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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 314 (KJV):
Proverbs 27:25-27 (KJV): 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
Proverbs 27:25-27 (AMP):25 When the hay is gone, the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountain are gathered in,26 The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats (will furnish you) the price of a field.27 And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maids.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give the farmer a plan for sustaining his business, and we can learn from these instructions and devise a model for planning and managing our households and enterprises today. The book of Proverbs is a very practical book and much of its focus is on how we should align our lives with God's wisdom in our every day affairs. One of its themes is instruction on how we should handle our money and business affairs. In this advice for the farmer, we can lay out a plan for our own businesses.
Verse 25 talks about how the farmer each year harvests hay and mountain grasses and bundles them for winter use. After the hay is used up through the winter, then the Spring grass emerges so that the animals have food. This principle, when applied to a business or household, would simply mean we are to have a savings, reserve or inventory, so that when "winter seasons" come, we have something to use until the "growth of Spring" arrives again. This is especially important in businesses that are seasonal in nature, such as nurseries, tourist businesses, etc. Applied to households, one would need to have a savings, in case they needed to purchase a major appliance that wore out or any similar need such as this.
Verses 26 and 27 lay out a plan, or a budget, as to how they will operate the farm. The farmer's herd would be used as follows: the lamb's wool would be used for their clothing, some of the goats would be sold for meat to pay for the land, while reserving some of them to use as milk goats. The milk would then be used in several ways. First, the milk and its dairy by-products would be consumed for household use, with the surplus being sold, so that the servants could be paid their salary.
We can see from these instructions that to be successful in our homes or businesses, we must devise an operating plan and a budget. There is a saying that is very true. It is this. "People who fail to plan, plan to fail." So many people just drift along with no plans for anything. If we are to accomplish anything personally or for the Lord, we must have a plan. The Lord will help us with our plan, if we will seek Him with our whole heart, and His plans will not fail. People who are in trouble financially, can be encouraged to know that the Lord will give you a plan for getting out of debt. Sometimes the first step is to repent for our foolish or lustful spending, and our lack of being obedient to the Word of God in our giving. God wants to bless His people and the Bible is full of instructions as to how we should handle our money and our businesses. Some people rebel at the thought of planning and budgeting; however, according to the scriptures in today's study, it is clear we all need a plan of action. Also, here are some scriptures from the New Testament that give us some good advice, including the admonition not to be slothful in business.
Romans 12:10-17:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am amazed at all the good advice that I have discovered in Your Word. Lord, give me the grace to implement it into my daily living. Help me to lead a disciplined life, so that I am able to be a good steward over all that You have entrusted to me. Thank you for Your daily provision. Give me Your plans, so that I might order my home and business according to Your Will for my life. Give me divine ideas to help me conquer the areas in my life where I am attempting to solve problems that I have not been able to overcome, as of yet. I am thankful that in Christ, all things are possible, and that we are promised victory through the power of the Holy Spirit! I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 27:25-27 (KJV): 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
Proverbs 27:25-27 (AMP):25 When the hay is gone, the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountain are gathered in,26 The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats (will furnish you) the price of a field.27 And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maids.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs give the farmer a plan for sustaining his business, and we can learn from these instructions and devise a model for planning and managing our households and enterprises today. The book of Proverbs is a very practical book and much of its focus is on how we should align our lives with God's wisdom in our every day affairs. One of its themes is instruction on how we should handle our money and business affairs. In this advice for the farmer, we can lay out a plan for our own businesses.
Verse 25 talks about how the farmer each year harvests hay and mountain grasses and bundles them for winter use. After the hay is used up through the winter, then the Spring grass emerges so that the animals have food. This principle, when applied to a business or household, would simply mean we are to have a savings, reserve or inventory, so that when "winter seasons" come, we have something to use until the "growth of Spring" arrives again. This is especially important in businesses that are seasonal in nature, such as nurseries, tourist businesses, etc. Applied to households, one would need to have a savings, in case they needed to purchase a major appliance that wore out or any similar need such as this.
