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31st August 2008
Psalm 80
Asaph here is writing a beautiful lament to God where he likens the people of Israel to a vineyard that he transplanted from Egypt to Canaan and where it flourished for a while. But at the time of writing things were obviously not going well because three times we read the same refrain: "Restore us O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." (3, 7, 19)
Originally the vine did well and grew so that it spread out further to the Sea (Mediterranean) and to the River (Euphrates). It provided shade and nourishment, but now it is as though it has had its walls knocked down and others are taking benefit from it instead of God's people. Boars ravage it and animals graze on it. This would suggest that Israel was being attacked from outisde and neglected from within. The destruction is so great that he speaks of the vine as being cut down and burnt.
Asaph reminds God that this is the vine that He has planted and so calls on God to restore it. And when God restores it, they will once again worship God as they should. If we as a church wander away from God, He will first try to draw us back, but if we keep insisting on going our own way, eventually God will let us go our way, so we can learn the consequences. We soon find that neither we as individuals nor the church as a whole can flourish unless God returns to us. Jesus the vine tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing.
Lord God, thank you that you care for us and when we go astray like a good shepherd you seek us out to draw us back to you. Help us to abide in you and so be able to do all things, because you are strenthening us. In Jesus' Name. Amen
30th August 2008
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"" - Proverbs 23:29-35
Here are a few verses about over-indulging in alcohol, which seems to be the principal past-time of some people nowadays! I have not been drunk very often and hate it when I am, so now I always limit myself very carefully. How some people see it as pleasurable to be drunk I just can't understand. Even without getting drunk, alcohol can make me feel bad if I take more than normal. In verse 31 it warns those who are tempted in this way, not even to look at wine, because it will only lead to drinking it.
Being addicted to alcohol is not easy to overcome, just like being addicted to any substance, but like many addictive substances, it leads us inot health problems. Over-indulgence even in legitimate things is sin. As with any sin, we need to be compassionate with the one caught in it and help them to recognise it for the evil it is and turn to God for help. I have known people caught up in alcoholism and it is not pleasant seeing what it does to them.
I believe that God can help any alcoholic to get out of the addictive habit. I am not sure that if you are an alcoholic, you are always an alcoholic and so have to avoid alcohol for the rest of your life, but whether or not you are, avoiding what brings you temptation is best for everyone. As it is for any area that we are weak in, we are told that "he who stands beware, lest he fall," so avoiding anything in the area we are weak is wise. It is better to flee than to sin.
Verses 33-35 tell us that under the influence of alcohol, men will see, hear, say, and do strange things. The mind is so affected that everything is distorted. Such a situation is as perilous as being floating out in mid sea or high up on a ship's mast.When they wake up they willbegin to feel the pain of the injurues that they did not feel the night before, and look to alcohol to comfort them. Praise God that he can save us from this sin too.
Lord God, with so many people caught up in the evil of alcoholism, help us to know how to help them, or at least to pray for them that they will turn for you and be saved. May they know Your forgiveness and help to overcome this temptation. I pray for anyone we know who has family members or friends in this situation, that they might know your comfort and see you work in salvation. Amen.
29th August 2008
"For a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait, and multiplies the unfaithful among men." - Proverbs 23:27-28
Another warning against sexual immorality and advice to keep away from the seductions of prostitutes. If you have ever got stuck in a deep ditch, then you know how hard it is to get out. It often takes other people to come alongside and pull you out from the top. If you get into the habit of meeting with such women, then it gets very hard to leave that habit. Many people who go, think it will just be a harmless evening of pleasure, but so often it leads to long term real trouble. Of course there is the obvious danger of sexual diseases, but then there is the damage it does to relationships and possible spiritual bondage too.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
Praise God, that even though it is difficult, God can pull people who have fallen into such a pit out of it and with a desire never to return. It takes humility to cry out to God for help, but He will if we call in faith and repentance. In John 8 there is a woman who was caught in adultery, and Jesus spared her, saying, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her."
Thank you God, that whatever sin we get ourselves involved in. even though it be like a deep pit, You can get us out when we come to you humbly and in repentance. Deliver me from all my temptaions, but especially from temptation to sin in this way, in a world that promotes illicit sex. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
28th August 2008
"My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways" - Proverbs 23:26
I believe we can take this verse as a request from God to give our hearts to Him and to follow his ways. In Jeremiah 24:7 we are told by God, "And I'll give them a heart to know me, God. They'll be my people and I'll be their God, for they'll have returned to me with all their hearts." This is something we all need to know. That is what happens when we are born again (John 3:7), because without this we cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3)
When we come to God in repentance and trusting what Jesus has done for us in the cross, we begin the process of transformation. First of all our old nature is changed and we receive a new one. We receive a new heart, new desires, and a new direction in life because we have a new nature. When we are born again we become partakers of the divine nature, just as when we were born the first time we became partakers of the natural man.
God wants us to give our hearts to Him, because He has given His heart to us. He loved is so much that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. When we give our hearts to Him, we use our new nature to nurture good habits and loving acts. We start to change, we grow! We grow faster when we are nurtured and fed by the Holy Spirit and God's word.
