2008
FEBRUARY ARCHIVES
February 1st
Proverbs 3:27-29
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine
hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I
will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour,
seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Outlook from
the In Book
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” “God works in mysterious ways.” “God helps those that help themselves.” These three phrases can be found in Hezekiah 1:12. Before you go looking that up, it’s a joke. There is no Hezekiah 1:12. But it sounded like there could have been right? So what do all three of the phrases have in common with Hezekiah 1:12? They are not in the Bible either. We use these phrases all the time and want to believe that they are in the scripture, but they are not. In fact, they all three in some way contradict scripture. Nothing in the Bible says that God holds Hygiene in any priority over anything else. A clean heart is what God is interested in. The bible says the outside is only what man sees. (But please, take a bath. If not for God, at least for your neighbors. It’s hard to witness when people will not come near you.) God does not always work in mysterious ways. In fact, the ways of God are above men, and so sometimes hard to understand. But God has made His plans for this earth and your eternal life very clear. And God does not always help those that help themselves. It is in contradiction to what God has said about trusting in God. Our verses today show that God helps those that help others. God takes care of all our needs. If you are trusting in you, you’re faith is in the wrong place.
The Word Walking In Me
“..If any would not work, neither should he eat.” That’s in the Bible. (2 Thess. 3:10) But the phrase God helps those that help themselves isn’t. Actually it should end God helps those that help others and those that trust in God.” Lets live out the word today.
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February 2nd
This year we are doing the Work
Week Devotions
All Devotions will be written and distributed Monday through Friday.
On
Saturday we suggest you re-read
the Proverb
we have written from this past week
and the week to come.
Some weeks that will be the same chapter,
while other weeks that may be two chapters.
We have never given out Bible reading for Sundays.
The reason is simple to us.
We want you to be reading and studying whatever
the Lord has laid on your Pastors heart for that week.
Whatever his text is for the Morning and Evening Service
was given to him by God for your specific needs.
The principal for this is found in the book of
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We hope you enjoy your
weekend in God's word
and pray we might see you back here on Monday
as we begin another Week
in the Word.
Review Proverbs 3-4 and this past weeks Devotionals if Desired
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February 3rd
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February 4th
Proverbs 3:30-32
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Outlook from
the In Book
Guess what Christian? People want to be like you! For some if you that’s hard to understand. Why would someone want to be like me? I’m not rich, famous, or powerful. Why in the world would people want to be like me? The reason, people really don’t want money, fame or power. What they want is happiness and security. Some think money will get that for them, but it never does. It might buy the pleasures of the world. But they always leave you empty in the end. A friend gained by money is not really a friend, they’re a mooch. Some think if they were famous everyone would love them. Again, not true. The price of fame is being cold hearted enough to step on a lot of people on the way up. Only those that do not know you well seem to adore you. Who wants that? Friends you never get close to. Some believe if they had power they could almost command their way to happiness. But the truth is with power comes overwhelming responsibilities. You are never your own boss; others always demand your time for something. So why do people want to be like you Christian? Because the secret of God is with you, the ones made righteous in His Son Jesus Christ. You have true peace in life. True contentment with who you are in Christ. A willingness to share your joy with anyone. A crooked or froward person is an abomination to God. In other words, they make Him sick. But in you Christian lays the truth. Jesus Christ.
The Word Walking In Me
As you go through your day remember people are watching you. They are looking at who Christ really is in your life. They want a real friend. They want real happiness and joy. If they see it in you, they might want to come to know your Saviour. BE HAPPY!
