Proverbs Day 363 (KJV):
Proverbs 31:25-26 (KJV):25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:25-26 (AMP):25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future (the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it)!26 She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness (giving counsel and instruction).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs continue to give us a description of the virtuous woman and we see she is a woman of strength and honor, and is well-prepared for the future. She also is a woman of wisdom and speaks kindly to others. Where does this woman receive her strength and honor? It is from the Lord God. When a person is strong in the Lord, they will also be honorable and receive honor.
Psalm 18:31-33:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
The Lord gives us feet like the deer who can leap and gain access to the high places in the mountains. This makes our position strong and secure. Preparation for the future is something that also makes our position strong and secure. People who do no emergency planning and who do not save for the future are vulnerable when they are faced with trials and tribulations. There is a scripture that warns us about this.
Proverbs 22:3-4: 3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
If we humble ourselves, and reverently worship and follow God, we not only will escape destruction, we shall be rewarded with riches, honor and life. God wants to bless us, and if we follow in His ways, He will take care of us and honor us with long life.
Proverbs 31:26 tells us that the virtuous woman is a woman of wisdom, so she will do the things today that will make her family's tomorrows easier. She thinks about the days ahead when her children will need funds for their schooling, when her daughters will need a dowry, and when she will be older and need extra funds to take care of her needs in her later years. All of these things take prudent and wise planning. She is like the ant who stores up in favorable weather, so that when winter comes, there is a store of food for daily provision. She will also listen for the Lord's voice in guidance, so that she can avert any danger that she might not know about that is ahead.
She is also a kind woman who gives counsel and instruction to others in order to help them. Since she is a woman of character, she is able to help others grow in the knowledge of Christ. In the scripture below, we are told that we have been given great and precious promises, and through those promises, we are to grow in the grace of God by adding to our faith, virtue, and to virtue, knowledge, and to knowledge, temperance, and to temperance, patience, and to patience, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, charity (love). If we abound in these things, then we are told that we shall always be fruitful in the things of God.
2 Peter 1:4-8:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the strength we have in You, so that we are able to do all things that You ask us to do. Lord, may we grow in the character of God, so that we are fruitful in the things of God. Lord, I thank You for Your guidance, so that we will make the right choices today, in order to avoid those things that would cause us to have future problems. I also thank You for daily provision, as well as provision for the future. Give me wisdom, so that I may take care of the things today that will bring me future security and blessing. I do appreciate Your promises and I know that You will never forsake me, nor leave me. Thank You for that. I pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 362 (KJV):
Proverbs 31:23-24 (KJV):23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.Proverbs 31:23-24 (AMP):23 Her husband is known in the (city's) gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles (or sashes that free one up for service).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs continue to describe the many things the virtuous woman does, and because she is such a righteous woman, her husband is also well-known among the elders in the community. There is an old adage that says, "Behind every successful man is a successful woman." This is true, because according to scripture when a man and woman marry, they become one flesh according to Ephesians 5.
Ephesians 5:31-33: 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
A virtuous woman will be a crown to her husband, and by the way she lives, will bring honor to him. How sad it is when a woman disgraces her husband and family. And how wonderful it is when a woman's life is admired by others because she is such a good person, thus bringing the family honor.
Proverbs 12:4: A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 31:23 mentions that the virtuous woman's husband is known in the "gates" where he sits with the elders of the land. What does this mean?
In Biblical times, the gates of the city was the place where the elders who presided over the affairs of the city would meet, much like our city counsels today. Many towns were built with fences around them to keep out enemies and the gates to those cities were closed at night so there would be no open doors to intruders. Next to the gates of the city, there was usually a high tower, which was not only used as a watch tower, to spot any enemies approaching, but also a place where the elders met. If this man was known in the city's "gates," then he was a man of influence and recognition, just as the virtuous woman was.
In verse 24, the virtuous woman is spoken of as making and selling fine linen and also girdles (or sashes) to the merchants. She apparently had good marketing skills, as she was able to present her product to the merchants as a wholesaler, while they in turn sold them at market. This was another way she made money for her family. We also see, once again, a spiritual type of "linen" representing salvation. This would mean she shared her faith in the market place.
She also sold girdles. The girdle was an important piece of clothing in Biblical days, as it was used in two primary ways. Because it was customary for both men and women to wear long dresses and robes, should they need to work or run, they needed to tuck up their loose garments in the girdle. This was done by wrapping the long sash (girdle) around their waists very tightly and then pulling their garments through their legs and tucking them in the girdle. This is where the expression "girding up one's loins" came from. The girdle was also associated with strength, as wrapping it around the loins and back supported that area, much like our back supports today.
In the New Testament, when we are told to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the tricks of the devil, part of that preparation is to "gird up our loins" with the truth. The truth is found in the Word of God, so when we embrace and walk in truth, we will have victory over the devil, if we also walk in righteousness, peace and faith.
Ephesians 6:13-17:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my husband, and may I always bring honor to him and to You, by living my life in a godly manner. Lord, may I do the things in the natural to care for my husband and family, and more importantly, may I attend to the spiritual things that will cause all of my family to know the plan of salvation and the Word of God. May I be mindful to put on the armor of God, so that I will be protected from the attacks of the devil, so that I will remain steadfast in the cause of Christ. I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 31:23-24 (KJV):23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.Proverbs 31:23-24 (AMP):23 Her husband is known in the (city's) gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles (or sashes that free one up for service).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs continue to describe the many things the virtuous woman does, and because she is such a righteous woman, her husband is also well-known among the elders in the community. There is an old adage that says, "Behind every successful man is a successful woman." This is true, because according to scripture when a man and woman marry, they become one flesh according to Ephesians 5.
Ephesians 5:31-33: 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
A virtuous woman will be a crown to her husband, and by the way she lives, will bring honor to him. How sad it is when a woman disgraces her husband and family. And how wonderful it is when a woman's life is admired by others because she is such a good person, thus bringing the family honor.
Proverbs 12:4: A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 31:23 mentions that the virtuous woman's husband is known in the "gates" where he sits with the elders of the land. What does this mean?
In Biblical times, the gates of the city was the place where the elders who presided over the affairs of the city would meet, much like our city counsels today. Many towns were built with fences around them to keep out enemies and the gates to those cities were closed at night so there would be no open doors to intruders. Next to the gates of the city, there was usually a high tower, which was not only used as a watch tower, to spot any enemies approaching, but also a place where the elders met. If this man was known in the city's "gates," then he was a man of influence and recognition, just as the virtuous woman was.
In verse 24, the virtuous woman is spoken of as making and selling fine linen and also girdles (or sashes) to the merchants. She apparently had good marketing skills, as she was able to present her product to the merchants as a wholesaler, while they in turn sold them at market. This was another way she made money for her family. We also see, once again, a spiritual type of "linen" representing salvation. This would mean she shared her faith in the market place.
She also sold girdles. The girdle was an important piece of clothing in Biblical days, as it was used in two primary ways. Because it was customary for both men and women to wear long dresses and robes, should they need to work or run, they needed to tuck up their loose garments in the girdle. This was done by wrapping the long sash (girdle) around their waists very tightly and then pulling their garments through their legs and tucking them in the girdle. This is where the expression "girding up one's loins" came from. The girdle was also associated with strength, as wrapping it around the loins and back supported that area, much like our back supports today.
In the New Testament, when we are told to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the tricks of the devil, part of that preparation is to "gird up our loins" with the truth. The truth is found in the Word of God, so when we embrace and walk in truth, we will have victory over the devil, if we also walk in righteousness, peace and faith.
Ephesians 6:13-17:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my husband, and may I always bring honor to him and to You, by living my life in a godly manner. Lord, may I do the things in the natural to care for my husband and family, and more importantly, may I attend to the spiritual things that will cause all of my family to know the plan of salvation and the Word of God. May I be mindful to put on the armor of God, so that I will be protected from the attacks of the devil, so that I will remain steadfast in the cause of Christ. I ask this in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 352 (KJV):
Proverbs 30:32-33 (KJV):32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Proverbs 30:32-33 (AMP):32 If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs instruct us not to exalt ourselves and also to guard our mouths from speaking the evil things that we think. We are also warned if we force wrath, we will get into strife.
Verse 32 warns against pride and self exaltation, as they are serious sins; and the best way to avoid these sins is to be careful not to brag about our own deeds. We see examples of those in the Bible who yielded to this sin and faced grave consequences. King Saul in the Old Testament was one of those people. When he no longer was "little in his own eyes" we find that he took matters in his own hands and disobeyed what the Lord told him to do. Because of this, he lost his position as king, because God rejected him. Although he made sacrifices unto the Lord, God was not pleased with him because he did not obey Him. Samuel, the Prophet of the Lord, told him that obedience was better than sacrifice. The root of Saul's disobedience was pride in thinking he could do it his own way.
1 Samuel 15:10-23:10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Proverbs 30:33 tells us another thing to avoid is getting into strife. It gives an illustration of how the churning of milk will produce butter, and someone who forcefully picks their nose will cause it to bleed; in the same way someone who forces an angry, wrathful issue will surely cause strife. Someone who does this is often referred to as a person who stirs up trouble. My husband, Bud, in his ranching days, recalls a time when he gave the ranch hands some advice about the way to avoid situations that would cause trouble. He told them, "You cowboys can just walk through that cow pen and get to the other side and you won't smell a thing; but if you take a stick and stir up the manure while you walk through it, it's gonna smell real bad." This proverb gives the same advice -- just walk on by when there is trouble brewing.
Proverbs 15:1-2:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching us wisdom from Your Word. Lord, help me to guard my mouth, and not to think thoughts that cause me to think too highly of myself. I desire to remain humble in Your sight and the sight of men. Lord, I am nothing without You, and the things I do accomplish are simply done by Your grace in my life. Lord, may I also answer softly to those who would try to stir me to anger. Help me to be silent when I should not speak, and to speak up when I should. May my words be like Yours. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 30:32-33 (KJV):32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Proverbs 30:32-33 (AMP):32 If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs instruct us not to exalt ourselves and also to guard our mouths from speaking the evil things that we think. We are also warned if we force wrath, we will get into strife.
Verse 32 warns against pride and self exaltation, as they are serious sins; and the best way to avoid these sins is to be careful not to brag about our own deeds. We see examples of those in the Bible who yielded to this sin and faced grave consequences. King Saul in the Old Testament was one of those people. When he no longer was "little in his own eyes" we find that he took matters in his own hands and disobeyed what the Lord told him to do. Because of this, he lost his position as king, because God rejected him. Although he made sacrifices unto the Lord, God was not pleased with him because he did not obey Him. Samuel, the Prophet of the Lord, told him that obedience was better than sacrifice. The root of Saul's disobedience was pride in thinking he could do it his own way.
1 Samuel 15:10-23:10 Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,11 It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD.14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed.19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Proverbs 30:33 tells us another thing to avoid is getting into strife. It gives an illustration of how the churning of milk will produce butter, and someone who forcefully picks their nose will cause it to bleed; in the same way someone who forces an angry, wrathful issue will surely cause strife. Someone who does this is often referred to as a person who stirs up trouble. My husband, Bud, in his ranching days, recalls a time when he gave the ranch hands some advice about the way to avoid situations that would cause trouble. He told them, "You cowboys can just walk through that cow pen and get to the other side and you won't smell a thing; but if you take a stick and stir up the manure while you walk through it, it's gonna smell real bad." This proverb gives the same advice -- just walk on by when there is trouble brewing.
Proverbs 15:1-2:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for teaching us wisdom from Your Word. Lord, help me to guard my mouth, and not to think thoughts that cause me to think too highly of myself. I desire to remain humble in Your sight and the sight of men. Lord, I am nothing without You, and the things I do accomplish are simply done by Your grace in my life. Lord, may I also answer softly to those who would try to stir me to anger. Help me to be silent when I should not speak, and to speak up when I should. May my words be like Yours. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 351 (KJV):
Proverbs 30:29-31 (KJV):29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
Proverbs 30:29-31 (KJ21):29 There are three things which go well, yea, four which are comely in their goings:30 a lion, which is strongest among beasts and turneth not away for any; 31 a greyhound, a he-goat also, and a king against whom there is no rising up.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there are four things that are stately in step, and in their stride. Three are animals and the fourth is a king who is in command, with no one rising up against him. Why would these be mentioned in a book about wisdom?
As always, the Bible uses many natural illustrations so that we can gain spiritual truths. What causes an animal like the lion to walk in such a stately step? He is known as one of the strongest beasts, but it is not just his strength that causes him to stride confidently. It is his lack of fear. He is known as "King of the Beasts" and his strength and prowess give him this advantage; however, his confidence comes because he is not afraid of any other animal and does not turn away from any of them. The spiritual truth that we can glean from this observation is that we also can be strong and unafraid, if we walk with God and claim His strength and His confidence.
