Richer vs Poorer

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget

Verse 7: “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.”

Commentary

Some folks can't understand why some people make so many sacrifices for others who are in need. Despite what people may think, lower income families give more to charities than rich people. See the study done by ABC’s 20/20. The fact is, people are more likely to help when they can relate to the challenges that someone is going through. A person who has been through cancer is going to be most supportive to the person that has just been diagnosed. A person that lost a spouse is going to be very sympathetic with a grieving widow/widower.

All that being said, this scripture does not mention the person who considers the poor as being poor themselves. What it does say about the person, is they are righteous. "the wicked does not understand such knowledge", they don't understand and can't relate to the poor. Another interesting observation is the scripture doesn't say that the wicked person is rich or poor. The wicked do not see outside of their own interest. The important truth here, is whether you are rich or poor, if you are righteous you will consider the needs of those in need. Likewise, wicked people, whether they are rich or poor do not consider the needs of those less fortunate. God has given us His heart towards people who need money, shelter, counsel or just any form of love. We are the righteousness of Christ; we should walk in that calling.

Prayer

Lord, I want to be sensitive enough to those who are in need around me. Whether their need is financial, emotional or anything that I can possibly do to help, I want to be available to them as you have been. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

Guilty Conscience

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 28

Gold Nugget
Verse 1: “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” 

Commentary

I would rather sleep in a single bed with a clear conscience than to sleep in a king size bed with a guilty one. I have known people that are always on the defense because of their guilty conscience. So much so that they make issues even when there isn’t one. Like today’s “gold nugget” says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” When you have a clear conscience it makes you bold. I remember once when I had put off my vehicle inspection over and over. Way longer than I care to admit. I don’t remember the circumstances why I put it off, but I remember all the stress trying to avoid getting a ticket. Driving at night was a preferred option. The fear of passing a police officer, hoping he wouldn’t see was a daily occurrence. Even to the point where I would turn down a road if I saw a police car, only to find it wasn’t one. (The wicked flee when no one pursues)  As the second part of the scripture states, once I finally got the vehicle inspected, I wanted to pass a police officer. I was as “bold as a lion.” Having a guilty conscience will ruin every area of your life. Another issue that stems from people with a guilty conscience is the accusing position they take with others. When they see someone in a certain situation, they factor what they themselves would do in that situation and assume others would react the same way. It's said that one of the signs of infidelity is the guilty partner will begin suspecting the innocent partner of the act that they alone are guilty of. Those that have a clear conscience also assume that their partner is just as innocent as they are. That is the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 (Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things). If you have ever had a guilty conscience and came clean, you can testify of the liberating effect it has in your life. If you have something weighing on you, it’s time to clear your conscience and rid your life of a cancerous disease. If you don’t, it will spread through your life killing everything in its path.

Prayer
Lord, we thank you for your forgiveness that is so readily available to us all. Help us to cling to your mercy and embrace the purifying effects of confessing our sins. We know that you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

The Scout

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 15

Gold Nugget
Verse 3: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” 

Commentary

Do you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? What about your suffering? Does that go unnoticed also? Does your suffering go without justice being served? Being underappreciated is a difficult condition. Being abused and not having a champion is a hopeless place to be as well. Remember today’s “gold nugget”, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

There was once a young man that played football in a small school district in Texas. As linemen often do, he was under appreciated. His parents didn’t think much of his skills, he wasn’t popular and even his coach said he was too slow to make it in football. One Friday night he had to play as a starter for an injured player. He was making such huge blocks that the running back set the district rushing record for a single game. After the game a scout from a major university walked on the field to try and recruit the player he wanted for his team.  To everyone’s surprise, he didn’t have any interest in the running back that was being carried off the field on his teammate’s shoulders. He wanted the guy that made it all happen. He saw what nobody else had ever seen before in that offensive lineman. After receiving a full college scholarship, he went on to play in the National Football League. 

We must not give up. God is the great "Scout" and He is watching. If what we do - we do for Him, He will see everything through. He sees when you are under appreciated and He sees when you are downright rejected and abused. Trust Him. He is a just God. 

  

Prayer
Lord, I need you to remind me that you “got this”. I know that you can make something of my life and tend to my tormenters. I will put my confidence in you and refuse to resort to ungodly means of retaliation against those that have hurt me. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

To Everything - Turn, Turn, Turn

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10

Gold Nugget
Verse 5: “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” 


Commentary

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

These words were made famous to many by The Byrds in the mid 1960’s. Although recorded several times before and since, Pete Seeger first put the lyrics to music in 1959. Even then Pete Seeger wasn’t the originator. The originator was the very same person that wrote today’s “gold nugget”, “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” There is a time to work and a time to rest. In addition to Proverbs and others, Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book he originated the words that Pete Seeger would put to lyrics 3,000 years later.