Verses 26 and 27 lay out a plan, or a budget, as to how they will operate the farm. The farmer's herd would be used as follows: the lamb's wool would be used for their clothing, some of the goats would be sold for meat to pay for the land, while reserving some of them to use as milk goats. The milk would then be used in several ways. First, the milk and its dairy by-products would be consumed for household use, with the surplus being sold, so that the servants could be paid their salary.
We can see from these instructions that to be successful in our homes or businesses, we must devise an operating plan and a budget. There is a saying that is very true. It is this. "People who fail to plan, plan to fail." So many people just drift along with no plans for anything. If we are to accomplish anything personally or for the Lord, we must have a plan. The Lord will help us with our plan, if we will seek Him with our whole heart, and His plans will not fail. People who are in trouble financially, can be encouraged to know that the Lord will give you a plan for getting out of debt. Sometimes the first step is to repent for our foolish or lustful spending, and our lack of being obedient to the Word of God in our giving. God wants to bless His people and the Bible is full of instructions as to how we should handle our money and our businesses. Some people rebel at the thought of planning and budgeting; however, according to the scriptures in today's study, it is clear we all need a plan of action. Also, here are some scriptures from the New Testament that give us some good advice, including the admonition not to be slothful in business.
Romans 12:10-17:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am amazed at all the good advice that I have discovered in Your Word. Lord, give me the grace to implement it into my daily living. Help me to lead a disciplined life, so that I am able to be a good steward over all that You have entrusted to me. Thank you for Your daily provision. Give me Your plans, so that I might order my home and business according to Your Will for my life. Give me divine ideas to help me conquer the areas in my life where I am attempting to solve problems that I have not been able to overcome, as of yet. I am thankful that in Christ, all things are possible, and that we are promised victory through the power of the Holy Spirit! I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 313 (KJV):
Proverbs 27:23-24 (KJV): 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Proverbs 27:23-24 (AMP):23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds;24 For riches are not forever; does a crown endure to all generations?
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs exhort us to be diligent in how we handle our business affairs, because even if we have riches and fame at a point in time, that status can change. Although these verses were addressed to those who were farmers, we can relate to them today in regard to our businesses. We are to take our responsibility over the operation of them, in regard to knowing the state of our business affairs. In Bible days, much of the commerce was in agriculture and farming. They were told to watch over their flocks and herds. This meant, they were to make provision for them, keep them safe, check on their numbers to make sure none were missing, care for the wounded or sick ones, and pay special attention to the new born babies.
In verse 23 we are admonished to take care for our business likewise, including our household financial affairs. In our day, many people are filing for bankruptcies and many of these could have been avoided if they had practiced diligence. Of course, there are other factors that can lead to bankruptcy as well, such as overextending oneself because of lust or greed, or lack of sound business principles. Sometimes it is not a person's fault that they are forced into bankruptcy, as they are victims of illnesses, tragedies or weather related disasters, etc. However, those who lack diligence, and do not take care of their business, will create problems that can cause them severe financial difficulties that can lead to poverty.
Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Verse 24 says that riches may not last forever, just as a king will not rule throughout every generation. At some point a new king will reign as the old one passes on. I read this statement once, "Money talks, it says good-by." It can say "good-by" in numerous ways. One of those ways is, as people age, their work capacity diminishes and it usually affects their income by decreasing it. If people do not use wisdom in their financial areas, they can spend up all their money when they are young and have nothing to live on when they are old. If we listen to the Lord, and apply good business principles in regard to our finances, we can be assured that we will be taken care of when we are in our senior years. Living a life for God is one of the best insurance policies you can have. There are things that God does for you that no man can provide; one of those is good health in old age. God promises that the righteous can still bear fruit in old age. That means we will still be able to work and produce.
Psalm 92:12-14:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
We must take our responsibilities and be diligent, if we desire God's blessings in our lives. We should not forget to help others along the way, too; as when we bless others, those blessings will return to us in the form of our need.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your abundant provision in my life. I am grateful, not only for financial provision, but for the spiritual blessings that You have also given me. I do appreciate daily strength and health so that I am able to be diligent in all of my affairs. Give me wisdom so that I might prepare for the future properly. Ultimately, my faith and trust are in You, as You hold the future; however, may I not neglect those things in the natural that need to be done, so that I am not ill prepared. Lord, also, I do not want to forget to give and help others along the way as well. May I be a good steward over all that You have given me. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Proverbs 27:23-24 (KJV): 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Proverbs 27:23-24 (AMP):23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds;24 For riches are not forever; does a crown endure to all generations?