Heavenly Father, thank you that You gave your love to me. I want to give my heart to you and follow your ways. Help me to do this through Your Holy Spirit whom You have given to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
27th August 2008
"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!" - Proverbs 23:24-25
More advice about the parent child relationship is given in these verses. It reminds us that our children's actions can influence the family immensely; varying from bringing great joy to great sorrow. Before Jesus comes their will be family animosity. Jesus talks about this in Mark 13:7-13If you come from a loving family we find it hard to think that such things would happen, but a quick look through our newspapers shows us that this is not so uncommon.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 warns us about the same thing. Here it is from 'The Message' - "Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people."
So our aim is to help our children be wise. Children learn from their parents, so especially while they are young we need to be a good example to them. At the same time we need to show them that we love God's word and base our decisions on it. It is the source of wisdom, so if our children get to love it then they will be wise and bring us joy. Those of us who are children can make our parents glad by being wise and listening to God's word. Those of us without Christian parents might find that they do not appreciate the wisdom of Christ, but in the long run they will.
Help me Heavenly Father to be both a good parent and a good child. Help me be more like You in the way I think and act. Help those families around me who are struggling, and if you can use me to help them too, then guide me in how to do it, in a way that is not seen as interfering but loving. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
26th August 2008
"Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. " - Proverbs 23:22-23
This is an expansion of the command to honour our parents, that we are given in the ten commandments. "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12. The word for honour is closely related to the word glorify, which we are to do for God. So God would have us treat our parents with similar respect that we have for Him. For some of us that is easier than others. I know I found it hard particularly to honour my father when I was a teenager and in my twenties, but I did try. It was a little easier to honour my mother.
There is a promise that if we honour them then we will extend the number of days we will live on earth. This takes us into the arguments of freewill and predestination again, but God knows the lenght of life we would have had if we were not honouring to our parents. A typical example is a young child not honouring her paents and being disobedient and so runs out into dangerous situations, where an obedient child would stop and listen.
As parents, like Solomon we are to give good advice to our children, advice that will show we are people worthy of honour. As we teach them to honour the Lord, a side-effect should be that they will honour us and so be blessed. If a child does not have a sense of respect for their parents, he or she will often have a harder time respecting other authority figures as well. Spiritually there is an application drawn from Ephesians where God is saying that we must obey our "parents in the Lord." Could this refer to the elders within the church.
In verse 23 we are told to "buy" truth. How can I "buy" truth? This means it will cost me something to get it. Since truth is found by seeking God and studying His Word, then I need to "spend" time to obtain it. Also a lot of this should be available from our parents and elders. So that's I should honour them. In Isaiah we are invited to just come to the Lord and He will feed us with His spiritual bread, milk and wine.
Isaiah 55:1-2:
25th August 2008
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." - Proverbs 23:19-21
Good fathers give advice to their sons about how best to live their lives. Wise sons will heed that advice, but not all will. This advice is often repeated in Proverbs because it is important, and because we are easily led to ignore it. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 gives such advice and Jesus warns us that if we continue in sin we end up in hell, where there is pepetual torment.
Drunkenness can cause you to lose your employment, if you spend too many days off sick or are too groggy to do your job properly when you turn up. Food and drink and sleep are legitimate needs but all when taken in the right proportion. Over-indulging in all of them can lead to problems. We need to learn how to restrain ourselves in all these areas and food is often the hardest as it seems the most legitimate, after all we all need food everyday.
Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."
Getting in with the wrong crowd, can lead us into becoming alcoholics and gluttons. Much better is to find friends who will direct our minds and activities in the way of the Lord. It is not enough to turn away from the wrong things, we must also seek the good things of God. These are found in reading our Bibles, praying and fellowship with God's people. In that way I can overcome the temptations in the world.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of the good things You have given me to eat and drink. Help me to use your gifts wisely and not over-indulge in them. Help me also by my lifestyle to be a good witness to those around me. I am faced with so many choices and temptations, so by Your Spirit empower me to choose the right things, and resist the wrong things. May I serve you in body and in spirit, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
24th August 2008
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." - Proverbs 23:17-18
While here on earth we can often see those that do evil prospering, and it can make us envy them. We see people involved in illegal drugs making fortunes and living lavish lives, or involved inother illegal and damaging businesses and yet doing well for themselves. Sometimes we can be tempted to envy their lifestyles. But then we are only looking at the outward things, we do not see what is going on in their inner lives and we are forgetting the future blessing that will be ours in Christ. Psalm 37:1-7 tells us something similar.
While we are here on earth we are to develop the fruit of the Spirit and love. Part of the fruit of the spirit is patience, also known as longsuffering. Sometimes living a godly life can lead to suffering, and we need endurance in that suffering. Other times it just leads to having fewer earthly comforts, neither should stop us from following and serving God, because we have something greater by far awaiting us. Patience for the future may mean that we don't just not envy others but willing take on some hardships, perhaps by going that extra mile fror another person, or give up something so that others can be blessed.
When things are tough for us and seem easy for others, we need to remember Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Dear Lord, when I see wicked people prospering, help me not to envy them, but remember that there is something greater for me in the future. Help me too to be patient, even be willing to suffer for you, because you were patient with me and suffered for me. Give me the grace to live a life that will honour you no matter what the circumstances. In Your precious Name I pray. Amen.
