Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. v8-9

Dustin cannot articulate for himself as perhaps others kids can and perhaps he might always be limited to do....I don't know.  I do know that God blessed me with his life and He placed him in my care so that I can bring glory to Him.  God has a plan for me and for Dustin.  

Help me be the man You intend for me and help me be the man that Dustin needs for him to be the man God intends for him.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

 

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? Proverbs 20:24

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I You have directed my steps through dark valleys to the highest peaks.  You have blessed me and You keep watch over me.  I know that apart from You I can do nothing.  Thank You for keeping watch over me and for blessing me...far beyond what I deserve.  I am not worth such efforts as I continue to lack patience and I am lazy - I know I am not the man You intend for me and there is work to do.  Please forgive me and help me 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 strength and wisdom.  Help me and Lisa be the parents You intend for Zach and Dustin.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

Proverbs 30

The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. v17

Of course, such scripture applies to me and my mom and dad just as it applies to Zach and Dustin and how they treat myself and Lisa.

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 (see also Deuteronomy 5:16)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth".  Ephesians 6:1-3

I know I have not always honored my mother and father, including recently - I deserve death because that is the wage of sin (Romans 6:23).  Instead, I have a Heavenly Father who is rich in mercy and abounding in love, who chose me before I chose Him:


But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are my Savior - rich in mercy and abounding in love.  You are so patient with me...thank You Jesus for Your mercies and patience.  I am not worth such efforts.  I know I deserve death but instead You took my place at the cross.  Please forgive me for not honoring my mother and father and help me 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 myself and Lisa strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Proverbs 30

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. v7-9

These are great requests of God:
1. Protection from Satan
2. Physical, emotional, and spiritual provision


Similar to the story of Gideon, God wants it to be clear that He alone provides.

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ Judges 7:2

Jesus makes this clear also:

“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

I should not worry as God provides - for all things at all times (See also Colossians 1:16-17)

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who DOES provide for all things all of the time.  I know this because I have never been in want.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings because I worry - please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me trust in You and You alone.  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 strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help me point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Proverbs 30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. v5-6

In my view, is important to understand both what God is saying in an absolute sense (head) and what God is saying to you individually (heart).  The other factor is that understanding comes from God alone - we must all recognize this.  

In terms of head vs heart, you want to have both because you don't want to just understand the Bible as words on a page but as the divine word of God - see also John 1:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Of course You also want to understand what God is saying to you, into the circumstances of Your life so that You can understand and obey God's will for your life. See also Romans 12:2.

God's Word is indeed flawless:
- Psalm 12 
- Psalm 119 
- Luke 1:37 

We must take the time to study what God is saying and what God is saying to us.  We must also not twist God's words to our own benefit.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed God and You are flawless as is Your Word.  Your Word and Your Son are a tremendous blessing and gift - the greatest gift of all time.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift and blessing.  I am broken and my sin continues - I am harsh and critical of others and not often full of grace.  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.  Help me love others as You do and help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me point Zach and Dustin to You and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Proverbs 23

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. v23

Pride is defined as excessive self-esteem, or too much trust in self, a topic I posted about last week.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reinforces today's scripture:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Key is that we exist to glorify Jesus and for Jesus to be glorified we must deny ourselves, allowing Jesus to become greater than ourselves.

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

I must get out of the way.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that You are God and that You are my God.  You are also a great God and the one and only true God.  You bless me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am harsh with my words and thoughts.  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.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me get out of the way and let Your light shine through me. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

Proverbs 29

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. v15

Discipline often conveys a harshness that it should not.  A dictionary definition includes the following: 

1:  punishment 

2 obsolete:  instruction

3:  a field of study 

4:  training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character

5a:  control gained by enforcing obedience or order; b :  orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior; c :  self-control 

6:  a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity

This same definition also provides the following: 

Discipline comes from discipulus, the Latin word for pupil, which also provided the source of the word disciple (albeit by way of a Late Latin sense-shift to “a follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime”). Given that several meanings of discipline deal with study, governing one’s behavior, and instruction, one might assume that the word’s first meaning in English had to do with education. In fact, the earliest known use of discipline appears to be punishment-related; it first was used in the 13th century to refer to chastisement of a religious nature, such as self-flagellation.

