Heart Transplant

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 16

Gold Nugget
Verse 9: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Commentary

In the devotion, Garbage in Garbage Out , we discussed how whatever we put in our hearts will be what will come out of it. The desires of that heart are known by the Lord. I’ve heard many references to the scripture that says, “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”(Psalm 37:4) It is often used improperly as justification to pacify our desires. The problem is not all of our desires are of the Lord. Many stem from our flesh and God is not obligated to give you these things you desire. For one, the scripture says first to “Delight yourself also in the LORD” This means we find delight in the things He wants and desires. Then when we desire things they mirror His desires and are sure to come to pass. Another thing that “links” with the truth that He gives you the desires of your “heart” is the fact that He should have already created in you a New Heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”(Psalm 51:10) This means the desires of your new heart is filled with His desires and desires for Him. The desires (lust) of the flesh are not included in this formula and will not be honored by God. What it boils down to is - our “heart transplant” includes new “heart contents”. This replaces our fleshy heart that contains fleshly desires with a new heart that contains desires for and of God. While we’re here, continuing with this logic, we find another scripture in James 3:8 “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” As true as this is, it isn’t an excuse to say what you want without accountability. Remembering what we read in Garbage in Garbage Out , we learned that Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart a man’s mouth speaks.”  So the tongue really only reflects the “contents” of the heart. Since now that we have a new heart with godly contents we don’t have to worry about the fact that the tongue cannot be controlled. What the mouth speaks will be of a godly nature. Now for those that are claiming to have a new heart and yet are able to keep the gospel from coming out of this uncontrollable tongue, we see that just isn’t possible. We sum it all up with today’s “gold nugget”, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Once we are given a new heart and it is filled with new contents, we will be equipped to plan our way with the Lord directing our steps. The great thing about that is the fact that He equips us with what we need to do the right thing and yet still doesn’t force us. He’s directing us. It is a beautiful agreement of motions. This is what we call a relationship. If this doesn't describe your relati0nship with God, look over these connections again and find what piece you may be missing.

 Prayer

Lord, I love this interaction between us. When we put your truths in order and walk in them, it is as beautiful as a dance with you. Sometimes we just need to improve on our steps and get in rhythm with you. Amen

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The Backslider

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 14

Gold Nugget

Verse 14:  The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.

Commentary

I've often heard the saying, "I'm going to give him enough rope to hang himself." Although it sounds horrible, there is a certain amount of truth to be gleaned from the concept. For starters, God doesn't hang people or send them to hell. I subscribe to the belief that we send ourselves to hell by rejecting His salvation. He gave us just enough free will to hang ourselves. He doesn't want us to abandon His outreaching arms, but He created us for His own purpose and it's OUR option to what the alternative would be. It doesn't bother me that my turning away from Him will result in everlasting destruction. I have determined that I want to spend eternity with Him and don't mind trading ownership of my life over to Him for His keeping. If I choose to "backslide", the ways that I trade Him for will consume me - "The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways". The deception so readily portrayed by the enemy will lead you to think that "sliding" away from the Lord will only be a small pause in your relationship Him. The whole "absence makes the heart grow fonder" does not work when turning away from the Lord. The truth is, turning away from Him for your own devices will actually cause you to be owned by them more and more. Your relationship with Jesus is one that must be maintained. Do not put Him on the back burner. He must be the premiere focus of your affections and source for your provision and direction. 

Prayer

Lord, I know how easy it is to allow the problems, distractions and self concerns take from our walk. I will remember that you are my reason for living and must not allow our relationship to take a backseat to anything. Amen

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Rotten Bones

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 14

Gold Nugget
Verse 30: “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”