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February 5th
Proverbs 3:33-35
The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Outlook
from the In Book
Whenever I go into jails to minister, it simply amazes me how many innocent people are there. When talking with them about what happened, it’s almost always someone else’s fault. They were framed, tricked, not even there at all, or someone is lying about the whole thing. Rarely do you run up on someone that simply says, “I did it.” No excuses, no alibis, just guilty. But the truth is, almost every single one of them are there because they deserve to be there. Even though some might be innocent of the crimes they are being charged with, they are there because of the company they have kept, the places they went, the things they did, and the lifestyle they led. They have been promoted to shame. This is not always true. There are some that are completely innocent. But in comparison that number is few. Why does this happen? Why is it that they wind up in trouble with the law or in a lot of cases in trouble with life itself? Many times it is because they have turned their backs on the wisdom of Gods Word. They have rejected the knowledge written in the pages or even worse, never read the advice that is contained in it. People want to be independent and make it on their own. But we cannot. God created us to be dependent. Dependent on Him first of all. For its God that provides us with all things. Dependent on one another also. This is the purpose for which He created the church. That we might exhort one another, or lift each other up. But the promotion of the lost is shame. WOW, what a promotion.
The Word Walking In Me
God has so much more for you. His desire is to supply all your needs. Turn to Him and His Word. Let Him come in and bless you above all that you could ever imagine.
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February 6th
Proverbs 4:1-4
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
Outlook from the In
Book
“Someday son you’ll see I’m right.” Or “When will you learn that when I tell you something I know what I’m talking about?” These words that have rung in my ears for years. My dad would tell me something and I would for some silly reason believe my way was better. Guess what? It wasn’t! Proverbs 4:1 says “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father.” The word instruction here in Hebrew carried the meaning of discipline. So it could say the discipline of your father. So what did you just think of when you read the word discipline? I know I think of getting a spanking. That’s one form of discipline my dad used when I would not obey. But that is a discipline I received for discipline I would not obey. You see the word discipline also carries the meaning of controlled behavior. The father is telling the son here using one word, you choose which it will be? If you will hear of the disciplines that your father has learned by years of practice and apply them as directed you can avoid the disciplines that come as a result of disobedience. That is exactly what life is. Learning to live with the disciplines. In fact, that is what Jesus was doing while here on this earth. Teaching the disciplines of life to the disciples. If they would learn and adhere to them, life was good. If they went about their own way, they had to suffer the consequence. When God created this earth and all that is on it, it was in order, disciplined. And He said, “And it is Good”
The Word Walking In Me
How many times do you have to bump your head on something before you learn to duck? How many times must we see God’s ways are best before we will obey? If we do His will.. “It is good”.
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February 7th
Proverbs 3:5-8
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
Outlook
from the In Book
Some of the wise things my dad told me when I was younger was that “nothing in the world is free.” “If you want something you have to work for it.” “Anything worth having is worth working for.” Buried in my father’s logic is what Solomon was saying in these proverbs. Wisdom is the most important thing you can have. So get wisdom. How do you get wisdom? Well, it does not say find wisdom. It says get wisdom. There is an action on our part. Reading the book of Proverbs will not give you wisdom. It gives you words of wisdom to live by, but you still have to put action to the words. If you carry a Bible everywhere you go, but do not apply the principals in it to your life, it cannot help you. When you learn a principle that is knowledge. That is what people often refer to as book smarts. You have it in your head, but you never used it. Wisdom is taking the knowledge and applying it to everyday life. As you do so you begin to understand how all of that works together. But first you must purpose in your heart that you are going to apply knowledge received from God. Once you see that God’s ways are the best ways, you will never want to let them go. You’ll embrace them for eternity.
The Word Walking In Me
You might start by asking God the same
thing David did in Psalms 119:18
“Open thou mine eyes,
that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
God is the teacher of all wisdom through
the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom. The Bible
says we have not because we ask not. Lets ask for it today. .