Given the Latin roots of the word "discipline", and given the Latin roots (Greek) of the Bible, in my view, the author (Solomon) intended that discipline be a positive thing regardless of whether used in the context of punishment or instruction/training because punishment is meant to instruct and train (assuming it is not harsh). 

All of this aside - we should be looking for ways to train our children.  For the key is to have a relationship that enables such training.

Pastor Scott at our church uses Ephesians 6:4 as support for this point:

Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You have molded me into more of who You are and I am thankful for how You have transformed my heart and my life.  You have made me more patient (although not as patient as You want me to be I am sure), more compassionate, etc. I know You are not done with me but I am thankful for YOUR patience with me!  Please forgive me for my harshness with others.  I don't like it when I am. Help me turn from such sin towards You and help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them 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.

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. v11

God wants me to be the "light of the world", so I must demonstrate patience, kindness, peace, etc. (fruits of the spirit).

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

If I am and demonstrate Jesus to others (see Romans 12:1) one would see the fruits of the Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God whose love knows no bounds and who is quick to listen and slow to anger.  I am thankful for such a God because I am broken and I know I often fail to be the man You intend for me - yet You love me all the same.  Thank You Jesus.  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 and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve You, my family, the church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Proverbs 29

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. v7

Today was Missions Sunday at church. God commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28), and to care for the poor both through service and giving.

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. ⁸ Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Deuteronomy 15:7-8

My Prayer: Lord, You provide generously for all things - not just physical needs but emotional needs, spiritual needs, etc.  You encourage and You heal.  You are a great God and apart from You I can do nothing.  Thank You Jesus for how You bless beyond what I deserve. I am lazy and I often fail to serve You when I have ample opportunity to do so.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others - especially the poor - as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family, You, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 28

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. v26

I am confident of many things and often my confidence rests in myself and this leads to arrogance and hubris. Yet our confidence must rest in God alone for without Him we can do nothing:

“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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love, compassion, mercies, etc. for me.  I recognize this morning that apart from You I can do nothing.  You created me and You call me to live for You and others.  Yet I often don't.  Thank You for how You bless me beyond what I deserve but I need Your mercies. Please forgive me for falling short of Your desire for me - I am lazy, impatient, arrogant, and worried about the world.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Give myself and Lisa wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family, You, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. v13

We must all recognize that we are broken and born to sin and that we need a Savior.

[We] all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God[.] Romans 3:23

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Mercy is found in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who came to earth so that we could be set free from the sting of sin and death.  He was nailed to the cross and through His death, our sin was also permanently nailed to the cross.  Freedom indeed!  

Who is a God like you,

who pardons sin and forgives the transgression

of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18

We must confess our sins to not just Jesus but to our brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we share our lives in fellowship and with non-believers who through our story can see Jesus at work in us. See Acts 2:42-47, James 5:16, Matthew 5:14-16.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who has done miracles in my life and in the lives of those around me.  I have seen Your works with my own eyes!  You are God and my God.  Thank You for adopting me as Your Son! I am not worth such love.  I am broken.  I am lazy and selfish, among my many sin.  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 myself and Lisa strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family, You, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

Proverbs 27

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. v9

This morning the key theme, is to seek wisdom from God alone.  In my view, inability to be "coachable" is either a sign that you lack confidence or that you are arrogant. I see it in my own son how he demonstrates a willingness to learn but often lacks the confidence that he will be able to.  Alternatively, I see in other people (and in myself from time to time) arrogance - which is resistance to instruction and wisdom when we feel we don't need it.  Of course, hogwash on this last item as we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  

God gives us confidence because we KNOW he loves us despite who we are.  He will meet us exactly where we are...in love.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God also wants us to be humble - we all must acknowledge our need for God and not be proud.

My Prayer; Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me exactly where I am - broken and all.  Thank You Jesus for being my firm foundation who never leaves me nor forsakes me and who never changes.  You will always love me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God.  I am impatient with others and harsh with my thoughts and actions.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my 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 me strength and wisdom.  Give Lisa strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. v 19

We are called to examine our hearts because that is where our true desires live and are known (see also Matthew 6:19-21). 

