, " have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.
By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." - 1 John 2:3-6
I love this song of King David, of whom the Scripture says was a "man after God's own heart" ~
"I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
I will give heed to the blameless way
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
A perverse heart shall depart from me;
I will know no evil."
- Psalm 101:1-4
Sin is a choice. Never do we HAVE to sin. We must choose to flee from temptation and turn away from sinful desires. God will not accept excuses for any willful sinful behavior from His children.
And I pray we would be found teaching these principles, these words of Life, to our children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."
(vs 6)
Oh, the wonderful promise to those who heed God's charge to us, to those who keep Christ's commands -
"He who loves purity of heart,
and whose speech is gracious,
will have the King as his friend."
(vs 11)
The King, Himself, desires to be our friend. Christ Jesus, who is, and always be, our Lord and Master, would that we also enter into that deeper relationship with Him. That of friendship.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."- John 15:9-14
"The King shall be his friend."
The earthly king David had this hope within him. To have intimate friendship with the Eternal King. Therefore he determined as we read above "I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. A perverse heart shall depart from me." He set himself to purify his heart. The Apostle John, who got as close to the King as he could, writes -
"Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." - (1 John 3:3)
May this be our hope as well. To be not only servants of the Most High, but friends of the King as well.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." - Matt 5:8
Peace & blessings,
Michael
Proverbs 21
PROVERBS 21
Just a quick thought or two...
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."
(vs 1)
When a king fully commits his way unto the Lord, and places his heart into His hand, the Lord can direct all his steps and guide all his ways, that His will might be done in the kings life.
Friends, we are called to be kings. Kings unto God. John greeted the saints in the Name of "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Rev 1:5-6
And we are called to commit our heart unto Him, that His holy and perfect will might be worked out in us, that we might abide in His Light.
"You are a chosen generation, a royal (kingly) priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Pet 2:9
"There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor."
(vs 20-21)
As we studied yesterday in Proverbs 20 we read the parable of the wise & foolish virgins. Those who were wise made sure they always had enough of the oil for their lamps. They did not squander that which they had. Here too the Scripture tells us that oil is found in the dwelling, or temple, of the wise. That temple is our heart, our mind, soul and strength.
Jesus said we are to be the "light of the world", that we should not "hide our lamps under a bushel", that we are to "let our light so shine..." that God may be glorified. (Matt 5:14-16) And that oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As we seek the Lord, commit our hearts to Him, we allow Him to fill us with His Spirit, that our lamps might shine brightly with His Light.
"You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
- Psalm 23:5-6
As we follow righteousness and mercy... goodness and love will follow us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, then we find ourselves dwelling in the family of God, in the living temple of the Lord. As we keep ourselves in the Presence of the Lord, His Spirit abides with us, and we are blessed by Him, and ourselves become a blessing to others. Praise His Holy Name!
God's peace & love to you & yours,
Michael
Just a quick thought or two...
"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."
(vs 1)
When a king fully commits his way unto the Lord, and places his heart into His hand, the Lord can direct all his steps and guide all his ways, that His will might be done in the kings life.
Friends, we are called to be kings. Kings unto God. John greeted the saints in the Name of "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Rev 1:5-6
And we are called to commit our heart unto Him, that His holy and perfect will might be worked out in us, that we might abide in His Light.
"You are a chosen generation, a royal (kingly) priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Pet 2:9
"There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness, and honor."
(vs 20-21)
As we studied yesterday in Proverbs 20 we read the parable of the wise & foolish virgins. Those who were wise made sure they always had enough of the oil for their lamps. They did not squander that which they had. Here too the Scripture tells us that oil is found in the dwelling, or temple, of the wise. That temple is our heart, our mind, soul and strength.
Jesus said we are to be the "light of the world", that we should not "hide our lamps under a bushel", that we are to "let our light so shine..." that God may be glorified. (Matt 5:14-16) And that oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As we seek the Lord, commit our hearts to Him, we allow Him to fill us with His Spirit, that our lamps might shine brightly with His Light.
"You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness
will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
- Psalm 23:5-6
As we follow righteousness and mercy... goodness and love will follow us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, then we find ourselves dwelling in the family of God, in the living temple of the Lord. As we keep ourselves in the Presence of the Lord, His Spirit abides with us, and we are blessed by Him, and ourselves become a blessing to others. Praise His Holy Name!
God's peace & love to you & yours,
Michael
Friday, June 20, 2008
Proverbs 20
PROVERBS 20
"The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing."
(vs 4)
Noah Webster translates ~
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
[therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing."
(Websters Bible)
Just meditating on, and praying about this one verse, I can feel a sermon building up in me! I’m thinking we may have to wait to cover any other verses from this Proverb ’til later.
Jesus offered this warning to those who would follow Him -
"No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
Several of our Lord’s parables addressed those who did not continue to labor unto their calling, those who made excuses for not following and obeying Him wholeheartedly (Matt 25:24-30, Luke 13:22-30)
May we not cease from cultivating the seed that has been planted in us. When the excitement of new birth (salvation) of the Spring, the fire (revival) of Summer, and the rain (Holy Spirit) of Autumn, have given way to a cold season of testing and refining (Winter), may we not look back to that which we have been delivered from. May we press on, and say, as the Apostle Paul -
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Phil 3:8-14
Paul never became lazy in his walk, he never took God for granted. The winter seasons of suffering and persecution he looked upon as opportunity to know Christ more intimately, his eyes ever looking ahead to the Harvest. The Word exhorts us to keep our hand to the plow, to continually press in, to fight the good fight, to keep our lamps trimmed & burning. When that final Harvest comes, will the Lord find that we have been steadfastly plowing, sowing, reaping even now, that which brings Eternal Life. (John 4:35-38) When comes our time to stand before God, may we possess as much of Christ as He has given us opportunity to possess.
"Whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him." - Matt 13:12
Looking at one last illustration of this Kingdom principle that came to mind; that of the wise and foolish virgins.
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ’Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ’Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ’No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’
And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ’Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ’Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matt 25:1-13
The Lord had returned. Some had been diligent, others had not been. Dear saints, when it seems as though the Bridegroom is delaying His coming, may we not assume the harvest is still away off (John 4:35), may we not turn back, doubting (2 Pet 3:4). Let us be alert; watching, plowing, pressing in, always filling our lamps, ever letting our light shine, that we may be prepared for His coming (at the appointed time, or to us as individuals even now). May we not be found lacking at the Harvest (Again, in that Day, or when the Lord calls us to minister His Life to others)
God bless you, and grant us all understanding and discernment concerning His Word, His Truth. Amen.
Michael
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
(vs 5)
"The lazy man will not plow because of winter;
He will beg during harvest and have nothing."
(vs 4)
Noah Webster translates ~
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold;
[therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing."
(Websters Bible)
Just meditating on, and praying about this one verse, I can feel a sermon building up in me! I’m thinking we may have to wait to cover any other verses from this Proverb ’til later.
Jesus offered this warning to those who would follow Him -
"No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
Several of our Lord’s parables addressed those who did not continue to labor unto their calling, those who made excuses for not following and obeying Him wholeheartedly (Matt 25:24-30, Luke 13:22-30)
May we not cease from cultivating the seed that has been planted in us. When the excitement of new birth (salvation) of the Spring, the fire (revival) of Summer, and the rain (Holy Spirit) of Autumn, have given way to a cold season of testing and refining (Winter), may we not look back to that which we have been delivered from. May we press on, and say, as the Apostle Paul -
"I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Phil 3:8-14
Paul never became lazy in his walk, he never took God for granted. The winter seasons of suffering and persecution he looked upon as opportunity to know Christ more intimately, his eyes ever looking ahead to the Harvest. The Word exhorts us to keep our hand to the plow, to continually press in, to fight the good fight, to keep our lamps trimmed & burning. When that final Harvest comes, will the Lord find that we have been steadfastly plowing, sowing, reaping even now, that which brings Eternal Life. (John 4:35-38) When comes our time to stand before God, may we possess as much of Christ as He has given us opportunity to possess.
"Whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him." - Matt 13:12
Looking at one last illustration of this Kingdom principle that came to mind; that of the wise and foolish virgins.
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ’Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ’Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ’No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’
And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ’Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ’Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour." - Matt 25:1-13
The Lord had returned. Some had been diligent, others had not been. Dear saints, when it seems as though the Bridegroom is delaying His coming, may we not assume the harvest is still away off (John 4:35), may we not turn back, doubting (2 Pet 3:4). Let us be alert; watching, plowing, pressing in, always filling our lamps, ever letting our light shine, that we may be prepared for His coming (at the appointed time, or to us as individuals even now). May we not be found lacking at the Harvest (Again, in that Day, or when the Lord calls us to minister His Life to others)
God bless you, and grant us all understanding and discernment concerning His Word, His Truth. Amen.
Michael
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water,
But a man of understanding will draw it out.
(vs 5)
Proverbs 19
PROVERBS 19
"Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel (or purpose) of the LORD will stand.
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep (abide) satisfied, untouched by evil."
(vs 21-23)
Brings to mind one of my favorite songs ~
"All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands...
For it’s only in Your will that I am free...
Jesus, all for Jesus, All I am and have and ever hope to be."
(Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)
As we’ve seen often in the Proverbs, when we make plans without consulting the Lord, or walk in ways that are not His, trouble is close behind.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Prov 14:12, 16:25
Scripture tells us we will be judged by the paths we’ve planned & walked on... by our deeds... according to our ways.
"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jer 17:10 (and repeated at least 10 times in the New Testament, under the New Covenant)
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." - Heb 4:13
May the ways we choose to walk contain Life, lacking not the Presence of the Lord. May they be plans that stand by His counsel, and come to bear Eternal fruit.
Dear friends, God has His own plan for each one of us. Indeed His plan may very well include the things we hope for and desire, yet He wants us to commit our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him. For when we walk on His paths... do as He has commanded... and follow His ways... then we find ourselves fulfilling His desire for our lives, His perfect will. We do this as we surrender our will and ways to Him, and trust not in our Adamic nature.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2
As we come before Him daily, seeking His face, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, turning from the lusts of the world, and waiting upon Him... He asks to be a light to those around us, to love our neighbor, to walk humbly with Him, to show kindness and mercy.
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness."
(vs 22a)
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Rom 12:10-13
Indeed this has been His command since the beginning.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God." - Mic 6:8 (NAS)
May these things be true of each of us, I pray.
God’s wisdom and understanding to all,
Michael
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of his ways will die.
(vs 16)
"Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel (or purpose) of the LORD will stand.
What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep (abide) satisfied, untouched by evil."
(vs 21-23)
Brings to mind one of my favorite songs ~
"All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands...
For it’s only in Your will that I am free...
Jesus, all for Jesus, All I am and have and ever hope to be."
(Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast)
As we’ve seen often in the Proverbs, when we make plans without consulting the Lord, or walk in ways that are not His, trouble is close behind.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
- Prov 14:12, 16:25
Scripture tells us we will be judged by the paths we’ve planned & walked on... by our deeds... according to our ways.
"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jer 17:10 (and repeated at least 10 times in the New Testament, under the New Covenant)
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." - Heb 4:13
May the ways we choose to walk contain Life, lacking not the Presence of the Lord. May they be plans that stand by His counsel, and come to bear Eternal fruit.
Dear friends, God has His own plan for each one of us. Indeed His plan may very well include the things we hope for and desire, yet He wants us to commit our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him. For when we walk on His paths... do as He has commanded... and follow His ways... then we find ourselves fulfilling His desire for our lives, His perfect will. We do this as we surrender our will and ways to Him, and trust not in our Adamic nature.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." - Rom 12:1-2
As we come before Him daily, seeking His face, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, turning from the lusts of the world, and waiting upon Him... He asks to be a light to those around us, to love our neighbor, to walk humbly with Him, to show kindness and mercy.
"What is desirable in a man is his kindness."
(vs 22a)
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." - Rom 12:10-13
Indeed this has been His command since the beginning.
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God." - Mic 6:8 (NAS)
May these things be true of each of us, I pray.
God’s wisdom and understanding to all,
Michael
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of his ways will die.
(vs 16)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Proverbs 18
PROVERBS 18
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment."
(vs 1)
No man is an island in the body of Christ. All of us have a part to play that is essential. The twelfth chapter of 1st Corinthians says that we are "all the members of the body" and that "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." When any one of us goes against wise judgment, seeking our own desires and separating ourselves from the body, we suffer, and so does the rest of the body. The Book of Acts in speaking about a unified body of believers, the first Christian church, states -
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42
Fellowship with one another is vital. When we isolate ourselves for any length of time from our brothers & sisters in the Lord, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy of our souls. The Apostles warn us to remain in fellowship, using our gifts, strengthening and encouraging one another, lest we fall prey.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Pet 5:8
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:24-25
Another Proverb full of an incredible amount of meat and Truth, along with another busy week at work, leaves much to be studied in the coming months. Just a quick look at a couple more verses...
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."
(vs 10)
Those who are obedient to the Lord, and act righteously, will suffer persecution in this world. For them that choose to live according to the flesh often attack, when conviction comes, those who trust in, and fear, the Name of the Lord.
"They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
But the LORD has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The LORD our God shall cut them off."- Psalm 94:21-23
We know that the "the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:20). So rather than lash out in our flesh, and commit iniquity, we are to run to, and trust in that Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ, our deliverer. our salvation.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence."- 2 Sam 22:2-3
And this one last verse...
Now, myself, I’ve never been married (yet), but I’ve heard from many others their thoughts and opinions on marriage, both positive and negative. Some have even ’encouraged’ me to remain single... Yet my Bible says here in this Proverb -
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD."
(vs 22)
I have several friends who have been married for decades and you can clearly see the hand of God upon their lives. Of these men and their wives, I can see the reality of another verse from Proverbs which we read last week -
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." (Prov 12:4a)
These men found a good thing. And the Lord has blessed them. God designed and intended marriage to be a good thing from the very beginning, when He said - "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Gen 2:18) "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen 2:24).
Yes, friends. Much meat. Much Truth. May we inquire of the Lord always what He would say to us as we read theses verses.
God bless you and grant you understanding,
Michael
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
(vs 15)
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment."
(vs 1)
No man is an island in the body of Christ. All of us have a part to play that is essential. The twelfth chapter of 1st Corinthians says that we are "all the members of the body" and that "to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." When any one of us goes against wise judgment, seeking our own desires and separating ourselves from the body, we suffer, and so does the rest of the body. The Book of Acts in speaking about a unified body of believers, the first Christian church, states -
"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42
Fellowship with one another is vital. When we isolate ourselves for any length of time from our brothers & sisters in the Lord, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy of our souls. The Apostles warn us to remain in fellowship, using our gifts, strengthening and encouraging one another, lest we fall prey.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." - 1 Pet 5:8
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Heb 10:24-25
Another Proverb full of an incredible amount of meat and Truth, along with another busy week at work, leaves much to be studied in the coming months. Just a quick look at a couple more verses...
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe."
(vs 10)
Those who are obedient to the Lord, and act righteously, will suffer persecution in this world. For them that choose to live according to the flesh often attack, when conviction comes, those who trust in, and fear, the Name of the Lord.
"They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.
But the LORD has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The LORD our God shall cut them off."- Psalm 94:21-23
We know that the "the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:20). So rather than lash out in our flesh, and commit iniquity, we are to run to, and trust in that Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ, our deliverer. our salvation.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge;
My savior, You save me from violence."- 2 Sam 22:2-3
And this one last verse...
Now, myself, I’ve never been married (yet), but I’ve heard from many others their thoughts and opinions on marriage, both positive and negative. Some have even ’encouraged’ me to remain single... Yet my Bible says here in this Proverb -
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD."
(vs 22)
I have several friends who have been married for decades and you can clearly see the hand of God upon their lives. Of these men and their wives, I can see the reality of another verse from Proverbs which we read last week -
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." (Prov 12:4a)
These men found a good thing. And the Lord has blessed them. God designed and intended marriage to be a good thing from the very beginning, when He said - "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Gen 2:18) "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Gen 2:24).