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February 8th
Proverbs 4:9-11
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
Outlook
from the In Book
Let’s just pretend a little today. First, pretend you own a company. You are getting ready to hire a new Forman to oversee the operations so you can take more time to manage the affairs of your business. Two qualified people are waiting in your office to be interviewed. Both of them work for you now and so before you interview them you go out in the shop and ask their co-workers about them. You start hearing things like Mr. One is a goody two shoes. He’s one of those guys who won’t take a minute extra for break unless there is a meeting or something and always runs to the boss if there is a problem. Mr. Two is more like the rest of us. Works hard and gets his job done. Flexible with his time but still gets the job done. Mr. One is not hated by anyone, but he is not anyone’s best friend. He’s just a guy who does his job and goes home. He will never go to the parties after work because his wife seems to have him tied around her finger. He says he needs to spend time with her instead of us. Mr. Two is also known as Mr. Popularity. Especially after work when everyone goes out to party. He’s really a lot of fun, usually the life of the party, funny and the last one to leave. OK, you are headed back to your office. Without any other information who is rewarded the position of Forman? Most people say Mr. One. Why? He is honest, dependable, and loyal to those he loves. Living for Jesus and applying the wisdom in His word will also be rewarding here and throughout eternity.
The Word Walking In Me
Doing what’s right may seem boring in the world’s eyes. But the truth is, people are looking for dependable, honest, loyal people. No one wants a friend who’s a liar, unreliable, and unstable.
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February 9th
This year we are doing the Work
Week Devotions
All Devotions will be written and distributed Monday through Friday.
On
Saturday we suggest you re-read
the Proverb
we have written from this past week
and the week to come.
Some weeks that will be the same chapter,
while other weeks that may be two chapters.
We have never given out Bible reading for Sundays.
The reason is simple to us.
We want you to be reading and studying whatever
the Lord has laid on your Pastors heart for that week.
Whatever his text is for the Morning and Evening Service
was given to him by God for your specific needs.
The principal for this is found in the book of
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We hope you enjoy your
weekend in God's word
and pray we might see you back here on Monday
as we begin another Week
in the Word.
Review Proverbs 4 and this past weeks Devotionals if Desired
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February 10th
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February 11th
Proverbs
4:12-15
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be
straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of
instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into
the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass
not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Outlook
from the In Book
On TV we see many Court Programs. Some
good, some crazy, but all examples of life today. People are there because
of a problem between them and someone else. There’s always a Defendant and a
Plaintiff. As I listen to these cases and hear people try to defend
themselves, rarely do I hear the defense, “I Was Not There.” If I do, I find
out later they really were there, or had a history of being where the
problem occurred. My question is often, “Why were they there in the first
place?” I saw on the news where many people were killed at a party when a
balcony collapsed and crushed the people below. How terrible that this
happened. But the question remains, why were 25-50 people drinking on that
balcony? They should not have been there. I read in the paper of a Night
Club where the stage caught fire because of a band’s show malfunction.
Several people were trampled to death and some burned in that fire. This is
absolutely horrible. But I must ask again, Why were they there in the first
place. God’s Word warns us about drinking and the effects in judgment it has
on a person. The music being played was anything but Godly, but it lures
people into a trap. Why do we listen in the first place? These people were
killed because they were there. The bible says we should “Avoid it, turn
from it.” What do you say?
The Word
Walking In Me
These are visible examples of what being in
the wrong place, listening to the wrong thing or hanging with the wrong
people can do. But this is happening in the mind of every person that thinks
they are getting way with sin. Where will you be when you realize you’re in
the wrong place? Will it be too late?
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February 12th
Proverbs
4:16-18
For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Outlook
from the In Book
As young man growing up I remember my mom
saying things like, “that boy is trouble, you can just see it by looking at
him.” My dad would say, “those people would rather cause trouble than
eat.” I just thought they were old and just didn’t want me to have any fun.
How can you SEE if someone is trouble? Come on, who would rather stir up
problems than eat. That made no sense to me, I love to eat. But now I’m the
dad. My children were bringing home others from school. When I opened my
mouth and my dad’s words came out. Opened it again and you could hear my mom
speaking. So what changed in me? LIFE! I had witnessed first hand what some
people are like. It's not what they are wearing or how well groomed they
were. It’s about how they act. Their attitude. What they say. These things
combined with wisdom from years of life help you to discern this type of
person. People that feel they have little hope in life often do not try
anymore. Instead they work at bringing others down to their level of
despair. Rather than be lonely they’ll try and make you fall too. How sad.