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind[.] Psalm 26:2

We should desire to live a life modeled after Jesus Christ (see Romans 12:1) and as we strive to do this, we should examine our hearts and lives, and we should ask others to do the same for us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have transformed my heart and life to be more like You....and You continue to do so.  Thank You Jesus for helping refine my thoughts and ways.  You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I am weak and selfish and need You - constantly.  Please forgive me for my lack of patience in others.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead and 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 me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.

Proverbs 27

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. v20

Peter also warns us that Satan is always there, on the prowl, looking for us to fall for temptation and for us to sin and be separated from God.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

We must equip ourselves with scripture and surround ourselves with the "armor" that only God can provide.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I know that protect me from sin - You have protected me and I desperately need You to continue to protect me.  I am surrounded by sin and temptation.  Only You can protect me.  Thank You Jesus for how You have protected me.  Forgive me for those times when I have fallen prey to Satan and His forces.  I love You and I need You.  Help me turn from my sin and 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 me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.


 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. v17

I too often associate this verse with manhood, in particular with Iron Academy, where Zach goes to school. I've done biblical manhood studies via Robert Lewis' work Authentic Manhood, and with Pat Morley's Man in the Mirror organization, yet what I too often fail to focus on is how it is important for believers to be in fellowship with each other.  See Acts 2:42-47 as an example.  Share lives with others, encourage, pray with and for each other, serve, etc.

Jesus - help me be in relationship most importantly with You but then with other believers - I desire to be sharpened to serve You as You intend.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are...You have placed men and others in my life that have sharpened me and helped me grow closer to You and live a life more of how You intend it.  Thank You Jesus!  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.  I am weak and lazy.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  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.  Help me form and grow relationships where I can be sharpened and I can sharpen others.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Thank You for a positive appointment Lisa had yesterday!  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 27

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. v1

We all have dreams and goals for what we'd like to accomplish yet it is important to focus on them to the point of idolatry.  We exist to glorify God, so our core focus is to ensure that have a daily relationship with Jesus so that we can understand HIS will for our lives (see also Romans 12:2).


We must also live life with an eternal focus. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, my Teacher, My Counselor, My Healer, You are my everything and without You I can do no good thing.  Thank You for how You have blessed me abundantly.  I am not worth such blessing.  Please forgive me for my harshness and lack of patience for others.  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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs 25

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. v15

God wants us to be slow to anger and quick to listen, and to use our words wisely - to encourage others and not to tear others down.

People are to see and experience Jesus in us (and Jesus was rarely overtly angry) - and we are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who IS quick to listen, slow to anger, and abounding in love...how awesome are You! Thank You Jesus for the patience You demonstrate to me.  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I am too often harsh and impatient with others.  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 me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Proverbs 24

Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. v19-20

I often look at the world has to offer and I long for and desire what others have - a better job than me, more money, etc.   Yet when I do this, I fail to recognize how God HAS blessed me and that I have a God who loves me more than I can ever comprehend and recognize.

Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13

This morning when I feel stressed about work, this verse provides a measure of comfort:

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

 

God is great and He will never leave or forsake me.

 

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5”

 

Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God that has blessed me beyond what I deserve and You will never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus as I am not worth such love and blessings!  I need You desperately to cleanse me of my sins - for my lack of being content and for my envy of others.  Please forgive me!  Help me overcome my sin and turn 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

Proverbs 24

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? v11-12

There are those in my life who I know are being led away towards death...those who are staggering towards slaughter.  Yet I not only know this is going on, I have done little to nothing about it.  Shame!

God wants me to be a light and to share the light with others.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Read The Great Commission in Matthew 28.

See also Ezekiel 2, and Jude 1.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God worthy of my life as a living sacrifice and my full attention.  There is no God like You and I desperately need You to save me my the sting of sin and death and to direct my steps and my path. Thank You for snatching me from the fire.  Forgive me for not being the man You intend for me.  Help me be that man.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength and 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 Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. v3-4

I have indeed been blessed by God's word and I do feel that is more valuable than silver or gold. 