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs exhort us to be diligent in how we handle our business affairs, because even if we have riches and fame at a point in time, that status can change. Although these verses were addressed to those who were farmers, we can relate to them today in regard to our businesses. We are to take our responsibility over the operation of them, in regard to knowing the state of our business affairs. In Bible days, much of the commerce was in agriculture and farming. They were told to watch over their flocks and herds. This meant, they were to make provision for them, keep them safe, check on their numbers to make sure none were missing, care for the wounded or sick ones, and pay special attention to the new born babies.
In verse 23 we are admonished to take care for our business likewise, including our household financial affairs. In our day, many people are filing for bankruptcies and many of these could have been avoided if they had practiced diligence. Of course, there are other factors that can lead to bankruptcy as well, such as overextending oneself because of lust or greed, or lack of sound business principles. Sometimes it is not a person's fault that they are forced into bankruptcy, as they are victims of illnesses, tragedies or weather related disasters, etc. However, those who lack diligence, and do not take care of their business, will create problems that can cause them severe financial difficulties that can lead to poverty.
Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Verse 24 says that riches may not last forever, just as a king will not rule throughout every generation. At some point a new king will reign as the old one passes on. I read this statement once, "Money talks, it says good-by." It can say "good-by" in numerous ways. One of those ways is, as people age, their work capacity diminishes and it usually affects their income by decreasing it. If people do not use wisdom in their financial areas, they can spend up all their money when they are young and have nothing to live on when they are old. If we listen to the Lord, and apply good business principles in regard to our finances, we can be assured that we will be taken care of when we are in our senior years. Living a life for God is one of the best insurance policies you can have. There are things that God does for you that no man can provide; one of those is good health in old age. God promises that the righteous can still bear fruit in old age. That means we will still be able to work and produce.
Psalm 92:12-14:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
We must take our responsibilities and be diligent, if we desire God's blessings in our lives. We should not forget to help others along the way, too; as when we bless others, those blessings will return to us in the form of our need.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your abundant provision in my life. I am grateful, not only for financial provision, but for the spiritual blessings that You have also given me. I do appreciate daily strength and health so that I am able to be diligent in all of my affairs. Give me wisdom so that I might prepare for the future properly. Ultimately, my faith and trust are in You, as You hold the future; however, may I not neglect those things in the natural that need to be done, so that I am not ill prepared. Lord, also, I do not want to forget to give and help others along the way as well. May I be a good steward over all that You have given me. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 310 (KJV):
Proverbs 27:20 (KJV): 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Proverbs 27:20 (AMP): Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction ) are never satisfied; so (the lust of) the eyes of man is never satisfied.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells those who yield to lust will never be satisfied, just as hell is never satisfied, as it is always calling for more inhabitants. The Bible talks about how the lust of the eyes is one of the things in this world that is against the will of God. Lust can never be satisfied, as it always wants more.
1 John 2:15-17:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
There are three things in this world that will cause our downfall; the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. When we yield to lust, we are yielding to our flesh and our own desires, instead of God's will for us. Satan deceives men to follow their own desires without God today, just as he did with the first man and woman.
In Genesis, we find the first account of Satan's deception, as he, in the form of a serpent, beguiles the first man and woman that the Lord created. Genesis 1 and 2 record the creation of the earth and God's special creation - "man." Genesis 1:26-28a reads, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them..."
As we look at this tragic story, we will discover that the same lies Satan told Adam and Eve are the same ones he is still using today to get man to sin and break fellowship with God. He has not changed his method of attack. By studying Genesis 1, we can understand and benefit greatly from the record of the invasion of the planet earth by this hostile power, seeing him strike at God through the ones whom He created and loved. There was a sweet fellowship existing between man and God in the garden of Eden. Satan knew if he could only break the bonds of that fellowship and cause those two in the garden to step out into independence as he had done, then God would lose something which was most precious to Him.