23rd August 2008
"My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; And my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right." - Proverbs 23:15-16
As parents we are very happy when we see our children act wisely and speak correctly and are upset and worried when the opposite happens. Children with good hearts also honour and respect their parents so the parents are doubly blessed. Colossians 3:20-21 says: "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." SO we see a blance in the relationship, a mutual respect for one another.
Many people believe that children reflect their upbringing. We have a resposibility according to God's word to train them in godly ways. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Training is not just by word, it is also by example. If we as parents live lives that honour God, it will leave a good example to our children as to how to live. If we regularly get drunk, commit adultery, cheat and lie, then we shouldn't be surpirised if our children do similar things. The same follows for gluttony, envy, laziness etcetera. We need to train our children as to what is good and right and what is definitely wrong, and all this in a culture that does not see any clear lines between right and wrong.
Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right."
Heavenly Father, give me wisdom in bringing up my children, even as they are adults. Forgive me where I have failed, help me to train them both by my words and my actions, so they will honour you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
22nd August 2008
"Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol." - Proverbs 23:13-14
Here we get the inportance of keeping children on the right track and the appropriate use of corporal punishment. Spanking would seem to be the most appropriate way of fulfilling this command, as it is to strike with something flat, usually the hand and usually on the buttocks. Such a beating is unlikely to cause bodily harm unless it is used to excess. Proverbs 22:15 said something similar. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
There is a lot of contoversy about this issue, because there are parents who do not use this advice appropriately and go too far. Hence legislation has come out to stop parents from using it at all and ever since then it has been so much harder to discipline children. Discipline should be used at an early age. The verse just quoted says that all children are foolish to some extent, probably because they have not learnt any better. A fool is also defined as a rebel in the Bible. Some people would use a switch, my parents used a wooden spoon! It is not anything heavy that would cause permanent physical damage. It should be swift and short-lived, just there to make the point.
Children who have learnt to obey are more likely to stop, when we shout them to stop, and so we save them from running out onto the road or into some other danger. It can be argued that it is real abuse NOT to spank a child when they need correction, for then they do not learn the skills that will help them in future life. Beating a child is wrong, as with other forms of child abuse, and those who do it need help themselves. May God give us wisdom to know how to care for all the children we come into contact with in a Godly way.
Other verses about bringing up children are:
Proverbs 19:18 (AMP): Discipline your son while there is hope, but do not (indulge your angry resentments by undue chastisements and) set yourself to his ruin."
Proverbs 29:15 &17 (AMP):
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left undisciplined brings his mother to shame.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your heart.
Ephesians 6:1-4:
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Thank You Father for wisdom in how to bring up our families. Give us Your grace when we must correct our children we may never do it when we are out-of-control. Deliver us from anger, and teach us how to discipline our children with love. Watch over the young ones in our church and keep them safe in this dangerous world. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
21st August 2008
"Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge." - Proverbs 23:12
We are encouraged in this proverb to apply our hearts to disipline or instruction, nd that is freely available for us in the Bible. Many Christians memorise 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which syas: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This is what God would love to see in us, people who are perfect and doing the good works He has prepared for us. Whenever bad things come our way, God will want to use those things to mature us and help us. At such times God's word is there to help us and show us what to do. The word "chastise" in Greek primarily means to "train children." WHich links with 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17. In training we can learn doctrine be reproved and corrected and led in the way of righteousness.
If we apply our hearts to discipline, we will be able to overcome when the trials of life hit us. It is strange, when a pupil in school fails a test, we do not hear people blame the teacher, but often when Christians fail the tests in life, we hear some blame God!
At Youth Retreat we talked a lot about prayer, and we all affirmed that we believe "Prayer Changes Things," yet how much quality time do we spend in prayer? How many hours do we devote to Bible study, as compared to the hours we watch TV, or devote our time to other time-wasting endeavors? Yet, when something bad happens in our lives, we do not take the blame to ourselves, because it is so much easier to blame God. God gave us mighty weapons in His Word to overcome the devil and defeat him at every turn. Is it God's fault we either are not aware of these weapons or do not use them?
We have the book that tells us how to be an overcomer. That book is the Holy Bible. I would say few people reading this would not have access to a Bible, we can even get it in mp3 format for those who do not read well. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and His operation manual for living in this world is the Bible. If we have Him in our hearts and read His manual, we can be overcomers! So, let's make sure we both know the Word of God, and apply it to our lives.
Thank you Lord for Your Word, help me to appreciate it more, to read it more and apply it more, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
20th August 2008
"Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words. Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you." - Proverbs 23:9-11"
Here we have advice about with whom we should share wisdom, and the care of the fatherless. A fool is someone with little or no judgment, common sense, or wisdom. The Hebrew definition of a "fool," in Wilson's Old Testament Word Studies, has the same meaning, but adds element of one who is rebellious with a will too hard for his understanding, and no reason for what he does. Sharing wisdom with a fool would be a waste of time, because he would despise it. Fools are often self-confident, whereas wise people will weigh up matters according to God's word; I guess that is why they are wise!
Once again we have some verses about removing the old landmarks. This must have been a problem in those days, and I guess it is today too with people disputing boundaries, or whether some island or not belongs to them or some other country. Here it was probably mainly to do with how much land one could plough or graze on. Especially mean was when people stole land from the fatherless, ho had little other means of support and probably few resources to fight back. God cares for the weak and vunerable.