Observe these words taken straight out of the bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Sounds familiar doesn’t it? There is a time for everything. Picking fruit too early or too late not only taste bad, but ruins it. The same goes for things in our lives. Sometimes waiting too long or not long enough to do or be something can leave a bad taste and be ruined. Whether it is a relationship,  job or anything that has a great impact in your life, waiting too long or not long enough can cause sure destruction. We often want things right now that we need later and also wait to do things that should be done right now. Ironically, as I am writing this devotion, I received a text message with my sisters Facebook status that read “Those that are looking for Mr. Right should not settle for Mr. Right Now”. Funny how appropriate that fit in with the today’s devotion.   

  

Prayer
Lord, I know that I want things right now that are better for later just as sometimes I want to do things later that need to be done right now. Help me to seek the wisdom in your Word that shows me how to tell the difference. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

Sleepy Time

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 6

Gold Nugget
Verse 10,11: “¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—  ¹¹ So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”

Commentary

Many companies will entitle you to a vacation as a benefit to your employment. One of the hardest things to do is to go back to work after a good vacation. It’s just as difficult for many folks to try and get up after our daily vacation of sleep through the night. The “sleep vacation” is so much better than the daily grind and many of us start our day with the battle of choosing which we will do. This is a horrible way to start the day. It is much better when you have control over your will and avoid the fight altogether by choosing to get up and get on with the responsibilities we have. This takes discipline and is accomplished after consistently choosing the right thing over the convenient thing. Many people lose this battle so often that they end up unemployed, and then the lack of interest in getting out of that bed increases. The cycle of choosing sleep and loafing causes destruction in every area of our lives whether it is in your employment or  in our relationships. Not carrying our fair share of the load will cause sure destruction. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—  ¹¹ So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” For those of you that are fully employed, be sure that you do not escape the value of this proverb. There are many aspects to being lazy that will cause destruction. Being too lazy to tend to issues with your spouse, children, extended families, etc will cause destruction in your relationships. Being too lazy to be involved in adequate food intake to food burning ratio can cause destruction of your body. Being too lazy to have an active prayer life, bible study time and healthy relationship with the church will cause spiritual destruction. It’s never too late to make these necessary changes in your life. Make a decision today to “Wake up” and get your business in order. Your spiritual, mental and physical health depends upon it.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving me a much needed wakeup call in these areas. I feel the difference it made in my spirit, mind and body. To you belongs all the glory.  Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

Getting Things Lined Up

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 2

Gold Nugget
Verse 10-11: “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,”

Commentary
When you get things lined up right, the right things fall into place. As today’s “gold nugget” says, “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,” Preservation and sustainability are promised as a result of wisdom entering your heart and your soul being receptive to knowledge. In order to ensure these two benefits, you must ensure the presence of the two pre-requisites. Pre-requisite number one assumes you have wisdom in your heart. The old saying “You are what you eat” applies here. If you are consuming wisdom it will begin to define who you are. In order to consume wisdom you must be setting at the table and digesting the truth in His Holy Word.

Pre-requisite number 2 assumes that the knowledge found in His Holy Word is received as pleasant to your soul. If your heart rejects its truth, it isn’t “pleasant to your soul”. In order to benefit from the wisdom and understanding in the bible, we must commit to reading it and have a heart to understand it without prejudice to our own interest or desires. When the Word of God is committed to and accepted without restraint, then wisdom “enters your heart”, knowledge  is transferred to the open heart and “Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,”. We have grown accustomed to picking and choosing the convenient parts of scripture that fit well with our perspectives and priorities. When we start taking it as it is written and allow it to transform us by the renewing of our minds, then we really begin to reflect what God want this world to see.

Prayer
Lord, I want to accept your Word and all of its precepts. I don’t want to just acknowledge the parts that are convenient for me. Challenge me to conform to your Word and I will know that the benefits will be preservation and sustainability. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

The Poor Man's Kingdom

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 30

Gold Nugget

Verse 13: “There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.” 

Commentary

One of the biggest obstacles to people finding the Lord is the lack of humility in our present society.  While on a crusade in Mexico years ago, it seemed as if the moving of the Spirit of God was more prevalent and consistent than in most American church services. I remember asking Him why I had not seen such a moving in the states. As crazy as it may sound, I believe God spoke to me on this. If I understood Him correctly, it is because of the poverty. Just as the scriptures speak of the difficulty in a rich man entering the Kingdom of Heaven, people that are self sufficient often find it hard to think of themselves as being in need of a Savior that provides for them. All that enter the Kingdom of God, must do so on their knees.