Let us notice the serpent's (Satan's) method of deceiving man. He first came to Eve very subtly, challenging God's instructions to Adam and her. Genesis 3:1-6 reads, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
We observe from this account that Satan's first method is to bring doubt against God's judgment by questioning His limits on man. "Hath God said?...God hath said." Then the serpent places three temptations before them: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.
The things of this world still tempt man today. One of the definitions in the Bible for the word "world," as used in I John 2:16 (this is the world we are told not to love that is under Satan's domain), it is the "world" of the moral and spiritual systems we call human society.
Fallen society is that realm of the world which consists of the whole circle of worldly goods, endowments, riches, advantages, pleasures, intellectual pursuits, education, science, man-made religious systems, business, medicine, arts and politics. It is this definition of "world" that the Word of God is speaking of as that which is controlled by Satan. Many of us do not realize that when we touch the things that make up fallen society, we touch the power of Satan. Therefore, we become "independent" in the way we use them if we do not put them under the power and direction of God. God does not want to deny man these things; however, unless we allow God to rule over us and over these things, they become the forbidden fruit to us.
God had not intended to deny man access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but had a plan that in time would have opened his eyes to good and evil, and then finally allowed him to partake of the tree of life when he had matured enough to be able to live eternally in that state. By eating the fruit prematurely, it brought death instead of wisdom and life, just as God had told them it would.
Physical death did not come immediately, but spiritual death did. They died on the inside first. They no longer could face God. We experience the same feeling when we sin. Fear and shame are the fruits of sin. Many fear God today because of the sin in their lives. If we really fellowship with God on a daily basis, we find that as we obey Him there is simply no guilt or fear that troubles us. However, when we sin without repentance, we run from the presence of God, just as Adam and Eve did.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the wonderful things You created in this world for us to enjoy. Lord, I know when You restrict anything from us, it is for our good, and because You love us. Help me not to yield to the temptation to go beyond the boundaries that You have set for mankind in Your Word. Deliver me from all lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of this life. May I set my eyes on eternal things and hold loosely the things of this world and use them for Your glory. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 27:20 (KJV): 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Proverbs 27:20 (AMP): Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the place of destruction ) are never satisfied; so (the lust of) the eyes of man is never satisfied.
Thoughts for the Day
This verse from Proverbs tells those who yield to lust will never be satisfied, just as hell is never satisfied, as it is always calling for more inhabitants. The Bible talks about how the lust of the eyes is one of the things in this world that is against the will of God. Lust can never be satisfied, as it always wants more.
1 John 2:15-17:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
There are three things in this world that will cause our downfall; the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. When we yield to lust, we are yielding to our flesh and our own desires, instead of God's will for us. Satan deceives men to follow their own desires without God today, just as he did with the first man and woman.
In Genesis, we find the first account of Satan's deception, as he, in the form of a serpent, beguiles the first man and woman that the Lord created. Genesis 1 and 2 record the creation of the earth and God's special creation - "man." Genesis 1:26-28a reads, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them..."
As we look at this tragic story, we will discover that the same lies Satan told Adam and Eve are the same ones he is still using today to get man to sin and break fellowship with God. He has not changed his method of attack. By studying Genesis 1, we can understand and benefit greatly from the record of the invasion of the planet earth by this hostile power, seeing him strike at God through the ones whom He created and loved. There was a sweet fellowship existing between man and God in the garden of Eden. Satan knew if he could only break the bonds of that fellowship and cause those two in the garden to step out into independence as he had done, then God would lose something which was most precious to Him.
Let us notice the serpent's (Satan's) method of deceiving man. He first came to Eve very subtly, challenging God's instructions to Adam and her. Genesis 3:1-6 reads, "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
We observe from this account that Satan's first method is to bring doubt against God's judgment by questioning His limits on man. "Hath God said?...God hath said." Then the serpent places three temptations before them: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.
The things of this world still tempt man today. One of the definitions in the Bible for the word "world," as used in I John 2:16 (this is the world we are told not to love that is under Satan's domain), it is the "world" of the moral and spiritual systems we call human society.
Fallen society is that realm of the world which consists of the whole circle of worldly goods, endowments, riches, advantages, pleasures, intellectual pursuits, education, science, man-made religious systems, business, medicine, arts and politics. It is this definition of "world" that the Word of God is speaking of as that which is controlled by Satan. Many of us do not realize that when we touch the things that make up fallen society, we touch the power of Satan. Therefore, we become "independent" in the way we use them if we do not put them under the power and direction of God. God does not want to deny man these things; however, unless we allow God to rule over us and over these things, they become the forbidden fruit to us.