God watches over the weak and helpless, especially those that belong to him. He is our redeemer and is watching over us. In Matthew 18:10 Jesus says that little ones have angels to care for them in heaven. I wonder how often we have had supernatural help from them without realising it. God can move people's hearts to take care of his children, even hearts that are cold to Him. King David was assured of this, in Psalm 27:9-10 he said, Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Saviour. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me."
Lord God as I read through these words of wisdom from Proverbs, may I learn from them so I may get my wisdom from you and not from the world. May I know how best to use what you teach me in this life to honour you. Help me to know when to open my mouth and when to keep it shut, like Jesus knew. May I be used to be a blessing to someone when I do open it! In Jesus'Name, Amen.
19th August 2008
"Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments." - Proverbs 23:6-8
Here is another few verses that urge us to becareful over the relationships that we build. Illustrated here is the kind of person who uses entertainment to entice people for his or her own purposes, often to gain power, sex, postion or money. The New Testament helps me understand this, as it reminds me too not to love the things of this world and seek them lustfully. 1 John 2:15-17 is one such passage. It also links with yesterdays reading.
Verse 7 is also a thought that is brought up in the New Testament too. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is that man." Jesus in Matthew 15:19-20 tell us that it is out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'"
Another thought from this vers is that even with all the entertainment and good things this person gives you, there heart is not with you; they are seeking to trap you. So we need discernment about how and who we make friends with, because as verse 8 tells us, the seemingly good food and gifts will end up making us sick.
Heavenly Father, it is so ggod that You have given us so much wise advice in Proverbs. Thank You for pointing out things that would cause problems for our lives. Give me discernment to know when someone comes into my life who has evil motives, so that I will not fall into a trap. Lord, remove lust, and anything else in my heart that is evil, so that I do not yield to the temptation of the lust of the eyes, nor the lust of the flesh, but rather have righteous desires in my heart so that I might please You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
18th August 2008
"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." - Proverbs 23:4-5
We learn from here that our aim should not to be materially rich, but rather to have God and wisdom as our aim. As Christians our goal should be to become like Jesus. God tells us that spiritual wealth is far more worthwhile than material wealth, because it is everlasting. Sometimes God will bless us with both, but our aim should always be to seek spiritual riches over anything else. Money cannot buy faith, love, joy or peace, but God can give us these lasting gifts.
You may remember that in Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus reminds us about this. He says,"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
When we serve the Lord, then He promises to meet our every need. This is my testimony over the many years that I have been serving Him. He meets my needs. I think one of the things I am most grateful for is that God gives wisdom. In James 1:5-8 we are promised, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."
Verse 5 reminds us that wealth can disappear as quickly as it came. Many people suddenly became much richer when property prices suddenly went up in price. Now they are coming down again and that wealth has vanished almost as quickly as it came. Others have lost money because their business failed, others because of dishonest employees. But however it is lost, the principle is the same; money is only fleeting.
Matthew 6:19-21 tells us,"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Where is your treasure?
Lord God we thank you that you provide all our needs, You are gracious to us, help us all to seek you first and your righteousness. In Jesus Name. Amen.
17th August 2008
"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive." - Proverbs 23:1-3
Now we have some advice about etiquette when eating with people of high position. Firstly we need to think about whom we are seated with. The wise thing to do is to behave in such a way that will not bring us or God any reproach. It may be we have been invited for reasons such as being asked to do something in the future, and our conduct sould mean all, when it comes to whom the host chooses. If we pass the test, it could mean a better future.
Verse 2 is warning us to know ourselves well. If we are tempted to gluttony or drunkenness, then now is the time to curb any of these deires. Such people lose respect with others very quickly. The Bible teaches us to be disciplined and use moderation. I think one of the most commmon sin among us Christians is gluttony! The Bible also warns us that strong drink can do much damage to us personally but to others and to our relationships. Today as I write this, a friend of mine told me how his classmate was knocked down and killed by a drunken driver, he even witnessed the driver change lanes and so knock his friend down. But I am getting away form the point, which is how to behave in 'high' society. Keep self-controlled is the main principle, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
In verse 3 we are told that a rich man's table has deceitful food. What is Solomon saying here I wonder. I do not htink it means that the food is very unhealthy, though that may be the case, as rich foods are not necessarily very good for us! I think it means that sometimes these meals come with 'strings attached.' Some banquets are given with wrong motives, they are for the purpose of winning you over to their side or viewpoint. We need to be ware of being manipulated in such situations and be cautious about what we decide. I suppose the most vivid example of not eating a rich man's food was Daniel and his friends in Daniel 1:8-17.
I guess this principle should be one that we use at all times, that is to think carefully about what we eat, that is, not too much or too unhealthily, as we are to look after our bodies, since as Christians, they are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, you have made us such that we can enjoy such a large number and variety of foods. Thank you for that, but forgive us if we have taken advantage of that and our wealthy society to indulge in gluttony. Help us to be wise in what we eat not just in special situations like at banquets, but at all times. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
16th August 2008
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." - Proverbs 22:29
(KJV)says: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Diligence in business is good, and making money is fine, that is what business is meant to do. But as a Christian businessman, the emphasis should not be there. It should be on being a Christian example in excellence, that will give glory to God. We have all been given different gifts, what we call our natural gifts and spiritual gifts, both need to be used to glorify God.