Commentary

I’ve been in the work force 24 years. In that time I’ve seen the pay scales raise, fall, and rise again. I’ve worked in management a good part of those years and during those years, I've received raises and I have given raises. One of the unwritten and sometimes written rules is to never discuss your salaries. Even among adults, we still have the same deficiency we’ve had since childhood. We want what they have. When we were toddlers, you could see our real nature uncensored. One toddler is 100% content playing with one toy and all of a sudden, another toddler has a toy that they don’t. The toy that pacified them is thrown to the floor as they wobble over to the other child and snatch their toy. If the other toddler goes and picks up the abandoned toy, all of a sudden, the abandoned toy has the greatest value. We’ve seen this in children and we recognize it as natural for a toddler. Yes, we usually outgrow the blatant part, but only spiritual maturity will truly change it. Outside of being spiritually mature, all we do is learn how to mask it. Today we see the same toddlers in the work force, in our families and even in the church. In the church and elsewhere we see envy of others gifts, talents, etc. They may have grown up on the outside, but many are still the same toddler that can never be content with what they have. They can get a perfectly appropriate car that they’re content with… that is until their neighbor drives up with a newer or better one. All of a sudden, they look back at their car with discontentment. I have seen people do this with cars, jobs, homes, and even spouses. That’s right. It happens all the time. A husband or wife will look at someone else’s spouse, then look back at their own with discontent - even when their spouse is loyal and committed. We have painted a pretty negative picture of this person mentioned in the latter part of today’s “gold nugget”, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” I have seen this person consumed with envy and it is not a pretty sight. The scripture describes it well as “rottenness to the bones.” As far as the rest of us that don’t fall in this category, don’t be so fast to dismiss this application for you. Even for those that have matured spiritually and aren’t just masking their envy - know this, the bible deals with this issue repeatedly and though we may have matured, we may need more maturing still. Take a look at yourself closely. You may have some toddler in you yet.

Prayer

Lord, the truth is, we all have some room for growth when it comes to envying others. Help us today to be content with what is appropriate and have a “sound heart that is life to the body and not rottenness in our bones.” Amen

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Well Advised

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 13

Gold Nugget
Verse 10: "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

Commentary
Once someone came to me and asked me a technical question that pertains to my area of expertise. He needed direction in order to achieve a task that was before him. I gave him the answer, but it wasn't to his satisfaction. With resistance, he began to strive with me for a different answer. I urged him to receive the information as truth whether it came to his liking or dis-liking. In order to prove to me that my answer was not valid, he called another person with the same background that I have. When that person gave him the same answer I did, he began to strive with him as well. He had a pre-determined, desired answer and expected someone to validate it. When it wasn't agreed upon, his pride would not allow him to redirect himself. Instead, he began to strive with those that would not support his theory. Today's "gold nugget" deals with this very issue. "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” He had the opportunity to be the "well-advised" as mentioned in the latter part of that verse, but refused the advice. He called on two people with extensive knowledge in the area that he needed advice in, but pride would not permit such progress. Whether it's in business or personal situations, if you find yourself in need of direction, be sure that someone has been down that road, walked in those shoes and has the tee-shirt and ball cap to prove it. It is in your best interest to be the "well-advised" person that receives direction from a subject matter expert. Many of us have found ourselves in need of direction or wisdom, but we have a pre-determined response that we want to hear and will refuse anything else. Remember this, when you need some help, don't ask for it and quickly dismiss it because it wasn't what you wanted to hear. Sometimes council is difficult to receive. Council that is pleasant to your ears may not always be what you need.

Prayer
Lord, I want to be humble enough to receive good council when you send it to me. Help me to receive it when it comes despite the fact that it may come from a different person that I want it from, a different time that I want to receive it at or a different response than I wanted it to be. Amen

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Encouraged, Be it or Give It

Reading For Today: Proverb Chapter 12

Gold Nugget
Verse 25: “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”