God had not intended to deny man access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but had a plan that in time would have opened his eyes to good and evil, and then finally allowed him to partake of the tree of life when he had matured enough to be able to live eternally in that state. By eating the fruit prematurely, it brought death instead of wisdom and life, just as God had told them it would.
Physical death did not come immediately, but spiritual death did. They died on the inside first. They no longer could face God. We experience the same feeling when we sin. Fear and shame are the fruits of sin. Many fear God today because of the sin in their lives. If we really fellowship with God on a daily basis, we find that as we obey Him there is simply no guilt or fear that troubles us. However, when we sin without repentance, we run from the presence of God, just as Adam and Eve did.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the wonderful things You created in this world for us to enjoy. Lord, I know when You restrict anything from us, it is for our good, and because You love us. Help me not to yield to the temptation to go beyond the boundaries that You have set for mankind in Your Word. Deliver me from all lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of this life. May I set my eyes on eternal things and hold loosely the things of this world and use them for Your glory. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 309 (KJV):
Proverbs 27:17-19: (KJV): 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Proverbs 27:17-19 (AMP):17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (to show rage or worthy purpose).18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who patiently and faithfully guards and heeds his master shall be honored.19 As in water face answers to and reflects face, so the heart of man to man.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us how a relationship is sharpened, how a faithful servant will be honored and how others will receive in their hearts what we reflect from ours. Verse 17 talks about how good friends will bring out the best in one another. This does not mean that they will not see and deal with one another's faults, as this is part of the sharpening of each other's personalities. True friends are able to share even their differences, and find a way to resolve them. As they do this, each one's character is refined, just as an iron blade is sharpened by the honing from another piece of iron. Even though sparks may fly when this happens, the end result is a sharp edge. Sometimes sparks may fly between friends too, as anger can surface in relationships.
It is not sinful to become angry, but it is sinful to lose control and vent anger on someone. God, Himself, is spoken of, as being angry at certain things. He hates sin because it hurts people. He hates lying and injustice and is angry when wicked men hurt other people. We should be angry when we hear about abortion, child pornography, and the murder of innocent people. However, it is what we do with our anger, as Christians, that makes us different. If we allow our anger to motivate us to use our time and influence to overcome the evil in the world through good works, then it becomes a righteous anger. However, if we yield to retaliating with evil, then we become like those who are evil. This is unrighteous anger. We must overcome evil with good.
Verse 18 states that someone who takes care of a fig tree by watering it, fertilizing it, and pruning it, will also eat its fruit. This is compared to how a servant will come into honor from his master, because he was good and patient, and he listened to his master's instructions, as well as faithfully protecting him. The principle of sowing and reaping is stressed throughout the Bible. Our Master is Jesus and the same principle will apply to us. If we serve Him, and obey Him, and we are patient and faithful, we too, will be honored by our Master. There will come a day when we will hear the Lord honoring us with His words of praise.
Matthew 25:21: His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Verse 19 in today's study also makes a comparison, and uses an analogy to reveal to us a spiritual truth. It says, just as someone looks into the water and sees their own reflection, that is the way the heart of man relates to the heart of another man. When someone is speaking from their heart and it is coming out of their spirit, the heart, or spirit of other people will receive it. When someone is speaking from their emotions or their soul, it will move on the emotions of others. The same thing is true with the intellect of man. When a man or woman gives a talk strictly from the intellect or mind, those who are intellectual will receive it by their own intelligence. So we see a truth here: spirit speaks to spirit, soul to soul and mind to mind. The different levels will have different results.
Many of us have heard sermons from all of these levels. When a minister is speaking, being prompted by the Holy Spirit, those in attendance will feel an anointing in the spiritual dimension and be ministered to at a spiritual level. Those who share from their soul and own emotions and use emotional stories, can only affect the emotions of their hearers. Likewise, those who use their intellect to sway their audiences, will touch those people and they will give assent with their minds to the clever speech they just heard. This is why we all have a feeling of endearment when talking with certain people, or why we feel certain people seem distant, or even phony. They are mirroring where they are coming from. It is also the reason that Christians cannot relate to certain people because light cannot fellowship with darkness. We can only relate to them on a lower level. Only our prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit can change those in darkness.
