Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

Proverbs 8

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs 8:34

Today, I resumed my study of Proverbs, looking closely at chapter 8. The first five questions of my study focus on how God makes wisdom easy to access, understand, and follow - as long as we seek wisdom.  The questions also focus on how wisdom instills a hatred of evil and on how it provides practical benefits in our day-to-day lives. Yet core to obtaining wisdom is found in a desire to seek it and to value it.  Wisdom, in Proverbs 8 (per my study) is described as an attribute of God's character.  We must go to God daily, watching at His gates and waiting beside His doors. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are more valuable than silver and gold and worthy of my life as a living sacrifice - I know I exist to glorify You and You are worthy.  You are the Creator and my personal Lord and Savior.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors,

Proverbs 8

Here I am implored to focus on wisdom - God's wisdom - the one and only Truth from which all other wisdom flows.  I am also told to

- listen and watch daily for this wisdom
- "find [this wisdom]" or else "hard [your]self"

³² “Now then, my children, listen to me;
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life
    and receive favor from the Lord.
³⁶ But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
    all who hate me love death.” 

I've been told that I need to read my Bible daily but I can't recall the Bible expressly saying this...here it is.

My Prayer: Lord, Your Word and Wisdom is amazing....it is life giving and I have felt this life spirit run through me like blood, powering transformation of both my life and my heart to be more like You.  Yet I know there is MUCH more refinement for me Lord because I continue to sin.  Yesterday I was full of anger, impatience, and pride.  Thank You Lord Jesus for Your Word of course but thank You also that You forgive me for past sin and love me anyway.  Please forgive me for my sin yesterday, and help me come find You daily.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. v19

As a believer, a core spiritual discipline is study of God's Word so that we can understand what it says in an absolute sense (head understanding) and also what God is saying to us individually (heart understanding).  I have for a long time not understood the full extent of the requirements to develop and have a personal relationship with Jesus.  The Bible (God himself - see John 1) is explicit that we love the Lord with all of heart, soul, mind and strength (Exodus 20, Matthew 22).  To express this we should delight in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1) and to develop a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5).  In my view, the Bible is not explicit that we are to daily study God's word but it is implied through various scriptures. 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 12:12-13

Core to answering this question is of course our heart condition - if we truly love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, then we should seek Him as much as possible - daily, but likely more often than this.

My Prayer: Lord, You ARE our daily bread, I depend on You and apart from You I can do no good thing.  I desperately need You in my life.  I know You are with me until the end of the age.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of Your love.  I am broken - I am selfish, lazy, I am impatient, and I worry too often.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 8

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. v34-35

I've previously discussed v34 as a call to seek God daily through study of His Word and through prayer.  V35 is a promise that is often repeated in scripture with one example being: 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 

Other aspects of this chapter include the value of God's Word:

All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. v8

To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge. v9

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. v10-11

My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. v19

As I sit here, in my own life, I can with 100% certainty attest to the truth of  Proverbs 8.  Yet even as I speak, I know from time to time I don't act with this certainty.  Jesus, please help me grow in my faith, desire for You, and desire to please You.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me - this I know.  I know You are always with me and You have given me life to the full...and so much more!  Thank You Jesus.  Indeed my cup overflows. I am not worth such rich blessings and love.  I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3

Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” v10

I need to be listening to God - He is always talking to me through His Word, through others, and through my circumstances.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3 

 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

 

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Psalm 119:147-148

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has done amazing things in the world, for others, and for me - I have seen Your work many times.  I would be lost without You for You are daily guiding me and steadying my feet.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 14

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. v31

No doubt, an important verse from this chapter is verse 13-14 when Moses responded to the Israelites' fear of being recaptured or killed by the Egyptians who had pursued them into the desert:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” v13-14

Yet what is important as well is how the Israelites recognize what God has done.  What is unfortunate about the Israelites is how short their memory was - they recognized being spared from all of the plagues brought by God upon Pharaoh and Egypt, yet failed to live a life of gratitude and in awe of God.