Commentary

Worry and fear have a crippling effect. Often people can’t function because of the unknown. Whether it is because of failures of the past or fear of future failures, not knowing what will be the results of their efforts too often keep people effortless. Sometimes this is a result of being too concerned with what other people think. We’re afraid of what people will think of you if you fail. Will they think I am dumb, poor, ugly, etc? Many people avoid doing things that are actually in their ability to do, but choose to play it safe. In playing it “safe” they actually invite self-doubt and regret to take root in their heart. In this, their heart becomes heavier and heavier. As today’s “gold nugget” says,“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Although there are more than “too much concern for one’s own image” that causes this type of anxiety, losing confidence in one’s ability to accomplish goals will destroy the spirit and crush the heart either way. Just as anxiety will put you in a spiritual and mental cell, a good word can set you free. I believe we all have the ability to set each other free at times. If you really believe that you will take great pleasure in setting others free. We all have times when we get down, and we benefit from the encouragement of others.  If you are the one that is down, take matters into your own hands, pull yourself up, step out in faith and walk away from fear. The Lord will take care of you and will keep you from destruction. If you are the one who sees someone down, take the initiative to encourage them. They may need to be told how smart they are, how beautiful/handsome they are or just an overall vote of confidence in them when they don’t have it for themselves. Remember what Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I am the one down on myself and crippled with fear. Other times I am feeling confident and can lift up others. Help me to be encouraged by those that you send to me when I am down and help me to be mindful of others that need to be encouraged when it is my ability to do so. Amen

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Gone Fishin'

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 9

Gold Nugget

Verse 9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

Commentary

"Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime". This old proverb may not have been a bible proverb verbatim, but today's "gold nugget" has got the concept covered anyway. Although God created the world, spun it on it's axis, and created all that is in it; He took great pleasure in allowing us to be a part of fertilizing it for continued growth and reproduction, both for His creation-earth and His creation-us. I believe He takes great pleasure in seeing us grow each other in wisdom and truth. I believe He takes even greater pleasure in seeing us grow someone to the point that they can feed themselves. Even greater still, growing them to the point where they can not only feed themselves but, can in turn, teach someone else to fish. The process continues and has continued for hundreds and thousands of years. Even one person can hinder a branch in the process. Someone taught me how to fish and it is of great importance to me that I teach as many people how to fish as possible. I refuse to just sit around like a bump on a Logg. In the process of growing others, we should pay special attention to fertile ground that is ready and willing to be planted in. Our proverb today says, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." When we find people who are willing to receive instructions and yet we neglect to instruct them, we have done them and God a greater disservice than those we neglect to teach that are not open to receive instructions to begin with. Maybe we should be especially sensitive to those that are teachable and be willing to teach them, all while remembering to be teachable ourselves. We have been called to be fishers of men and it's about time we hung up the gone fishin' sign.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be both sensitive to those that need instruction as well as be sensitive to those that can instruct me. It is so important that I both receive instruction and instruct those who I can. I want to please you with humility and service to others. Amen

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Hating Evil

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 8

Gold Nugget
Verse 13: “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”

Commentary

There was an episode of 20/20 or Dateline, I’m not really sure which one, but they put some actors in a public place to do studies on human behavior. One of the studies involved several teens in a park harassing and ganging up on another teen. It was amazing how many people passed by without attempting to defend the person being abused. Another involved a man being verbally abusive and threatening to a young lady that was obviously extremely scared. Again, people passed by without intervening. It was the rare individual that would be bold enough to get involved. Too many people do not take issue with horrible behavior. Some things should be such an offense to us that it stirs us into action. Unfortunately, where we should be offended, we are too often numb to evil behavior. If His Spirit is in us, we should be offended and take issue with evil. It may not mesh well with our modern teachings that are centered on tolerance and “love”, but we are to mimic the examples set before us in scripture. We are suckered into believing that Christians demonstrate love through tolerance. When we do have righteous anger towards evil, it is falsely labeled as a hate crime. One day people may claim that their attraction to under-aged people is because of the way they are designed. They will claim that they were born that way and anyone that takes issue with them must not be a Christian, but instead are filled with hatred. Well, I say the latter part of that should be true. We should be filled with hatred of evil things. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” Hate is a very strong word, but there are things that we should feel very strongly about and even against. The old saying applies here, Hate the sin and love the sinner. Although we should never be hateful to people, our feelings towards evil things should be so strong that hate would not be an inaccurate description of our position towards the deed and not the doer.

Prayer
Lord, it may cost us friends and popularity to stand up and take issue with sin, but the examples set before us in scripture does not seem to be concerned with how popular they would be. Help us to make our position towards evil behavior clear. In so doing, we shine the light on the lines between right and wrong. Amen

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Distractions

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 7

Gold Nugget
Verse 24-25: “²⁴ Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: ²⁵ Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths.”