These are often very bright people that have taken the wrong path in life.
They could be so much, but they choose not to be. The Bible says to watch
out for these people. They have no good intentions for themselves or you.
The Word
Walking In Me
So how do you know if someone is a “bad
apple” so to speak? One way is listen to your parents or those in authority
around you. By the way, my parents were right most of the time. And I too
made the right calls for my children often. Best of all is check them out
against the Word of God. His word is ALWAYS RIGHT.
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February
13th
Proverbs 4:19-22
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they
know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear
unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst
of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to
all their flesh.
Outlook
from the In Book
I love going to the fair. The rides, the
Carmel Corn, the Cotton Candy, all seem to call out to me. But there is also
others calling out to me. It’s the carnies that work the midway. “Play this
for a buck and win a 50-foot teddy bear you can’t get in your car.” And
there is always someone yelling, “Guess your weight or your age for a dollar
if I’m off by this much or that you win something silly.” When you’re a
youth and they guess your 18 when your just 13, that’s cool. You look
mature. But when your 45 and you hear them say 55 that is embarrassing. You
just feel old. You start looking around and seeing the youth around you. But
don’t let that discourage you. With your age comes some wisdom. You have
experienced things some of these young kids have not ever seen. You can
recall trying to teach your children how to do right. And now you see them
having children and they are telling them the same thing. It almost sounds
funny when you know they yelled at you for telling them the same thing just
10 or so years ago. But you know where I received most of my wisdom that I
passed down? From my parents. And they received most of theirs from their
parents. You see truth is always going to be the truth, even if culture
changes. Right is always going to be right and wrong is always going to be
wrong. And I am always going to think I’m still young. At least young at
heart.
The Word
Walking In Me
We too often disregard the wisdom of the
aged. We look at it as the ramblings of an old person. Guess what? You’re
getting closer to them than to your youth. They have much to teach us. We
need to listen. I imagine they think their young yet too!
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February
14th
Proverbs 4:23-25
Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a
froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look
right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Outlook
from the In Book
We put up fences to guard
our yards. We build large building with locks to protect our belongings. We
put our money in safe places like a bank or a vault. Why? Because all of
these thing are of value to us. But what do we do to guard our heart. Here
in Proverbs we are told to keep or guard our heart because it is where all
of life stems from. How do we do that? How can we build a safe place for our
heart? Glad you asked. The next verse begins to tell us just that. Verse 24
says we should put away a froward mouth and perverse lips. Froward means to
be crooked or departing from what's right. You want to guard your heart?
Keep your conversations and your mind on what’s right. Don’t get sidetracked
into thinking about things that are sinful and wicked. Don’t be mean
spirited toward others as well. Proverbs 23:7 says
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
God wants
our minds on what's right so our mouth say’s what's right. Do
you want to guard
your heart? Verses 25 says to keep your eyes on the path before you. Keep
focused on what really matters. The eyes are great tools God has given us.
But Satan will use them to bring temptations our way. It happened to Eve. It
happened to David with Bathsheba. Don’t let Satan drag you off course.
Guard your eyes, heart and mouth and you will guard your heart.
The Word Walking In Me
Matt. 6:33-34 tell us to seek first the kingdom of God and
not to be too concerned about tomorrow because as you well know, there will
be plenty to deal with tomorrow already. So, don’t worry about that until
you get there. Keep walking the path today and let God help you in your
walk.
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February
15th
Proverbs 4:26-27
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all
thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove
thy foot from evil.