We need to be in awe of God DAILY.  

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

 

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

My Prayer: Jesus - You are an awesome God who has done mighty things in my life and in the world - far too many for me to mention - incredible and I stand in awe of You.  I am grateful that You are my God and I am Your child.  I love You.  I am not worth the love You have for me.  I continue to be harsh with my words and I am selfish.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Psalm 119

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. v125

I know that " [e]very good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17), including faith, and wisdom.  Yet we cannot access this wisdom without taking the time to read/study God's Word and to be in prayer...and we must do both of these spiritual disciplines daily. 

 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an incredible God You are that give me wisdom in difficult circumstances...every day, all day.  Without You I would be lost - You are truly a "lamp unto my feet" and "apart from You I would have no good thing"!  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth these blessings as I separate myself from You with my sin - worry, stress, distraction, etc.  Please forgive me for these sins and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan[.]

Micah 4

But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan[.] v12

I desire to know God....and to please Him.  That is why we exist.  

[The people] are the shoot I have planted,

the work of my hands,

for the display of my splendor.  Isiah 60: 21

Although we will not know all of the thoughts and plans for God, we should strive to know God's thoughts and plans for us.  God has a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11).  

Paul writes in Romans that we can better understand God's will for our lives by "renewing" our mind;

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Renewing of the mind occurs when we deny ourselves and surrender our lives to Him, seeking Him daily.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

 

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and compassion because I continue in my sin.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 5

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 5:11-14, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the third division "The Remedy: Discerning Power," which looks at Hebrews 5:14. Over the past two days, having looked at "The Diagnosis" and "The Symptom," this morning, I examine what the author outlines what it takes for believers to become spiritually mature. The commentary makes this clear: "[o]nly by faithfully and diligently studying the Scriptures can we rightly train and exercise our spiritual power of discernment....This does not mean Christians eventually reach the point where they no longer need to study Scripture. All Christians, even maturing ones, always need the Bible....When Christians possess discernment and can distinguish between good and evil, they have the capacity for spiritual reasoning. They can see how one doctrine relates to another and can logically apply those doctrines to aid decision making in all areas of the Christian life."  As I look back on my tag cloud and search for exhortations elsewhere that urge us to have daily time with God in study and prayer, two in particular strike me a relevant for this morning.

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:18

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs 8:34

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God in how You speak to me and reveal Yourself to me through Your Word, and how You sanctify me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You do this for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 34

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. v10

God provides - for all of our needs. 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

The implication of both Psalm 34 and Psalm 16 is that WITH God, He provides.  We are to stay near to God, connected to Him.  And we are to do so daily.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

Scripture also says that Jesus is our shepherd and that we would be lost without Him.

 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

My Prayer:  Jesus, You are an amazing God and You have provided all the days of life - abundantly.  My cup overflows.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love because I often chase other Gods or don't fully place my trust in You.  Please forgive me for such sin!  Help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God.

Nehemiah 8

Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God.v8

After the wall was rebuilt, the people assembled and Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God.  As the people worshiped they responded with Amen and there was great joy (v12, v17) "because they now understood the words that had been made known to them".

When we converse with God, reading and studying His Word, and we do so diligently, we will not only find God, we will find what God promises as the Holy Spirit comes upon us - the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

Matthew Henry, in his commentary, states: "[s]pare hours cannot be better spent than in studying the scriptures and conversing with them".

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and You have made Yourself known to me, in many ways, and daily through scripture, where You meet me, speak to me, and provide for my daily bread - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God because I worry, about my job and my family.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.

Psalm 48

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. v14

As I posted Friday, being still allows us to more fully be aware of God's greatness and all of His wonderful attributes. When we are still we are also able to step back and have some perspective...while we may be under attack in our day-to-day life, we can find refuge and stillness in Him and our cares and concerns can be laid at His feet.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

When we are able to take refuge with God daily He promises blessing.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

His blessings are innumerable...including that He is our guide..."even to the end".

