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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 3, 2023 14:24:47 GMT
Day 155 (Proverbs 7-9)
I love chapter 8 for it is filled with blessings. It is wisdom. Chapter 8:1-4 {1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? 2 At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; 3 beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud:4 “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.}
God’s wisdom is a gift to us all; if we choose to use it. If one is simple, let him seek understanding, and let the fool become knowledgeable. Listen to the wisdom of the wise, the words from of old. God’s word is wisdom and trustworthy, His words are true, standing the test of time. For those who seek and follow His words they walk upright detesting the wicked, abhorring the perverse. Verses 13-14 {13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.} And in verses 17-21 we find: {17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.}
In chapter 9 we are offered a choice. Choose wisdom or choose folly. They both sound similar BUT.. the outcome is life or death; Choose wisely. 6/03/23
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Post by pastor on Jun 5, 2023 13:29:04 GMT
June 4, 2023 Proverbs 10-12
Today we start the collection of proverbs or wise sayings that cover all aspects of life. We see ones on gossip, and anger, holding on to hate, righteousness, joy and so on. 10:12 “Hate stirs up strive, but love comers all offences,” might have been what Peter was recalling when he wrote “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. “ 1 Peter 4:8. Maybe 10:28 was on Paul’s mind when he wrote “This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. “ Romans 5:5. I could do this again and again, for the wisdom of God does not change, and the way to live has not changed either.
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Post by pastor on Jun 5, 2023 13:47:37 GMT
June 5, 2023 Proverbs 13-15
Again let us look at a few of today’s passages and see how the same message is taught in the New Testament
Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.
Proverbs 13:4 The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied. James 4:1-3 What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. John 7:37 -38 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
Proverbs 15:10 There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What connections can you find?
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 5, 2023 13:59:56 GMT
Day 156 (Proverbs 10-12)
Chapter 10 is a comparison between the righteous and the wicked. It spells out what will happen to each. Verses 24-25 {24 What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted. 25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.} To me it is a matter of the heart and where we place our trust. The wicked know their heart and live in fear of being found out. While the righteous desire to serve God and it shows. And when the storms of life come, and they come for all, the wicked are caught up in it. But the righteous stand on the word of God and are saved. Chapter 11 continues to speak wise words to live by for those who desire the Lord. Verses 1-2 {2 The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.}
When dealing with others we should always deal fairly. And never seek to take advantage of or cheat them in any way for our gain. A Christian’s word should be reliable, honest and true. Throughout the bible when one becomes prideful he will soon fall. Pride and arrogance walk hand in hand. When we think more highly of ourselves we become a boastful braggart and God will remind us of our place. When we allow pride to rule our hearts we are saying that we are equal to or better than God.
Hmm… what was that about not having any other God???
6/4/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 5, 2023 14:29:44 GMT
Day 157 (Proverbs 13-15)
There is so much wisdom for us in the proverbs.
Chapter 13 Starts out with wisdom for us. Verse 1 {A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.} Do you hear God speaking in our ears? Does our heart hold tight to His word? There is much to digest, a feast of knowledge, a treasure to be savored. Proverbs have always been a source of strength for me. Their one or two lines make simple the complex for my mind. I can meditate for days on just one. Some people say that God does not speak to us any longer. I say His word is always before us we just need to listen. Proverbs for me touch on every situation I have faced in my life. Chapter 15 1-2 {1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.}
This is something I had to deal with when I was younger. I was one who was quick to anger. And in my anger I was quick to spew out vile words of hatred. And prove myself a fool.
In verse 33 we learn understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
6/05/23
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Post by pastor on Jun 6, 2023 14:20:08 GMT
June 6, 2023 Proverbs 16-18
So much wisdom in these words, I encourage you to pick a proverb and memorize it each week, they will guide you well.
In chapter 16 verses 2,9,35,& 33 all remind us that God is in charge, we can plan what we want but it is God ultimately who determines our steps. How true this is, God does not look at our plans so much as He looks at our hearts. Verse 20 is one that I would memorize also.
In chapter 17 we see great guidance for relationships verses 1, 6, 9,13,17, guide us in our relationships. Verse 3 teaches us that God does test our hearts to find out whether we are true to Him or not. I love verse 12 it is a great one to keep in mind when you come across a person who wants to argue all the time. Verse 28 is one to meditate upon.