Outlook from the In Book
OK,
I admit from time to time I have watched a really scary movie. Some movies
are just ridiculous. There is little or no story line or plot. It’s just
hack and gore. Those are not the good movies I am speaking. But every so
often you will run up on a good suspense thriller. One that keeps your
attention through the entire film. In those good movies it seems the
director always let’s you know what is about to happen by showing you a
glimpse of what dangers awaiting the unsuspecting victim just behind the
door or around the corner. Then as the target of this impending danger walks
toward the peril ahead, you find yourself thinking (or in some cases yelling
out loud) “NO DON’T GO IN THERE.” You think to yourself, “can’t they see
what is about to happen?” You would, if you could, reach out and grab them
and tell them listen to me, I know what is ahead for you and you do not want
to go in there. But if you did that, it would ruin the rest of the story
that the writer had written. It would not end as it was designed to end. God
in His sovereignty has chosen to give us the freedom of will. We are allowed
to choose what we will or won’t do. To select where we will or will not go.
He too knows the dangers that lie ahead. And He is doing His best to help
us understand that we need to continually look at where we are going. Our
Proverb today is saying think for a minute of where you are going in life.
Plan for your future and make sure God is in the center of that plan. Once
you have centered your life on God, do not turn to the right or left. Stay
away from evil temptations. Keep focused on and walking toward your Saviour,
Jesus Christ.
The Word Walking In Me
Like an infant taking steps toward the waiting arms of a loving parent, so should we walk on this earth focused toward God.
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February 16th
This year we are doing the Work
Week Devotions
All Devotions will be written and distributed Monday through Friday.
On
Saturday we suggest you re-read
the Proverb
we have written from this past week
and the week to come.
Some weeks that will be the same chapter,
while other weeks that may be two chapters.
We have never given out Bible reading for Sundays.
The reason is simple to us.
We want you to be reading and studying whatever
the Lord has laid on your Pastors heart for that week.
Whatever his text is for the Morning and Evening Service
was given to him by God for your specific needs.
The principal for this is found in the book of
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We hope you enjoy your
weekend in God's word
and pray we might see you back here on Monday
as we begin another Week
in the Word.
Review Proverbs 4-5 and this past weeks Devotionals if Desired
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February 17th
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February
18th
Proverbs 5:1-5
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
Outlook
from the In Book
There use to be an old saying, “As easy as taking candy from a baby.” Remember that? Well we all know what it means; at least I think we do. It is suppose to mean it is very simple to do. And taking the candy from a baby is very simple to do. Doing it without being noticed or caught is quite another thing. If you don’t believe me try this sometime. (First of all get the child’s parents consent. Don’t just go out experimenting with babies.) Take a large piece of candy that a baby cannot swallow and let the baby lick on it for just a few minutes. Now reach in and take the candy from that baby. More than likely you are going to have one loud squalling baby on your hands. And everyone around is going to be looking at you standing there holding a gooey piece of candy that you just took from that baby. If they don’t call you a selfish pig, they’ll sure be thinking it. Taking the candy is easy. Getting away with it is almost impossible. That’s how it is in life with immoral behavior. You might be able to get away with it for a bit. But it will catch up with you. You will be caught. And you guessed it; people are going to be looking at you like some sort of pervert. Sexual sin seems harmless. But it not only can destroy the physical body, but it will wreck havoc on the self-conscience as well. It’s so hard to drive those thoughts from your mind once in. So don’t let them in!
The Word Walking In Me
So how do we keep them from driving us crazy? Don’t let them in your mind in the first place. To put it another way, let the baby keep the candy. It’s not worth the shame.
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February
19th
Proverbs 5:6-9
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
Outlook
from the In Book
Over the years I have heard so many people tell of a house in his or her neighborhood that seemed spooky. For some it was an old abandon house and someone started the story of how people were killed there and it was filled with ghosts. For others it was a house where an elderly couple lived. Somehow they seemed upset most of the time. (Could it possibly have been because of all of the pesky kids?) But stories start to go around of how they are mean old people that will do you harm if you go near the house. For whatever reason there always seemed to be a house around that kids did not want to go near. And although the stories might have been made up and highly exaggerated, the fear of that house was very real. No one had to beg you to get away from there; you just did not go there. The fear of what might happen was all it took to keep you away. Solomon once again begs his son not to turn away from his sayings. These are not made up stories like those of haunted houses or mean older people. These are life’s tried and true words of wisdom. Solomon wanted his son and all of us to have that type of childlike fear of the ways of sin. Stay away from it. Let the fear of what might happen keep you from it. Because behind that door is waiting dishonor, disease, disappointment, despair, and even doom. You won’t go inside the place of sin if you never go to the door.