Proverbs echoes this sentiment.

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. Proverbs 8:10-11

As does 2 Timothy.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God and You are my God!  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve with Your Son, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the Church, etc.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I am harsh with my words and actions and impatient with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family, serve You and serve others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

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. v17-18

Satan is constantly tempting us and we often fall prey to envy of others for what they have, what they may be doing (appearing to have fun, looking cool, status, etc.) and drop our focus on Jesus.  We must have endurance and maintain focus on Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2.

 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

 

We must also be alert.

 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 

 

We must maintain hope - see also Jeremiah 29:11.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me...and You are patient beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and I lack patience for others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that they accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.

Proverbs 23

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death. v13-14

On Weds this week, I posted about parenting and punishment or discipline for children. For myself, I know I must strike a balance and not bee too harsh with my discipline as harsh and highly critical words (which more often than not are unnecessary) often accompany my discipline.  I can and should discipline my kids firmly but without such harsh and highly critical words. I must demonstrate Jesus in ALL that I do as a parent.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are the Great Teacher, full of truth and wisdom and knowledge.  Without You I would be lost and unable to do anything good!  Thank You for how You have led me and blessed me!  Thank You also for how Your discipline has molded me and helped me be more of the man You intend for me.  I am not worth such love.  I am too quick to anger and have too often been harsh with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and 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 Zach and Dustin to You and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. 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. v4-5

Proverbs 23

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. 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. v4-5

Last night I had a very similar conversation with Zach - that we often focus more on the here and now, including our own comfort and desires vs those of God. 

We must remember that we exist to glorify God, and that we are citizens of heaven.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You loved me before I loved You, and You showed me love so that I could be love to others and bring others to You.  Thank You for being my God.  I hope that I am pleasing to You in some way.  I know I can be more of the man You intend for me.  I fall down and sin.  Please forgive me as I often focus too much on myself.  Help me overcome my sin and turn 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of chemo. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and that they choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family and serve You. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

Proverbs 22

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. v15

Tuesday, I posted about fatherhood and parenting and once again this is our topic today.  As a parent we are train our children, most importantly in the ways of the Lord.  Part of this training includes discipline:

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24

 

Discipline is something that all of us must experience, even as adults.  God continues to mold us and we experience discipline, hardship, punishment, etc. as part of God's refining process.

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion, patience, etc. for me - Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not worthy of such love.  I am broken and I continue to sin.  Please forgive me for my lack of patience for others.  Help me overcome my 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You alone as their Lord and Savior.  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 generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Proverbs 22

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. v9

The Bible contains many promises and all of them are true (Luke 1:37, Psalm 12).  However God blesses us (time, treasure, talents, etc.) - it is all because of God (James 1:17) and we are to use these blessings for His glory (Parable of the Talents).

Here God promises to bless us if we are generous.  We are certainly called to be generous as well as cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

We must also be mindful that we don't know HOW God will bless us, only that He WILL bless us (Isaiah 55:8).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You are SO full of grace, patience, compassion, forgiveness, etc.  You bless me well beyond what I deserve!  Thank You Jesus for the many blessings - I am not worthy of such efforts as I continue to sin.  Please forgive me for my neglect of my relationship with You and my unfaithfulness.  Help me 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family and serve You Jesus.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. v6

I am blessed to have two sons both of whom I love very much.  It is my desire to have both of them choose Jesus as their Lord and savior.  My role is to be the earthly father that God intends for me...to teach them about Jesus and to demonstrate Jesus' love, mercies, and grace.

Demonstrating Jesus means that He must be visible in our lives...throughout our daily lives:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (see also Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

Parents, specifically fathers, as spiritual heads of the household must avoid "exasperating" our children - as in their hearts desire to learn about a God whose love is higher and wider than we will ever know (Ephesians 3).

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love, mercies, grace, and so much more.  You suffered and died for me, knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I am broken and I continue to sin.  Please forgive me for my neglect of my relationship with You.  Help me 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.