Ephesians 6:10-13: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Notice this scripture tells us that we are to "be strong in the Lord." We are not told to be strong in our own might and power. When we claim His strength by faith, then no foe can overcome us. If we wear the "armour of God," then the fiery darts of the enemy cannot overcome us. We must recognize that our battle is not with "flesh and blood" (people); it is with the spiritual powers of darkness. If we pray for the people the devil is using against us, and take authority over those powers in the name of Jesus, then the devil will have to cease his attacks against them and us. We are told not to fear what man can do to us, as God is greater than any man.
Psalm 56:11: In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Proverbs 30:31 also mentions another stately animal, the greyhound. The greyhound is a dog that is known for its ability to run very fast. His swiftness gives him an advantage over other animals, as he can not only outrun pursuers, but he can also chase down his prey and catch them. He is very confident in any race, as he knows he can outrun most anything. The Bible talks of other animals that are also known as swift animals, such as the eagle and the roe. There are certain things that we need to be swift about, while others we should be slow in doing. The scripture tell us to be swift to hear, while slow to speak. Someone has said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak.
James 1:19-20:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
The next animal mentioned that is stately in their stride, in Proverbs 30:31, is the he-goat. The male mountain goat is very majestic as he climbs and leaps on the steep rocky cliffs, high upon the mountain side. He also is very confident, as he is not afraid of falling. This sure-footedness comes because he has learned from his youth the way of the mountain. As Christians, we can also gain confidence by studying and learning the truths of the Bible, so that we are not afraid of the high places we must climb to overcome our weaknesses. We must trust the Lord to give us hinds' feet.
Psalm 18:33-34: 33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
The last example the scripture uses in Proverbs 30:31 talks about a king who has no one who is rising up against him; therefore he can ride forth on his horse in great confidence. It is quite a picture to see a military processional parade down a street for review. The general (or king), dressed in his military finest, rides on the lead horse who is girded up for the occasion. Backed by his finest men, he rides forth in great confidence, since their are no uprisings against him that he must deal with at the present time. He is also stately in appearance, as the other animals mentioned in these verses are. We can also be as this rider, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work His confidence and demeanor in us. We can also have confidence in Him when we pray, knowing that if we ask anything of Him that is His will for us, we will receive it.
1 John 5:14-15: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Give us the confidence we need in order to overcome the things we face in our daily lives. Deliver us from all fear so that we will not allow the pressure of the world to cause us to compromise in any way. May we always trust You and have confidence in You, knowing that You will never fail us, nor leave us. Let us always walk with our heads high when it comes to being a witness for You. We gladly will bear any reproach that comes because we are a Christian. We proudly bear Your name and ask that we can always walk stately and unafraid in the face of our enemies. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Proverbs 30:29-31 (KJV):29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
Proverbs 30:29-31 (KJ21):29 There are three things which go well, yea, four which are comely in their goings:30 a lion, which is strongest among beasts and turneth not away for any; 31 a greyhound, a he-goat also, and a king against whom there is no rising up.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there are four things that are stately in step, and in their stride. Three are animals and the fourth is a king who is in command, with no one rising up against him. Why would these be mentioned in a book about wisdom?
As always, the Bible uses many natural illustrations so that we can gain spiritual truths. What causes an animal like the lion to walk in such a stately step? He is known as one of the strongest beasts, but it is not just his strength that causes him to stride confidently. It is his lack of fear. He is known as "King of the Beasts" and his strength and prowess give him this advantage; however, his confidence comes because he is not afraid of any other animal and does not turn away from any of them. The spiritual truth that we can glean from this observation is that we also can be strong and unafraid, if we walk with God and claim His strength and His confidence.
Ephesians 6:10-13: 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Notice this scripture tells us that we are to "be strong in the Lord." We are not told to be strong in our own might and power. When we claim His strength by faith, then no foe can overcome us. If we wear the "armour of God," then the fiery darts of the enemy cannot overcome us. We must recognize that our battle is not with "flesh and blood" (people); it is with the spiritual powers of darkness. If we pray for the people the devil is using against us, and take authority over those powers in the name of Jesus, then the devil will have to cease his attacks against them and us. We are told not to fear what man can do to us, as God is greater than any man.
Psalm 56:11: In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Proverbs 30:31 also mentions another stately animal, the greyhound. The greyhound is a dog that is known for its ability to run very fast. His swiftness gives him an advantage over other animals, as he can not only outrun pursuers, but he can also chase down his prey and catch them. He is very confident in any race, as he knows he can outrun most anything. The Bible talks of other animals that are also known as swift animals, such as the eagle and the roe. There are certain things that we need to be swift about, while others we should be slow in doing. The scripture tell us to be swift to hear, while slow to speak. Someone has said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak.
James 1:19-20:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
The next animal mentioned that is stately in their stride, in Proverbs 30:31, is the he-goat. The male mountain goat is very majestic as he climbs and leaps on the steep rocky cliffs, high upon the mountain side. He also is very confident, as he is not afraid of falling. This sure-footedness comes because he has learned from his youth the way of the mountain. As Christians, we can also gain confidence by studying and learning the truths of the Bible, so that we are not afraid of the high places we must climb to overcome our weaknesses. We must trust the Lord to give us hinds' feet.
Psalm 18:33-34: 33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
The last example the scripture uses in Proverbs 30:31 talks about a king who has no one who is rising up against him; therefore he can ride forth on his horse in great confidence. It is quite a picture to see a military processional parade down a street for review. The general (or king), dressed in his military finest, rides on the lead horse who is girded up for the occasion. Backed by his finest men, he rides forth in great confidence, since their are no uprisings against him that he must deal with at the present time. He is also stately in appearance, as the other animals mentioned in these verses are. We can also be as this rider, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work His confidence and demeanor in us. We can also have confidence in Him when we pray, knowing that if we ask anything of Him that is His will for us, we will receive it.
1 John 5:14-15: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Give us the confidence we need in order to overcome the things we face in our daily lives. Deliver us from all fear so that we will not allow the pressure of the world to cause us to compromise in any way. May we always trust You and have confidence in You, knowing that You will never fail us, nor leave us. Let us always walk with our heads high when it comes to being a witness for You. We gladly will bear any reproach that comes because we are a Christian. We proudly bear Your name and ask that we can always walk stately and unafraid in the face of our enemies. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 348 (KJV):
Proverbs 30:18-19 (KJV):18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
Proverbs 30:18-19 (AMP):18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand:19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs state that there are four things that are very wonderful, and yet, mysterious: how an eagle flies, how a serpent slithers, how a ship sails, and how a man and woman are attracted to one another. Solomon respected these observations by Agur and included them in his own book. We all wonder at times why things are the way they are. The only and final answer is that God created them to act this way. God's creation is truly amazing and we can learn many things by observing it.
First, looking at the eagle, he is an amazing bird, not only in the way he flies, but also in his other characteristics, as well. He is a bird who mounts up on wind currents to soar and fly in the heights. Storms create the best wind drafts, so he flies the best, when the winds are contrary. The Bible uses the eagle to describe "overcoming Christians," because we can also fly above any storm of life by mounting up in the presence of God.
Isaiah 40:28-31:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This is one of my favorite verses. I have claimed it many times, to be able to complete the task at hand, when I have been so weary that I thought I could not go on. The Lord has never failed to give me the strength that I have needed, when I ask Him in faith to help me. This scripture states that those who "wait upon the Lord" shall renew their strength. What does it mean to "wait upon the Lord?" Certainly, the first application of this would be to wait upon the Lord's timing, and to wait for Him to show us what to do; however, there is also another application to the meaning. When we dine in a restaurant, a "waiter" comes to our table to serve us or "wait on us." When we are committed to serving God, then we are "waiting on Him;" therefore, we will be given the strength for the task He has given us to do. Even young men who do not know the Lord, will not have the strength that we are given, when we obey Christ's commands.
Proverbs 30:19 speaks of the second thing that is amazing and that is the "serpent on the rock." In Genesis 3, we read that the serpent did not always crawl on the rocks, he was originally created as a beast; however, when he caused Adam and Eve to fall, he was then reduced to an animal that had to crawl on its belly on the ground, eating dust. Spiritually, the serpent, or the devil, feeds on men (who are made from the dust), as all men crawl with him, until they are "born again" and rise up to fly like the eagle.
Genesis 3:14-15: 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The third thing that Agur mentions that amazed him is how a ship can sail in the ocean. There are physical laws that God set in motion in the earth that govern how all things operate. These are verifiable scientific laws. In the case of a ship floating in the ocean, the laws that affect it are: the law of gravity, the law of motion, the laws of nature, and the laws of the universe. Just looking at the size and weight of a boat (especially in our day when we see warships constructed from mega tons of steel) floating in a liquid like water, it looks impossible. However, when one understands the invisible laws that govern such a feat, then it becomes possible. In the Bible, we are asked to believe in spiritual things and things we cannot see; yet, we know they are real, because we understand the law of faith and the law of life in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 19:25-26:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
The fourth thing that was "too wonderful" for Agur was "the way of a man with a maid." The way a man and woman are attracted to one another and "fall in love" is a very wonderful gift that God gave to men and women. Erotic and sexual love was designed by God, but has limits and boundaries attached to it. It is to only be entered into within the bonds of matrimony. The devil has come against this husband and wife relationship by perverting it and causing men to indulge in it illegally. We find adulterers, fornicators, and homosexuals, (where men are sexually attracted to men, and women to women.) God is the one who set the standard for a marriage relationship and when men start trying to redefine marriage, they are setting themselves up to take the place of God, which is idolatry. The beautiful relationship, of love and marriage, between a man and a woman, is a type of our relationship with Christ, and that is a very holy thing.
Ephesians 5:23-27:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, You are amazing and wonderful! I stand in awe of Your great creation. Lord, Your plans for mankind were good and perfect, and we have messed it up because of our sins. Forgive us, Lord, and use us and help us now to restore and correct those things the devil has used to destroy Your beautiful creation. Give us grace to pray and reach out to those around us with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Change us to be like You, and use us to change this world and bring about the kingdom of God in the earth. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 30:18-19 (KJV):18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
Proverbs 30:18-19 (AMP):18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand:19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs state that there are four things that are very wonderful, and yet, mysterious: how an eagle flies, how a serpent slithers, how a ship sails, and how a man and woman are attracted to one another. Solomon respected these observations by Agur and included them in his own book. We all wonder at times why things are the way they are. The only and final answer is that God created them to act this way. God's creation is truly amazing and we can learn many things by observing it.
First, looking at the eagle, he is an amazing bird, not only in the way he flies, but also in his other characteristics, as well. He is a bird who mounts up on wind currents to soar and fly in the heights. Storms create the best wind drafts, so he flies the best, when the winds are contrary. The Bible uses the eagle to describe "overcoming Christians," because we can also fly above any storm of life by mounting up in the presence of God.
Isaiah 40:28-31:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
This is one of my favorite verses. I have claimed it many times, to be able to complete the task at hand, when I have been so weary that I thought I could not go on. The Lord has never failed to give me the strength that I have needed, when I ask Him in faith to help me. This scripture states that those who "wait upon the Lord" shall renew their strength. What does it mean to "wait upon the Lord?" Certainly, the first application of this would be to wait upon the Lord's timing, and to wait for Him to show us what to do; however, there is also another application to the meaning. When we dine in a restaurant, a "waiter" comes to our table to serve us or "wait on us." When we are committed to serving God, then we are "waiting on Him;" therefore, we will be given the strength for the task He has given us to do. Even young men who do not know the Lord, will not have the strength that we are given, when we obey Christ's commands.
Proverbs 30:19 speaks of the second thing that is amazing and that is the "serpent on the rock." In Genesis 3, we read that the serpent did not always crawl on the rocks, he was originally created as a beast; however, when he caused Adam and Eve to fall, he was then reduced to an animal that had to crawl on its belly on the ground, eating dust. Spiritually, the serpent, or the devil, feeds on men (who are made from the dust), as all men crawl with him, until they are "born again" and rise up to fly like the eagle.
Genesis 3:14-15: 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The third thing that Agur mentions that amazed him is how a ship can sail in the ocean. There are physical laws that God set in motion in the earth that govern how all things operate. These are verifiable scientific laws. In the case of a ship floating in the ocean, the laws that affect it are: the law of gravity, the law of motion, the laws of nature, and the laws of the universe. Just looking at the size and weight of a boat (especially in our day when we see warships constructed from mega tons of steel) floating in a liquid like water, it looks impossible. However, when one understands the invisible laws that govern such a feat, then it becomes possible. In the Bible, we are asked to believe in spiritual things and things we cannot see; yet, we know they are real, because we understand the law of faith and the law of life in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 19:25-26:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
The fourth thing that was "too wonderful" for Agur was "the way of a man with a maid." The way a man and woman are attracted to one another and "fall in love" is a very wonderful gift that God gave to men and women. Erotic and sexual love was designed by God, but has limits and boundaries attached to it. It is to only be entered into within the bonds of matrimony. The devil has come against this husband and wife relationship by perverting it and causing men to indulge in it illegally. We find adulterers, fornicators, and homosexuals, (where men are sexually attracted to men, and women to women.) God is the one who set the standard for a marriage relationship and when men start trying to redefine marriage, they are setting themselves up to take the place of God, which is idolatry. The beautiful relationship, of love and marriage, between a man and a woman, is a type of our relationship with Christ, and that is a very holy thing.