The message of the Gospel centers on acknowledgement of our insufficiencies and putting our trust in someone else to provide for us. People that are in emotional or financial distress are usually quick to embrace the Gospel. People that live in abundance often find it hard to see a need for anything in their life that they are not providing themselves. This is not the case with everyone that has been fortunate, but it is still a legitimate pattern. Despite your financial position, the talents you bring to the table or how much beauty you have, everyone that has a healthy relationship with God understands their unworthiness and need for His grace, mercy, forgiveness and provisions. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

Prayer

Lord, I know I am nothing without you. I am in need of your leading, correction and provision. Help me to stay humble by choice and not humbled by humiliation. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

Take the Wood Out of the Fire

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 26

Gold Nugget

Verse 20: “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”

Commentary

My grandmother used to always say, “It takes two to tango”. Honestly, I didn’t really care for the statement. Usually when someone says that to you it points the blame for a conflict on both parties. Who wants to hear that? What we really want is for the other person to accept responsibility and change. Now, for the sake of this devotion, let’s assume that you are not the one that needs to change. In this situation you are not doing anything wrong. Begin to fill this scenario out in your head. Who is it that fits this condition in your life? Are you truly innocent in the origin of this problem? Okay, maybe you are. You have done everything right and still there is this conflict. Often we find ourselves in situations with difficult people. Someone I know recently got bombarded with horrible ungodly comments, insults and accusations from someone they know on facebook. He asked me what he should do. Of course the first thing I suggested was to ask this person to avoid posting ungodly things on your facebook. The guy actually ridiculed him for the request. After a few days another horrible and wicked comment was posted on my friend’s facebook from this guy. Finally I suggested that he remove the guy from his friends list to prevent him from spreading his hatred on his profile page. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” There was a great deal of fiery strife from this hateful person, but my friend removed the wood from the fire. It does take two to tango. Sometimes we are in the right, but contribute to the strife by being an active participant. Sometimes the most effective solution is avoidance. As with this case it was not the first suggestion, but if continued strife is avoidable – avoid the person. Take the wood out of the fire. The flame will die without your fuel. Pray about it. Sometimes this is the answer, but it is best decided between you and God when it is. Sometimes it's best to just let it go.  

Prayer

Lord, help to recognize when a relationship is only volatile and not constructive or healthy. With your guidance, I want to be able to know when to walk away and when to stick it out. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

A Conversation in the Drive-Thru

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 25

Gold Nugget

Verse 28: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.”

Commentary

Having found success in changing my eating habits, exercising and losing some weight, I stopped by McDonald’s last night to get one of their Strawberry-Banana Smoothies. They’re really tasty and occasionally take the place of my evening meal. As I sat in the drive-thru looking at all that junk food, my belly started to speak to my mind; “Awe, shucks! You’ve been good. You run 4 times a week, eat healthy and are feeling great. Your clothes fit better and everything. You can send us a little treat. Look at that cheese dripping off that juicy meat. Splurge a little. You’ve earned it and can get right back on schedule tomorrow.” Yes, my belly said all of that! It almost had me convinced until logical reasoning in my mind kicked in. My mind said to me, “That’s the way it starts, Steve. You already allow yourself to splurge some on the weekends.  If you start allowing your splurge to sneak into the weekdays, the next thing you know you’ll be taking mornings off of running. Then you will start feeling depressed from failure which will make you hungry….” I interrupted myself long enough to reply to the drive-thru speaker. “Yes, that will be all”. I drove home with my smoothie and left them to their hamburgers. It was delicious and was even sweeter with the taste of victory lingering in my mouth. I’m happy knowing that my flesh is learning to live in subjection to the will of my mind. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” As a defenseless city without walls, so are we vulnerable to any attack of our fleshly desires. There all sorts of weaknesses that we have to deal with. Some folks have the perfect metabolism and can eat all they wish without gaining a pound, but may have other areas of weakness just as damaging if not worse. What is the hole in your wall that allows the enemy to come in and cause havoc in your life? Maybe the difference that you can make today is in your perspective. Whatever that weakness is, decide that it is the enemy. Begin to build up the walls of protection called self control before your city is over-taken.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for helping me to be victorious last night. The changes you have made in my life are noticed and appreciated. The greatest accomplishments that you have to do in me are yet to come and are greater that any physical victories can compare. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

I Got This

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 23

Gold Nugget

Verse 12: “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.”