My Prayer: Jesus, what an awesome God You are that we can come to You with our burdens, concerns and worries...that You will help us carry them or carry them entirely.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings because my worry persists.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help us make progress with Dustin's potty training!  You are able!  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 97

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. v10

The world is full of sin and wickedness and God calls His children to holiness.  

Be holy, because I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16, Lev. 11:44,45; 19:2

As I posted yesterday, we exist to glorify God - we were made in His image. We must draw near to God, daily, seeking Him.  As we seek God and draw near to Him, we reflect more of His image in us.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

My Prayer: Lord, You indeed are a great God worthy of my praise and worship.  You alone set the moon and the stars in their place and You hold all things together...wonderfully.  You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You love me anyway.  I am weak, impatient, harsh with my words and actions - please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalms 1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. v1-2

Over the past 10 years, I have indeed felt the blessings of God as my desire for God, for His Word, and for a deeper relationship with Him have all grown.  For sure there is more work to do, but I am certain that we can count on God's promises for how he will bless us as we draw close to Him.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

See also post here.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

  
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed faithful - all of Your promises come true and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love or blessings.  I worry and I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiates 12:13

Today, upon my return from a short trip to SC, I seek to commune and listen to God's Word for me - once again, admittedly I am not bringing my first fruits to God but instead seeking Him after a long day.  This is not what God seeks, so from the get-go I seek God's forgiveness to not only give Him my best but give Him my first.  Before I focus on anything else, I should go to God.  Jesus, please help me do that.  Given all of this I still desperately seek God - including right now.  For my focus, I go to Ligonier.org (online ministry of RC Sproul) and one of its daily devotionals that focuses Ecclesiastes 12 with a post entitled Living Life to the Glory of God.  Having recently studied this book, I draw upon my study and how God uses Solomon, the wisest person the world has ever known, someone who had it all - and found all of life's pursuits meaningless apart from a relationship with God.  The devotional immediately shares how all of us exist to bring glory to God - see also Genesis 1:26, Hebrews 12:18-29.  The devotion then shares: "Ecclesiastes is not teaching us the meaninglessness of life. Instead, it is emphasizing the transitory nature, the impermanence, of life in the present order and is calling us to live in light of that reality. We are, in fact, to enjoy the earthly gifts that the Lord has given us, including such things as loving spouses, worthwhile labor, and good food (9:7–11). However, we must do this with reference to God, recognizing that the best things of this life will pass away but that only He endures forever. We go astray when we make the good but temporary things of this life the ultimate things to which we aspire."  In particular we are referred to vv13-14 where it shares that "we are to live ever aware that the Lord is always watching us, and so we ever aim to please Him." Amen!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is SO full of compassion and mercy for us - loving us while still hostile and an enemy to You and interceding for us in Heaven every day!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and the mercies You pour out daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily, like not giving You my first and best.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night....

Psalm 92

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night....v1

God wants us to depend on Him for all of our needs, whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual.  To express our dependence, we must spend time with Him, understand the fullness of His character and attributes, how great He is, and to grow our love for Him.  Only when we love Him, will we depend on Him.  As the author writes here, time in the morning and the evening provide a means for us to start and end our day with Him, so He can guide us and then forgive us when our days are not what we or He intended for us.

 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

My Prayer: Lord, You are a God that provides for all things...I know that apart from You I have no good things.  Thank You for the many good things I experience - far too many blessings than I deserve.  I am often distracted by the matters of this world - please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin and help me turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.

2 Kings 7

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died. v19-20

In 2 Kings 6-7 Elisha performs several miracles, including floating an ax head, producing protection around himself via hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (v17), and blinding the Aramean army.

Yet even with God's power on display not all are convinced that God reigns, is all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, and in control (Colossians 1:16-17).  