Commentary

There’s a popular commercial from one of the major insurance companies that features a young man driving, while checking out a “hot chick with her pink bandana”. Being distracted, he drives into a light post, causing extensive damage to his vehicle. Many of us suffer the fate of this young man, although it applies to men and women for various reasons. The illustration of a man walking into a wall while checking out a girl does paint a pretty good picture of distraction. I remember being a young teen watching the original Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. At the end of the movie, these “beautiful” images floated around alluring to the man, but in the end it was the picture of death and terror. Distractions are one of the most effective weapons of the enemy. We all have something that we could be distracted with if we are not on guard. It may be the opposite sex, money, our careers, self-love, etc. A distraction is anything that takes your attention off of your correct task or mission. Proverbs chapter seven tells the story of a young man that is taken like an ox to the slaughter. He is seduced by a married woman that has no regard for God or her husband. This world has all kinds of distractions that will take you off of the course God set before you. Remember today’s “gold nugget”, “²⁴ Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: ²⁵ Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths.”

Prayer
Lord, there are things all around me that bid for my attention, but only certain things are there from you. Help me to see the difference and stay focused on the mission you have before me.  Amen

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Sleeping Good

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 2

Gold Nugget

Verse 8: "He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints."

Commentary

 We should be able to sleep at night knowing that our elected officials are busy looking out for our best interest and preserving the constitution. We should be able rest at peace, confident that they are establishing provisions to preserve the american way of life. We should be... Well, regardless of the fact that I have very little confidence in our elected officials to look out for anything that's in my best interest, I still sleep like a baby. I rest with peace in my heart and mind, knowing that my God is busy establishing provisions to preserve the Christian way of life. Because He doesn't sleep, there isn't any reason for us both to stay up. I know that the Christian Constitution will never be amended, because it was flawless and timeless. It's always applicable and relevant and doesn't need to be revised. My God guards the path He established for me ("He guards the paths of justice") and He has preserved my way ("...and preserves the way of His saints."). It gives me great comfort knowing that I can't be undone while I am asleep. What He has accomplished in me, He will complete. My security lies in Him and all my hopes are secure. I have invested in the Kingdom of God  and the return is unmatched by the best opportunities known to man. You can't by stock, because it's given away freely. Yes, I will sleep secure tonight knowing that I am secured. I feel for those who don't have this security and hope to share the truth with as many as I can. Will you join the effort?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for everlasting arms of safety and security. I glorify you for you'r constant presence and protection. Amen

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Listen Up

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 1

Gold Nugget
Verse 30: "They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke."

Commentary
Have you ever felt like your words of wisdom were falling on deaf ears? I have seen young men that I have mentored who hear my counsel and disregard it as folly. Either they see it as over cautious or plain wasteful and unnecessary. "They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke." It is very frustrating for us to watch someone who is walking down a path of destruction or misery. Despite their looks of displeasure with us, they don't realize that our motives are pure and are shared because of our concern for them. When I am presented with these scenarios where people refuse my counsel, I remind myself of how many people that I have frustrated over the years. All these attributes I have exhibited my self at one time or another or in one way or another. Remembering this helps me to see them as a mirror of me and my passion, patience, and mercy kicks into high gear. It becomes easier to love those as God loves them when we see them as we are. It's when we don't see them as qualified as we are, we then begin to look down on them. This is easily discerned by them and will ensure more effective and rebellious behaviors to follow. Remember who we were when we are dealing with who others may still be. He had a  lot of patience with us. We should extend the same to others.

Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to disciple others. Please give me the character and heart you possessed for your disciples so that I may please you. Amen

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Obedience Over Talent

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 30

Gold Nugget
Verse 25: “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.”