2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wealth of wisdom from the book of Proverbs in Your Holy Bible. Help me to apply it to my life in all my daily affairs. Lord, may I always be sincere and honest in my relationships with others. Give me a gentle and understanding heart toward those who do not know You, so that my life and prayers will affect them, and bring them to the knowledge of Your dear Son. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today, so that all whom I come in contact with will sense Your presence. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 27:17-19: (KJV): 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Proverbs 27:17-19 (AMP):17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (to show rage or worthy purpose).18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who patiently and faithfully guards and heeds his master shall be honored.19 As in water face answers to and reflects face, so the heart of man to man.
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us how a relationship is sharpened, how a faithful servant will be honored and how others will receive in their hearts what we reflect from ours. Verse 17 talks about how good friends will bring out the best in one another. This does not mean that they will not see and deal with one another's faults, as this is part of the sharpening of each other's personalities. True friends are able to share even their differences, and find a way to resolve them. As they do this, each one's character is refined, just as an iron blade is sharpened by the honing from another piece of iron. Even though sparks may fly when this happens, the end result is a sharp edge. Sometimes sparks may fly between friends too, as anger can surface in relationships.
It is not sinful to become angry, but it is sinful to lose control and vent anger on someone. God, Himself, is spoken of, as being angry at certain things. He hates sin because it hurts people. He hates lying and injustice and is angry when wicked men hurt other people. We should be angry when we hear about abortion, child pornography, and the murder of innocent people. However, it is what we do with our anger, as Christians, that makes us different. If we allow our anger to motivate us to use our time and influence to overcome the evil in the world through good works, then it becomes a righteous anger. However, if we yield to retaliating with evil, then we become like those who are evil. This is unrighteous anger. We must overcome evil with good.
Verse 18 states that someone who takes care of a fig tree by watering it, fertilizing it, and pruning it, will also eat its fruit. This is compared to how a servant will come into honor from his master, because he was good and patient, and he listened to his master's instructions, as well as faithfully protecting him. The principle of sowing and reaping is stressed throughout the Bible. Our Master is Jesus and the same principle will apply to us. If we serve Him, and obey Him, and we are patient and faithful, we too, will be honored by our Master. There will come a day when we will hear the Lord honoring us with His words of praise.
Matthew 25:21: His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Verse 19 in today's study also makes a comparison, and uses an analogy to reveal to us a spiritual truth. It says, just as someone looks into the water and sees their own reflection, that is the way the heart of man relates to the heart of another man. When someone is speaking from their heart and it is coming out of their spirit, the heart, or spirit of other people will receive it. When someone is speaking from their emotions or their soul, it will move on the emotions of others. The same thing is true with the intellect of man. When a man or woman gives a talk strictly from the intellect or mind, those who are intellectual will receive it by their own intelligence. So we see a truth here: spirit speaks to spirit, soul to soul and mind to mind. The different levels will have different results.
Many of us have heard sermons from all of these levels. When a minister is speaking, being prompted by the Holy Spirit, those in attendance will feel an anointing in the spiritual dimension and be ministered to at a spiritual level. Those who share from their soul and own emotions and use emotional stories, can only affect the emotions of their hearers. Likewise, those who use their intellect to sway their audiences, will touch those people and they will give assent with their minds to the clever speech they just heard. This is why we all have a feeling of endearment when talking with certain people, or why we feel certain people seem distant, or even phony. They are mirroring where they are coming from. It is also the reason that Christians cannot relate to certain people because light cannot fellowship with darkness. We can only relate to them on a lower level. Only our prayers and the power of the Holy Spirit can change those in darkness.