Yes, friends. Much meat. Much Truth. May we inquire of the Lord always what He would say to us as we read theses verses.
God bless you and grant you understanding,
Michael
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
(vs 15)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Proverbs 17
PROVERBS 17
"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife."
(vs 1)
Similar verses appear in the Proverbs we’ve read the last two days...
"Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice."
- Prov 16:8
"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred."
- Prov 15:16-17
I get the sense that God is telling us that love and peace are more important than ’stuff’.
Brothers & sisters, if striving to obtain material possessions and security is at the expense of righteousness and integrity, if family and relationships suffer as the result of our ambition, then we need to re-assess our priorities. In the worlds eyes we may not seem to have much, but let us remember what the Word encourages us to do -
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt 6:19-21
If our heart is on the heavenly things of God, then we will treasure what He blesses us with here on earth. Family. Friends. Simple pleasures. Our God has promised to provide all that we truly need, if our hearts are in the right place. While many strive to find pleasure and security in inanimate things, Jesus tells us that "one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Priorities.
"For the nations eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." - Matt 6:32-33
Seek first the Kingdom. Let us have confidence that God is our provider. He will grant us all we need as we seek Him and His righteousness; and so much more. When the pursuit of material wealth takes precedence over all else, the fruit is often, as we read, "strife", "injustice", "turmoil" and "hatred" in the home. I’ve seen it. I’ve known those whose main goal in life was to be a better provider for their families, yet worked so hard to that end that they lost the very ones that loved them because their focus was on getting what they thought they needed, rather than on what God had given them to love, cherish and enjoy. May we never compromise our integrity to gain that which is only passing away. Rather, let us walk humbly with our God and sow that which brings eternal Life.
"Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is perverse in his ways."
- Prov 28:6
Dear friends, so when it seems as though others around us have it better or easier than us, or that the "grass is greener...", chances are it ain’t so. True peace and joy cannot be found in obtaining the material things of this world, but in putting God above all, and allowing Him to work out His will in us.
God Bless & keep you,
Michael
Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.
(vs 6)
Yea, another verse that we could write a book about. :)
"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife."
(vs 1)
Similar verses appear in the Proverbs we’ve read the last two days...
"Better is a little with righteousness
than great revenues with injustice."
- Prov 16:8
"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf with hatred."
- Prov 15:16-17
I get the sense that God is telling us that love and peace are more important than ’stuff’.
Brothers & sisters, if striving to obtain material possessions and security is at the expense of righteousness and integrity, if family and relationships suffer as the result of our ambition, then we need to re-assess our priorities. In the worlds eyes we may not seem to have much, but let us remember what the Word encourages us to do -
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matt 6:19-21
If our heart is on the heavenly things of God, then we will treasure what He blesses us with here on earth. Family. Friends. Simple pleasures. Our God has promised to provide all that we truly need, if our hearts are in the right place. While many strive to find pleasure and security in inanimate things, Jesus tells us that "one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Priorities.
"For the nations eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." - Matt 6:32-33
Seek first the Kingdom. Let us have confidence that God is our provider. He will grant us all we need as we seek Him and His righteousness; and so much more. When the pursuit of material wealth takes precedence over all else, the fruit is often, as we read, "strife", "injustice", "turmoil" and "hatred" in the home. I’ve seen it. I’ve known those whose main goal in life was to be a better provider for their families, yet worked so hard to that end that they lost the very ones that loved them because their focus was on getting what they thought they needed, rather than on what God had given them to love, cherish and enjoy. May we never compromise our integrity to gain that which is only passing away. Rather, let us walk humbly with our God and sow that which brings eternal Life.
"Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is perverse in his ways."
- Prov 28:6
Dear friends, so when it seems as though others around us have it better or easier than us, or that the "grass is greener...", chances are it ain’t so. True peace and joy cannot be found in obtaining the material things of this world, but in putting God above all, and allowing Him to work out His will in us.
God Bless & keep you,
Michael
Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.
(vs 6)
Yea, another verse that we could write a book about. :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Proverbs 16
PROVERBS 16
"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established."
(vs 1-3)
Oh that the Lord God would establish our thoughts, that He would direct even how we think, that His will would become our desire, that our tongues would speak His words. The Proverb tells us - "The preparations of the heart belong to man." We are the only ones that can prepare our own hearts. And if we do, the Lord can speak through us.
In the Old Testament, the Lord relayed His commandments to the Persian king through Ezra, who had prepared his heart to hear from Him.
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel..." - Ezra 7:10-11
Being in tune with what the Lord is saying is accomplished by turning our hearts to Him, and allowing Him to direct our steps. In those who were given ruler-ship over God’s people, we can see the importance of that action.
Unto king Jehoshaphat, of ancient Judah, the prophet Jehu did bring conviction for his tolerance of sin, yet he commended him for setting his heart to seek the Lord.
"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” - 2 Chron 19:2-3
The result was that - "The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around." - 2 Chron 20:30
Then we have the example of Solomons son Rehoboam, who was in part responsible for the nation of Israel being divided from within, because he followed his own way and did not prepare His heart...
"And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD." - 2 Chron 12:14
Whereas Jehoshaphat had a relatively peaceful reign, Rehoboam was constantly at war. (2 Chron 12:15)
One king prepared His heart before the Lord. The other did not.
The Hebrew word for ’heart’ used here each time is the noun לֵב (Leb) which as Strongs defines - "includes not only the motives, feelings, affections and desires, but also the will, the aims, the principles, the thoughts and the intellect of man."
More than our emotions, it is our entire inner being. Strongs continues - "In fact, it embraces the whole inner man, the head never being regarded as the seat of intelligence. While it is the source of all action and the center of all thought and feeling the heart is also described as receptive to the influences both from the outer world and from God Himself." (3820)
Preparing our "hearts" before Him is more than a feeling or even an attitude, it means to empty ourselves of selfish motives and desires, set aside our own will, and commit our thoughts and ways to God. I believe this is what Paul was talking about when he charges us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1)
The Word tells us to - "purify our hearts" (James 4:8), "wash our hearts from evil" (Jer 4:14), to "set our hearts toward the Lord" (1 Chron 22:19) These are things we do. These are the preparations we make to our hearts that the Lord can dwell therein: instructing our minds, teaching our intellect, establishing our feelings, granting our desires, molding our will into one with His.
Paul’s prayer for the saints was - "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."- from Eph 3:17-19
Grounded in love for one another, love for Jesus. That we may be filled with the fullness of God. The Father and the Son.
Jesus said - "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." - John 14:23
Friends, I’m not there. I want to be. Rather than continually warring with my Adamic nature and dealing with the consequences, I yearn to dwell in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, that is available to each of us, as we daily prepare our hearts to receive Him. As we determine to follow His way.
God bless you & your loved ones, and guide you into all Truth,
Michael
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
(vs 9)
"The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established."
(vs 1-3)
Oh that the Lord God would establish our thoughts, that He would direct even how we think, that His will would become our desire, that our tongues would speak His words. The Proverb tells us - "The preparations of the heart belong to man." We are the only ones that can prepare our own hearts. And if we do, the Lord can speak through us.
In the Old Testament, the Lord relayed His commandments to the Persian king through Ezra, who had prepared his heart to hear from Him.
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel..." - Ezra 7:10-11
Being in tune with what the Lord is saying is accomplished by turning our hearts to Him, and allowing Him to direct our steps. In those who were given ruler-ship over God’s people, we can see the importance of that action.
Unto king Jehoshaphat, of ancient Judah, the prophet Jehu did bring conviction for his tolerance of sin, yet he commended him for setting his heart to seek the Lord.
"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” - 2 Chron 19:2-3
The result was that - "The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around." - 2 Chron 20:30
Then we have the example of Solomons son Rehoboam, who was in part responsible for the nation of Israel being divided from within, because he followed his own way and did not prepare His heart...