Commentary
I liken this illustration concerning ants to the story of the tortoise and the hare. An unlikely character that accomplishes what the likely character would seems more apt to do. Without rehearsing a story you’re already familiar with, we will just summarize by saying, the most gifted and talented “person” did not win the race. Although the hare was more skilled, talented, and physically fit, he was also, more egotistical, self centered and assuming. The tortoise was not as flashy, exciting or popular, but he was committed and long suffering. He was not distracted by what the world around him had to offer. While he could have never beaten the hare outright, he endured long enough to see the hare fall. Much like today’s “gold nugget”, “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.” Although they don’t have a ruler to oversee them (Proverbs 6:6-8) they stay focused on the path of obedience and finish strong. We often fall into one of these categories. Many of us have natural God given talents and skills that should enables us to accomplish great things for Him, but it’s often those very gifts that He fashioned us with that replace Him and His plan. Like the rabbit, we are so consumed with our gifts and talents that less gifted and talented people finish ahead of us. I don’t know where you fit in the scenario. Maybe you are the hare that has been given much ability to accomplish great things, but know you need to repent and turn back to your Maker's plan. Others may be the hare. You may not think you look good or gain much attention or even appreciation, but just keep pressing on. You will finish the race that some only start.

Prayer

Lord, often I feel like the hare. You have given me certain abilities and talents, but I have too often been distracted by this world and its pleasures. Help me to be slow to sin and quick to repent. Remind me that this isn’t a sprint. This journey is a marathon.  Amen

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Built to Last

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget
Verse 16: “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.”

Commentary
Working in construction all of my life, it’s often been said about a particular feature of a building or project, “That’ll be around long after everything else is gone.” It’s a way of stating that something was constructed properly, even if everything else around it crumbles, rust or rots. Today’s “gold nugget” speaks on this matter, “When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; but the righteous will see their fall.” It’s okay to consider ourselves a “feature” of God’s masterpiece. He paid the highest cost to purchase us (*Ephesians 1:14) and has taken great lengths to perfect us (*Ephesians 4:12). He says right here in Proverbs just as we say in construction, “That’ll be around long after everything else is gone.” This is a wonderful truth if we choose to truly embrace it. Anything that lasts, lasts through anything. Our journey through this life is one of endurance. The winds blow, the rain comes and the sun will beat down on us, but we are built to last. Not everything around us on this construction site called earth is built to last. Not everyone allows the Master carpenter to fashion them in His likeness. As we endure, it is often tempting to see the fast easy construction that people build their lives from, but in the end, their rejection of the Master’s hand will ensure their fall. If we look around us, it is easy for those with an understanding and familiarity of the Word to see that the wicked are multiplying and transgressions are increasing. Don’t be fooled into falling in with them just because there are in the majority. The “majority rules” cannot be found in God’s plan for how we govern ourselves. The majority of people in the US either agrees with abortion or don’t care enough to overrule it. I’m fine with being in the minority. The minority will see the majority fall.

*Ephesians 1:14 “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory"

*Ephesians 4:12 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

Prayer

Lord, I know that anything built to last endures much testing and effort in construction. I know that you have invested a lot in me, help me to be patient and endure through the fashioning of my life. Amen

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Satisfaction

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 27

Gold Nugget
Verse 7: “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” 
Commentary

Two men sat down to eat. Both men had their fill of their favorite meal. One man received a bill for $38 dollars. The other man received a bill for $7 dollars. Both left their respective restaurants feeling full and satisfied. As we move up the social ladder, our expectations and taste raise with us. One man can be 100% satisfied with a $20,000 vehicle while another man maybe 75% satisfied with a $60,000 vehicle. One person is 100% satisfied in a $150,000 home while another person is 75% satisfied in a $750,000 home. The point is, not all of our spending increases are beneficial to us. I have heard as well as experienced myself, that some people had just as much “extra” money when they where younger making half or even less the salary they have today. The trend for Americans is to raise your spending to maximize what you can get out of your income. However, seldom do we see an increase in the level of satisfaction it brings. Today’s “gold nugget” shows us that, “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” Our threshold for satisfaction is related to something more that what we think it is. The lengths we go to in an attempt to find satisfaction rarely pays dividends. What we find when we get old enough to grasp it, is the fact that satisfaction doesn’t come from things you buy or earn. Contentment and peace comes from loving and being loved, giving to others and being given to and having a clear understanding of why you are here and what is truly expected of you. Many of us learn this lesson so late in life that we fail to experience this level of satisfaction. My advice to you is to learn it now. Grasp today that life is not about what you can gather unto yourself, but who you can gather unto yourself. That may sound weird, but having a family, friends and a healthy interaction with your fellow man brings more satisfaction than any material thing can provide. God created us to have a relationship with Him. Many people never come to understand or accept this. Those that do understand it also understand that His creating us for His good pleasure makes us at one with each other. Understanding our purpose in loving Him and each other is truly a sense of satisfaction that brings peace and happiness to an otherwise unfulfilling life.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for reminding me what is truly important today. Help me to experience people more than experiencing things. Remind me that our life on earth is but a grain of sand on the beach and living it like there is an eternity will bring an eternity of peace and happiness. Amen