The Word Walking In Me
Knock knock. Whose there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad you did not fall for sins tricks. Ok, so it’s a bad joke. But it’s a joy to be right. Right with man and right with God. RIGHT?
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February
20th
Proverbs 5:10-13
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Outlook
from the In Book
Do you remember when you graduated from High School? I remember most of the teens saying things like “I’m Free.. Finally Free!!” Or, “No more people telling me what to do!” The reality sets in not too long after the graduation is done. There is no more school for some, but there will always be someone telling you what needs to be done. There is however a sense of being your own person. An independence that seems liberating. The sad fact is that some of the grads from my class had already messed up a good share of their life. Some guys had gotten their girlfriends pregnant and now had to support a family or pay child support. It seemed to be the ones who thought they were the big shots on campus during school. Mr. & Miss I’m too cool for most of you. You know them. But their image caused them to try to be something they should not have been. When they should have been enjoying the life of a teen they were trying to hard to be an adult. And when they ended up parents before school was out, they seemed to loose a lot of that COOL that was so important. People would say things like “Man you have messed up your life.” Or “What a waste, they had so much going for them.” That’s exactly what this scripture says. If you play with sin you loose. You lose honor, possibilities slip by, often you end up paying court fees or child support or doctor bills. Some have serious health problems and today some lose their life. And look back and ask WHY? Was that short time playing in sin worth the rest of my life?
The Word Walking In Me
Is it worth it? Is sin really worth it? Is it worth the shame and ridicule? Worth the disappointment you will feel later. Is it worth dishonoring God? Is it worth the rest of your life? NO!
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February
21st
Proverbs 5:14-16
I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
Outlook
from the In Book
What is a cistern? It’s a place where water can flow into to be controlled. What is a well? It’s a certain place to go and draw water from. What about a fountain? Fountains spray water around for everyone to see, but keeps all the water for itself. And how about a river? A river directs water from one place to another and keeps it within its banks. At the time this passage was written, water was very scarce and valuable. Solomon is using pictures to help us understand the value of intimate relationships. He has just finished warning us about sinful sexual relations. A person might read that and wonder if a physical relationship was just always sinful? So he takes the time to tell us that in the right framework it is most defiantly not. The wife here is referred to as a Cistern and Well. Giving her great value as she has within her the ability to bring great joy to her husband like no other. Water is a picture of that passionate loving relationship. It is so valuable to a marriage. Think for a second what happens if a fountain cracks and begins to leak or a river overflows its banks. It is a serious problem that can take lives. So it is with untamed love. Many believe that when it speaks of the water in the streets it is speaking of the children produced from your love. How they bring honor in the place you live. Love is precious, and designed to be very personal. Solomon wants his son to know that marital relationships are not to be lived without the joys of passionate love. But it must stay in the marriage.
The Word Walking In Me
An intimate relationship between husband and wife is the closest bond a couple can have. God knew this when he designed it. Enjoying our mate was God’s desire and design. Fall in love again.
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February
22nd
Proverbs 5:17-19
Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
Outlook
from the In Book
With so many broken homes today we see the devastation of not waiting for true love before marriage. A multitude of children are born to parents that are not married and not committed to each other. If we cannot commit to one another, how can we possibly believe we are committed to raising a child? It is not the child’s fault. This sweet innocent miracle from God comes into this world with their eyes wide open and expectations from the very first that someone here loves them. Someone wants them and has thought about their life and really cares. But the truth is, many children are born with very little if any thought by the parents of whom they might help this child to be. Some are looked at as problems instead of blessings. Finding that right person in life is so important. Not the physical only, but the spiritual as well. You need to be attracted to a person, but you need to know who they are. If they believe in one form of religious practices and you another, there is a problem. And if you change your beliefs for a person, you either never held any conviction to your beliefs or you probably had no biblical reason for your changing beliefs. So later in life you will begin to wonder, when raising your child, which way truly is right. Finding a mate for life takes time, prayer, and patience. But is so, so worth it. Your devotion to the children will be together. Your decisions to help them will be the same. Find God’s person for you and you’ll have found the person to help you raise Gods miracles in your home.