Matthew 28:19-20 is something that all of us need to be obeying ("Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.") So whether we are in business or skilled in some other work, we need to find ways to share the gospel. A housewife and mother's call would be to raise their children to know the Lord. A worker would try to the be the best employee possible, to demonstrate the nature of Jesus to his boss and those around him. And I should seek to build up the body of Christ where I am.
It is the same with business people; they should run the business in such a way so that others might see Jesus in them. This will mean that all of the business decisions and operations should be based on Biblical principles and diligence is one of those principles. Honesty and fairness and justice to our the employees would be others. It may be appropriate to offer Bible Studies and prayer meetings for the staff. But a better witness will be by showing kindness and understanding when they have problems; being generous when possible, investing in a safe work environment, being kind in correcting mistakes, and serving our customers with a heart, rather than just out to get their money.
The Lord promises that diligence in business will bring recognition of people in ruling positions and that they will be able to stand before them in honour. A faithful Christian businessman will stand out as a shining example of what a godly business should look like, and even if they go unnoticed before men and kings, the King of kings will notice. That is true business success!
Lord God, you are so good to us. You provide us with all we need and we are grateful. Help us to be diligent in what we do so that we will bring honour to you in our work and business. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
15th August 2008
"Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers." - Proverbs 22:28
A proverb about respecting boundaries set by our forefathers. I think in those days boundaries were often marked by special stones or piles of stones. We need to respect the property rights of other people. The King James Version translates boundary stone as landmark. If that is a better translation then landmarks were also used to guide people's way. So we should not remove things that people need to guide them along the right path.
When things change, and they do so quickly now, it is easy to get lost. At one time the street system in Birmingham centre got changed several times, but I only would visit occasionally, so inevitably I would find myself going along the wrong road until I found an older landmark and was able to reorientate myself. Change can be for good or bad, and there is always room for improvement in our fallen world.
What could this mean for us spiritually? Younger Christians need to respect their elder's boundaries, and children their parent's boundaries. Boundaries are there for a reason, so it is wise to respect them. After all one of the Ten Commandments is to honour parents. Without respect for elders and authority, we could end up in chaos. NOw I know that some of us have trouble with this as our parents are not Christians, but as far as we can we need to respect their boundaries, unless it draws us outside of God's commandments. 1 Peter 5:5-6 tells us something about this.
Lord God, thank you for the spiritual elders in the church that you have given us. Help them to live exemplary lives and help us to learn from them. Help me too to respect the young people in my life, to think about their ideas and embrace any that come from You. Help me not to let pride get in my way. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
14th August 2008
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you." - Proverbs 22:26-27
SOme advice on financial matters here. So in today's terms this would be advice not to shake hands on an agreement where you co-sign a loan for another person or guarantee someone else's loan. Many friendships could have been saved if this advice was taken. Borrowers may have the best intentions, but sometimes they are ust not able to fulfil their commitment and so the guarantor gets bitten too.
Today we have written documents, or electronic ones to show that contracts have been agreed. In those days, agreements were taken equally seriously. They were giving their word to do something and felt honour bound to keep it. We too should be people of our word. If we guarantee someone's loan then we need to be ready to pay it. I would only do it, if I were ready to give that sum of money away.
I guess we all have promised to do something that we later regretted. But God expects us to keep our word, because He keeps His word to us. Psalm 15:2-4 says, "He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath
even when it hurts."
This does not mean that we should never give loans, only give loans to those who really need it or to those you would be willing to give the money to if it became necessary. Many loan requests are not for emergencies, but rather to help people live in a lifestyle greater than they can really afford. It would be better for these people to be trained in how to live by Biblical financial principals.
Verse 27 warns us that if we have become surety for another and they fail to pay, it could create grave circumstances for us, so only become surety if you are certain you can pay.
Dear Lord, You are so wise and have given us much wisdom through the book of Proverbs. Help us to apply it in every area of our lives. Help us to be wise in our spending and in our financial affairs, whether great or small. And when I tell someone I will do something, help me to do just that. If there is something I need to honour now, then help me do it and soon. Help me to be honest and work with integrity in all my financial maters. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
13th August 2008
"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared." - Proverbs 22:24-25
If someone is regularly in angry mood, then Proverbs recommends that we do not make friends with him or her, and one reason for it is that we can pick up the same bad habit. You could get yourself trapped if you build a relationsjip with such a person. Psalm one also warns us about associating too closely with people who are habitually doing wrong. We can care for these people and love them as Christ did, but to develop a deep relationship with them will cause you trouble. We must never think that we are so strong that we will not be drawn into a wrong situation through a close relationship with such people.
This is not to say that we isolate ourselves from anyone who is not a Christian or reasonable person. That way we could never be able to draw them to know Christ as their saviour. I guess Satan uses friendship 'evangelism' to draw people away from God, so we must warn those we have influence of against that danger.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 speaks about this. Though we often use this verse to warn Christians not to have non-Christian boyfriends or girlfriends, it should be used in a wider context. The best way to help those that are evil is to pray for them and live an example of goodness before them. We should witness to them, be kind and loving toward them, but we should never yield to their enticements to join them in their ways. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Making a selection of wise friends will lead us to gain from their advice. And as we gain wisdom we can help others. On the other hand, choosing our friends from ungodly and angry people, will bring us trouble, maybe even destruction.