Chapter 18 verses 1-2 are words we all need to hear and apply to our own lives. Verse 8 is another, it tells us why we get so caught up in gossip. Verse 11 should make us consider our own dependence on our wealth, or bank accounts, 401, and other financial accounts. Verse 19 is another verse that we should think about in our relationships with others, especially with our family in God. Verse 24 is comfort to us all for Jesus is that friend.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 6, 2023 19:54:21 GMT
Day 158 (Proverbs 16-18)
As I read Proverbs and Psalms I feel that my mind is overloaded with new insight with each verse. Each verse brings a new thought: a feast to be savored and cherished. It seems that each chapter offers wisdom in how to deal with life and relationships. What to do and not to do is spelled out for us to see.
6/06/23
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 7, 2023 19:06:12 GMT
Day 159 (Proverbs 19-21)
Proverbs 20:3 {It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.}
We all say we want to live in peace, but do we work to this end? Which do we truly desire, peace or to be proclaimed right? When I was younger I would argue over anything. Then I figured out that if I let them be wrong I would have more peace. My mother once said, “people have the right to be wrong, let them.” Verse 19 {A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.} Gossip tears apart relationships. What is whispered to one person makes them wonder what is being said about them. Too often people think “it’s not gossip if it’s true.” Wrong! Anything said that hurts the opinion of another to someone, is gossip. If it does not build up, then it tears down. A wise person once told me, “if you can’t speak well of someone, then keep your lips closed.”
Chapter 21:23 {Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.} It is hard to be proven a fool if your lips remain closed. When we only speak the truth we guard our mouths; speaking only of what we know to be true of God’s word.
6/07/23
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Post by pastor on Jun 8, 2023 14:58:06 GMT
June 7, 2023 Proverbs 19-21
Though I posted this yesterday. I guess I forgot so here is yesterdays
Integrity is vital to our lives; Proverbs 19 starts out with that statement. Is integrity something you strive for, and pray for? Why is Bible study important because zeal without knowledge is not good. Verse 17 reminds us that when we care for the poor, we are making a payment to the Lord and God will reward us. What are you doing to care for the needy today?
Chapter 20 Verse 3 should be a guideline put up in all our houses especially if you are a leader in the church. Verse 18 reminds us we all need guidance especially in our war with Satan. Verse 22 and verse 27 focuses our hearts on the Lord it is He how protects us and it is He that knows our every thought.
Chapter 21 Verse 2 again makes us stop and look at our motives for that is what God sees. Verse 30 was a great verse to me. Nothing can prevail against the Lord, for the Lord is overall.
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Post by pastor on Jun 8, 2023 15:12:37 GMT
June 8, 2023 Proverbs 22-24
Again we continue with wisdom, verse 2 don’t look up to the rich and famous God made you just like He made them. Verse 6 is the famous passage to remind us of the importance of raising our children from the beginning to serve God.
Chapter 23 verses 4-5 Even though Proverbs over and over praises work and being diligent in your work, he also reminds us that striving for wealth ultimately is worthless. He continues this in verse 17 when he reminds us not to allow our hearts to envy sinners, for the sinner has no future. So what should we do verse 23 tells us to buy and do not sell wisdom. Do all you can to be filled with God’s wisdom, and fear of the Lord and you will have a future.
Chapter 24 Verse 3 A house is built by wisdom, established by understanding; no wonder so many homes are falling apart. Verse 5 teaches us that it is better to be wise than to be strong. And Verse 10 is one that should be on our hearts, we limit our strength when we do nothing in hard situations. Verses 11-12 remind us that we are to care for others and do everything rescue the lost and God who knows our hearts will hold us accountable for that. Verse 16 is a great reminder to the strength that God gives us, even if we get knocked down we will not stay down for God will lift us up again.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 8, 2023 16:47:22 GMT
Day 160 (Proverbs 22-24) Chapter 22:1 {A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.} This is a verse that my mother tried very hard to impress on me. She would say the better thing you can pass on to your children is your good name. Houses will crumble, cars will rust away and money will never last; but a good name can not be taken away. Verse 6 {Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.} This is another verse that speaks to the heart. Train your children well, for they will need it when the winds of life grow cold. Chapter 23:4-5 {Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. 5 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.}
To me this is saying don’t tire yourself out working for what will pass away. Jobs come and go at the whim of the owner. Rather spend your time seeking God and serving Him. Chapter 24 reminds us to build our lives and homes on God’s word and submit to His will.