The Word Walking In Me
Children are meant to be a blessing in our home. They deserve two people that love them, to help them in this long road of life. And what a blessing it is to see them grown up and serve God.
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February 23rd
This year we are doing the Work
Week Devotions
All Devotions will be written and distributed Monday through Friday.
On
Saturday we suggest you re-read
the Proverb
we have written from this past week
and the week to come.
Some weeks that will be the same chapter,
while other weeks that may be two chapters.
We have never given out Bible reading for Sundays.
The reason is simple to us.
We want you to be reading and studying whatever
the Lord has laid on your Pastors heart for that week.
Whatever his text is for the Morning and Evening Service
was given to him by God for your specific needs.
The principal for this is found in the book of
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind,
and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We hope you enjoy your
weekend in God's word
and pray we might see you back here on Monday
as we begin another Week
in the Word.
Review Proverbs 5-6 and this past weeks Devotionals if Desired
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February 24th
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February
25th
Proverbs 5:20-23
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Outlook
from the In Book
In our world today we see these verses played out in our Political and Religious communities. A so-called pastor on TV was trying to defend homosexuality as a choice given by God that government was trying to deny by condemning Gay Marriage. The freedom of this sin has gone on so long, religious communities are divided as to whether it’s a life choice or sin. Pornography is a leading moneymaker today. It’s a run away train as businesses make billions and our government take in millions on the taxes paid on the sales of it’s products. I fear soon we’ll embrace it and add sin taxes to it like they do tobacco and booze. Gambling once considered sinful, now accepted as its owned and promoted by our government. Sin left alone long enough will bind you. The Bible says we’ll be trapped “with the cords of his sins.” Sadly we as Americans today are. No matter our viewpoint on these sins, we are bound by the views of the majority. And don’t be mistaken, the majority will ultimately choose sin. Wide is the road to hell, and many will find it. No matter how hard we try to tell them of what’s right, and point them to the Bible, they will die without receiving it’s instruction. Why? Because sin has become more important than obedience to God. Sex, drugs, alcohol, pornography, you name it. They no longer control their sins, their sins now control them
The Word Walking In Me
James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Dear friend please pray for our nation and help a new generation to Christ. Their understanding of God becomes our nations hope.
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February
26th
Proverbs 6:1-3
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Outlook
from the In Book
Credit was at one time something hard to get. You had to keep your nose clean and not have any bad debts at all to even think of getting a credit card or a loan. Today however, almost anyone, anytime and anywhere can get a credit card. Most stores now have their own credit cards. Many have hooked up with major credit cards so you can use the card they supply at other stores too. Sounds great right? WRONG? The problem is the majority of people today have more credit card debt than they can even hope to pay off soon. If the creditors were to call and say they were going out of business and need you to pay your bill off, a majority of people do not have the funds to do so. Even worse, many pay just the minimum payment every month. If you do that you are just barely, if even, paying the interest and will be paying forever. Imagine buying a Television for $500 dollars and paying the minimum payment on your credit card. By the time you will have paid it off several things will probably have happened. Your children’s children will have graduated college, the TV will have been replaced twice, and you will have paid a few thousand dollars for it. Debt is a trap that society has put us all in. Or worse, we jumped in joyfully but end up swimming against the tide of interest for years to come.
The Word Walking In Me
But you say, “How do I get out?” First, QUIT BUYING! If you have an enormous debt, you need to live within your means. Second, PRAY. Ask God for direction and wisdom and self control every day. Next, PAY. Begin to pay extra on the debts and they will one day go away. It will take time, but the freedom is worth it.