Lord God, thank you for the wise friends that you have given me, help me to keep close to them and grow with them. Keep me from building unwise relationships. Help me top draw the foolish and angry to you through my prayers and care, speaking the truth in love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
12th August 2008
"Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them." - Proverbs 22:22-23
God does not want us to go out and rob anybody, but he is specially upset when we rob those who are poor. God cares for them and will bring down more judgment on those who cause them yet more pain. God's care extends to those who help the poor. Psalm 41:1-3 says "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.
So God is for those who help the poor and will be ready to help them when they too are in need. Whenever Christians move to a new area of work, one of the ways they show God's love is by helping those in need. It may not necessarily be just those in financial need, it could be by providing some other service like hospitals and schools and training in trades.
Verse 22 also defends the poor, protecting them from being oppressed in court. We see this even today, some lawyers are not out to protect the innocent and unjustly accused, but instead use the legal system for personal gain. When there are unfair settlements, then very often it's the lawyers that gain a lot. Quick punishment of the guilty is delayed by court appeals and long trials at the public's expense. We need to pray for godly judges and good practice in our courts. I sense that it is worse still in the USA.
Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you that you have taken care of all my needs. Lord, we British, have so much by the world's standard. We are rich, though we do not always recognise it. Help me to be more sensitive to the needs of the poor and reach out to help them. In Jesus'Name. Amen.
11th August 2008
"So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?" - Proverbs 22:19-21
Truth is absolute, though many people today will tell you that it is relative. It is only relative in that what is true about one person may not be true about another. One may be tempted by this thing and another tempted by that, but the truth is both are tempted! This scripture tells us that one of the most defining aspects of truth is that it is enduring and will stand.
What is truth? Actually, someone has said, "The question should be, WHO is truth?" We find that answer in both the Old and New Testament. In John 14 we find this most clearly.
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—
17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
If we want to know the truth we need to get to know God and we get to know God by getting to know Jesus. The opposite of truth is lies. And so it should come as no surprise to us that the Bible associates lies with Satan. John 8:44 says to some Jews, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Dear Lord, thank you that you made it possible to know the truth about life. Thank You too for loving me, forgiving me and giving me the Holy Spirit. Help me to share this truth by my words and life. It would be wonderful Lord, if you so changed me that others would desire to know You, through my witness. Forgive me when I fail You and daily fill me with Your Holy Spirit to guide me in how best to glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
10th August 2008
"Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips." - Proverbs 22:17-18
We should pay close attention to God's words and to the teaching of those who follow His words.Then after hearing we need to go away and so what we have learnt too. We should be prepared to speak the words we learn from God as well so that others amy benefit from them. And the more we speak them the more they will be impressed on our own lives too.
When God does something in our lives that shows the truth of His words we should be quick to tell others about it, for it will be a blessing and help to them if they heed it. This comes to the area of memorising God's word. Yes, we can read it out when we need it, but how much better if we can actually have it on our lips in seconds because we have memorised it? I guess I have always lived by the thought that I needn't memorise anything that I can get easily to hand or work out quickly from first principles. But maybe I should change my tactics over God's Word.
Having God's word in our hearts is useful for us to be able to serve him well. We can exhort and encourage so much more easily if we have God's word to hand. The problem is that it takes discipline and not so many of us are good at that.
Some people can very quickly quote what well-known people have to say on a subject, but we should not believe them if it is contrary to what God ahs to say on the subject. We too may quote what men say on a particular subject but be a little hesitant to quote what God says, maybe because we feel others would not take it seriously. The Word of God tells us to confess or talk about the things we are believing God to do in our lives, and He will bring them to pass.
Thank You Lord, for Your many promises of blessing to us. I want to receive everything that Jesus died for, when He went to the cross to save me. Salvation and healing are just the beginning of why You died on that cross for me. I want to receive all the promises that You suffered for on my behalf. Deliver me from any doubt and unbelief. Help me to watch what I say and be ready to speak out what Your word says at all times. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
9th August 2008
""It's no good, it's no good!" says the buyer; then off he goes and boasts about his purchase. Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel." - Proverbs 20:14-15
We are on another common theme in Proverbs; commerce and trade. The buyer says the thing is no good, and haggles the price, but then goes away and boasts about the bargain that he has bought. Haven't you done the same. I am sure that I have. If we have paid a fair price, then that is okay, but if we are getting something unfairly then God has a lot to say about it.
God wants us to make fair deals, not one-sided ones. Maybe I should be thinking about buying more fair trade products. I think the most important thing will be clarity about waht we are selling, it's quality and if it is sold cheaper, then why that is so. Honesty is the key, the Lord hates deception.
I have heard about some businessmen having two financial statements. one is for when they want the comapny to appear prosperous to attract investment I guess, adn the other to make it appear less well off. Maybe for the tax collector. Christian businessmen need to examine their practices in the light of Scripture. I know for those Christians employed by non-Christian bosses, this can put them in a dilemma, but we ourselves need to keep everything honest.
The next verse is about integrity too. Gold and pearls maybe be worth a lot, but there is something far more valuable. It is speaking with knowledge from God. That is what the book of Proverbs is all about, God's wisdom. The tongue can be used to do opposite things, to build or tear down and to bless or to curse. I know I have been guilty of not using it for the best of purposes. Psalm 12:6 tells us that the words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Lord God, You are pure and honest always, and you call me to be like you. Forgive me for when I have gone astray and help mes to overcome my selfishness. Lord help me so that what I say will edify others, that I will not always be out for gain, but rather for fairness and not taking advantage of others. In Jesus' precious Name. Amen.