Ephesians 5:23-27:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, You are amazing and wonderful! I stand in awe of Your great creation. Lord, Your plans for mankind were good and perfect, and we have messed it up because of our sins. Forgive us, Lord, and use us and help us now to restore and correct those things the devil has used to destroy Your beautiful creation. Give us grace to pray and reach out to those around us with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Change us to be like You, and use us to change this world and bring about the kingdom of God in the earth. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 345 (KJV):
Proverbs 30:11-14 (KJV):11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Proverbs 30:11-14 (AMP):11 There is a class of people who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.12 There is a class of people who are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their own filth.13 There is a class of people -- oh, how lofty are their eyes and their raised eyelids!14 There is a class of people whose teeth are as swords and whose fangs as knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among men.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there is a generation of people who are so wicked that they curse their own parents; and they are so prideful, they do not see their own wickedness of evil speaking, and taking advantage of the poor and needy for their own benefit.
I believe these verses were not only speaking of an evil generation at the time of this writing, but they are also prophetic in nature, pointing to the generation that would exist right before the second coming of the Lord Jesus. In the New Testament, this same generation is described in these words:
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
As we compare these two lists of verses, we can see that in Proverbs, the Bible says this generation will curse their parents, while in 2 Timothy, it is stated that they will be disobedient to their parents. In Proverbs, it says this generation will be prideful and think they are holy, while in 2 Timothy, it speaks of them as heady and high-minded and having a form of godliness.
James 5:1-6: 1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Proverbs 30:14 talks about a generation that devours and takes advantage of the poor, while the scriptures in James speak of rich men who have heaped up their money at the expense of defrauding those who labored for them by paying them inadequate wages. The Lord hears the cries of these poor people and in the end, these kinds of wicked people will surely reap what they have sown. There is a generation of people who have hardened their hearts to the things of God, and God is angry with them. They cannot enter in the rest of God unless they repent. The generation that does evil toward their own parents by cursing them, is low indeed. And the second evil of taking advantage of the poor, makes them more despicable, as they are hard-hearted with no feelings for the needy.
Hebrews 3:7-11: 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings. Lord, may all of Your people be mindful of honoring and blessing their parents. Lord, I pray that You will use me to reach out to the poor and needy. Lord, scatter this wicked generation of people who are exploiting the poor and needy. Send your servants out to minister to the poor, the hungry, the needy, the hurting, the sick and the lost. As You use each of us to do our part, we can be the answer to the cries of the needy. Meet all of their needs. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 30:11-14 (KJV):11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Proverbs 30:11-14 (AMP):11 There is a class of people who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.12 There is a class of people who are pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their own filth.13 There is a class of people -- oh, how lofty are their eyes and their raised eyelids!14 There is a class of people whose teeth are as swords and whose fangs as knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among men.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there is a generation of people who are so wicked that they curse their own parents; and they are so prideful, they do not see their own wickedness of evil speaking, and taking advantage of the poor and needy for their own benefit.
I believe these verses were not only speaking of an evil generation at the time of this writing, but they are also prophetic in nature, pointing to the generation that would exist right before the second coming of the Lord Jesus. In the New Testament, this same generation is described in these words:
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
As we compare these two lists of verses, we can see that in Proverbs, the Bible says this generation will curse their parents, while in 2 Timothy, it is stated that they will be disobedient to their parents. In Proverbs, it says this generation will be prideful and think they are holy, while in 2 Timothy, it speaks of them as heady and high-minded and having a form of godliness.
James 5:1-6: 1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Proverbs 30:14 talks about a generation that devours and takes advantage of the poor, while the scriptures in James speak of rich men who have heaped up their money at the expense of defrauding those who labored for them by paying them inadequate wages. The Lord hears the cries of these poor people and in the end, these kinds of wicked people will surely reap what they have sown. There is a generation of people who have hardened their hearts to the things of God, and God is angry with them. They cannot enter in the rest of God unless they repent. The generation that does evil toward their own parents by cursing them, is low indeed. And the second evil of taking advantage of the poor, makes them more despicable, as they are hard-hearted with no feelings for the needy.
Hebrews 3:7-11: 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings. Lord, may all of Your people be mindful of honoring and blessing their parents. Lord, I pray that You will use me to reach out to the poor and needy. Lord, scatter this wicked generation of people who are exploiting the poor and needy. Send your servants out to minister to the poor, the hungry, the needy, the hurting, the sick and the lost. As You use each of us to do our part, we can be the answer to the cries of the needy. Meet all of their needs. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 344 (KJV):
Proverbs 30:10 (KJV): Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Proverbs 30:10 (AMP): Do not accuse and hurt a servant before his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty (of adding to the burdens of the lowly).
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us not to falsely accuse or scold another man's servant, as the servant's owner will curse you for adding to the burdens of the lowly. A curse in the Bible is referring to speaking negatively or evil about, or against, someone. A good master will protect his servants against those who would try to accuse or abuse them without cause. This would apply to an employer and employee relationship as well. A good boss will always protect his faithful employees.
This verse is not referring to a wicked servant or employee, as one like that should be reprimanded. However, anyone who would reproach another man's employee because of their own faulty character, the employer should stick up for that employee. This happens many times when a customer is impatient with regard to their service or disgruntled about some merchandise. Instead of being respectful about discussing the situation or the faulty product, customers sometimes get angry and yell at and berate the one who is trying to help them. A boss, in this case, many find the customer guilty of an attitude problem, instead of his employee or servant being at fault.
The principles in the Bible teach us that we are to respect all people -- no matter what class they are, what race they are, what position they hold, what age they are, or what sex they are. The Bible teaches we are to esteem all persons, as God is the creator of all mankind, and each life is important to Him, and He is no respecter of men. God looks on the hearts of men and women, not on the outward appearance. When we are "born again" into the family of God, by accepting Christ as our Savior, then, we all become brothers and sisters in the Lord and we are to honor and respect one another.
Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
We are also told to especially honor our elders, widows, our masters (bosses), our parents, and people in authority who rule over us.
1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.1 Timothy 5:1-3:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1 Timothy 6:1-2:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Matthew 19:19: Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Romans 13:1-7:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
And most of all, we should have supreme honor for God! One way we honor Him is by obeying His Word that instructs us to love and honor each other.
1 Timothy 1:17: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for all the things You have done for me, but I honor You, for Who You are, my Lord and King. May I always show respect for the whole family of God, as I know that is one way I can honor You. Help me to be sensitive and respectful to all people, no matter what position they hold. Lord, deliver Your people from all prejudice and disrespect for one another. May we obey Your Word that tells us to prefer and honor one another, as brothers and sisters in the Lord. May we also be especially kind toward those who are in occupations in the service sector and may we all serve one another. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 30:10 (KJV): Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
Proverbs 30:10 (AMP): Do not accuse and hurt a servant before his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty (of adding to the burdens of the lowly).
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us not to falsely accuse or scold another man's servant, as the servant's owner will curse you for adding to the burdens of the lowly. A curse in the Bible is referring to speaking negatively or evil about, or against, someone. A good master will protect his servants against those who would try to accuse or abuse them without cause. This would apply to an employer and employee relationship as well. A good boss will always protect his faithful employees.
This verse is not referring to a wicked servant or employee, as one like that should be reprimanded. However, anyone who would reproach another man's employee because of their own faulty character, the employer should stick up for that employee. This happens many times when a customer is impatient with regard to their service or disgruntled about some merchandise. Instead of being respectful about discussing the situation or the faulty product, customers sometimes get angry and yell at and berate the one who is trying to help them. A boss, in this case, many find the customer guilty of an attitude problem, instead of his employee or servant being at fault.
The principles in the Bible teach us that we are to respect all people -- no matter what class they are, what race they are, what position they hold, what age they are, or what sex they are. The Bible teaches we are to esteem all persons, as God is the creator of all mankind, and each life is important to Him, and He is no respecter of men. God looks on the hearts of men and women, not on the outward appearance. When we are "born again" into the family of God, by accepting Christ as our Savior, then, we all become brothers and sisters in the Lord and we are to honor and respect one another.
Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
We are also told to especially honor our elders, widows, our masters (bosses), our parents, and people in authority who rule over us.
1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.1 Timothy 5:1-3:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1 Timothy 6:1-2:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Matthew 19:19: Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Romans 13:1-7:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
And most of all, we should have supreme honor for God! One way we honor Him is by obeying His Word that instructs us to love and honor each other.
1 Timothy 1:17: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for all the things You have done for me, but I honor You, for Who You are, my Lord and King. May I always show respect for the whole family of God, as I know that is one way I can honor You. Help me to be sensitive and respectful to all people, no matter what position they hold. Lord, deliver Your people from all prejudice and disrespect for one another. May we obey Your Word that tells us to prefer and honor one another, as brothers and sisters in the Lord. May we also be especially kind toward those who are in occupations in the service sector and may we all serve one another. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 338 (KJV):
Proverbs 29:19-21 (KJV):19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
Proverbs 29:19-21 (AMP):19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer (the master who mistreats him).20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a (self-confident) fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give us instruction as to how a servant or employee should be treated, and also warn us there is more hope for a fool, than a man who is hasty with his words. A man who does not control what he says, and blurts out his thoughts and words in haste, will have a fate worse than a fool. A wise man will control his speech and be careful about the things he speaks.
In verses 19 & 21 we find advice about dealing with servants or employees. Just because an employer tells his servant to do something, he may not have his wholehearted response if he is not treating him fairly. People will respond to those in authority according to how they are behaving toward them. If the master or boss is mistreating them by unjust pay or harsh treatment, the servant will not fully hearken unto their words. We are also told that the employee who is hired when he is young, and is pampered and treated like family, will also expect to receive the rights of a family member. The Bible gives instructions for both masters and servants. Here is what the Word of God says to the servants (employees) and to the masters (employers).
Ephesians 6:5-9:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Servants or employees are addressed to be obedient and follow the instructions of their masters and to do their work with respect and singleness of heart. They are instructed to serve their masters as they would serve Christ. They are also to do this with proper motives, not to please men, but to please the Lord. If all employees would do their work as unto the Lord, they would not be guilty of some of the common practices in jobs today. We can determine what kind of servant we are by:
(1.) Examining what motivates us to work. Love of money, fear, duty and necessity are some of the world's reasons to work. Our reason should be one that is motivated by love for our Lord.(2.) Taking short cuts that will lessen the finished product because of laziness or impatience. This wastes time because a job is done the quickest way and not the best way.(3.) Hiding mistakes that are costly to others because of fear or pride.(4.) Stealing from our employer, which increases his operating costs, that in turn, cause company wages or bonuses to be less. (5.) Working in a careful manner to avoid carelessness to prevent accidents. Safety rules need to be obeyed which helps lower insurance costs.(6.) Communicating properly when we have a problem with the boss, instead of gossiping about him to other employees.(7.) Being responsible and disciplined workers who are dependable and loyal.(8.) Avoiding slothful habits, such as tardiness and absenteeism without a cause. (Pretending to be sick just because we do not want to go to work is outright deception).(9.) Lying about our qualifications when applying for a job, causing the employer to believe we can do more than we are actually trained or qualified to do. (This puts the employer at risk because of inferior work that will be produced.)(10.) Walking out on a job without proper notification.
Masters or employers are instructed to treat their servants or employees with respect as well, and not to threaten them or favor one over another. They should be just in their dealings with each of them, treating them the way they would want to be treated. They should also be responsible for:
(1.) Compensating each with fair and just wages and benefits.(2.) Treating all workers fairly, without being a respecter of persons.(3.) Furnishing comfortable and good working conditions for their help.(4.) Observing the Sabbath rest for all employees, as well as themselves. (Workaholics will eventually experience burnout, and God knew, as human beings, we all need a day of rest and refreshing in the Lord.)(5.) Terminating employees unfairly because of greed. (Often loyal older employees are replaced by younger ones at a lesser salary to avoid retirement benefits and the higher earned salary of the older worker). (6.) Correcting their workers when necessary with kindness and grace.