"And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD." - 2 Chron 12:14
Whereas Jehoshaphat had a relatively peaceful reign, Rehoboam was constantly at war. (2 Chron 12:15)
One king prepared His heart before the Lord. The other did not.
The Hebrew word for ’heart’ used here each time is the noun לֵב (Leb) which as Strongs defines - "includes not only the motives, feelings, affections and desires, but also the will, the aims, the principles, the thoughts and the intellect of man."
More than our emotions, it is our entire inner being. Strongs continues - "In fact, it embraces the whole inner man, the head never being regarded as the seat of intelligence. While it is the source of all action and the center of all thought and feeling the heart is also described as receptive to the influences both from the outer world and from God Himself." (3820)
Preparing our "hearts" before Him is more than a feeling or even an attitude, it means to empty ourselves of selfish motives and desires, set aside our own will, and commit our thoughts and ways to God. I believe this is what Paul was talking about when he charges us to "present our bodies a living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1)
The Word tells us to - "purify our hearts" (James 4:8), "wash our hearts from evil" (Jer 4:14), to "set our hearts toward the Lord" (1 Chron 22:19) These are things we do. These are the preparations we make to our hearts that the Lord can dwell therein: instructing our minds, teaching our intellect, establishing our feelings, granting our desires, molding our will into one with His.
Paul’s prayer for the saints was - "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love... that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."- from Eph 3:17-19
Grounded in love for one another, love for Jesus. That we may be filled with the fullness of God. The Father and the Son.
Jesus said - "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." - John 14:23
Friends, I’m not there. I want to be. Rather than continually warring with my Adamic nature and dealing with the consequences, I yearn to dwell in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, that is available to each of us, as we daily prepare our hearts to receive Him. As we determine to follow His way.
God bless you & your loved ones, and guide you into all Truth,
Michael
A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
(vs 9)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Proverbs 15
PROVERBS 15
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
(vs 1-2)
The Complete Jewish Bible translates -
"A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly."
(vs 1-2) CJB
We’ve read in Proverbs 12 & 13 recently about the power of our words; how they can tear down, or how they can bring Life. When we are at work or school, can others see Christ in us, by the things we say and do? As we congregate in church, or gather with friends, is our speech edifying? As we share with our families, and teach our children, are the words we use full of the wisdom of the Lord?
Peter exhorts us - "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (or insult for insult), but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For -“ He who would love lifeAnd see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." - 1 Pet 3:8-10
And rather than, as our Adamic nature would be inclined to do, lash back at those who belittle or persecute us for our beliefs, he tells us to act in righteousness and...
"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Pet 3:15
That hope that is within us. The hope of the gospel, the hope of salvation, of glory, of a coming Kingdom of righteousness, the hope of Eternal Life. May we be prepared always to share that hope with those who ask us, to those who see the Light of Christ shining in us, to those who want to know how we can keep from falling apart even through difficult circumstances.
Dear saints, may we, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, grasp hold of that hope, live in His Light and, as Paul writes - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Col 4:6
"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
(vs 28)
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit."
(vs 3-4)
The Word often links sinful behavior and perverse speech together, and condemns them both. Addressing the Christian church, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says -
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Eph 5:3
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Foul language has no place in the Kingdom of God. Even if no one around us hears, the spiritual realm is aware. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place." The heavenly host is watching -
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..." - Heb 12:1-2a
This was a problem for me a few years ago. Swearing and blasphemy were a large portion of my daily vocabulary when I was living in the world, and caring mainly about myself. When God got a hold of me, He clearly showed me in the Scriptures that He will not accept swearing and foul language. Such talk will hinder us from entering into His presence. Paul writes -
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." - Eph 4:29
and -
"Put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming...Put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." - Col 3:5-8
When we find this spirit of folly come upon us in our times of human weakness and vulnerability, may we turn even more toward God, and make a stand for what we know is right. I pray each of us would ever be a light and a blessing to those around us, always mindful of the witness that our lives show forth.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Eph 4:29
I’m grateful for the Truth the Lord has shown me regarding power of our words. My struggle in this area has become less and less over the last decade, as I keep my focus on Jesus, and allow Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Brothers & sisters, let us know that He can deliver us from any sin or bondage, if we come humbly to His throne, and confess it before Him with a repentant heart.
May each one of us be continually growing in the knowledge of our Lord, overcoming by His strength, and dwelling in His Presence.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant
(vs 26)
"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
(vs 1-2)
The Complete Jewish Bible translates -
"A gentle response deflects fury,
but a harsh word makes tempers rise.
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well,
but the mouth of a fool spews out folly."
(vs 1-2) CJB
We’ve read in Proverbs 12 & 13 recently about the power of our words; how they can tear down, or how they can bring Life. When we are at work or school, can others see Christ in us, by the things we say and do? As we congregate in church, or gather with friends, is our speech edifying? As we share with our families, and teach our children, are the words we use full of the wisdom of the Lord?
Peter exhorts us - "All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling (or insult for insult), but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For -“ He who would love lifeAnd see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit." - 1 Pet 3:8-10
And rather than, as our Adamic nature would be inclined to do, lash back at those who belittle or persecute us for our beliefs, he tells us to act in righteousness and...
"Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." - 1 Pet 3:15
That hope that is within us. The hope of the gospel, the hope of salvation, of glory, of a coming Kingdom of righteousness, the hope of Eternal Life. May we be prepared always to share that hope with those who ask us, to those who see the Light of Christ shining in us, to those who want to know how we can keep from falling apart even through difficult circumstances.
Dear saints, may we, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, grasp hold of that hope, live in His Light and, as Paul writes - "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Col 4:6
"The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
(vs 28)
"The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it crushes the spirit."
(vs 3-4)
The Word often links sinful behavior and perverse speech together, and condemns them both. Addressing the Christian church, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says -
"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Eph 5:3
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Foul language has no place in the Kingdom of God. Even if no one around us hears, the spiritual realm is aware. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place." The heavenly host is watching -
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus..." - Heb 12:1-2a
This was a problem for me a few years ago. Swearing and blasphemy were a large portion of my daily vocabulary when I was living in the world, and caring mainly about myself. When God got a hold of me, He clearly showed me in the Scriptures that He will not accept swearing and foul language. Such talk will hinder us from entering into His presence. Paul writes -
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..." - Eph 4:29
and -
"Put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming...Put away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." - Col 3:5-8
When we find this spirit of folly come upon us in our times of human weakness and vulnerability, may we turn even more toward God, and make a stand for what we know is right. I pray each of us would ever be a light and a blessing to those around us, always mindful of the witness that our lives show forth.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for the building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Eph 4:29
I’m grateful for the Truth the Lord has shown me regarding power of our words. My struggle in this area has become less and less over the last decade, as I keep my focus on Jesus, and allow Him to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Brothers & sisters, let us know that He can deliver us from any sin or bondage, if we come humbly to His throne, and confess it before Him with a repentant heart.
May each one of us be continually growing in the knowledge of our Lord, overcoming by His strength, and dwelling in His Presence.
Peace & blessings,
Michael
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant
(vs 26)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Proverbs 14
PROVERBS 14
"A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor."
(vs 5-9)
Dear friends, as I told a good brother recently as he prepared to teach our mid-week Bible Study, I never realized how much depth of Truth was contained in these 31 Proverbs. It’s been a real blessing to be able to study & share with you from the Scriptures, and I pray that God would reveal to each of us, His wisdom and understanding concerning each verse we read.
Just a couple insights I want to share this morning...
"Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty."
(vs 22-23)
How we labor, how we plan and spend our time, not only has great effect on our lives today, but also has Eternal consequences. Whatever it is: our jobs, our ministry, our giving and helping, our time in prayer, even our hobbies... may it be unto the Lord.
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."- Col 3:23-25
The Apostle Paul, a servant of Christ and to men, wrote to admonish those who would take advantage of the members of the body of Christ, using the Name of the Lord for their own gain. At the same time, he sought to encourage those who humbly worked to help those who were truly in need, further the Gospel, and bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He stated firmly -
"if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." - 2 Thess 3:10-13
May we bring to the Lord in prayer all that we plan to do, and may all that we do be pleasing unto Him.