8th August 2008
"The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it." - Proverbs 22:13-14
Two warnings here: one about being slothful and the other about loose women (I guess lecherous men for the women). Slothful people are lazy and often irresponsible. They find any excuse not to face up to their responsibilities. When one becomes habitually lazy it can lead to toehr problems, even paranoia.
There is also the problem of putting things off. In Ecclesiastes we read about those who wait until perfect weather to plant the seed or harvest the crop. And of course perfect weather rarely arrives, sothe job does not get done. What we need is the overcoming spirit that Paul tells us to have. I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap."
The next verse warns against being seduced. If one listens to their flattery and convincing words, you can easily be trapped. The verse uses words like trapping an animal in a pit. Something attracts them to it and then they fall. A loose woman does the same. Lustful men may also lure unsuspecting women as well. Those who ignore God's Word and His advice, are proud and think they know best, but end up trapped. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6-8
Lord God, Your words are wisdom. Help me to learn from them. Forgive me when I am lazy and keep me from being lured by temptations in the world. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
7th August 2008
"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful." - Proverbs 22:11-12
If you take Jesus to be the king then this proverb makes perfect sense. Matthew 5:8 tells us "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." So how do we keep a pure heart in a world that is anything but pure and even glorifies things that are not so pure. As Christians we have a headstart, as we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, but we don't always take heed of what he is saying to us. We need to let this SPirit take control of our hearts because it is out of our hearts that come the things that defile us.
When we are tempted to sin, then we must choose to resist it and ask God to help us do just that. Each time we overcome temptation we are changing ourt hearts to become more like Jesus. That is our aim, for when our hearts are pure, then what I do and say will also be pure. the opposite is true, when we yield to temptation, then our hearts become less like Jesus'heart and in fact begin to get hardened, and if like pharoah, we harden our hearts, eventually God will harden it further.
Verse 12 turns more to God. He is the one who preserves knowledge and overthrows the words of a transgressor. Those who don't have knowledge from God will be destroyed. That's because the devil will overcome them with his tactics. Why is it that so many Christians do not walk in victory? It's because they do not know the Word of God. When we don't know what the Bible teaches, the devil is able to overcome us more easily.
Lord I come to you now, thanking you that I can get a pure heart from you, cleanse me now, make me whiter than snow. Thank you too that you have given us your words, so help me to know them, remember them and use them, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
6th August 2008
"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended." - Proverbs 22:9-10
Generosity leads to blessedness. A generous person looks to see how they can use what they have to help others. Paul both gave and received. In Acts 20:33-35 he said that he had coveted no-ones'money or clothes and that he had provided for his own needs to be an example to the people he was ministering to. He gave both material things and spiritual things and so encouraged others. God loves a cheerful giver.
When we give, we receive back in the same way. If we give generously, we will receive bountifully. If we give sparingly, we will receive sparingly too. 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 tells us this.
Verese 10 tells us that whenever strife and contention show there ugly heads, we should drive them out. this can be done by driving out the person responsible for the contention, or to somehow confront them with the situation and see if a change in behaviour can be effected. When one person in a family or workplace is the cause, something needs to be done. The purpose is to help the cause of strife and to bring peace to a situation.
Lord God, You are so generous to me, each and every day. Help me to be sensitive to the needs of people around and so be a blessing to them. Guide me as to where and when I should give and give me grace to know how to deal with people who are causing contention. In Jesus'Name, Amen.
5th August 2008
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed." - Proverbs 22:7-8
It is ineveitable that the rich will have power over the poor. Though having money is not wrong, it brings great responsibility. We have the responsibility to use what we have to bless God and others. We can be rich in men's eyes, but poor in God's eyes, if we do not use our wealth well. Again, the opposite occurs too. Some poor people are rich in the eyes of God, because they have a right relationship to Him. True riches is to know God's love, peace, joy and protection. How we use our money is one of the ways God tests us.
Luke 16:10-11 says "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
One spiritual test is how we deal with the small issues in this life. If we cannot be trusted with the small things, we will not be faithful over larger things. You see this everyday. There are the people who say they will call right back but then fail to do so. People who tell you they will take care of a small matter and do not do so, will probably not take care of a larger matter. Yes, we all make the occasional mistake, but that is not what we mean here - it is those who habitually fail to deliver in the small things.
This can be true with finances as well. Some people think along these lines, "I will give a full tenth of my take home pay once I earn a bit more as it is not so easy at the moment." But the principle is that we should give of the little that we have and learn to trust God to care for us. In the Old Testament God's people were encouraged to give one tenth of their income, so how much more we should do the same, who know much more of God's grace. We reap what we sow and that is what verse 8 tells us too. If we sow evil, we will reap evil.
Thank you Father that You have blessed me with so much. I am deeply grateful for Your goodness to me. Help me to use what you have given me wisely, may I show integrity in all I do for Your Name's sake. Amen.