Although these lists are by no means complete, this will give us a starting place to examine if we are living a Christian life in the marketplace. Notice the examples used in this list are character-related, and unless people come to God and allow Jesus to change their evil nature, our nation will continue to plunge into a deteriorating workplace. We as Christians should be examples in leading the way of good work ethics in the marketplace. It is sad that many Christians fail to do this and our witness in the world is not Christian at all, as we act like the rest of the world.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for instructing us in our business relationships. Lord, may we serve one another in love, regardless of our position. If we are working, serving our employer, may we be the best employee we can be, by realizing that our service to them is also our service to You. If we serve in the capacity of a boss, then may we be one who is just, fair and honest in all of our ways, treating our employees with kindness and respect. Lord, we invite You into our workplaces and businesses. May our work be holy work because You are there. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 29:19-21 (KJV):19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
Proverbs 29:19-21 (AMP):19 A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not answer (the master who mistreats him).20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a (self-confident) fool than for him. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood will have him expecting the rights of a son afterward.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give us instruction as to how a servant or employee should be treated, and also warn us there is more hope for a fool, than a man who is hasty with his words. A man who does not control what he says, and blurts out his thoughts and words in haste, will have a fate worse than a fool. A wise man will control his speech and be careful about the things he speaks.
In verses 19 & 21 we find advice about dealing with servants or employees. Just because an employer tells his servant to do something, he may not have his wholehearted response if he is not treating him fairly. People will respond to those in authority according to how they are behaving toward them. If the master or boss is mistreating them by unjust pay or harsh treatment, the servant will not fully hearken unto their words. We are also told that the employee who is hired when he is young, and is pampered and treated like family, will also expect to receive the rights of a family member. The Bible gives instructions for both masters and servants. Here is what the Word of God says to the servants (employees) and to the masters (employers).
Ephesians 6:5-9:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Servants or employees are addressed to be obedient and follow the instructions of their masters and to do their work with respect and singleness of heart. They are instructed to serve their masters as they would serve Christ. They are also to do this with proper motives, not to please men, but to please the Lord. If all employees would do their work as unto the Lord, they would not be guilty of some of the common practices in jobs today. We can determine what kind of servant we are by:
(1.) Examining what motivates us to work. Love of money, fear, duty and necessity are some of the world's reasons to work. Our reason should be one that is motivated by love for our Lord.(2.) Taking short cuts that will lessen the finished product because of laziness or impatience. This wastes time because a job is done the quickest way and not the best way.(3.) Hiding mistakes that are costly to others because of fear or pride.(4.) Stealing from our employer, which increases his operating costs, that in turn, cause company wages or bonuses to be less. (5.) Working in a careful manner to avoid carelessness to prevent accidents. Safety rules need to be obeyed which helps lower insurance costs.(6.) Communicating properly when we have a problem with the boss, instead of gossiping about him to other employees.(7.) Being responsible and disciplined workers who are dependable and loyal.(8.) Avoiding slothful habits, such as tardiness and absenteeism without a cause. (Pretending to be sick just because we do not want to go to work is outright deception).(9.) Lying about our qualifications when applying for a job, causing the employer to believe we can do more than we are actually trained or qualified to do. (This puts the employer at risk because of inferior work that will be produced.)(10.) Walking out on a job without proper notification.
Masters or employers are instructed to treat their servants or employees with respect as well, and not to threaten them or favor one over another. They should be just in their dealings with each of them, treating them the way they would want to be treated. They should also be responsible for:
(1.) Compensating each with fair and just wages and benefits.(2.) Treating all workers fairly, without being a respecter of persons.(3.) Furnishing comfortable and good working conditions for their help.(4.) Observing the Sabbath rest for all employees, as well as themselves. (Workaholics will eventually experience burnout, and God knew, as human beings, we all need a day of rest and refreshing in the Lord.)(5.) Terminating employees unfairly because of greed. (Often loyal older employees are replaced by younger ones at a lesser salary to avoid retirement benefits and the higher earned salary of the older worker). (6.) Correcting their workers when necessary with kindness and grace.
Although these lists are by no means complete, this will give us a starting place to examine if we are living a Christian life in the marketplace. Notice the examples used in this list are character-related, and unless people come to God and allow Jesus to change their evil nature, our nation will continue to plunge into a deteriorating workplace. We as Christians should be examples in leading the way of good work ethics in the marketplace. It is sad that many Christians fail to do this and our witness in the world is not Christian at all, as we act like the rest of the world.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for instructing us in our business relationships. Lord, may we serve one another in love, regardless of our position. If we are working, serving our employer, may we be the best employee we can be, by realizing that our service to them is also our service to You. If we serve in the capacity of a boss, then may we be one who is just, fair and honest in all of our ways, treating our employees with kindness and respect. Lord, we invite You into our workplaces and businesses. May our work be holy work because You are there. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 337 (KJV):
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV): Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18 (AMP): Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God), the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man) --blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us when there is no vision and revelation from God, that a people will perish. Also, it states that the keeping of the laws of God will bring blessings to a society. Down through history, when the light of God was burning dimly, we can see this truth confirmed. Perhaps the most infamous time was during the Dark Ages.
According to the World Book Encyclopedia, the "Dark Ages" refers to the period in time during the middle ages when there was a decline in literacy, stemming from political chaos and social disorder. Only a few places, such as monasteries, preserved Latin learning. After the fall of Rome, civilization almost completely disappeared in much of western Europe during this period. The literate Romans were followed by illiterate barbarians. The Church (at this time still fighting heretical sects and pagans for the soul of Europe) still had many literate clerics, but many of these were inconsistent and the records from this period did not have much clarity. The public gospel was mostly gone, as well as any schooling. Authors at this time showed great ignorance by accepting popular stories as truth. In spite of this, many of the barbarian rulers admired (actually coveted) the glory that was Rome and the church that was its last remnant.
Anytime the gospel is silenced, the world suffers for it. God is light, and His light brings the revelation of the good news of the gospel which liberates people. The revelation of Biblical truths and the practice of them always make possible an orderly and civilized society. Without this vision of the gospel, people perish and are destroyed by the devil who likes to keep people in the dark.
There was also a time recorded in the Bible where there was no open vision of the Lord. It was in the days of Samuel when the glory of the Lord departed from Israel. When God's vision and revelation depart, then the days become dark indeed.
1 Samuel 3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
The Bible also prophesied a day of darkness and famine, not a famine of food, but one of not being able to hear the Word of the Lord.
Amos 8:11-12:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
When the Bible's influence is strong in a society, it will affect all aspects of that culture in a positive way. The opposite is also true -- when a society turns its back on God, it will begin to reflect evil in its cultural choices. People that come against true Christianity don't realize they are coming against the very influences that make life pleasant in this earth. (Please note that everyone who claims to be a Christian may not truly be one, as many come in Christ's name, but are not keeping His commandments.)
The laws and commandments that God gives us to live by are given to us so that we might live a good life in this earth. The keeping of these laws does not get us to heaven; only faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ will do that. However, the keeping of God's laws brings harmony to the earth. If we are a true Christian, we will be striving to keep the rules of the Bible to please God. God's vision and revelation come to a people who are seeking and obeying Him. Sharing that vision with others will keep them from perishing.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your revelation and vision. I do appreciate the light You give me as I am walking in a dark and fallen world. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will always be filled with Your light and love. Draw those who do not know You, unto that light. Fill my mouth with the right words so that those who do not know You can hear the gospel and come into the knowledge of Your dear Son, Jesus. May I practice good deeds in this life, so that others may see them and thereby bring glory unto You. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV): Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18 (AMP): Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God), the people perish; but he who keeps the law (of God, which includes that of man) --blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us when there is no vision and revelation from God, that a people will perish. Also, it states that the keeping of the laws of God will bring blessings to a society. Down through history, when the light of God was burning dimly, we can see this truth confirmed. Perhaps the most infamous time was during the Dark Ages.
According to the World Book Encyclopedia, the "Dark Ages" refers to the period in time during the middle ages when there was a decline in literacy, stemming from political chaos and social disorder. Only a few places, such as monasteries, preserved Latin learning. After the fall of Rome, civilization almost completely disappeared in much of western Europe during this period. The literate Romans were followed by illiterate barbarians. The Church (at this time still fighting heretical sects and pagans for the soul of Europe) still had many literate clerics, but many of these were inconsistent and the records from this period did not have much clarity. The public gospel was mostly gone, as well as any schooling. Authors at this time showed great ignorance by accepting popular stories as truth. In spite of this, many of the barbarian rulers admired (actually coveted) the glory that was Rome and the church that was its last remnant.
Anytime the gospel is silenced, the world suffers for it. God is light, and His light brings the revelation of the good news of the gospel which liberates people. The revelation of Biblical truths and the practice of them always make possible an orderly and civilized society. Without this vision of the gospel, people perish and are destroyed by the devil who likes to keep people in the dark.
There was also a time recorded in the Bible where there was no open vision of the Lord. It was in the days of Samuel when the glory of the Lord departed from Israel. When God's vision and revelation depart, then the days become dark indeed.
1 Samuel 3:1: And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
The Bible also prophesied a day of darkness and famine, not a famine of food, but one of not being able to hear the Word of the Lord.
Amos 8:11-12:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.
When the Bible's influence is strong in a society, it will affect all aspects of that culture in a positive way. The opposite is also true -- when a society turns its back on God, it will begin to reflect evil in its cultural choices. People that come against true Christianity don't realize they are coming against the very influences that make life pleasant in this earth. (Please note that everyone who claims to be a Christian may not truly be one, as many come in Christ's name, but are not keeping His commandments.)
The laws and commandments that God gives us to live by are given to us so that we might live a good life in this earth. The keeping of these laws does not get us to heaven; only faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ will do that. However, the keeping of God's laws brings harmony to the earth. If we are a true Christian, we will be striving to keep the rules of the Bible to please God. God's vision and revelation come to a people who are seeking and obeying Him. Sharing that vision with others will keep them from perishing.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your revelation and vision. I do appreciate the light You give me as I am walking in a dark and fallen world. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will always be filled with Your light and love. Draw those who do not know You, unto that light. Fill my mouth with the right words so that those who do not know You can hear the gospel and come into the knowledge of Your dear Son, Jesus. May I practice good deeds in this life, so that others may see them and thereby bring glory unto You. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 336 (KJV):
Proverbs 29:15-17 (KJV): 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29:15-17 (AMP):15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the (uncompromisingly) righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give instruction for raising and disciplining children, and also state the destiny of the wicked because of their sin.
In verses 15 and 17 we see several things that are necessary if our children are to bring delight to us. The first thing is that we must reprove or discipline them by using the rod (spanking them) when they are young. Children who are not properly disciplined are among the most miserable of children. Unruly and spoiled children are not the blessings that the Bible says they should be to parents. Correction and training will direct the child so that they will grow up with a respect for authority, and this comes by punishing them when they rebel.
This brings us to the subject of how we should discipline a child who disobeys the rules. There has been much debate on the subject of corporal punishment (the spanking of a child). Corporal punishment simply means bodily punishment, while the definition of spank in Webster's Dictionary is: 1.) to strike with something flat, as the open hand, especially on the buttocks, as in punishment. 2.) to move along swiftly or smartly, a smack given in spanking. This is what the Bible says about spanking:
Proverbs 22:15: "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Proverbs 23:13-14: "Withold not discipline from the child, for if you strike and punish him with the (reed-like) rod, he will not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."
First of all, discipline of children should begin at an early age, whenever a child begins to defy the parent. Remember the old saying, "He who spares the rod, spoils the child." Notice that the Bible says that all children have foolishness in their hearts. We are to drive out this foolishness by punishing them with a whack on the buttocks with a small reed-like rod when they disobey. This rod could be a switch from a fruit tree branch or a willow tree branch or a small wooden spoon. It is not to be a large heavy rod or anything that would cause permanent physical damage. We are not talking about child abuse here. The purpose of a spanking is not to cause any lasting bodily harm, but to cause spiritual correction. A spanking should be swift and cause short lived pain that makes a point. That point is that the small pain they feel now will prevent them from feeling great pain by the act they are committing, which could cause them the loss of their lives in some cases. (For instance, if a child tries to eat something that is poison.)
Proverbs 19:18(AMP): Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Godly discipline will keep children from being dysfunctional later in life. We are told as Christian parents to train our children in the ways of the Lord and when they grow up, they will not depart from that training. Notice it says "train," not "teach." Many parents teach their children right from wrong, but have failed to "train" them to obey. Spanking is part of the training. Many parents yell and threaten their children, but never follow through with the proper punishment, and therefore, their children get their own way. A disciplined child will bring great delight to parents, while the child left alone will bring shame to the home. Many a mother has wept when her children became wicked and thus shamed her. The Bible way to prevent this is by disciplining a child while he is young by spanking him. The Bible does not say to "reason" with a child. When a child is older, you can certainly add reasoning with the spanking. However, the most convincing thing we can do is to spank them. We have heard the expression, "the way to reason with them is through their bottoms."