Elisha prophecies about the end of a siege and famine:

Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”

The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” 2 Kings 7:1-2

It is not clear whether the officer witnessed all or part of God's power yet it would be hard to imagine, given his position close to the king, that he has not seen God's power at some point.  The MacArthur Bible Commentary refers to this officer as the King's chief adviser.

Ultimately, this officer dies, just as Elisha prophesied.  

The questions become - for those of us who believe, do we doubt God's power?  Do we have faith?

We can only have faith by building our relationship with Him and by drawing near to God.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

See here an interesting commentary on whether faith is a choice or a gift from God.  Regardless of how we achieve faith, we must have it as it drives us closer to Him and His promises for us await.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are - all seeing, all knowing, all powerful - yet You left God's side to die for me so that I may have life...to the full.  Thank You Jesus for the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

Psalm 49

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. v12-13

Wealth and arrogance are dangerous indeed. There have been times in my life when I have trusted in myself primarily and on occasion as well.  God wants all of us...every day, all of the intimate details.  

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

 

For more references on prayer, see here, in particular:

 

May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

 

I DO want God to give me the desire(s) of my heart.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You existed before time began and You will continue to exist after time expires.  You are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.  You know everything about me yet you chose me, came for me, then suffered and died for me, rescuing me from the slavery of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - what an awesome gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry - sometimes greatly.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me with my worry.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin....and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[fn] every secret thing, whether good or evil.

 Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14

The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[fn] every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:11-14

I pause my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:14 - text to be discussed tomorrow morning with my Friday AM study group.  Solomon exhorts us to flee from pursuits of earthly knowledge and wisdom and instead to fear God, and to know, love, and serve Him. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  Vv11:7-10: God is Creator of all and He gives us the natural world to enjoy and the vitality of our youth to experience it with vigor.  Yet our pursuit to enjoy our youth is tempered by the fact that God is watching us, holding us to account, and the implication of v10 is that our youthful pursuits do nothing to fulfill our Godly purpose.  This is made more clear in Vv12:1-8 where Solomon (the author) urges us to "remember also your Creator in the days of your youth."  Ultimately, all of us will be called Home to Heaven in death (and resurrection) or Jesus will return and all of the created world will pass away and only the New Jerusalem will exist.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People pursue many things in life - yet believers are urged to focus on God first and foremost - Vv12:11-14.  For Solomon, he witnessed how many pursued knowledge and wisdom yet few recognized how all knowledge and wisdom is sourced from God - see also 12:11 and Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.  Solomon instead urged everyone to "beware of anything beyond" God - we are called to "[f]ear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."  This is critical because - again - ultimately all of us will be held accountable to God for whether we repented of sin and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and if so, how we used our spiritual gifts for His glory.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid earthly pursuits above God - we should not be making such pursuits an idol. Claim the promise that God will both save and judge us.  We should follow the example of those who fear God as the beginning of wisdom.  Fear, know, love and serve God. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me Your Word as means to know, love, and serve You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You give me Your Word and pour out mercies and blessings daily for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• "With piercing divine insight Jesus saw both the gift and the heart, both the act and the motive behind the act. He knew those who gave only because others were watching, and He knew those who would have given if no one was watching. And then He once again turns the value system of the world on its head."  
• We are exhorted to give sacrificially as we pointed to William Kelly's commentary that shares: 'The test of liberality is not what is given, but what is left.' 
• The commentary then encourages us to study more deeply on what scripture says about God's purpose for money, sharing six purposes: "God wants to grow us spiritually by growing our faith (Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:19). God wants to finance His earthly ministry through us for His glory and our good (Malachi 3:10). God wants to unite Christians who have needs with those who have surplus (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). God wants to reveal clearly His infinite power (Deuteronomy 8:18). God wants to help give direction in our lives (Proverbs 3:5-6). God wants to fulfill His promise to supply our needs (Matt 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19)."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who provides for all of my needs - most importantly my spiritual needs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.