Scripture:
Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
Ephesians 1: 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Observation:
The Psalmist writes that “the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love…”
I continue to long for a greater fear of the Lord. I never had to fear a parent’s wrath and have not ever been in trouble with the law, so I have not had that innate “fear” that some have.
I seem to know in my head to fear the Lord but it doesn’t always prove to reflect in my daily living. I think the reason I don’t fully reflect this is somehow I have misunderstood Ephesians 1 when Paul says, “4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…”
Application:
It is so easy to live my life routinely and without passion if I just assume it’s all taken care of. I’m adopted. It’s done.
Oh, but that is FAR from the truth. I have been chosen by the Ruler of all things, the King of kings, the Almighty One who has always been God has never not been God, is God right now, and will be forever, the Holy One, the Creator that made me, knows me, and gives me life.
If I choose to see this for what it really is, my life can’t help but be changed. When I pause and reflect on the Lord I have numerous reasons to fear Him put my hope in His unfailing love.
I fear Him, because he is the only one I should fear. I put my hope in Him because He is the only one that has unfailing love.
Prayer:
I ask that You God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of Your mighty strength, which You exerted in Christ when You raised him from the dead and seated him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms. I want to know you more. I thank you for your unfailing love. To You be the glory and power forever. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Heart Exam
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
OBSERVATIONS: I recall hiking around our local Todd Lake in the summer of last year on a beautiful sunny day. The air was still and the water was like glass. From the northern side of the lake, near the large meadow, I could easily see the reflection of Mt. Bachelor in the water, radiant in all its majestic beauty, with snow covering portions of its mountainside. In this verse Solomon used water as an analogy to illustrate how we can see the kind of person we are by simply taking a truthful look into our heart. Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, spoke of a similar thing when he affirmed in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
APPLICATION: The condition of your heart speaks volumes about your character, what kind of person you are. And your heart’s condition can easily be determined by looking at what you place value on. What are the three most important things in your life? Those things that you spend the most money, time, and interest on? Now in what way do these things shape your heart and character? Is God pleased and glorified by these changes in your life? These are good questions to ask ourselves periodically.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take an honest look at my heart’s condition from time to time, and to determine when my interests, values, and passion needs to be realigned to be in harmony with your will. Give me the strength and fortitude to make those changes in my life, for your glory alone.
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.
OBSERVATIONS: I recall hiking around our local Todd Lake in the summer of last year on a beautiful sunny day. The air was still and the water was like glass. From the northern side of the lake, near the large meadow, I could easily see the reflection of Mt. Bachelor in the water, radiant in all its majestic beauty, with snow covering portions of its mountainside. In this verse Solomon used water as an analogy to illustrate how we can see the kind of person we are by simply taking a truthful look into our heart. Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, spoke of a similar thing when he affirmed in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
APPLICATION: The condition of your heart speaks volumes about your character, what kind of person you are. And your heart’s condition can easily be determined by looking at what you place value on. What are the three most important things in your life? Those things that you spend the most money, time, and interest on? Now in what way do these things shape your heart and character? Is God pleased and glorified by these changes in your life? These are good questions to ask ourselves periodically.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take an honest look at my heart’s condition from time to time, and to determine when my interests, values, and passion needs to be realigned to be in harmony with your will. Give me the strength and fortitude to make those changes in my life, for your glory alone.
Monday, June 2nd, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
On Getting Advice
SCRIPTURE:
“For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:6 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
One of the repeating themes of Proverbs is to seek counsel. “A wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:13). “Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Prov. 15:16). “Plans…with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). Once again, in today’s reading, “for victory you need many advisers” (Proverbs 24:6). The Bible says that King Solomon was the wisest person who ever lived. Yet when he wrote Proverbs he said he still needed the input of others. He was basically saying, “Don’t go it alone – always get others’ perspective.” Unfortunately, sometimes in our culture asking for advice is perceived as a sign of weakness or a lack of confidence. In reality, just the opposite is true. It takes strength and confidence to be vulnerable enough to ask. We should never make a major decision without the wisdom and counsel of others. It is foolish not to ask for it.
APPLICATION:
God wants me to look to others for counsel and direction. The fact is, I don’t have it all put together! I have blind spots. I don’t see all the angles and alternatives. I lack the objectivity to evaluate every choice. God wants me to make a renewed commitment to never make a major decision alone. I’m so grateful for the staff, leaders, friends and family who I can go to for advice.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to never be ashamed or hesitant to ask for advice. Thank you that I can always come to you. I really need your wisdom and direction in my life. Let me be open and vulnerable with others that I can make the decisions that bring honor and glory to You. AMEN.