Verse 16 talks about when wicked men are in places of authority, transgression multiplies because of it. However, we must remember that in time, we shall see the fall of the wicked. The Bible tells us in many places that the Lord is going to remove the wicked from this earth and that His righteous kingdom will reign in the earth.
Proverbs 2:21-22:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the blessing of children. Lord, help all Christian parents to heed the Bible's instructions for rearing their children. Father, there are many different voices in the world telling us how to do things; however, we want to know what the Bible says about child rearing. Lord, since You created us, then surely Your advice would be the best advice to follow, as You know how to do all things in perfection. Give us divine wisdom in the area of child rearing and give us grace to spank our children when they need that discipline. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 29:15-17 (KJV): 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29:15-17 (AMP):15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the (uncompromisingly) righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give instruction for raising and disciplining children, and also state the destiny of the wicked because of their sin.
In verses 15 and 17 we see several things that are necessary if our children are to bring delight to us. The first thing is that we must reprove or discipline them by using the rod (spanking them) when they are young. Children who are not properly disciplined are among the most miserable of children. Unruly and spoiled children are not the blessings that the Bible says they should be to parents. Correction and training will direct the child so that they will grow up with a respect for authority, and this comes by punishing them when they rebel.
This brings us to the subject of how we should discipline a child who disobeys the rules. There has been much debate on the subject of corporal punishment (the spanking of a child). Corporal punishment simply means bodily punishment, while the definition of spank in Webster's Dictionary is: 1.) to strike with something flat, as the open hand, especially on the buttocks, as in punishment. 2.) to move along swiftly or smartly, a smack given in spanking. This is what the Bible says about spanking:
Proverbs 22:15: "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Proverbs 23:13-14: "Withold not discipline from the child, for if you strike and punish him with the (reed-like) rod, he will not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."
First of all, discipline of children should begin at an early age, whenever a child begins to defy the parent. Remember the old saying, "He who spares the rod, spoils the child." Notice that the Bible says that all children have foolishness in their hearts. We are to drive out this foolishness by punishing them with a whack on the buttocks with a small reed-like rod when they disobey. This rod could be a switch from a fruit tree branch or a willow tree branch or a small wooden spoon. It is not to be a large heavy rod or anything that would cause permanent physical damage. We are not talking about child abuse here. The purpose of a spanking is not to cause any lasting bodily harm, but to cause spiritual correction. A spanking should be swift and cause short lived pain that makes a point. That point is that the small pain they feel now will prevent them from feeling great pain by the act they are committing, which could cause them the loss of their lives in some cases. (For instance, if a child tries to eat something that is poison.)
Proverbs 19:18(AMP): Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Godly discipline will keep children from being dysfunctional later in life. We are told as Christian parents to train our children in the ways of the Lord and when they grow up, they will not depart from that training. Notice it says "train," not "teach." Many parents teach their children right from wrong, but have failed to "train" them to obey. Spanking is part of the training. Many parents yell and threaten their children, but never follow through with the proper punishment, and therefore, their children get their own way. A disciplined child will bring great delight to parents, while the child left alone will bring shame to the home. Many a mother has wept when her children became wicked and thus shamed her. The Bible way to prevent this is by disciplining a child while he is young by spanking him. The Bible does not say to "reason" with a child. When a child is older, you can certainly add reasoning with the spanking. However, the most convincing thing we can do is to spank them. We have heard the expression, "the way to reason with them is through their bottoms."
Verse 16 talks about when wicked men are in places of authority, transgression multiplies because of it. However, we must remember that in time, we shall see the fall of the wicked. The Bible tells us in many places that the Lord is going to remove the wicked from this earth and that His righteous kingdom will reign in the earth.
Proverbs 2:21-22:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the blessing of children. Lord, help all Christian parents to heed the Bible's instructions for rearing their children. Father, there are many different voices in the world telling us how to do things; however, we want to know what the Bible says about child rearing. Lord, since You created us, then surely Your advice would be the best advice to follow, as You know how to do all things in perfection. Give us divine wisdom in the area of child rearing and give us grace to spank our children when they need that discipline. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 335 (KJV):
Proverbs 29:12-14 (KJV):12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Proverbs 29:12-14 (AMP):12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together -- the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a wicked ruler will have wicked officials around him; also, that God gives light to both the poor and the deceitful; and a king that judges faithfully will have a throne that is secure.
Reading verse 12, we know that a ruler who keeps company with those who lie, is also corrupt himself. People who are wicked do not want men of integrity around them, so the officials they choose to serve them will also be wicked. It goes back to the old adage, "birds of a feather, flock together."
Verse 13 tells us that the poor and the deceitful have this in common -- they both receive their light from God. All of mankind has been bestowed with certain things that come only from God, light is one of those gifts. The Lord made no distinctions as to which kind of people would be given the gift of his creation. He made it for all of mankind, even those who do not acknowledge that it came from the hand of God. He is the one who created men with eyes to see light, mountains, valleys, rivers, grass, trees, animals and all of the rest of His creation. He also causes the sun to shine on the good and evil, and sends rain on the just and unjust. He is a God that loves all of His creation and tells us, as His children, to love our enemies and overcome evil with good.
Matthew 5:43-45:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
God has gifted men with natural gifts so that we all contribute to the world order. He made each person uniquely different from every other person. Just as no snowflake is like another one, we are all created differently. Every person that God created, He also has a plan for that person's life. Men do not understand that purpose until they turn their lives over to God. In God's original plan, He created a perfect garden (the Garden of Eden) for Adam and Eve (the first man and woman) to live and work in, and enjoy fellowship with their Creator. Because they disobeyed God, sin entered into this perfect place and they fell from grace. God then instigated His plan of redemption by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the earth to live a sinless life and die on a cross to atone for the sins of all mankind. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, all men and women can now be restored back to God, if they repent and accept what Jesus did for them, and surrender to the will of God.
When an individual does give his life to the Lord, he then will also receive spiritual gifts, as well as the natural gifts that God gives to each one. In the natural, we are given eyes to see the light of the sun; in the spiritual realm, we are given spiritual eyesight to see the things of God.
Looking at Proverbs 29:14, we see that when a good man reigns, he will faithfully judge the poor and make decisions that will help them. By doing this, the people will respect and love him, thus ensuring a continuous reign that is well-established. We are repeatedly reminded in the book of Proverbs about the blessings that righteousness produces, versus the curses that come when people are wicked.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the many gifts You have given to us, as Your children. I do appreciate eyes to see Your beautiful creation. I am grateful that You gave us so many things to see and enjoy in this earth. I also thank You for the gifts You have given to me personally. I know that You have given me the gift of writing and I am grateful. I am also humbled that You would use me to share the revelations You have given me with Your people. Lord, I dedicate my life and gifts to Your work. Please use them to bring glory to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 29:12-14 (KJV):12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Proverbs 29:12-14 (AMP):12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together -- the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a wicked ruler will have wicked officials around him; also, that God gives light to both the poor and the deceitful; and a king that judges faithfully will have a throne that is secure.
Reading verse 12, we know that a ruler who keeps company with those who lie, is also corrupt himself. People who are wicked do not want men of integrity around them, so the officials they choose to serve them will also be wicked. It goes back to the old adage, "birds of a feather, flock together."
Verse 13 tells us that the poor and the deceitful have this in common -- they both receive their light from God. All of mankind has been bestowed with certain things that come only from God, light is one of those gifts. The Lord made no distinctions as to which kind of people would be given the gift of his creation. He made it for all of mankind, even those who do not acknowledge that it came from the hand of God. He is the one who created men with eyes to see light, mountains, valleys, rivers, grass, trees, animals and all of the rest of His creation. He also causes the sun to shine on the good and evil, and sends rain on the just and unjust. He is a God that loves all of His creation and tells us, as His children, to love our enemies and overcome evil with good.
Matthew 5:43-45:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
God has gifted men with natural gifts so that we all contribute to the world order. He made each person uniquely different from every other person. Just as no snowflake is like another one, we are all created differently. Every person that God created, He also has a plan for that person's life. Men do not understand that purpose until they turn their lives over to God. In God's original plan, He created a perfect garden (the Garden of Eden) for Adam and Eve (the first man and woman) to live and work in, and enjoy fellowship with their Creator. Because they disobeyed God, sin entered into this perfect place and they fell from grace. God then instigated His plan of redemption by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the earth to live a sinless life and die on a cross to atone for the sins of all mankind. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, all men and women can now be restored back to God, if they repent and accept what Jesus did for them, and surrender to the will of God.
When an individual does give his life to the Lord, he then will also receive spiritual gifts, as well as the natural gifts that God gives to each one. In the natural, we are given eyes to see the light of the sun; in the spiritual realm, we are given spiritual eyesight to see the things of God.
Looking at Proverbs 29:14, we see that when a good man reigns, he will faithfully judge the poor and make decisions that will help them. By doing this, the people will respect and love him, thus ensuring a continuous reign that is well-established. We are repeatedly reminded in the book of Proverbs about the blessings that righteousness produces, versus the curses that come when people are wicked.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the many gifts You have given to us, as Your children. I do appreciate eyes to see Your beautiful creation. I am grateful that You gave us so many things to see and enjoy in this earth. I also thank You for the gifts You have given to me personally. I know that You have given me the gift of writing and I am grateful. I am also humbled that You would use me to share the revelations You have given me with Your people. Lord, I dedicate my life and gifts to Your work. Please use them to bring glory to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 334 (KJV):
Proverbs 29:10-11 (KJV):10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 29:10-11 (AMP):10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek (to save) his life.11 A (self-confident) fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that murderers hate righteous people, while the righteous seek ways to see that evil men's souls are saved. Also, a foolish man will speak all that is on his mind, including his angry thoughts, while a wise man will use restraint and hold back his anger until he knows how to deal with a situation wisely.
It has been true throughout the ages that evil men seek to kill righteous men. The reason is because the deeds of a righteous man are an example of goodness, and by comparison will expose what kind of deeds the wicked man is doing. An evil man will not want his deeds shown for what they are, so they will attempt to silence good men. The first account of this is found in the Bible when Cain slew Abel, his own brother. Abel was obedient to God's plan for offering sacrifices, while Cain decided to offer his sacrifice differently, violating God's instructions. When God accepted Abel's offering and favored him for his obedience, and God had no respect for Cain's offering, it made Cain very angry. This uncontrolled anger led Cain to murder his own brother.
1 John 3:11-16:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
At the root of all murder is hatred and anger. This is the reason that we must learn to control our feelings of anger because it can lead to hatred and murder. As Christians, we are bound to a higher law than just our outward actions. God looks on our hearts, and therefore, if we hate a brother or sister in Christ, it is the same as murder to God. We must ask God to deliver us of all hatred so that we are not guilty of murder in God's eyes.
Proverbs 29:11 states that a self-confident fool will utter all of his indiscriminate and angry thoughts, instead of restraining them, while a wise man will control himself and wait until he can deal with his thoughts and anger in a proper manner. How should we deal with anger? There are two kinds of anger, righteous anger and selfish, prideful anger. The Bible tells us that God, Himself, is angry about certain things. God is angry at the sins of the wicked because of how those sins hurt people. He loves the sinner but hates the wicked deeds they do.
Psalm 7:11: God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Most people also become angry when they see injustice and evil men hurting innocent people. This is righteous anger. This kind of anger should spur us to do something good that will help those who are victims of evil. However, the anger that leads to murder is a prideful anger, as this kind of anger comes when someone feels they did not get what they wanted. It is a selfish anger. The way we must deal with unrighteous anger is to ask God to remove it from our hearts and give us His perspective of the situation that caused us to feel angry. We are not to vent our anger on others. Some psychologists tell people to go outside and throw things when they feel anger, as it will make them feel better. This is not how the Bible tells us to deal with it. We are to give our feelings to God and ask Him to give us His feelings in the matter, and deliver us from all that is not of Him.
We are not only supposed to restrain our anger, but the latter half of verse 10 in today's study tells us that we are to also seek how we can win the soul of the one who caused us anger. As Christians, we are to overcome evil with good. We are not to respond with hate and anger toward those who seek our destruction, but we are to pray for them and try to find ways to win them to the Lord or change them for the better.
Romans 12:17-21:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are a just God and You will deal with the wicked in the world. Lord, I choose to forgive all of those who have done any evil toward me. Father, deliver them from being used of the devil. Save those who do not know You. Deliver those who are deceived and have embraced anger and hatred in their own souls. Lord, show me ways to overcome evil in the world. Help me to reach out and be an instrument of change when I see injustice and wrongs being committed against others. Give me wisdom and love to overcome evil with good. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 29:10-11 (KJV):10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Proverbs 29:10-11 (AMP):10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless man, but the upright care for and seek (to save) his life.11 A (self-confident) fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that murderers hate righteous people, while the righteous seek ways to see that evil men's souls are saved. Also, a foolish man will speak all that is on his mind, including his angry thoughts, while a wise man will use restraint and hold back his anger until he knows how to deal with a situation wisely.