"A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death."
(vs 25-27)
We will see the phrase - "The fear of the Lord" many times over the next few days as we continue on in Proverbs. The Bible speaks much about fearing the Lord, and only Him. From that fear comes wisdom, discernment, sustenance, strength, Life.
"O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry." - Psalm 34:9-15
May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding of what it means to ’fear the Lord’, May it become a part of our character. May the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, be a very real part of our lives more and more each day.
God bless you all,
Michael
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.
(vs 33a)
"A faithful witness does not lie,
But a false witness will utter lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.
Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is favor."
(vs 5-9)
Dear friends, as I told a good brother recently as he prepared to teach our mid-week Bible Study, I never realized how much depth of Truth was contained in these 31 Proverbs. It’s been a real blessing to be able to study & share with you from the Scriptures, and I pray that God would reveal to each of us, His wisdom and understanding concerning each verse we read.
Just a couple insights I want to share this morning...
"Do they not go astray who devise evil?
But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty."
(vs 22-23)
How we labor, how we plan and spend our time, not only has great effect on our lives today, but also has Eternal consequences. Whatever it is: our jobs, our ministry, our giving and helping, our time in prayer, even our hobbies... may it be unto the Lord.
"Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."- Col 3:23-25
The Apostle Paul, a servant of Christ and to men, wrote to admonish those who would take advantage of the members of the body of Christ, using the Name of the Lord for their own gain. At the same time, he sought to encourage those who humbly worked to help those who were truly in need, further the Gospel, and bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus. He stated firmly -
"if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." - 2 Thess 3:10-13
May we bring to the Lord in prayer all that we plan to do, and may all that we do be pleasing unto Him.
"A true witness delivers souls,
But a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death."
(vs 25-27)
We will see the phrase - "The fear of the Lord" many times over the next few days as we continue on in Proverbs. The Bible speaks much about fearing the Lord, and only Him. From that fear comes wisdom, discernment, sustenance, strength, Life.
"O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry." - Psalm 34:9-15
May the Holy Spirit grant us understanding of what it means to ’fear the Lord’, May it become a part of our character. May the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself, be a very real part of our lives more and more each day.
God bless you all,
Michael
Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.
(vs 33a)
Friday, June 13, 2008
Proverbs 13
PROVERBS 13
"A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."
(vs 1-3)
The words of our mouth are very telling about where our hearts truly lie. Years ago, when I was living in the world trying to justify the sin in my life, I remember telling others - "I know I did, or said, such & such, BUT God knows my heart." I thank God now that He revealed the Truth to me. Indeed He does know my heart... by the words I speak, and the deeds I do. What is in our hearts will be known by the fruit of our behavior.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."- Matt 12:33-37
In that Day, we shall give an account for every word we have spoken. In that Day, we all shall be judged according to what we have done (Jer 17:10, Matt 16:27, Rom 2:6, 2Cor 5:10 and Rev 22:12 among others)
Dear friends, may we be ever coming before the Lord, dealing with the sin and bondages in our life, now, that He may cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and we may be found blameless in His sight. I love the desire of King David, who prayed unto the Lord -
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
A righteous man hates lying,
But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;
And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."
(vs 4-7)
In a parable Jesus told, we see a man who appeared righteous to others (and to himself), yet was full of pride and selfishness. And we see a man who others knew was a sinner (as he did himself), who humbly came before the Lord to deal with the sin in his life.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ’God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’
But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ’God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."- Luke 18:10-14
To those who are poor in spirit, who are humble, who seek His face, are the great riches of the Kingdom of God (Luke 6:20-25)
To those who have made themselves rich in the things of this world, is the condemnation of the Lord.
"Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, " and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ’Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."- Rev 3:17-19
The Proverb goes on to talk about the benefits of Godly wisdom and of discipline, both for us and our children... leaving much more to be looked at in depth later. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to study and share the Truths of the wisdom He imparted to the kings who wrote these Proverbs long ago.
May the blessings and wisdom of God be upon us, each one, always.
Michael
By pride comes nothing but strife,
But with the well-advised is wisdom.
(vs 10)
"A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."
(vs 1-3)
The words of our mouth are very telling about where our hearts truly lie. Years ago, when I was living in the world trying to justify the sin in my life, I remember telling others - "I know I did, or said, such & such, BUT God knows my heart." I thank God now that He revealed the Truth to me. Indeed He does know my heart... by the words I speak, and the deeds I do. What is in our hearts will be known by the fruit of our behavior.
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."- Matt 12:33-37
In that Day, we shall give an account for every word we have spoken. In that Day, we all shall be judged according to what we have done (Jer 17:10, Matt 16:27, Rom 2:6, 2Cor 5:10 and Rev 22:12 among others)
Dear friends, may we be ever coming before the Lord, dealing with the sin and bondages in our life, now, that He may cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and we may be found blameless in His sight. I love the desire of King David, who prayed unto the Lord -
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
"The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
A righteous man hates lying,
But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing;
And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."
(vs 4-7)
In a parable Jesus told, we see a man who appeared righteous to others (and to himself), yet was full of pride and selfishness. And we see a man who others knew was a sinner (as he did himself), who humbly came before the Lord to deal with the sin in his life.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ’God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’
But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ’God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."- Luke 18:10-14
To those who are poor in spirit, who are humble, who seek His face, are the great riches of the Kingdom of God (Luke 6:20-25)
To those who have made themselves rich in the things of this world, is the condemnation of the Lord.
"Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, " and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ’Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."- Rev 3:17-19
The Proverb goes on to talk about the benefits of Godly wisdom and of discipline, both for us and our children... leaving much more to be looked at in depth later. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to study and share the Truths of the wisdom He imparted to the kings who wrote these Proverbs long ago.
May the blessings and wisdom of God be upon us, each one, always.
Michael
By pride comes nothing but strife,
But with the well-advised is wisdom.
(vs 10)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Proverbs 12
PROVERBS 12
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.
A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved."
(vs 1-3)
We read the other day about the results of righteousness in Proverbs 10, and Psalm 15, and 2nd Peter. That those who walk in righteousness and obedience to God shall walk securely, and will never stumble or be shaken.
Here we read that "the root of the righteous will not be moved.", or as the NIV translates - "the righteous cannot be uprooted."
In the Gospels, we have the parables of Jesus speaking about what it is that will enable us to stand when the trials and tribulations of this life beset us.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell - and great was its fall."- Matt 7:24-27
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones."
(vs 4)
In the very beginning of life on this earth, even when Adam walked with his Maker in the Garden, "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." - Gen 2:18
1 Corinthians 11:7 says that "the woman is the glory of man."
The Scripture has more than a few things to teach about what God’s intention has been for marriage since He brought forth Eve from the rib of Adam, with Proverbs 31 providing the ultimate passages about she who is "an excellent wife". We should be looking at that at the end of this month... or the next.
"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense."
(vs 11)
Reading this verse, the first Scripture that came to mind was something the Lord Jesus said to a man who desired to follow Him."No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
When we tend to the what the Lord has given us, He will be our daily Bread. Those who chase after frivolous things lack sense, or literally in the Hebrew "lack heart". Many turned away from following Jesus, when He exhorted them to work for that bread which endures to Eternal Life, rather than work for that which is passing away. (John 6:27). One of Paul’s fellow workers, who had traveled with him, and at one time helped spread the Gospel, also turned aside. Paul writes that this man deserted him because he "loved this present world" (2 Tim 4:10).
Yes, there are many enticing things that vie for our attention in this this present world. Most of which are not evil, or sinful, unless we place them above God. But exhortation of the Word is pursue that which brings Eternal Life.For, as John wrote - "The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."- 1 John 2:17
Righteousness. Obedience to God. These commands run throughout the Old Testament, and as we can clearly see - the New Testament as well. God’s charge to man has never changed. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we can indeed obey all that He commands us, we can indeed walk in the way of righteousness. Praise His Holy Name.
