An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Thanksgiving in June

(Proverbs 11:19 KJV)  As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

Look also at the NASB today,
(Proverbs 11:19 NASB)  He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.
This is a verse that is different in the two translations because they are looking at different words in the Hebrew.  Notice that both translations have implied words, those in italics.  Let’s try to look at it without all the extra implied words.  If you leave out the extra words this says “righteousness is life, evil is suicide.”

I don’t think this is just talking about eternal life.  There are many reasons why I feel Jesus is the only way.  Many of them have to do with salvation, forgiveness, eternity.  In addition to that there is today.  Following Jesus, walking in righteousness leads to life now.  We can live in fullness and completeness without the burdens of guilt and broken personalities. 

I am amused when people look at Christians and talk about how we can’t have any fun.  The list of activities holy living keeps us from is really pretty short.  The list of things we can do and enjoy stretch from sky-diving to knitting.  Not only can we enjoy life, but we can remember what we did and feel no shame about what we remember.

Eternal life begins now.

So?  Stop and consider all the blessings you have.  Don’t wait for Thanksgiving Day.  Just as every Sunday celebrates the resurrection, every weekday should be a day of thanks.

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Pumice, anyone who thinks that Christians don't enjoy life doesn't spend much time around them.

As for thankfulness, I believe that scriptures have multiple meanings. Where Jesus told us, "As often as ye do this, do so in rememberance of me," I have always had the feeling that he also meant that EVERY time we eat and drink, do so in his memory. Some folks think that lessens the idea of communion as a ceremony, but I think it adds to it. We refer to "saying grace" as "giving thanks" as well, so I think we do it already.

Pumice said...

Gorges,

I agree on both your points. We often get defensive when we don't need to be.

One of the glories of the Holy Spirit is the He is continually bringing us new understanding to old knowledge.

Happy Pentecost.

Grace and Peace