(Proverbs 31:23 KJV) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
This is a verse I like. While the wife is building the family wealth, the husband gets to sit in a place of honor and look wise. I am pretty good at both of those. The word that we miss is the “when.”
There are certain assumptions here. You don’t sit in the gates all the time. That is reserved for the times of judgement or meeting. When you go to the meeting you take a reputation with you. When you get there you are already “known” (3045) [yada].
This knowing is a strong word. It means that you have already been involved in the community to the point where people know your character and value. This is not the respect of office. It is not because you are a man or husband. You are looked up to because you have lived in such a way that people know your value.
This does not happen in a day.
So? What are you waiting for? Get to living a life of integrity, honor and righteousness. There is not time to start like today. Tomorrow will be too late.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Getting Antsy
(Proverbs 30:25 KJV) The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
As I write, we are coming to the end of a year. Solomon seems to be telling us to look to creation for ideas in how we can make next year better.
Most of us do not look favorably on ants. They invade our kitchens. They mess up our picnics. We think of food scraps and disease. But there is another side that is referred to here and in the fable of the grasshopper and the ant. Ants remind us to “prepare” (3559).
Preparation has many facets. Planning is one. Gathering is another. Delayed gratification is often overlooked. As believers we should also be setting aside time to prepare our hearts and souls for a year of service.
So? Find time to prepare. A list of resolutions probably won’t do much for you, but some serious prayer and scheduling might make the year more rewarding for you and for the plans God has for you.
As I write, we are coming to the end of a year. Solomon seems to be telling us to look to creation for ideas in how we can make next year better.
Most of us do not look favorably on ants. They invade our kitchens. They mess up our picnics. We think of food scraps and disease. But there is another side that is referred to here and in the fable of the grasshopper and the ant. Ants remind us to “prepare” (3559).
Preparation has many facets. Planning is one. Gathering is another. Delayed gratification is often overlooked. As believers we should also be setting aside time to prepare our hearts and souls for a year of service.
So? Find time to prepare. A list of resolutions probably won’t do much for you, but some serious prayer and scheduling might make the year more rewarding for you and for the plans God has for you.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Keep the Focus
(Proverbs 29:26 KJV) Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
Two months ago I responded to this by suggesting we get involved and not forget our priorities. The election is over at this point. The priority stays the same.
We have a real problem in listening to the “company line” and accepting it as having some value. The warning for us here is that our marching orders as followers of Jesus do not come from the government or the celebrities but from God Himself. If there is a common message then it is a rare coincidence and probably a mistake on the part of our popular gurus.
Too often we take concepts like “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941) and accept the popular definition. We don’t honestly seek out what God is saying and apply it as truth. We take the easy way out. We conform. Life will never be that easy. Truth will never be popular. Sin rules in the hearts of most people and most organizations. Accept it. Deal with it.
So? Focus on the right and truth. Don’t fall for the company line, right or left. We are still expected to be salt and light.
Two months ago I responded to this by suggesting we get involved and not forget our priorities. The election is over at this point. The priority stays the same.
We have a real problem in listening to the “company line” and accepting it as having some value. The warning for us here is that our marching orders as followers of Jesus do not come from the government or the celebrities but from God Himself. If there is a common message then it is a rare coincidence and probably a mistake on the part of our popular gurus.
Too often we take concepts like “judgement” (justice NASB) (4941) and accept the popular definition. We don’t honestly seek out what God is saying and apply it as truth. We take the easy way out. We conform. Life will never be that easy. Truth will never be popular. Sin rules in the hearts of most people and most organizations. Accept it. Deal with it.
So? Focus on the right and truth. Don’t fall for the company line, right or left. We are still expected to be salt and light.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Heart Problems?
(Proverbs 28:26 KJV) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
How is your “heart” (3820) today? How are your inner convictions? How are your priorities? God knows and is keenly aware. How about you?
I see people everywhere that are obviously ignoring the condition of their physical heart. We joke about the double bacon cheese burger with heavy mayo and a jumbo side of fries. We still order it. We breathe heavy going up a few stairs and have another donut. In our heart we know about our heart.
I see people everywhere that are obviously ignoring the condition of their spiritual heart. We gripe about the materialism of Christmas and go shopping. We complain about the loud music at church and don’t sing the “good” songs when they are presented. We complain about the condition of our society and don’t read the Instruction Manual that God has given us.
So? How is your heart today? God knows. You know. Think about it.
How is your “heart” (3820) today? How are your inner convictions? How are your priorities? God knows and is keenly aware. How about you?