4th August 2008
"In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:5-6
We see here the destiny of the wicked or rebellious and advice for those who have or work with children. Most children left to themselves will determine to try out all things and make their own mistakes. But if early on they are taught to love the Lord and see the wisdom of following His ways, they will avoid many of the pitfalls in life and stick to godly principles throughout life.
So we parents have a responsibility to help our children find the right path in life and stay on it. We are told to train our children in the right ways, not just to teach them. What is the difference? Teaching is sharing information while training brings this teaching into their lifestyles. We should of course all pray for our children, asking God to protect them and that they would follow the calling that He has for them.
Training takes more time than giving instruction. It involves reinforcing and enforcing sometimes. It has to come from p[arents, because now more often than not a different set of rules and standards are taught in our schools. There are also so many competing ideas out there from televison, films, music, games, and literature. Let us as Christian parents be good mentors and examples to our children.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done for my child(ren) (and grandchildren.) Lord, please keep each of them in Your Hand and keep them from the evil influences in this world. Help me to continue to be a mentor and model for them and most of all, help me to always show love to each of them. Lead each of them into the ministry that You have prepared for them. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
3rd August 2008
"The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it. The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honour and life." - Proverbs 22:3-4
Prudence and humility will lead us along the right path to go in life. So what is prudence? The dictionary definition is:
1. capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters, esp. as concerns one's own interests
2. cautious or discreet in conduct; circumspect; not rash
3. managing carefully and with economy.
Prudent people hide from evil, they realise what is evil, I would suggest, because they know God's word and obey the principles they find in it. God has given many warnings about what is evil, and many examples of people that have messed up there lives because of it to help us avoid it when it comes our way. Sometimes God will even give advance warning about an impending evil in special circumstances, like He did when Mary and Joseph were warned so that they could take Jesus away to Egypt and safety.
Going further back in Bible history, he warned Noah of the coming fllod, Lot about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Pharaoh of the coming famine, via Joseph, and the Israelites in Egypt about the coming angel of death. These are special warnings, but God is still warning us today through his word and through other believers. The Lord wants to bless us, he does not want to see a single soul perish, though he warns us that he knows many will.
In fact verse 4 tells us this, that if we humble ourselves before God, then riches, honour and life will be ours. Our God is loving and forgiving and wants to redeem us and bring us blessing. He is doesn't want us to suffer under the penalty of our sins. A similar message is given in 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Father God, thank You for Your divine protection over my family and me. You have cared fopr me and looked after me so often. Help me to be prudent and wise in all I do. Help me resist evil, and overcome the temptations in my life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. May I always heed Your warnings. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
2nd August 2008
"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favour is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all." - Proverbs 22:1-2
We learn from here that the value of virtue in one's life is better than being wealthy, for material prosperity will mean nothing on judgment day. We need to seek the former therefore over the latter. King Solomon wrote this from experience. He was once given this choice, you can read it in 1 Kings 3:5-14.
What is favour? It can take many forms, for example; protection, health, provision for our needs and wisdom for how to live our lives. Money seems to be a great divider amongst people while they are here on earth, but God puts it into perspective. How wealthy you are makes no difference when you die. EVERY person will have to appear before the judgment seat of God, and He will not be bribed by great wealth! 2 Corinthians 5:10-11a says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men..."
All people are first judged whether or not they have trusted in Christ for their salvtion. Then they are judged as to what rewards they will receive in heaven. Jesus will be a righteous judge, because He gave His life on the cross for all who come to Him, repenting of their sins and believing in Him. Jesus came to save men, not judge them. We are judged by the Word of God and Jesus' commandments. When we go against the Word of God, that is sin, and there is only One Who can take away sin and that One is Jesus.
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. Thank You for saving me. Help me to tell others about Your salvation. Help me to be diligent about this, so I won't feel ashamed because I have failed to be a good witness for You. Strengthen me in my service to You so that I will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
1st August 2008
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." - Proverbs 21:30-31
Whatever life might throw at us, or how difficult the battle ahead of us might be, victory lies in putting our faith in God and all that He can do. In verse 30 we are reminded that human wisdom and understanding are no match when compared to God's. There is definitely a difference between God's wisdom and man's. James 3:13-17 tells us this. Earthly wisdom leads to envy and selfish ambition, but heavenly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. What a contrast!
God's wisdom will have a solution that is not only fair to all, but will also be good for all. If everyone in the world could trust God and obey His Word, then we would all get along. I know that is a dream, but at least I can play my part. God has called me to die to my own desires and ways, and live for His. No matter how wonderful a man's plan might be, if it is not of God, it cannot succeed. Man's wisdom and plans are subject to be changed, destroyed or cancelled, but the plans of God are guaranteed success. As Romans 8:31 tells us: "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
In verse 31 we learn that we can do all the preparation in the world for something - here it is for battle, but only God can guarantee that we will have safety and success. Horses were a symbol of strength in battle, and although it is not wrong to prepare our army for the defence of our nation, we should always remember that our true protection comes from God. All nations that serve false gods and do not keep God's commands, will fall, but like He did for Israel, God is merciful to them and gives them time to repent, before His judgment comes. See Deuteronomy 4:5-9
Lord God, forgive me if I have relied on earthly wisdom and not on heavenly. I thank you that you give generously to any who come to you for wisdom, so I ask now that You give me more of Your wisdom, so that I can be a blessing to those I come in contact with. In Jesus' Name; Amen.
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