2 Corinthians 6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the wealth of wisdom from the book of Proverbs in Your Holy Bible. Help me to apply it to my life in all my daily affairs. Lord, may I always be sincere and honest in my relationships with others. Give me a gentle and understanding heart toward those who do not know You, so that my life and prayers will affect them, and bring them to the knowledge of Your dear Son. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today, so that all whom I come in contact with will sense Your presence. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Word Of The Day (From Bible.com)
Proverbs Day 308 (KJV):
Proverbs 27:15-16 (KJV):15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Proverbs 27:15-16 (AMP):15 A continual dripping on a day of violent showers and a contentious woman are alike;16 Whoever attempts to restrain (a contentious woman) might as well try to stop the wind -- his right hand encounters oil (and she slips through his fingers).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a contentious woman is very hard to deal with; that being the case, it would be wisdom to avoid marrying a woman like that. If a man has a good wife, he is blessed; however, one who is contentious and nags continually, is a curse to him. The dictionary definition of the word "contentious" is "always ready to argue, quarrelsome." A woman who nags all the time and complains all the time, is just like listening to dripping water. We all know listening to the sound of something going "drip, drip, drip, drip, drip" is quite unsettling and gets on your nerves after a time. Nagging wives can cause the same reaction as a dripping sound that does not cease.
Verse 16 tells us that a contentious woman, because of her argumentative nature, is also like trying to stop the wind. The other analogy given is like trying to hold on to something when your hands are covered with oil. It would just slip through your fingers. Another Proverb states that it is better to dwell in the wilderness than end up with a contentious and angry woman.
Proverbs 21:19: It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
The Bible tells us that those who are contentious will reap what they are sowing by yielding to unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. They will have tribulation and anguish in the earth and could end up in hell. However, we are told those that yield to God and do good works will receive glory, honour and peace.
Romans 2:5-11:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
The opposite of a contentious woman is a virtuous woman. The value of a godly woman is spoken of in:
Proverbs 31:10-12:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
What husband would not love a woman like that? He may have houses and riches, but money cannot buy a virtuous woman. She truly is a gift from God, as it takes God in her life to be the kind of woman that is lovely and good.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful that when we come to You, we can be set free of any character traits that are not like You. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I do not allow any angry words to come out of my mouth. Lord, help me not to yield to a contentious attitude nor have an argumentative spirit. May I be a kind and loving person that is a peacemaker. Help me to speak gracious things and to be a good witness in all that I say and do. May I always love and do good to my husband all the days of my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 27:15-16 (KJV):15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Proverbs 27:15-16 (AMP):15 A continual dripping on a day of violent showers and a contentious woman are alike;16 Whoever attempts to restrain (a contentious woman) might as well try to stop the wind -- his right hand encounters oil (and she slips through his fingers).
Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs tell us that a contentious woman is very hard to deal with; that being the case, it would be wisdom to avoid marrying a woman like that. If a man has a good wife, he is blessed; however, one who is contentious and nags continually, is a curse to him. The dictionary definition of the word "contentious" is "always ready to argue, quarrelsome." A woman who nags all the time and complains all the time, is just like listening to dripping water. We all know listening to the sound of something going "drip, drip, drip, drip, drip" is quite unsettling and gets on your nerves after a time. Nagging wives can cause the same reaction as a dripping sound that does not cease.
Verse 16 tells us that a contentious woman, because of her argumentative nature, is also like trying to stop the wind. The other analogy given is like trying to hold on to something when your hands are covered with oil. It would just slip through your fingers. Another Proverb states that it is better to dwell in the wilderness than end up with a contentious and angry woman.
Proverbs 21:19: It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
The Bible tells us that those who are contentious will reap what they are sowing by yielding to unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. They will have tribulation and anguish in the earth and could end up in hell. However, we are told those that yield to God and do good works will receive glory, honour and peace.
Romans 2:5-11:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
The opposite of a contentious woman is a virtuous woman. The value of a godly woman is spoken of in:
Proverbs 31:10-12:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
What husband would not love a woman like that? He may have houses and riches, but money cannot buy a virtuous woman. She truly is a gift from God, as it takes God in her life to be the kind of woman that is lovely and good.
Prayer for the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful that when we come to You, we can be set free of any character traits that are not like You. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I do not allow any angry words to come out of my mouth. Lord, help me not to yield to a contentious attitude nor have an argumentative spirit. May I be a kind and loving person that is a peacemaker. Help me to speak gracious things and to be a good witness in all that I say and do. May I always love and do good to my husband all the days of my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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