Friday, May 30, by Nancy
Scripture:
It's the same today. There's a fiercely loyal minority still—not many, perhaps, but probably more than you think. They're holding on, not because of what they think they're going to get out of it, but because they're convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago.
Romans 11:5-6 (Msg.)
Observation:
In Paul's explanation to the Gentiles about God's salvation and how it is now available to them, he remembers Elijah's struggles with an unfaithful people. He tells the church in Rome that it is the same today. Just as in the days of Elijah there was a faithful remnant he did not know of, in Paul's day there was a small remnant of faithful Jews too. He explains that they are faithful because "they are convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them."
Application:
While we don't have the same cultural expectations about Jew and Gentile or insider and outsider, we can still be convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing us. I for one am convinced! Ephesians tells me that it is through God's grace that I have been saved and sadly no one knows better than I the truth of that statement! There is nothing I can point to in my own life that says I have earned anything, never an achievement or sacrifice or diligence that would merit salvation. No, it is only through the grace of God that I have been saved.
The same passage in Ephesians goes on to talk about God's purpose for me too: to do good works--not because they will help me achieve anything, not because they will bring me wealth or health or happiness. God purposed that I would do good works in honor of Him, that my life would be so full of His Spirit that the good works would over-flow from my life.
My motivation in all things must be one of pleasing God, of living out His purpose in my life. It is His grace and His choice that make me able to do any good works at all; certainly it is not anything I am or have or can be that makes it possible! So I must serve because He gives me grace for the circumstance. I must give because He provides abundantly for me. I must love because His love in me overflows. And I must choose daily, hourly, task by task, that all glory goes to Him.
Prayer:
God, I am convinced that it is Your grace and purpose for me that has given me a calling in life. Not a career or profession but a life calling of living in Your grace and extending it to others. Forgive me for so often becoming convinced of my own worthiness, of selfishly putting my wants and desires above those of the people You place in my life. Help me to see with your eyes, to extend grace in every circumstance, to live a life that points to You and Your purpose for me.
Amen.
It's the same today. There's a fiercely loyal minority still—not many, perhaps, but probably more than you think. They're holding on, not because of what they think they're going to get out of it, but because they're convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago.
Romans 11:5-6 (Msg.)
Observation:
In Paul's explanation to the Gentiles about God's salvation and how it is now available to them, he remembers Elijah's struggles with an unfaithful people. He tells the church in Rome that it is the same today. Just as in the days of Elijah there was a faithful remnant he did not know of, in Paul's day there was a small remnant of faithful Jews too. He explains that they are faithful because "they are convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing them."
Application:
While we don't have the same cultural expectations about Jew and Gentile or insider and outsider, we can still be convinced of God's grace and purpose in choosing us. I for one am convinced! Ephesians tells me that it is through God's grace that I have been saved and sadly no one knows better than I the truth of that statement! There is nothing I can point to in my own life that says I have earned anything, never an achievement or sacrifice or diligence that would merit salvation. No, it is only through the grace of God that I have been saved.
The same passage in Ephesians goes on to talk about God's purpose for me too: to do good works--not because they will help me achieve anything, not because they will bring me wealth or health or happiness. God purposed that I would do good works in honor of Him, that my life would be so full of His Spirit that the good works would over-flow from my life.
My motivation in all things must be one of pleasing God, of living out His purpose in my life. It is His grace and His choice that make me able to do any good works at all; certainly it is not anything I am or have or can be that makes it possible! So I must serve because He gives me grace for the circumstance. I must give because He provides abundantly for me. I must love because His love in me overflows. And I must choose daily, hourly, task by task, that all glory goes to Him.
Prayer:
God, I am convinced that it is Your grace and purpose for me that has given me a calling in life. Not a career or profession but a life calling of living in Your grace and extending it to others. Forgive me for so often becoming convinced of my own worthiness, of selfishly putting my wants and desires above those of the people You place in my life. Help me to see with your eyes, to extend grace in every circumstance, to live a life that points to You and Your purpose for me.
Amen.
Thursday May 29, 2008 by Keith
Title: Life Giving Love
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
OBSERVATION:
There is something to be said about having a right relationship with God. There seems to be life, joy, and hope in the one who follows the LORD whole-heartedly.
Proverbs 10:12 remind us that love can do extraordinary things… when someone wrongs you; typically you want revenge – not more love! Yet, the one who received God’s immeasurable love can give and demonstrate that same love.