It has been true throughout the ages that evil men seek to kill righteous men. The reason is because the deeds of a righteous man are an example of goodness, and by comparison will expose what kind of deeds the wicked man is doing. An evil man will not want his deeds shown for what they are, so they will attempt to silence good men. The first account of this is found in the Bible when Cain slew Abel, his own brother. Abel was obedient to God's plan for offering sacrifices, while Cain decided to offer his sacrifice differently, violating God's instructions. When God accepted Abel's offering and favored him for his obedience, and God had no respect for Cain's offering, it made Cain very angry. This uncontrolled anger led Cain to murder his own brother.
1 John 3:11-16:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
At the root of all murder is hatred and anger. This is the reason that we must learn to control our feelings of anger because it can lead to hatred and murder. As Christians, we are bound to a higher law than just our outward actions. God looks on our hearts, and therefore, if we hate a brother or sister in Christ, it is the same as murder to God. We must ask God to deliver us of all hatred so that we are not guilty of murder in God's eyes.
Proverbs 29:11 states that a self-confident fool will utter all of his indiscriminate and angry thoughts, instead of restraining them, while a wise man will control himself and wait until he can deal with his thoughts and anger in a proper manner. How should we deal with anger? There are two kinds of anger, righteous anger and selfish, prideful anger. The Bible tells us that God, Himself, is angry about certain things. God is angry at the sins of the wicked because of how those sins hurt people. He loves the sinner but hates the wicked deeds they do.
Psalm 7:11: God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Most people also become angry when they see injustice and evil men hurting innocent people. This is righteous anger. This kind of anger should spur us to do something good that will help those who are victims of evil. However, the anger that leads to murder is a prideful anger, as this kind of anger comes when someone feels they did not get what they wanted. It is a selfish anger. The way we must deal with unrighteous anger is to ask God to remove it from our hearts and give us His perspective of the situation that caused us to feel angry. We are not to vent our anger on others. Some psychologists tell people to go outside and throw things when they feel anger, as it will make them feel better. This is not how the Bible tells us to deal with it. We are to give our feelings to God and ask Him to give us His feelings in the matter, and deliver us from all that is not of Him.
We are not only supposed to restrain our anger, but the latter half of verse 10 in today's study tells us that we are to also seek how we can win the soul of the one who caused us anger. As Christians, we are to overcome evil with good. We are not to respond with hate and anger toward those who seek our destruction, but we are to pray for them and try to find ways to win them to the Lord or change them for the better.
Romans 12:17-21:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are a just God and You will deal with the wicked in the world. Lord, I choose to forgive all of those who have done any evil toward me. Father, deliver them from being used of the devil. Save those who do not know You. Deliver those who are deceived and have embraced anger and hatred in their own souls. Lord, show me ways to overcome evil in the world. Help me to reach out and be an instrument of change when I see injustice and wrongs being committed against others. Give me wisdom and love to overcome evil with good. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 328 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:25-26 (KJV):25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Proverbs 28:25-26 (AMP):25 He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed.26 He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a (self-confident) fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that at the root of strife and self-confident foolishness is pride; however, those who trust in God and walk in His Wisdom will be delivered and prosper.
Verse 25 tells us that those who are prideful will stir up strife and controversy. The pride spoken of in this verse is referring to one being arrogant and haughty. If two people are unyielding and arrogant when they disagree about something, it will always produce contention and strife. If we desire to get along with others, we must humble ourselves, and not take the opinion that we are better or smarter than others. This verse says that if we are well advised, we will act in wisdom toward others. We will not act defiantly or condescendingly to others.
Proverbs 13:10: Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
As God's children, we must always act the way He would want us to act. This is not saying that we are to always take the position of being a "door mat." Sometimes the harder thing to do in a situation is to speak the truth in love, instead of trying to avoid a situation because we dread conflict. When we find ourselves in a situation of disagreement with others, we should seek God as to how He would have us to respond, in spite of how we might feel about the situation. If we feel we are being treated unfairly, the best way to see justice in our behalf is to love, forgive and do unto others, as we would have them do unto us. When we take this position and pray good prayers toward others, then God will defend us. We should never pray evil prayers toward those who oppose us. These kinds of prayers are not coming from the heart of God, but from our own flesh. When we are blessing others with our prayers and our thoughts, we are overcoming evil with good.
Verse 26 tells us that we are to lean on God and not rely on our own abilities. Certainly we are to use the gifts and abilities God has given us, but not outside of God's guidance. When we are "born again," we are given spiritual eyes to see things and understand things that otherwise we could not discern without the Holy Spirit. When we are submitted to the Lord, He then begins to guide and lead us by His Spirit; we follow Him in faith, knowing He will not disappoint us or lead us astray. We must learn to obey Him, even when we do not see or understand how He is leading.
If we want holy guidance, we must study the word of God and find out what God has to say about life and human experience, so that we can be guided by His Word. Neither my opinion, nor anyone else's opinions, are sufficient to solve the problems of humanity. The answers can only be found in God's Word. He is the Creator of all things, and He has the answers for His creation. He is the Judge and final authority on every subject. By keeping His Word and His commandments, we will not stumble, but will have light on our pathway of life; therefore,we should make it a priority to understand His ways and learn of His wisdom.
Since God requires us to walk in faith and trust Him, the only way to receive faith is through surrender to Him, and the only way for our faith to grow is by hearing the Word of God. When we hear from Jesus (Who is Faith) then our faith grows. We can hear from God in many different ways, but one of the main ways is by reading the Bible and listening to His voice when we pray.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We must have faith in God to please Him. The Word of God states that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23b). Some people refer to Christians as having "blind faith," but our faith is not a blind faith; it is faith in a very real person, Jesus Christ. We were blind before our eyes were opened to His love and forgiveness, but now we see Him and a new life and world belong to us. When the Holy Spirit leads us, there is never a "dead end" street with God, even if it might look like that from our perspective. Because God is God, He can take us around any obstacle; if not around it, He will take us over it, under it, or through it. Nothing is impossible with God! Remember His specialty is MIRACLES! We are limited, but He is unlimited! We only limit Him when we do not trust and obey Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, You are such an awesome God! Lord, help me to remember all the things You have done for me in the past, when I am tempted to doubt in my present difficult situation. Help me to daily walk in faith and to always trust You, and not lean unto my own understanding. Deliver me from pride and fear, as these twin evils are aimed at destroying my faith. Give me a love for reading the Bible and open my understanding to the things You desire to reveal to me in Your Word; and then, Lord, give me the grace to obey all that You speak to me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Proverbs 28:25-26 (KJV):25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Proverbs 28:25-26 (AMP):25 He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed.26 He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a (self-confident) fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that at the root of strife and self-confident foolishness is pride; however, those who trust in God and walk in His Wisdom will be delivered and prosper.
Verse 25 tells us that those who are prideful will stir up strife and controversy. The pride spoken of in this verse is referring to one being arrogant and haughty. If two people are unyielding and arrogant when they disagree about something, it will always produce contention and strife. If we desire to get along with others, we must humble ourselves, and not take the opinion that we are better or smarter than others. This verse says that if we are well advised, we will act in wisdom toward others. We will not act defiantly or condescendingly to others.
Proverbs 13:10: Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
As God's children, we must always act the way He would want us to act. This is not saying that we are to always take the position of being a "door mat." Sometimes the harder thing to do in a situation is to speak the truth in love, instead of trying to avoid a situation because we dread conflict. When we find ourselves in a situation of disagreement with others, we should seek God as to how He would have us to respond, in spite of how we might feel about the situation. If we feel we are being treated unfairly, the best way to see justice in our behalf is to love, forgive and do unto others, as we would have them do unto us. When we take this position and pray good prayers toward others, then God will defend us. We should never pray evil prayers toward those who oppose us. These kinds of prayers are not coming from the heart of God, but from our own flesh. When we are blessing others with our prayers and our thoughts, we are overcoming evil with good.
Verse 26 tells us that we are to lean on God and not rely on our own abilities. Certainly we are to use the gifts and abilities God has given us, but not outside of God's guidance. When we are "born again," we are given spiritual eyes to see things and understand things that otherwise we could not discern without the Holy Spirit. When we are submitted to the Lord, He then begins to guide and lead us by His Spirit; we follow Him in faith, knowing He will not disappoint us or lead us astray. We must learn to obey Him, even when we do not see or understand how He is leading.
If we want holy guidance, we must study the word of God and find out what God has to say about life and human experience, so that we can be guided by His Word. Neither my opinion, nor anyone else's opinions, are sufficient to solve the problems of humanity. The answers can only be found in God's Word. He is the Creator of all things, and He has the answers for His creation. He is the Judge and final authority on every subject. By keeping His Word and His commandments, we will not stumble, but will have light on our pathway of life; therefore,we should make it a priority to understand His ways and learn of His wisdom.
Since God requires us to walk in faith and trust Him, the only way to receive faith is through surrender to Him, and the only way for our faith to grow is by hearing the Word of God. When we hear from Jesus (Who is Faith) then our faith grows. We can hear from God in many different ways, but one of the main ways is by reading the Bible and listening to His voice when we pray.
Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We must have faith in God to please Him. The Word of God states that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23b). Some people refer to Christians as having "blind faith," but our faith is not a blind faith; it is faith in a very real person, Jesus Christ. We were blind before our eyes were opened to His love and forgiveness, but now we see Him and a new life and world belong to us. When the Holy Spirit leads us, there is never a "dead end" street with God, even if it might look like that from our perspective. Because God is God, He can take us around any obstacle; if not around it, He will take us over it, under it, or through it. Nothing is impossible with God! Remember His specialty is MIRACLES! We are limited, but He is unlimited! We only limit Him when we do not trust and obey Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, You are such an awesome God! Lord, help me to remember all the things You have done for me in the past, when I am tempted to doubt in my present difficult situation. Help me to daily walk in faith and to always trust You, and not lean unto my own understanding. Deliver me from pride and fear, as these twin evils are aimed at destroying my faith. Give me a love for reading the Bible and open my understanding to the things You desire to reveal to me in Your Word; and then, Lord, give me the grace to obey all that You speak to me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 324 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:17-18 (KJV):17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Proverbs 28:17-18 (AMP):17 If a man willfully sheds the blood of a person (and keeps the guilt of murder upon his conscience), he is fleeing to the pit (the grave) and hastening to his own destruction; let no man stop him!18 He who walks uprightly shall be safe, but he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways shall fall in one of them.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there is a penalty for murder; however, there is a way to be saved, even when someone is guilty of murder. Verse 17 tells us that when a person sheds the blood of someone, they are on their way to the pit (the grave and hell), as a man will reap what he sows. The penalty in the Bible for murder was the death penalty. This verse tells us not to try to stop that process. However, there is one way a man can be saved from going to hell, even if he is guilty of murder. That way is to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness and accept what the shed blood of Jesus did for him on the cross.
Capital punishment is a difficult subject to discuss, as there are many different opinions that all contain some truth about this issue. Some believe it is fair and just to administer the death penalty when criminals take a life or lives, while others think that it is cruel and unusual punishment for civilized societies. Many Christians are divided on this issue as well, with some following the Old Testament law of capital punishment and others choosing the seemingly gentler side of the Bible--the New Testament--as the basis for their opposition to this law. Are these two Testaments in opposition to each other? Since God does not contradict Himself, perhaps we need a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole.
In many nations murder, treason and other high crimes are punishable by death. Usually the state or governments set the standards for carrying out this punishment. However, before governments established this practice, the idea of capital punishment was first instigated by God in the Old Testament in the Bible.
Genesis 9:5-6: 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Why did God institute capital punishment? Why would a loving God who is supposed to love all of mankind issue these edicts? To answer this question, we must understand the overall purpose of God. God knew when He created men with free wills that not all would follow and obey Him. However, He also knew that many would want to love and serve Him. In giving men free will, He also had to establish laws for men to live by. When we look at the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, we can see that these laws were given for the good of mankind. One of these laws is in verse 13: "Thou shalt not kill." You may wonder if God said "do not kill," why He would then decree that a murderer should be put to death. The reason is that the Hebrew meaning of the word translated as "kill" actually means "murder" or "to slay someone in a violent manner unjustly." So, in the Ten Commandments God is saying, "Thou shalt not murder."