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Snow Day

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 26

Gold Nugget
Verse 1: “As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.”

Commentary

Unlike South Texas, in the land of Israel, it was as likely to snow in the summer as it was to rain in the harvest time. The Scriptures brings our attention to the status of a foolish person. It is not fitting that the foolish receive honor.  As today's gold nugget says, “As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.” In our society, we honor the foolish and shame the wise.

What is the outcome of this reversal of honoring the foolish and shaming the wise? The result will be the foolish seeking more folly and the wise in this world will be consider "fools" inappropriately. We may not change the trajectory of this world, but we can impact those who seek wisdom. Those who have wisdom, wisely sought it. In that, we see the wise are wise people always getting wiser. Fools are fools always getting more foolish. What makes the wise – wise, and the fools - fools? Psalms 14 says, “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” We conclude that those who trust God are the wise, while those who trust themselves are fools.

  

Prayer

Lord, . Amen

 

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Heavenly Investment

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 23

Gold Nugget

Verse 5: “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven."   

                                                                                                                           

Commentary

Today's "gold nugget" reminds me of the old joke about the rich man. As it goes, a rich man dies and after much persuasion is allowed one possession into heaven. Figuring his favorite possession (a chest full of gold) would ensure him a good place in eternity, he drags it to the Pearly Gates. Exhausted, he presents himself to Saint Peter. Peter checks his name and "carry on". "What's in the chest?", Peter asked. With great joy the old man opens the chest to reveal his treasure. Expecting to be given a place of prominence, he is shocked to find himself assigned to the road repair crew. After all, what else should he expect having brought a chest full of pavement! 

Despite how well we may know that earthly treasures are simply that; "earthy", we still have a tendency to get caught up in the rat race of trying to keep up with the Joneses or just trying to satisfy our greedy lust for indulgence. We need to be reminded of what Jesus said in  Matthew 6, "¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Prayer

Lord,help us to be mature Christians that invest our time, money and resources in spiritual things that will have a bearing on our eternal state. Remind us of our responsibilities towards each other and you as we prioritize our busy lives . Amen

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Preserving the Soul

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 19

Gold Nugget

Verse 16: He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. 

Commentary

It's not usually discussed among Christians that we should be so concerned for our own well-being. Today's standard of tending to self first is mostly an ungodly concept, but there is wisdom in preserving yourself to be in good spiritual health. There is no better way to preserve yourself than to simply walk in obedience to His commands. We should look at our spiritual health in much the same way we do our physical and mental health. Our spirit needs the same elements that our bodies need. We need spiritual food, spiritual exercise and spiritual rest. Being careless in our physical ways will cause us to die, just as "he who is careless of his (spiritual) ways will die". Despite what some folks may chose to believe, the scriptures teach us that we can become spiritually unhealthy and even spiritually die. Refusing to acknowledge this truth can lead to walking "carelessly" and eventually neglect His commands. We know what God has taught us and we need to continue in it. We need to maintain our spiritual health and ensure we get enough spiritual food, spiritual exercise and spiritual rest. We need to hold fast to the truths He has lead us to and remember what He has freed us from.

Prayer

Lord, I want to stay true to you and the things you have taught me. I want to walk carefully, not carelessly. I know that you will keep me and preserve me as I walk in obedience to you. Amen

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