6/8/23
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Post by pastor on Jun 9, 2023 14:29:33 GMT
June 9, 2023 Proverbs 25-27
Some great reading today, my favorite is “As iron sharpens iron so on man sharpens another”(27:17) so I am sharpened by my Christian brothers.
Today let us look at what others say about some of the verses. Chapter 25 Verse 6-7 is exactly what Jesus taught see Luke 14:7-11 Verses 8-10 Martin Luther writes; “Let this be your rule, then, that you should not be quick to spread slander and gossip about your neighbors but admonish them privately so that they may improve. Likewise, do the same when others tell you what this or that person has done. Instruct them, if they saw the wrongdoing, to go and reprove the individual personally or otherwise to hold their tongue” Martin Luther The Large Catechism Verse 21 is found in Romans 12:20 Chapter 26 Verse 11 is found in 2 Peter 2:22 Chapter 27 Verse 1 is found in James 4:13-17
Take time and look up these verses, you have heard them before and meditate on the fact that God’s wisdom is timeless. In our world today that is a treasure indeed.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 9, 2023 16:53:47 GMT
Day 161 (Proverbs 25-27) Chapter 25:6-7 {6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.} To me this is saying, not to think more highly of yourself but walk humbly. Then if you are called to be recognized it is a higher honor. Verse 14 {Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.} Have you ever seen someone who has to “out-do” everyone? They are the ones who have seen everything, done everything or have had it done to them. When in fact they are just braggarts seeking attention.
Chapter 26: 7 {7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.} What good is a proverb in the mouth of a fool? Though he may think he is speaking wisdom, his heart has twisted the words to fit his desires and is unless to the one who hears it.
Chapter 27:12 {12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.}
The wise and prudent see the danger in our world today and take refuge in God’s word. But the foolish join in the ways of the world and will pay the penalty.
6/9/23
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Post by pastor on Jun 10, 2023 3:58:37 GMT
June 10.2023 Proverbs 28-31
As we finish the book of Proverbs I pray that you have reflected on some of the verses each day. The book of Proverbs is like a flood, there is no way to get all the wisdom it holds by just reading it, you have to meditate on it, chew on it awhile to get the blessings it brings. These last few chapters contain great wisdom. Lets look at just a few
Chapter 28 (verse 1) How true it is the guilty are always looking over their shoulder to see if they have been caught. How freeing and emboldening it is to confess our sins, and live righteously. We have nothing to be afraid of. Verse 6 there are a number of passages in these chapters that talk about integrity. I love what Eric Liddle did (if you don’t know him look up his whole life story) He committed to 4 absolutes (1) absolute honesty, (2) absolute purity, (3) absolute generosity, and (4) absolute love. To strive for these is to live a life of integrity. Verse 9 reminds us that our prayers mean nothing if we are not committed to God’s Word Verse 13 adds to that reminding us that if we conceal our sins we will be under God’s judgement, but in confession there is mercy.
Chapter 29 Verse 18 is translated like this in the King James version “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. “ Many times I have heard people quote the first part of the verse without the 2nd. It is only in keeping of the Word (the divine revelation) that we will be happy.
Chapter 30 Verses 7-9 This is a prayer we should all pray. In our materialistic world, we should pray we do not have so much we forget who gave it to us.
To me verses 11-14 describe this current generation
Chapter 31
Men if you have a good wife praise her – she deserves it.
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Post by Poet Maybe on Jun 11, 2023 19:03:59 GMT
Day 162 (Proverbs 28-31)
Chapter 28:26 {26 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.} Even fools are right in their own eyes, but the wise learn to listen. Chapter 29:26 {26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.} Many people wish to have the rulers agree with them, but it is the Lord who has the last say. Chapter 30:32-33 {32 “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! 33 For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”}
Chapter 31:10-11 {10 ]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.} Of this I can attest, for I have found such a treasure. I am blessed by our God above all men to have such a wife. My name is honored on her lips. I give thanks for her every day.
Verse 29 {“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”}
6/10/23
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