God bless you & keep you,
Michael
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.
(vs 28)
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.
A good man will obtain favor from the LORD,
But He will condemn a man who devises evil.
A man will not be established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous will not be moved."
(vs 1-3)
We read the other day about the results of righteousness in Proverbs 10, and Psalm 15, and 2nd Peter. That those who walk in righteousness and obedience to God shall walk securely, and will never stumble or be shaken.
Here we read that "the root of the righteous will not be moved.", or as the NIV translates - "the righteous cannot be uprooted."
In the Gospels, we have the parables of Jesus speaking about what it is that will enable us to stand when the trials and tribulations of this life beset us.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell - and great was its fall."- Matt 7:24-27
"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones."
(vs 4)
In the very beginning of life on this earth, even when Adam walked with his Maker in the Garden, "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." - Gen 2:18
1 Corinthians 11:7 says that "the woman is the glory of man."
The Scripture has more than a few things to teach about what God’s intention has been for marriage since He brought forth Eve from the rib of Adam, with Proverbs 31 providing the ultimate passages about she who is "an excellent wife". We should be looking at that at the end of this month... or the next.
"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense."
(vs 11)
Reading this verse, the first Scripture that came to mind was something the Lord Jesus said to a man who desired to follow Him."No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62
When we tend to the what the Lord has given us, He will be our daily Bread. Those who chase after frivolous things lack sense, or literally in the Hebrew "lack heart". Many turned away from following Jesus, when He exhorted them to work for that bread which endures to Eternal Life, rather than work for that which is passing away. (John 6:27). One of Paul’s fellow workers, who had traveled with him, and at one time helped spread the Gospel, also turned aside. Paul writes that this man deserted him because he "loved this present world" (2 Tim 4:10).
Yes, there are many enticing things that vie for our attention in this this present world. Most of which are not evil, or sinful, unless we place them above God. But exhortation of the Word is pursue that which brings Eternal Life.For, as John wrote - "The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."- 1 John 2:17
Righteousness. Obedience to God. These commands run throughout the Old Testament, and as we can clearly see - the New Testament as well. God’s charge to man has never changed. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we can indeed obey all that He commands us, we can indeed walk in the way of righteousness. Praise His Holy Name.
God bless you & keep you,
Michael
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.
(vs 28)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Proverbs 11
PROVERBS 11
"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.
When pride comes, then comes shame;
But with the humble is wisdom."
(vs 1-2)
God loathes the prideful, but loves those who are humble. To those who boast in their own abilities, and give not credit to the One from whom all abilities come, He says -
"The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ’Who will bring me down to earth?’ "Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down, " declares the LORD." - Ob 1:3-4
But to those who humble themselves before Him, He says -
“ I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones."- Isaiah 57:14
Contrast the humble and the prideful. Let us look at two kings, Herod and Hezekiah. In Acts 12:20-23, Herod’s boast was in himself before men, and he gave not God the glory, and God struck him down. When the Lord showed king Hezekiah the pride that was in his heart, he repented before God and men, and so spared himself from God’s wrath, as we read in 2nd Chronicles -
"Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them." - 2 Chron 32:26
"The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust."
(vs 3-6)
As in most of the Proverbs, and elsewhere in the Scripture, we read of the benefits that the Lord bestows upon those who live with integrity, act in righteousness, and give God rather than themselves the glory. Our paths will be made clear; we will be saved from destruction; we will be able to stand when tempted. As we read in the Book of Revelation, it is righteous behavior of Christians that will clothe the bride of the Lamb in that glorious Day.
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." - Rev 19:7-8
Contrast the righteous and the wicked. God loves those who are righteous (Psalm 146:8). He hates the wicked (Psalm 11:5). He looks upon us, and tests us to know where our hearts truly are (Deut 8:2, 13:3-4, Psalm 7:9).
"The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face." - Psalm 11:5-7
Even our righteousness will be tested. Do we act justly and with integrity only when all our needs are met? Is our trust truly in God and His promises, or is our trust in our own strength and in our earthly wealth?
"He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth,
How much more the ungodly and the sinner."
(vs 28-31)
Jesus told a parable about a man who stored up for himself, worldly goods. This man’s focus was on himself, this trust was in his own abilities, and he said to himself - "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."
"But God said to him, ’You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ "So is the man who (V)stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." - Luke 12:16-21
Those whose trust is in worldly riches will not stand; but those who are righteous, and trust in the Lord’s provision, are as solid as trees. Our wealth should be spiritual, our treasures laid up in heaven (Matt 6:19-21), we should be rich toward God. When these are the things we are striving for, not only will Christ dwell in us richly, but God has promised to provide all that we really need.
"Do not worry then, saying, ’What will we eat?’ or ’What will we drink?’ or ’What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matt 6:31-33
Dear friends, as we spend even a little time in these Scriptures, we get a glimpse of the depth of Truth contained in this Book of Proverbs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so, and I pray that all I share is indeed from the Throne of God, and serves to encourage and build up the body of Christ.
God’s peace and blessings, wisdom and understanding to each of us,
Michael
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
(vs 25)
"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD,
But a just weight is His delight.
When pride comes, then comes shame;
But with the humble is wisdom."
(vs 1-2)
God loathes the prideful, but loves those who are humble. To those who boast in their own abilities, and give not credit to the One from whom all abilities come, He says -
"The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, You who live in the clefts of the rock, In the loftiness of your dwelling place, Who say in your heart, ’Who will bring me down to earth?’ "Though you build high like the eagle, Though you set your nest among the stars, From there I will bring you down, " declares the LORD." - Ob 1:3-4
But to those who humble themselves before Him, He says -
“ I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones."- Isaiah 57:14
Contrast the humble and the prideful. Let us look at two kings, Herod and Hezekiah. In Acts 12:20-23, Herod’s boast was in himself before men, and he gave not God the glory, and God struck him down. When the Lord showed king Hezekiah the pride that was in his heart, he repented before God and men, and so spared himself from God’s wrath, as we read in 2nd Chronicles -
"Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come on them." - 2 Chron 32:26
"The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
But righteousness delivers from death.
The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,
But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,
But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust."
(vs 3-6)
As in most of the Proverbs, and elsewhere in the Scripture, we read of the benefits that the Lord bestows upon those who live with integrity, act in righteousness, and give God rather than themselves the glory. Our paths will be made clear; we will be saved from destruction; we will be able to stand when tempted. As we read in the Book of Revelation, it is righteous behavior of Christians that will clothe the bride of the Lamb in that glorious Day.
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." - Rev 19:7-8
Contrast the righteous and the wicked. God loves those who are righteous (Psalm 146:8). He hates the wicked (Psalm 11:5). He looks upon us, and tests us to know where our hearts truly are (Deut 8:2, 13:3-4, Psalm 7:9).
"The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,
And the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Upon the wicked He will rain snares;
Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face." - Psalm 11:5-7
Even our righteousness will be tested. Do we act justly and with integrity only when all our needs are met? Is our trust truly in God and His promises, or is our trust in our own strength and in our earthly wealth?
"He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.
If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth,
How much more the ungodly and the sinner."
(vs 28-31)
Jesus told a parable about a man who stored up for himself, worldly goods. This man’s focus was on himself, this trust was in his own abilities, and he said to himself - "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."
"But God said to him, ’You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ "So is the man who (V)stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." - Luke 12:16-21
Those whose trust is in worldly riches will not stand; but those who are righteous, and trust in the Lord’s provision, are as solid as trees. Our wealth should be spiritual, our treasures laid up in heaven (Matt 6:19-21), we should be rich toward God. When these are the things we are striving for, not only will Christ dwell in us richly, but God has promised to provide all that we really need.
"Do not worry then, saying, ’What will we eat?’ or ’What will we drink?’ or ’What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matt 6:31-33
Dear friends, as we spend even a little time in these Scriptures, we get a glimpse of the depth of Truth contained in this Book of Proverbs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so, and I pray that all I share is indeed from the Throne of God, and serves to encourage and build up the body of Christ.