I see people everywhere that are obviously ignoring the condition of their physical heart. We joke about the double bacon cheese burger with heavy mayo and a jumbo side of fries. We still order it. We breathe heavy going up a few stairs and have another donut. In our heart we know about our heart.
I see people everywhere that are obviously ignoring the condition of their spiritual heart. We gripe about the materialism of Christmas and go shopping. We complain about the loud music at church and don’t sing the “good” songs when they are presented. We complain about the condition of our society and don’t read the Instruction Manual that God has given us.
So? How is your heart today? God knows. You know. Think about it.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
The Ugly Head
(Proverbs 27:4 KJV) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
What is the problem with “envy” (jealousy NASB) (7068)? This is a frequent concern in the Bible. The two most frequent translations in both the KJV and NASB are “jealousy” and “zeal.” The word carries the idea of extreme enthusiasm that goes beyond the bounds of reason and rationality. When it is used of the things of God, it is a good trait. In most other uses it is a sin.
I think it is worse because envy can take time to plan. It may start off spontaneously, but it tends to fester. Slights become magnified. Wrongs are amplified. This is another example of why it is so important for us to turn the other cheek and forgive.
So? Don’t let self-passion get a hold on you today. Someone will cross you. You may be right. They may be wrong. Don’t allow emotional response to take you from being right to being in sin.
What is the problem with “envy” (jealousy NASB) (7068)? This is a frequent concern in the Bible. The two most frequent translations in both the KJV and NASB are “jealousy” and “zeal.” The word carries the idea of extreme enthusiasm that goes beyond the bounds of reason and rationality. When it is used of the things of God, it is a good trait. In most other uses it is a sin.
I think it is worse because envy can take time to plan. It may start off spontaneously, but it tends to fester. Slights become magnified. Wrongs are amplified. This is another example of why it is so important for us to turn the other cheek and forgive.
So? Don’t let self-passion get a hold on you today. Someone will cross you. You may be right. They may be wrong. Don’t allow emotional response to take you from being right to being in sin.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Deceptive Advertizing
(Proverbs 26:18 KJV) As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
This verse is a preparation for the next verse which talks about deceivers. This verse is stressing the destructive quality of deception. The ultimate danger is “death” (4194).
The picture I see is a one man army laying siege to a metaphorical castle. “Firebrands” (2131) burn the structures and possessions. “Arrows” (2671) attack the body. It is not a pretty picture.
We are surrounded by deception. Think of the political promises that have been made. Think of the advertisements you are subject to that encourage you to buy things you don’t need and can’t afford or borrow money you don’t need.
So? We don’t need to be a part of the problem. We can be a part of the solution by being examples of honesty and integrity. Be one who brings life, not death.
This verse is a preparation for the next verse which talks about deceivers. This verse is stressing the destructive quality of deception. The ultimate danger is “death” (4194).
The picture I see is a one man army laying siege to a metaphorical castle. “Firebrands” (2131) burn the structures and possessions. “Arrows” (2671) attack the body. It is not a pretty picture.
We are surrounded by deception. Think of the political promises that have been made. Think of the advertisements you are subject to that encourage you to buy things you don’t need and can’t afford or borrow money you don’t need.
So? We don’t need to be a part of the problem. We can be a part of the solution by being examples of honesty and integrity. Be one who brings life, not death.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
A Gift of Worship
PRO 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
If you are part of the church that traces its roots through Rome or the Protestant Reformation I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. If you are part of the Orthodox world, just bear with us people who have it wrong.
We are not celebrating a “false” (8267) “gift” (4991), or, as the NASB puts it “gifts falsely.” The key to Advent, Christmas and Epiphany is not in the date or rituals built around them. The key is in the truth.
That is why for believers the materialism and party atmosphere should not distract us from being reminded that this date has been set to remember that the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
So? Gather. Fellowship. Give and receive. But don’t forget to worship.
Merry Christmas.
If you are part of the church that traces its roots through Rome or the Protestant Reformation I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. If you are part of the Orthodox world, just bear with us people who have it wrong.
We are not celebrating a “false” (8267) “gift” (4991), or, as the NASB puts it “gifts falsely.” The key to Advent, Christmas and Epiphany is not in the date or rituals built around them. The key is in the truth.
That is why for believers the materialism and party atmosphere should not distract us from being reminded that this date has been set to remember that the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
So? Gather. Fellowship. Give and receive. But don’t forget to worship.
Merry Christmas.
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