Verse 27 of Proverbs 10 says that fearing the Lord actually adds length to life. The end result: less stress, more joy, less anxiety, and more contentment.
Proverbs 12:25 put it this way “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”
APPLICATION:
Am I weighed down today? Do I reflect a God that is love? Do I have the fear of the LORD that adds length to my life?
Each of those questions depends on my relationship with God today. It is up to me to make sure that I get my heart right with God. I can in no way pretend to love others. I cannot pretend to have joy. If I do, my life will probably end in a heart attack… or some other stress induced illness.
Our mighty God desires us to live rightly. He is the maker of life and as a result knows what’s best in my life and yours.
Let me seek Him today with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for your wise words in Proverbs. I pray that I find wisdom and discernment from you today. May I rely on you and know you more today than anything else. Help me to fear you, love others, and share kind words that cheer up. To your glory Jesus. So be it amen
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
OBSERVATION:
There is something to be said about having a right relationship with God. There seems to be life, joy, and hope in the one who follows the LORD whole-heartedly.
Proverbs 10:12 remind us that love can do extraordinary things… when someone wrongs you; typically you want revenge – not more love! Yet, the one who received God’s immeasurable love can give and demonstrate that same love.
Verse 27 of Proverbs 10 says that fearing the Lord actually adds length to life. The end result: less stress, more joy, less anxiety, and more contentment.
Proverbs 12:25 put it this way “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”
APPLICATION:
Am I weighed down today? Do I reflect a God that is love? Do I have the fear of the LORD that adds length to my life?
Each of those questions depends on my relationship with God today. It is up to me to make sure that I get my heart right with God. I can in no way pretend to love others. I cannot pretend to have joy. If I do, my life will probably end in a heart attack… or some other stress induced illness.
Our mighty God desires us to live rightly. He is the maker of life and as a result knows what’s best in my life and yours.
Let me seek Him today with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
PRAYER:
Father, thank you for your wise words in Proverbs. I pray that I find wisdom and discernment from you today. May I rely on you and know you more today than anything else. Help me to fear you, love others, and share kind words that cheer up. To your glory Jesus. So be it amen
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: My First Line of Defense
SCRIPTURE: Prov 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
OBSERVATION: In this proverb a father was pleading with his son to take heed of the instruction the father was sharing with him. These instructions were the wisdom of God pasted down from generation to generation. Then nearing the end of this passage the father admonished his son saying, “above all else, to guard his heart, for it is the source of life.” The word ‘guard’ used in this verse, is also used in military terms to connote watching or protecting something of value or some prisoner. In this passage it suggests a continuous vigilance of one’s mind from the influences of evil.
APPLICATION: Apart from our relationship with God, our heart is the most valuable thing we possess. Because from it springs forth our attitudes, convictions and behavior. Our heart is the root of our character and ultimately defines our relationship with God. Therefore we need to protect it from the ungodly influences of this world and from the internal temptations that periodically confront us.
How can we best guard our heart? Our first line of defense should always be prayer. Through prayer we have a ‘hotline’ to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who can help us to resist temptations and keep us from swaying away from his path.
Jesus in his ministry frequently proclaimed the power of prayer against temptation. One example was through a simple prayer he taught his disciples (Matt 6:9) to ask God “to lead us not into temptation”, while in another event Jesus, on the night he was about to be arrested, admonished his disciples to "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." (Lk 22:40b)
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize the temptations surrounding me through the media, acquaintances, and even within my own mind. Please help me to guard my heart against these temptations and to use prayer as my first line of defense to live a life holy and pleasing to you.
SCRIPTURE: Prov 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
OBSERVATION: In this proverb a father was pleading with his son to take heed of the instruction the father was sharing with him. These instructions were the wisdom of God pasted down from generation to generation. Then nearing the end of this passage the father admonished his son saying, “above all else, to guard his heart, for it is the source of life.” The word ‘guard’ used in this verse, is also used in military terms to connote watching or protecting something of value or some prisoner. In this passage it suggests a continuous vigilance of one’s mind from the influences of evil.
APPLICATION: Apart from our relationship with God, our heart is the most valuable thing we possess. Because from it springs forth our attitudes, convictions and behavior. Our heart is the root of our character and ultimately defines our relationship with God. Therefore we need to protect it from the ungodly influences of this world and from the internal temptations that periodically confront us.
How can we best guard our heart? Our first line of defense should always be prayer. Through prayer we have a ‘hotline’ to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ who can help us to resist temptations and keep us from swaying away from his path.