God’s peace and blessings, wisdom and understanding to each of us,
Michael
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
(vs 25)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Proverbs 10
PROVERBS 10
"Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.
He who walks in integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will be found out."
(vs 6-9)
Dear saints, Scripture says that we are ever surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1). God and the angels hear all we say, and see all we do. All will be found out. We may hide our behavior now from those around us, but indeed all will be revealed someday. Jesus warned His followers of this, stating -
"There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." - Luke 12:2-3
Now this applies to the good we do as well, as we read in Matthew 6:1-6. The things we do which please the Lord, will be rewarded, regardless of whether anyone on this earth knows of our good deeds or not. And the rewards are not only for the world to come. As we read above - "He who walks in integrity walks securely.". The Psalmist writes of those who walk in integrity, righteousness and truth.
"O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks with integrity,
and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart."
"He who does these things will never be shaken."
- Psalm 15:1-2, 5b
Peter exhorts us to live by the characteristics found in Christ, so that we may never stumble.
"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2 Pet 1:5-11
The Proverb continues on, speaking of the consequences of righteous and wicked behavior.
"He who winks the eye causes trouble,
And a babbling fool will be ruined.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,
But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.
The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment."
(vs 10-16)
All throughout the Bible we see that righteousness leads to Life (which is found only in the Lord Jesus), while wickedness leads to death (which is eternal separation from God). All of us will one day be paid for what we have done in this life.
"For the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of Life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." - John 5:28-29
We have the Lord Jesus speaking to the nations on that Day, condemning those who were selfish, and uncaring -
"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into Eternal Life." - Matt 25:46
We have the Apostle Paul’s encouragement and warning to Christians who would take for granted God’s grace, and allow sinful behavior to remain in their lives. Walking in obedience to God leads to Life. To continue in sin leads to death.
"Now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Rom 6:22-23
"Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.
What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous will be granted."
(vs 23-24)
A reaping and sowing principle runs throughout the Proverbs, and particularly this one. The consequences of both righteousness and wickedness. What we have done will be revealed. What we have sown we will reap. May it be the desires of our heart that we receive.
"For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations
As you have done, it will be done to you
Your dealings (deeds) will return on your own head." - Ob 1:15
"Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:3-4
God’s peace & blessings to you & yours,
Michael
Ill-gotten gains do not profit,
But righteousness delivers from death.
(vs 2)
"Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.
He who walks in integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will be found out."
(vs 6-9)
Dear saints, Scripture says that we are ever surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1). God and the angels hear all we say, and see all we do. All will be found out. We may hide our behavior now from those around us, but indeed all will be revealed someday. Jesus warned His followers of this, stating -
"There is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops." - Luke 12:2-3
Now this applies to the good we do as well, as we read in Matthew 6:1-6. The things we do which please the Lord, will be rewarded, regardless of whether anyone on this earth knows of our good deeds or not. And the rewards are not only for the world to come. As we read above - "He who walks in integrity walks securely.". The Psalmist writes of those who walk in integrity, righteousness and truth.
"O LORD, who may abide in Your tent?
Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks with integrity,
and works righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart."
"He who does these things will never be shaken."
- Psalm 15:1-2, 5b
Peter exhorts us to live by the characteristics found in Christ, so that we may never stumble.
"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2 Pet 1:5-11
The Proverb continues on, speaking of the consequences of righteous and wicked behavior.
"He who winks the eye causes trouble,
And a babbling fool will be ruined.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.
On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found,
But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.
Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.
The rich man’s wealth is his fortress,
The ruin of the poor is their poverty.
The wages of the righteous is life,
The income of the wicked, punishment."
(vs 10-16)
All throughout the Bible we see that righteousness leads to Life (which is found only in the Lord Jesus), while wickedness leads to death (which is eternal separation from God). All of us will one day be paid for what we have done in this life.
"For the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of Life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." - John 5:28-29
We have the Lord Jesus speaking to the nations on that Day, condemning those who were selfish, and uncaring -
"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into Eternal Life." - Matt 25:46
We have the Apostle Paul’s encouragement and warning to Christians who would take for granted God’s grace, and allow sinful behavior to remain in their lives. Walking in obedience to God leads to Life. To continue in sin leads to death.
"Now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Rom 6:22-23
"Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool,
And so is wisdom to a man of understanding.
What the wicked fears will come upon him,
But the desire of the righteous will be granted."
(vs 23-24)
A reaping and sowing principle runs throughout the Proverbs, and particularly this one. The consequences of both righteousness and wickedness. What we have done will be revealed. What we have sown we will reap. May it be the desires of our heart that we receive.
"For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations
As you have done, it will be done to you
Your dealings (deeds) will return on your own head." - Ob 1:15
"Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:3-4
God’s peace & blessings to you & yours,
Michael
Ill-gotten gains do not profit,
But righteousness delivers from death.
(vs 2)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Proverbs 9
PROVERBS 9
"Wisdom has built her house;
She has hewn out its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
She has also set her table.
She has sent out her maids,
And she calls from the highest point of the city.
Let all who are simple come in here!"
She says to those who lack judgment.
’Come, eat my food
And drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
Walk in the way of understanding.’"
(vs 1-6)
This Proverb actually reminds me of the oft portrayed person with the little angel on one shoulder, and the little devil on the other. On one side we have Wisdom calling to us, inviting us to eat of the Bread of Life, to partake of the body and blood of Christ, that we may live, and walk in the way of understanding. The Lord beckons us -
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live."- Isaiah 55:1-3
Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:48). That which Jesus gives us to drink fills us up with Eternal Life (John 4:14). The wisdom of God brings understanding about this wonderful Truth. Oh, how great the rewards for listening to His wisdom, and walking in His ways.
"Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no Life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." - John 6:53-56
On the other side we have Folly, or Stupidity (as Rotherham translates)
"The woman Folly is loud;
she is undisciplined and without knowledge.
she sits at the door of her house,
On a seat at the highest point of the city,
Calling out to those who pass by,
Who go straight on their way."
(vs 13-15)
Notice the call of Folly is identical to the call of Wisdom -
"’Let all who are simple come in here!’
she says to those who lack judgment."
(vs 16, same as vs 4)
But whereas to answer the call of Wisdom leads to Life, to answer the call of Folly leads to death.
"Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!"
But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol."
(vs 17-18)
Folly seeks to ensnare us us, tempting us with those things which God has condemned, calling that which is evil - good, sweet, and delicious. Following God’s Wisdom will lead us into His Kingdom. Choosing to partake of Folly’s food and drink will ban us from His Kingdom (1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21)
When we feel ourselves being pulled in opposite directions, may we enquire of the Lord which path to walk. When the temptations come, let us know that we always have a choice. May we follow the way of Wisdom, and turn from the way of Stupidity.
God’s wisdom and understanding to us all,
Michael
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding
(vs 10)
"Wisdom has built her house;
She has hewn out its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
She has also set her table.
She has sent out her maids,
And she calls from the highest point of the city.
Let all who are simple come in here!"
She says to those who lack judgment.
’Come, eat my food
And drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
Walk in the way of understanding.’"
(vs 1-6)
This Proverb actually reminds me of the oft portrayed person with the little angel on one shoulder, and the little devil on the other. On one side we have Wisdom calling to us, inviting us to eat of the Bread of Life, to partake of the body and blood of Christ, that we may live, and walk in the way of understanding. The Lord beckons us -
"Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live."- Isaiah 55:1-3
Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:48). That which Jesus gives us to drink fills us up with Eternal Life (John 4:14). The wisdom of God brings understanding about this wonderful Truth. Oh, how great the rewards for listening to His wisdom, and walking in His ways.
"Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no Life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." - John 6:53-56
On the other side we have Folly, or Stupidity (as Rotherham translates)
"The woman Folly is loud;
she is undisciplined and without knowledge.
she sits at the door of her house,
On a seat at the highest point of the city,
Calling out to those who pass by,
Who go straight on their way."
(vs 13-15)
Notice the call of Folly is identical to the call of Wisdom -
"’Let all who are simple come in here!’
she says to those who lack judgment."