God sanctioned government authorities to enforce laws. God set boundaries on mankind by establishing ruling authorities that would make and enforce the laws He gave. The purpose for this was because He knew unregenerate society, without any restraints, would seek to destroy good men. God's desire is that all men would come to Him and live by His laws. However, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and broke His law, sin entered into the world and was passed down to all of mankind through Adam's seed. God, in His love for mankind, made a way for men to come back to Him, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Now those who accept what Jesus did and repent of their sins can find their way, through faith, to be reconciled to God. This sacrifice covers and cleanses men even from the worst of sins, including murder. Now, through Christ, even murderers can be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God, so they can live forever with Him.
Where we find most of our problems with the two sides of capital punishment is that really both sides hold a truth of God. God's law of justice, for the taking of a life, demands that life be taken; yet, God's spiritual law of mercy and forgiveness grants that a murderer can be forgiven and restored. How can we reconcile this? We must understand that God instituted civil authorities to maintain order in the earth. God uses them to restrain evil and they should be obeyed for this purpose. From these verses, we see that governments can elect to practice capital punishment, the harshest form of punishment, and God sanctions it for the purpose of evil being restrained in the earth.
Romans 13:1-5 (RSV):1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.2 Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
For those who refuse to allow His reign in their lives, God has set government authorities in the earth to restrain evil by enforcing the laws of the land. Granted, some are imperfect. However, the alternative would be that evil would overcome those that were good, if there were no laws and no one to enforce them.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, The sacrifice of Jesus shedding His blood on the cross so that mankind could be saved is beyond our understanding. It is awesome to think that even a murderer, who comes to You and repents of his sins, can find forgiveness and be made whole. Thank You for forgiving us and fill our hearts with love and forgiveness towards those that have hurt and abused us. May we extend mercy towards others, so that when we need mercy, we will have some in our storehouse. I ask this in the name of our merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 28:17-18 (KJV):17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Proverbs 28:17-18 (AMP):17 If a man willfully sheds the blood of a person (and keeps the guilt of murder upon his conscience), he is fleeing to the pit (the grave) and hastening to his own destruction; let no man stop him!18 He who walks uprightly shall be safe, but he who willfully goes in double and wrong ways shall fall in one of them.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us there is a penalty for murder; however, there is a way to be saved, even when someone is guilty of murder. Verse 17 tells us that when a person sheds the blood of someone, they are on their way to the pit (the grave and hell), as a man will reap what he sows. The penalty in the Bible for murder was the death penalty. This verse tells us not to try to stop that process. However, there is one way a man can be saved from going to hell, even if he is guilty of murder. That way is to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness and accept what the shed blood of Jesus did for him on the cross.
Capital punishment is a difficult subject to discuss, as there are many different opinions that all contain some truth about this issue. Some believe it is fair and just to administer the death penalty when criminals take a life or lives, while others think that it is cruel and unusual punishment for civilized societies. Many Christians are divided on this issue as well, with some following the Old Testament law of capital punishment and others choosing the seemingly gentler side of the Bible--the New Testament--as the basis for their opposition to this law. Are these two Testaments in opposition to each other? Since God does not contradict Himself, perhaps we need a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole.
In many nations murder, treason and other high crimes are punishable by death. Usually the state or governments set the standards for carrying out this punishment. However, before governments established this practice, the idea of capital punishment was first instigated by God in the Old Testament in the Bible.
Genesis 9:5-6: 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Why did God institute capital punishment? Why would a loving God who is supposed to love all of mankind issue these edicts? To answer this question, we must understand the overall purpose of God. God knew when He created men with free wills that not all would follow and obey Him. However, He also knew that many would want to love and serve Him. In giving men free will, He also had to establish laws for men to live by. When we look at the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, we can see that these laws were given for the good of mankind. One of these laws is in verse 13: "Thou shalt not kill." You may wonder if God said "do not kill," why He would then decree that a murderer should be put to death. The reason is that the Hebrew meaning of the word translated as "kill" actually means "murder" or "to slay someone in a violent manner unjustly." So, in the Ten Commandments God is saying, "Thou shalt not murder."
God sanctioned government authorities to enforce laws. God set boundaries on mankind by establishing ruling authorities that would make and enforce the laws He gave. The purpose for this was because He knew unregenerate society, without any restraints, would seek to destroy good men. God's desire is that all men would come to Him and live by His laws. However, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and broke His law, sin entered into the world and was passed down to all of mankind through Adam's seed. God, in His love for mankind, made a way for men to come back to Him, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Now those who accept what Jesus did and repent of their sins can find their way, through faith, to be reconciled to God. This sacrifice covers and cleanses men even from the worst of sins, including murder. Now, through Christ, even murderers can be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God, so they can live forever with Him.
Where we find most of our problems with the two sides of capital punishment is that really both sides hold a truth of God. God's law of justice, for the taking of a life, demands that life be taken; yet, God's spiritual law of mercy and forgiveness grants that a murderer can be forgiven and restored. How can we reconcile this? We must understand that God instituted civil authorities to maintain order in the earth. God uses them to restrain evil and they should be obeyed for this purpose. From these verses, we see that governments can elect to practice capital punishment, the harshest form of punishment, and God sanctions it for the purpose of evil being restrained in the earth.
Romans 13:1-5 (RSV):1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.2 Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
For those who refuse to allow His reign in their lives, God has set government authorities in the earth to restrain evil by enforcing the laws of the land. Granted, some are imperfect. However, the alternative would be that evil would overcome those that were good, if there were no laws and no one to enforce them.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, The sacrifice of Jesus shedding His blood on the cross so that mankind could be saved is beyond our understanding. It is awesome to think that even a murderer, who comes to You and repents of his sins, can find forgiveness and be made whole. Thank You for forgiving us and fill our hearts with love and forgiveness towards those that have hurt and abused us. May we extend mercy towards others, so that when we need mercy, we will have some in our storehouse. I ask this in the name of our merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 323 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:15-16 (KJV):15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Proverbs 28:15-16 (AMP):15 Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.16 A ruler who lacks understanding is (like a wicked one) a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a ruler who is wicked is like a wild, hungry animal that is looking to devour its prey. They are without God's understanding and are oppressors; however, if rulers hate covetousness and unjust gain, they will reign longer and live longer.
Wicked people who rule in positions of authority who are covetous, will always oppress those under them. These kinds of rulers never think about the poor, but rather use them for their own selfish means. They really are like a "beastly" animal. In the book of Revelation, the Lord uses the description of a "beast" to describe a system that will rule in the earth. The root of this system is ruled by the love of money. This love of money is not only a snare to rulers, but also a snare to the poor as well. It is also a snare to the church. Many today are already spiritually marked with the "mark of the beast," which, in part, is the love of money.
Revelation 13:16-17:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
This buying and selling is the monetary system of the world. The majority of people today are chasing after money. They are seeking the things of this world, such as newer cars and bigger houses. They are seeking what the Gentiles were seeking in Matthew 6:31-32 (the things of this world). It makes no difference whether they are rich or poor; the poor want it too, but simply do not know how to get it. This "beastly" system has everybody seeking the wrong god. They are buying so they can sell, and selling so they can buy. The stock market, the whole monetary system, is filled with that. Those who have placed their trust in that system are "marked with the beast."
As Christians, we buy and sell. But we are not buying and selling our souls like the rest of the world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John. 17:14-16). We touch and handle the things of this world, but it is not in our hearts; it is not a part of us. We are not marked with the "beast" system. As totally dedicated Christians, when God asks us to do anything, we lay everything down, leaving it behind, as we go and do what He has asked. We are able to forsake all, because we are not marked with the "mark of the beast;" we are not caught up in the love of money. We are not caught up in the buying and selling, because we know our true riches are in heaven. We can use the things of this world, but those things are not what rules us. Our greatest treasure is our love of God.
The "beast" system has infiltrated the church through carnal Christians. These carnal, worldly Christians are puzzled by other Christians not seeking after money. They are surprised when some will not sell out for money. Some people try to buy men, even in the church. Those who are not committed believers will sell out. There are pastors who will not deal with an elder's sin because that elder has a lot of money. The beast system is ruling their hearts. Such pastors are not wholly serving the Lord; they are part of the "beast" system. Many ministries will sell out for money. They will go minister where they can receive the largest offering, rather than where God might ask them to go. They are not being led by the Spirit of God. The true church will not sell out; she had rather die, than sell out for money. The love of money has been the downfall of many, many ministers. Such men never got the "beast" system out of their hearts; they never crucified their flesh, so the enemy used the love of money to defeat them, and to cause them to deceive many other people, as well. But those who have the mind of Christ and are doing the works of God with their hands are not going to sell out to the "beast" system. They are worshipping the true and living God. They are remaining faithful to God Almighty, rather than committing spiritual adultery by loving the things of this world.
Many Christians have sold out to the "beast" system by allowing its lusts and pleasures to consume most of their time and money. They have money for the things they desire, but do not have the money to tithe and give to God. Although there have been abuses in the area of preachers manipulating God's people to give (which is the "beast" system in such ministers), we still are not excused, if we fail to obey God in the realm of giving. When we allow money to rule us, then we have been marked by "beastly" thinking. The true bride of Christ will love her God in all areas of her life and not be like a "beast" who ravages others and sells out for money.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for Your bountiful provision in every area of my life. Lord, I do not want to cling to the things of this world and lean upon them for my security. May I always know that my security and blessings come from You, and You alone; no matter what source or channel You have chosen to bless me through. Lord, I am grateful for my blessings, but I never want to put them above You. Deliver me from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life and the love of money. May I always desire the true riches of Your kingdom above any earthly treasures. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 28:15-16 (KJV):15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Proverbs 28:15-16 (AMP):15 Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.16 A ruler who lacks understanding is (like a wicked one) a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a ruler who is wicked is like a wild, hungry animal that is looking to devour its prey. They are without God's understanding and are oppressors; however, if rulers hate covetousness and unjust gain, they will reign longer and live longer.
Wicked people who rule in positions of authority who are covetous, will always oppress those under them. These kinds of rulers never think about the poor, but rather use them for their own selfish means. They really are like a "beastly" animal. In the book of Revelation, the Lord uses the description of a "beast" to describe a system that will rule in the earth. The root of this system is ruled by the love of money. This love of money is not only a snare to rulers, but also a snare to the poor as well. It is also a snare to the church. Many today are already spiritually marked with the "mark of the beast," which, in part, is the love of money.
Revelation 13:16-17:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
This buying and selling is the monetary system of the world. The majority of people today are chasing after money. They are seeking the things of this world, such as newer cars and bigger houses. They are seeking what the Gentiles were seeking in Matthew 6:31-32 (the things of this world). It makes no difference whether they are rich or poor; the poor want it too, but simply do not know how to get it. This "beastly" system has everybody seeking the wrong god. They are buying so they can sell, and selling so they can buy. The stock market, the whole monetary system, is filled with that. Those who have placed their trust in that system are "marked with the beast."
As Christians, we buy and sell. But we are not buying and selling our souls like the rest of the world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world (John. 17:14-16). We touch and handle the things of this world, but it is not in our hearts; it is not a part of us. We are not marked with the "beast" system. As totally dedicated Christians, when God asks us to do anything, we lay everything down, leaving it behind, as we go and do what He has asked. We are able to forsake all, because we are not marked with the "mark of the beast;" we are not caught up in the love of money. We are not caught up in the buying and selling, because we know our true riches are in heaven. We can use the things of this world, but those things are not what rules us. Our greatest treasure is our love of God.
The "beast" system has infiltrated the church through carnal Christians. These carnal, worldly Christians are puzzled by other Christians not seeking after money. They are surprised when some will not sell out for money. Some people try to buy men, even in the church. Those who are not committed believers will sell out. There are pastors who will not deal with an elder's sin because that elder has a lot of money. The beast system is ruling their hearts. Such pastors are not wholly serving the Lord; they are part of the "beast" system. Many ministries will sell out for money. They will go minister where they can receive the largest offering, rather than where God might ask them to go. They are not being led by the Spirit of God. The true church will not sell out; she had rather die, than sell out for money. The love of money has been the downfall of many, many ministers. Such men never got the "beast" system out of their hearts; they never crucified their flesh, so the enemy used the love of money to defeat them, and to cause them to deceive many other people, as well. But those who have the mind of Christ and are doing the works of God with their hands are not going to sell out to the "beast" system. They are worshipping the true and living God. They are remaining faithful to God Almighty, rather than committing spiritual adultery by loving the things of this world.