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February
27th
Proverbs 6:4-8
Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Outlook
from the In Book
BUGS, INSECTS!!! Even the words makes some peoples skin crawl. Most often we think of pests when thinking of them. When something is wrong in our computer programs it is called a Bug in the program. If someone is bothering you, you might say, “Quit bugging me.” But Solomon points out a very valuable lesson can be obtained from observing the ANT. Ants evidently have no real leader. No commando ant barking out orders and telling all the other ants what to do and where to go. And yet all the ants fall into place and pull their weight. In fact it has been said that an ant can carry many times its own weight when gathering things. Also ants get prepared in advance. They put up things in preparation for winter and harsh weather. So what are we to learn from these little industrious creatures? First we learn that saving is not a sin. Some will tell you the Bible never speaks of putting anything away for the future. They say you are just to rely on God for everything. Not true. God gives you wisdom to see a future need; we should be wise and save for it. God has still supplied for the need. Next we see we should not have to be told to do something in order for it to get done. Simply get busy and get it done. Also, teamwork sure does help. One great thing about the church I pastor is that they do work as a team if there is a true need in our midst. Teamwork is getting it done together. We should not be sluggards, lazy, no ambition. God provides the materials, we must still use them.
The Word Walking In Me
Next time you see an ant look at how busy they are. God has given them all they need to survive; all they have to do is do it. He’s done the same for us.
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February
28th
Proverbs 6:9-11
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Outlook
from the In Book
Let me sleep just a little longer please! I think every parent has heard this. Sometimes not from the children, but from the one that has to take care of the children. Just a few more minutes, please. We are a people on the run. We go, go, and go. But we are also a nation that needs rest. But how much is enough. That depends on the person doing the study it seems. Different studies have produced different outcomes. Some say that 8 hours a night is enough and some say you really only need 4-6 hours a night. Most people try to get by on as little sleep as possible. But there are those that are on the other end of the spectrum. Those that seemingly would sleep their life away. This is what Solomon is referring to here. This is in contrast with the little working ant in the previous verses. Here we find someone that wants a little sleep, and then gets up, relaxes just a bit before they turn around to do nothing and becomes tired from their laziness to the point of going back to bed again. He warns of this lifestyle of do nothingness. Like a traveler is on a journey, so is the lazy person. A journey that has a sudden and terrible end. At the end, is brokenness physically and literally? As an armed man suddenly robs you and you have nothing, so will this life pattern of doing nothing leave you the same way. Empty handed.
The Word Walking In Me
Yes WORK is a four-letter word. But it is a word we need in our life. The Bible declares if a man won’t work that he in turn should not eat. It does not say that work should be your life, but it should be a part of it. God will supply our needs, but He may be doing it through a job.
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February
29th
Proverbs 6:12-15
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Outlook
from the In Book
I have been known from time to time to play a trick on someone. More often than not it is a harmless little something that when we are finished we can both laugh at. It will bring a surprise or scare that is only for a moment and then it’s done. But what if it went on and on and on for what seemed to be an eternity. Well that’s the way it is in the life of what this passage is calling a naughty person. In a quest to find more pleasure and bigger laughs in the practical jokes they have played on people, they do more and more terrible things. Things that eventually physically hurt others, and often themselves. They become thrill seekers at others expense. It becomes an addiction with them just like any other addiction. The person addicted to alcohol will need more and more alcohol to satisfy their cravings. An addiction to tobacco or pornography or drugs or anything is the same. The more you have the more you want. This is the same for the naughty person. If they have pulled something really big to embarrass, harass, hurt, or degrade you or someone else, watch out. The next stunt will be bigger and worse yet. The problem is, they get so involved in what they are doing that they never realize they are ruining their lives. No one wants to be around them. No one ever trusts them. They spend all their time on mischief and often can’t hold a job. And destruction is sure and seemingly swift. They always say “Hey what happened? I was just having some fun.”
The Word Walking In Me
Watch out for the tricksters in life. The final trick they usually play is on themselves. It’s seems like magic. POOF! And suddenly they have nothing.
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