(vs 16, same as vs 4)
But whereas to answer the call of Wisdom leads to Life, to answer the call of Folly leads to death.
"Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!"
But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol."
(vs 17-18)
Folly seeks to ensnare us us, tempting us with those things which God has condemned, calling that which is evil - good, sweet, and delicious. Following God’s Wisdom will lead us into His Kingdom. Choosing to partake of Folly’s food and drink will ban us from His Kingdom (1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21)
When we feel ourselves being pulled in opposite directions, may we enquire of the Lord which path to walk. When the temptations come, let us know that we always have a choice. May we follow the way of Wisdom, and turn from the way of Stupidity.
God’s wisdom and understanding to us all,
Michael
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding
(vs 10)
Proverbs 8
PROVERBS 8
"I call to you, O men,
And My voice is to the sons of men.
Understand wisdom, simple ones;
And be of an understanding heart, fools.
Hear, for I will speak of excellent things;
And from the opening of My lips shall be right things.
For My mouth shall speak of Truth..."
(vs 4-7a)
Dear friends, since I became a Christian I have always looked at this Proverb as the Lord Jesus, Himself, speaking. Here in the 36 verses of this chapter, the Lord reveals an incredible amount of Truth about Himself, and about His relationship to the Father. Many of the Proverbs, and this one in particular, contain passages that I fully believe can only be Deity speaking. I found recently that J.P. Green Sr., in his literal translation in The Interlinear Hebrew-English Bible (which I’m using here), also attributes these verses to Christ.
"The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil;
I hate pride and loftiness,
And the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Counsel and sound wisdom are Mine;
I am understanding; I have strength.
By Me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness.
Rulers and nobles rule by Me,
And all the judges of the earth."
(vs 13-16)
In the book of Daniel we read that it is by Him that kings reign. That wisdom and knowledge come from Him. And that He indeed sees the evil that is done in darkness.
"Praise be to the Name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." - Dan 2:20-22
May we always be seeking His wisdom, yearning for discernment, and asking Him to reveal to us - Truth. May we be found daily walking in that Light that dwells with Him. John writes of that Light, and encourages us to walk in fellowship with the Father and the Son.
"...indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."
- 1 John 1:4-7
If we walk in the Light, allowing Him to expose the sin within us, the Son will set us free. If we follow Him along the path He walks, we will be filled with His substance. If He knows of our love for Him, He will grant us heavenly wealth and spiritual gifts that bear fruit. Praise His Holy Name.
"Riches and honor are with Me;
enduring wealth (substance) and righteousness.
My fruit is better that gold, yes than fine gold;
And My increase than the best silver.
I walk in the path of righteousness,
in the midst of the paths of justice.
I cause those who love Me to inherit wealth (substance);
and I will fill up their treasuries."
(vs 18-21)
Continuing on with the Proverb...
Following a series of verses (vs 22-29) that describe the creation of the world we read about in Genesis chapter one, the One speaking declares -
"I was at His side, like a master workman;
And I was His delights day by day,
Rejoicing in the world, His earth;
And My delights were with the sons of men."
(vs 30-31)
He rejoiced with the Father at the creation of this world. The Father created all things through, and for, His Son (John 1:1-4). The Son’s delights were with the sons of men. For this reason, the Lord Jesus redeemed us. And because Jesus is the Fathers delight, He sought to grant unto Him the desires of His heart, saying -
"You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession."- Psalm 2:7-8
Lord, I pray that You would grant unto us wisdom and understanding concerning what we read in these passages of Scripture. Make real to us Your Truth. Make us alive by Your Life. Thank You that You do indeed speak to us by Your written Word, and by Your Holy Spirit.
"And now listen to Me, O sons;
For blessed are those who keep My ways.
Hear instruction, and be wise,
And do not refuse it.
Blessed is the man listening to Me,
Watching daily at My gates,
Waiting at the posts of My doors.
For whoever finds Me finds Life;
And he shall obtain favor from Yahweh."
(vs 32-35)
Our Lord Jesus, invites us to seek Him, to follow Him, to obey Him... that He, and His Father, would love us and come to dwell with us.
"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."- John 14:21, 23
May it be true of us... that we have opened our hearts to receive the Father and the Son into every aspect of our lives. May we diligently seek Him... that we may find Him. Praise His Holy Name.
God bless each of you and your loved ones,
Michael
I love those who seek Me,
and those who seek Me early find Me.
(vs 17)
"I call to you, O men,
And My voice is to the sons of men.
Understand wisdom, simple ones;
And be of an understanding heart, fools.
Hear, for I will speak of excellent things;
And from the opening of My lips shall be right things.
For My mouth shall speak of Truth..."
(vs 4-7a)
Dear friends, since I became a Christian I have always looked at this Proverb as the Lord Jesus, Himself, speaking. Here in the 36 verses of this chapter, the Lord reveals an incredible amount of Truth about Himself, and about His relationship to the Father. Many of the Proverbs, and this one in particular, contain passages that I fully believe can only be Deity speaking. I found recently that J.P. Green Sr., in his literal translation in The Interlinear Hebrew-English Bible (which I’m using here), also attributes these verses to Christ.
"The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil;
I hate pride and loftiness,
And the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Counsel and sound wisdom are Mine;
I am understanding; I have strength.
By Me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness.
Rulers and nobles rule by Me,
And all the judges of the earth."
(vs 13-16)
In the book of Daniel we read that it is by Him that kings reign. That wisdom and knowledge come from Him. And that He indeed sees the evil that is done in darkness.
"Praise be to the Name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." - Dan 2:20-22
May we always be seeking His wisdom, yearning for discernment, and asking Him to reveal to us - Truth. May we be found daily walking in that Light that dwells with Him. John writes of that Light, and encourages us to walk in fellowship with the Father and the Son.
"...indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin."
- 1 John 1:4-7
If we walk in the Light, allowing Him to expose the sin within us, the Son will set us free. If we follow Him along the path He walks, we will be filled with His substance. If He knows of our love for Him, He will grant us heavenly wealth and spiritual gifts that bear fruit. Praise His Holy Name.
"Riches and honor are with Me;
enduring wealth (substance) and righteousness.
My fruit is better that gold, yes than fine gold;
And My increase than the best silver.
I walk in the path of righteousness,
in the midst of the paths of justice.
I cause those who love Me to inherit wealth (substance);
and I will fill up their treasuries."
(vs 18-21)
Continuing on with the Proverb...
Following a series of verses (vs 22-29) that describe the creation of the world we read about in Genesis chapter one, the One speaking declares -
"I was at His side, like a master workman;
And I was His delights day by day,
Rejoicing in the world, His earth;
And My delights were with the sons of men."
(vs 30-31)
He rejoiced with the Father at the creation of this world. The Father created all things through, and for, His Son (John 1:1-4). The Son’s delights were with the sons of men. For this reason, the Lord Jesus redeemed us. And because Jesus is the Fathers delight, He sought to grant unto Him the desires of His heart, saying -
"You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession."- Psalm 2:7-8
Lord, I pray that You would grant unto us wisdom and understanding concerning what we read in these passages of Scripture. Make real to us Your Truth. Make us alive by Your Life. Thank You that You do indeed speak to us by Your written Word, and by Your Holy Spirit.
"And now listen to Me, O sons;
For blessed are those who keep My ways.
Hear instruction, and be wise,
And do not refuse it.
Blessed is the man listening to Me,
Watching daily at My gates,
Waiting at the posts of My doors.
For whoever finds Me finds Life;
And he shall obtain favor from Yahweh."
(vs 32-35)
Our Lord Jesus, invites us to seek Him, to follow Him, to obey Him... that He, and His Father, would love us and come to dwell with us.
"He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."- John 14:21, 23
May it be true of us... that we have opened our hearts to receive the Father and the Son into every aspect of our lives. May we diligently seek Him... that we may find Him. Praise His Holy Name.
God bless each of you and your loved ones,
Michael
I love those who seek Me,
and those who seek Me early find Me.
(vs 17)
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