Many Christians have sold out to the "beast" system by allowing its lusts and pleasures to consume most of their time and money. They have money for the things they desire, but do not have the money to tithe and give to God. Although there have been abuses in the area of preachers manipulating God's people to give (which is the "beast" system in such ministers), we still are not excused, if we fail to obey God in the realm of giving. When we allow money to rule us, then we have been marked by "beastly" thinking. The true bride of Christ will love her God in all areas of her life and not be like a "beast" who ravages others and sells out for money.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for Your bountiful provision in every area of my life. Lord, I do not want to cling to the things of this world and lean upon them for my security. May I always know that my security and blessings come from You, and You alone; no matter what source or channel You have chosen to bless me through. Lord, I am grateful for my blessings, but I never want to put them above You. Deliver me from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life and the love of money. May I always desire the true riches of Your kingdom above any earthly treasures. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 322 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:13-14 (KJV):13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 28:13-14 (AMP):13 He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy.14 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears (the Lord) at all times (regardless of circumstances), but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a person who confesses their sin shall have mercy, while the one who hides them will not prosper. Also, a man who has the reverential fear of God will be blessed, while the one who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Verse 13 shows us that the way to obtain mercy is to confess our sins and turn from them; if we do not do this, we will not prosper. There is another verse in the New Testament that voices the same thing.
1 John 1:5-10: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
When two Christians cannot fellowship with one another, it is because one of them, or both of them, are walking in darkness in some area of their lives; as these scriptures declare that if we walk in the light, as Jesus is in the light, we will have fellowship, one with the other. We can only have fellowship with Christ by dealing with our sin. The way we do that is when we sin, we are to confess our sin and turn from it; then, by the blood of Jesus, we are cleansed from unrighteousness. People who declare they have no sin, are deceived, as the Bible says all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God. However, God provided a way for all men to be forgiven of their sins, and that way is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is an innocent man who was crucified for the sins of all men. By his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus made a way for all men to be pardoned, if they turn to Him in faith and repent of their sins.
Romans 3:23-25: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
Verse 14 of Proverbs 28 states that those who have the (reverential) fear of God in their hearts will find blessing, while those who harden their hearts will come to ruin. How do people harden their hearts toward God? This happens when God speaks to a person's heart and they do not respond to Him in obedience. Each time a person refuses to obey God, their heart becomes a little more hardened to the things of God. A person who keeps resisting the Holy Spirit will find, in time, their heart will not be sensitive to God at all, and they will have no rest in their souls.
Hebrews 3:7-14: 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful that I can always come to You and confess my sins, and You will never turn me away, but will always extend mercy to me and deliver me from evil. Father, may I always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and obey You when You tell me to do something. I never want any hardness in my heart toward the things of God. May I always stand before You with a reverential fear, knowing that You are all powerful and all wise. Lord, I declare, I will have no fear of what man can do to me, because my faith and trust are in You. I am grateful I can call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 28:13-14 (KJV):13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 28:13-14 (AMP):13 He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy.14 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears (the Lord) at all times (regardless of circumstances), but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a person who confesses their sin shall have mercy, while the one who hides them will not prosper. Also, a man who has the reverential fear of God will be blessed, while the one who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Verse 13 shows us that the way to obtain mercy is to confess our sins and turn from them; if we do not do this, we will not prosper. There is another verse in the New Testament that voices the same thing.
1 John 1:5-10: 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
When two Christians cannot fellowship with one another, it is because one of them, or both of them, are walking in darkness in some area of their lives; as these scriptures declare that if we walk in the light, as Jesus is in the light, we will have fellowship, one with the other. We can only have fellowship with Christ by dealing with our sin. The way we do that is when we sin, we are to confess our sin and turn from it; then, by the blood of Jesus, we are cleansed from unrighteousness. People who declare they have no sin, are deceived, as the Bible says all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God. However, God provided a way for all men to be forgiven of their sins, and that way is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is an innocent man who was crucified for the sins of all men. By his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus made a way for all men to be pardoned, if they turn to Him in faith and repent of their sins.
Romans 3:23-25: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.
Verse 14 of Proverbs 28 states that those who have the (reverential) fear of God in their hearts will find blessing, while those who harden their hearts will come to ruin. How do people harden their hearts toward God? This happens when God speaks to a person's heart and they do not respond to Him in obedience. Each time a person refuses to obey God, their heart becomes a little more hardened to the things of God. A person who keeps resisting the Holy Spirit will find, in time, their heart will not be sensitive to God at all, and they will have no rest in their souls.
Hebrews 3:7-14: 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful that I can always come to You and confess my sins, and You will never turn me away, but will always extend mercy to me and deliver me from evil. Father, may I always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and obey You when You tell me to do something. I never want any hardness in my heart toward the things of God. May I always stand before You with a reverential fear, knowing that You are all powerful and all wise. Lord, I declare, I will have no fear of what man can do to me, because my faith and trust are in You. I am grateful I can call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 320 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:8-9 (KJV): 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Proverbs 28:8-9 (AMP):8 He who by charging excessive interest and who by unjust efforts to get gain increases his material possession gathers it for him (to spend) who is kind and generous to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law (of God and man), even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting (to God).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us those who use unjust means to make money will see their fortunes, in time, fall into the hands of those who will pity the poor and give to them; and those who are rebellious and refuse to hear God and man's laws - their prayers are an abomination to God.
Verse 8 tells us that usury and the unjust means of making money are wrong. What is unjust usury? It is the act of lending money at a rate of interest that is excessive or unlawfully high. The Hebrews were given instructions about lending money and other things to a brother. They were not to charge interest when a loan was made to another Hebrew brother. A stranger could be charged interest, but not a brother.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20: 19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
In the New Testament, Jesus gave us a higher way in regard to lending. He told us it was better to give, than to lend. We are instructed to give not only to our brothers, but to sinners as well. Not only are we to help when people are down and need money, but we are also to give mercy and compassion to others as well. Our heavenly Father will pay us back for anything we give to others. At one time in our lives, the Lord spoke to us to cancel all monetary debts that anyone owed us personally. He told us He would repay us. At that time, the people who owed us were not able to pay us anyway. This was very liberating for us, as when we released them, the Lord released finances to us in a different way, which more than compensated for the thousands that we lost.
Luke 6:33-38: 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.Sinners who get their riches by unjust means, may heap them up; but God makes a way that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just, who will consider the poor and help the needy.
Proverbs 13:22: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Psalm 49:6-7 & 10:6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Job 27:16-17: 16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;17 He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
Verse 9 of today's study declares that those who will not listen to God's commandments, and the rules of man, will not have his prayers answered, as they are an abomination to God. We must come to God with a submissive attitude and a with repentance in our heart, if we want God to hear our prayers and answer them.
Psalm 66:18-20: 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.Proverbs 15:8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your mercy and kindness to us. Lord, may we be like You, and show that same mercy and kindness to others. Lord, may we be able to trust You with our financial affairs, should You tell us to forgive a debt that someone owes us. Lord Jesus, You paid a debt You did not owe, and I owed a debt I could not pay. Thank You for releasing me, and Lord, I release others today by forgiving them and blessing them and extending mercy to them. May all of Your children have the Father's love and mercy toward one another. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 28:8-9 (KJV): 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Proverbs 28:8-9 (AMP):8 He who by charging excessive interest and who by unjust efforts to get gain increases his material possession gathers it for him (to spend) who is kind and generous to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law (of God and man), even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting (to God).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us those who use unjust means to make money will see their fortunes, in time, fall into the hands of those who will pity the poor and give to them; and those who are rebellious and refuse to hear God and man's laws - their prayers are an abomination to God.
Verse 8 tells us that usury and the unjust means of making money are wrong. What is unjust usury? It is the act of lending money at a rate of interest that is excessive or unlawfully high. The Hebrews were given instructions about lending money and other things to a brother. They were not to charge interest when a loan was made to another Hebrew brother. A stranger could be charged interest, but not a brother.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20: 19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
In the New Testament, Jesus gave us a higher way in regard to lending. He told us it was better to give, than to lend. We are instructed to give not only to our brothers, but to sinners as well. Not only are we to help when people are down and need money, but we are also to give mercy and compassion to others as well. Our heavenly Father will pay us back for anything we give to others. At one time in our lives, the Lord spoke to us to cancel all monetary debts that anyone owed us personally. He told us He would repay us. At that time, the people who owed us were not able to pay us anyway. This was very liberating for us, as when we released them, the Lord released finances to us in a different way, which more than compensated for the thousands that we lost.
Luke 6:33-38: 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.Sinners who get their riches by unjust means, may heap them up; but God makes a way that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just, who will consider the poor and help the needy.
Proverbs 13:22: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Psalm 49:6-7 & 10:6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Job 27:16-17: 16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;17 He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
Verse 9 of today's study declares that those who will not listen to God's commandments, and the rules of man, will not have his prayers answered, as they are an abomination to God. We must come to God with a submissive attitude and a with repentance in our heart, if we want God to hear our prayers and answer them.
Psalm 66:18-20: 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.Proverbs 15:8: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your mercy and kindness to us. Lord, may we be like You, and show that same mercy and kindness to others. Lord, may we be able to trust You with our financial affairs, should You tell us to forgive a debt that someone owes us. Lord Jesus, You paid a debt You did not owe, and I owed a debt I could not pay. Thank You for releasing me, and Lord, I release others today by forgiving them and blessing them and extending mercy to them. May all of Your children have the Father's love and mercy toward one another. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 317 (KJV):
Proverbs 28:3 (KJV): A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
Proverbs 28:3 (AMP): A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food (plundering them of their last morsels).
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us that when one who is a wicked person, and is similar in need, takes advantage of their own kind, they are like the destruction of a sweeping rain. Instead of identifying with the plight of poverty, a wicked poor person will exploit their fellow victims. This is such a mean thing for a person to do, when they plunder those who are already suffering under poverty with further oppression. Jesus told a story of this kind of behavior in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 18:23-35:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
In this story, we see that the Lord and master of this servant was kind to him and forgave the debt that he owed. However, when one of the fellow-servants of this man owed him money, his attitude toward him was not the same as his master's attitude was toward him. He was mean and demanding and had him thrown in prison for not paying his debt. When the master heard of the treatment of this man, he called him a wicked servant. He called him in and reminded him that he forgave the debt owed to him, and he also chastised him for his lack of compassion and pity. It made the lord of this servant angry, and he changed his mind and had him thrown in prison for the debt that he owed him. He told him he would remain in prison until it was all paid.
Jesus then used this story to tell his children that we must forgive our brothers and sisters of their trespasses against us, because He has forgiven us of ours. If we refuse to forgive others, the Lord will allow the torments of the devil to bring us into a prison of bitterness and pain. Unforgiveness hurts the one who carries it, more than the one who it is directed toward. One line of the Lord's Prayer gives us an example of how we should pray and ask for forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-15:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.If we fail to forgive others, it can bring us into temptation and evil, and we can embrace a root of bitterness that will block our blessings and hinder our walk with God. The virtues of kindness, compassion and forgiveness are traits of our heavenly Father and should also be character traits of all of His children.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of all of my sins and trespasses. Father, may I always be quick to forgive others for their trespasses against me. Lord, I pray that all of Your children live in harmony with each other, and that we all possess a kind and forgiving disposition. Lord, give us love and understanding for each other in the family of God. Let us lift each other up when any of us fall down and may we have Your virtues of grace and mercy toward each other. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 28:3 (KJV): A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
Proverbs 28:3 (AMP): A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food (plundering them of their last morsels).
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells us that when one who is a wicked person, and is similar in need, takes advantage of their own kind, they are like the destruction of a sweeping rain. Instead of identifying with the plight of poverty, a wicked poor person will exploit their fellow victims. This is such a mean thing for a person to do, when they plunder those who are already suffering under poverty with further oppression. Jesus told a story of this kind of behavior in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 18:23-35:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
In this story, we see that the Lord and master of this servant was kind to him and forgave the debt that he owed. However, when one of the fellow-servants of this man owed him money, his attitude toward him was not the same as his master's attitude was toward him. He was mean and demanding and had him thrown in prison for not paying his debt. When the master heard of the treatment of this man, he called him a wicked servant. He called him in and reminded him that he forgave the debt owed to him, and he also chastised him for his lack of compassion and pity. It made the lord of this servant angry, and he changed his mind and had him thrown in prison for the debt that he owed him. He told him he would remain in prison until it was all paid.
Jesus then used this story to tell his children that we must forgive our brothers and sisters of their trespasses against us, because He has forgiven us of ours. If we refuse to forgive others, the Lord will allow the torments of the devil to bring us into a prison of bitterness and pain. Unforgiveness hurts the one who carries it, more than the one who it is directed toward. One line of the Lord's Prayer gives us an example of how we should pray and ask for forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12-15:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.If we fail to forgive others, it can bring us into temptation and evil, and we can embrace a root of bitterness that will block our blessings and hinder our walk with God. The virtues of kindness, compassion and forgiveness are traits of our heavenly Father and should also be character traits of all of His children.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for forgiving me of all of my sins and trespasses. Father, may I always be quick to forgive others for their trespasses against me. Lord, I pray that all of Your children live in harmony with each other, and that we all possess a kind and forgiving disposition. Lord, give us love and understanding for each other in the family of God. Let us lift each other up when any of us fall down and may we have Your virtues of grace and mercy toward each other. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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