Jesus in his ministry frequently proclaimed the power of prayer against temptation. One example was through a simple prayer he taught his disciples (Matt 6:9) to ask God “to lead us not into temptation”, while in another event Jesus, on the night he was about to be arrested, admonished his disciples to "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." (Lk 22:40b)
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize the temptations surrounding me through the media, acquaintances, and even within my own mind. Please help me to guard my heart against these temptations and to use prayer as my first line of defense to live a life holy and pleasing to you.
Monday, May 25th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE
Wise Guy
SCRIPTURE:
“ Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding…” Proverbs 3:13 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Bible reading brings us to the book of Proverbs, those ancient words of wisdom written by Solomon. My notes says that “Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living. This book is not just a collection of homey sayings; it contains deep spiritual insights drawn from experience. A proverb is a short, wise, easy-to-remember saying that calls a person to action.”
Proverbs 3:13 says that the person who finds wisdom will be “blessed.” The word “blessed” means to be happy, to be fully fulfilled. I don’t think anyone would turn that down, yet how often is wisdom rejected for some fleeting desire. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did not follow his own advice (see 1 Kings 11 – yesterday’s reading).
The teachings of Proverbs are intended to lead us to God’s best for life. Here are just a few principles I noted in just the first three chapters of Proverbs:
1. Revere (fear) God, it the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
2. Remember the folly of sin and resist it (Proverbs 1:10-19)
3. Remember all of the benefits of wise living –nothing beats it! (Proverbs 2)
4. Trust God and seek him in all I do. (Proverbs 3:6)
5. Put God first in my finances (Proverbs 3:9,10)
6. Respond to God’s Discipline (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Wisdom is not education, wisdom is a lifestyle. Someone said that wisdom is "seeing and living life from God's perspective." That's what Proverbs is all about!
APPLICATION:
What about my life? How committed am I to seek God and his wisdom? I want to live my life from God's perspective. I want to be a wiser person. My perspective is always skewed, but wisdom sees things clearly. My goals tend to be short-sighted, while wisdom sees eternity. I’m so glad that God promised that if anyone asks for wisdom, he will freely give it to him (James 1:5). I want to learn and grow! I look forward to reading through the book of Proverbs again! I want to be teachable and filled with God’s wisdom.
PRAYER:
Father, I need your wisdom. I want to know your will and wisdom. I ask, in faith, for the wisdom that comes from you. Teach me. Mold me. Use me. Help me to fully follow you. AMEN.
Wise Guy
SCRIPTURE:
“ Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding…” Proverbs 3:13 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Today’s Bible reading brings us to the book of Proverbs, those ancient words of wisdom written by Solomon. My notes says that “Proverbs gives practical suggestions for effective living. This book is not just a collection of homey sayings; it contains deep spiritual insights drawn from experience. A proverb is a short, wise, easy-to-remember saying that calls a person to action.”
Proverbs 3:13 says that the person who finds wisdom will be “blessed.” The word “blessed” means to be happy, to be fully fulfilled. I don’t think anyone would turn that down, yet how often is wisdom rejected for some fleeting desire. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did not follow his own advice (see 1 Kings 11 – yesterday’s reading).
The teachings of Proverbs are intended to lead us to God’s best for life. Here are just a few principles I noted in just the first three chapters of Proverbs:
1. Revere (fear) God, it the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
2. Remember the folly of sin and resist it (Proverbs 1:10-19)
3. Remember all of the benefits of wise living –nothing beats it! (Proverbs 2)
4. Trust God and seek him in all I do. (Proverbs 3:6)
5. Put God first in my finances (Proverbs 3:9,10)
6. Respond to God’s Discipline (Proverbs 3:11-12)
Wisdom is not education, wisdom is a lifestyle. Someone said that wisdom is "seeing and living life from God's perspective." That's what Proverbs is all about!
APPLICATION:
What about my life? How committed am I to seek God and his wisdom? I want to live my life from God's perspective. I want to be a wiser person. My perspective is always skewed, but wisdom sees things clearly. My goals tend to be short-sighted, while wisdom sees eternity. I’m so glad that God promised that if anyone asks for wisdom, he will freely give it to him (James 1:5). I want to learn and grow! I look forward to reading through the book of Proverbs again! I want to be teachable and filled with God’s wisdom.
PRAYER:
Father, I need your wisdom. I want to know your will and wisdom. I ask, in faith, for the wisdom that comes from you. Teach me. Mold me. Use me. Help me to fully follow you. AMEN.
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