Commentary

I remember when my son was little; he always would try to cut short instructions. When he was 6 or 7 years old I was trying to teach him how to shoot a BB gun. As soon as he got the gun in his hands he said, “I got it, Dad… I got it.” I hadn’t shown him how to aim the sights yet and had safety rules to teach him. Several times in the process he cut in, “I got it, Dad… I got it.” Although my concerns about him refusing instructions in that situation as well as others, it wasn’t all that different to the many times I did and do the same. If it’s as simple as glancing at the instructions before assembling a desk or something, often times I would have to disassemble some piece because of neglecting the instructions. After managing people for many years, there have been many times when someone cut short my instructions because of an “I got this” attitude. Knowing that there were important additional instructions, I knew their approach left room for error. I can’t help but wonder how often God is left standing there, so to speak, while we say “I got it, Dad… I got it.” Although we may not say it in words, we say it in deed. He has an entire Book of Instructions that is as neglected as the instruction manual that sits in the box while we stumble through the assembling of our lives. Having an open door to learning and following instructions may not be in our personal tool box. More of us cut short His instructions and take on an “I got it” attitude. Today’s “gold nugget” challenges us to “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge.”  I have found that as I have gotten older I read the instructions more and more. I have assembled too many things incorrectly too many times. Humility earned or learned is still humility. Enough errors in my life have helped to humble me enough to rely on the instructions. Enough experiences have shown me that there is great security in sticking close to the instructions. Have you been reading His instruction manual or have you been trying to wing it? If so, how is that working for you?

Prayer

Lord, I know that your instruction manual is the Word of God we call the bible. I know that I try to build my life sometimes on my own, but am learning how to trust your instructions more and more. Help me to surrender to your direction in all areas of my life. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

Refiner's Fire

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 17

Gold Nugget

Verse 3: "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."

Commentary

The testing or trying of silver and gold are known to be performed by the introduction of heat. In order to purify these precious commodities they must endure the fire. It is the natural order of things and is by God's design. Today's "gold nugget" assumes that we have accepted these facts concerning the purification of these elements and are now ready to grasp a more important lesson and yet consistent in order as these. "The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts." Although we live in a microwave society, that is to say, we have found shortcuts to many of our wishes, the purifying of the heart and soul of a man can only be accomplished through the fire as well. The fire is not that of the refining pot or furnace as is silver and gold, but of the refining fire of the Lord. Consider 1 Peter 1:7, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" Jesus is the refining fire that burns away the impurites and preserves the purity. There is only one way to be pure and that is to endure the flame. Our society has taught us to hide, mask or medicate any pain, but it is by His design that we endure these to become who we should be. The basic concept of "No pain, no gain" applies here. Consider also these powerful words from Malachi 3 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts. 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.

  

Prayer

Lord, I may be tempted to misdirect the purpose or opportunity for growth with my fiery trials and situations. Help me to remember that every trial is also an opportunity for growth should I allow it. Also remind me that I can't have a victory without first having a battle. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

Terminal Illness

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 15

Gold Nugget

Verse 10: "Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die."

Commentary

Its one thing to stray from the path, but it's all together different when you stray from the path and then refuse correction. I've heard it said and have found it to be true; that it's better to have one person that is "teachable" than three talented people that will not receive instruction or correction. Today's "gold nugget" reminds us that he "who forsakes the way" will be disciplined. As for him that forsakes the way and rejects or hates correction, his result will be outside of the correctable range resulting in death. Although not necessarily physical death, the destructive and terminal elements of death will come upon him. The person that strays from the correct business practices or maybe company policies will bring discipline from management. The person that strays and then rejects discipline/correction will eventually be terminated. It is a fact of life. Whether it is business, family or your relationship with God, straying from the way God has put before you will often bring "Harsh discipline". Straying from the path and refusing or hating discipline/correction will result in destructive and terminal scenarios in our lives. All of us are in need of correction and discipline. Do you have anyone that you can and do receive correction from? If not, you are probably lining up with the character of the person described in the second half of "today's gold nugget" and may be suffering from a terminal illness. There is a cure, if you can suffer the pride it will take to receive it.

Prayer

Lord, I know that I need correction in my life. Help me to be able to receive it when it comes from whomever you choose to bring it to me. Help me to stay on the right path as I mature in you. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

Righteousness Pays Off

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 10


Gold Nugget
Verse 2: "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death." 

Commentary
It was probably over ten years ago. I was on the 4th floor of a structure in the hottest part of the Texas summer heat, during the hottest part of the day. I had been working longer than I should have without taking a break and drinking water. I knew the signs of overheating. I had stopped sweating and could feel my body temperature rising as I pressed into my work. I was determined to finish bolting everything up before going downstairs for a water break. For some reason, there wasn't any water on the structure. Finally the last bolt was tightened and I headed for the stairs. One of the client representatives was coming up the stairs and scolded me up one side and down the other for heading downstairs. I stood there silent, sure that he would feel bad when I was able to tell him that I hadn't had a chance to get a drink of water for several hours and would return to the area when I replenished my fluids. However, his scolding went on into a fit and borderline tantrum. I wondered why he would treat anyone so badly. I finally had all the abuse I felt the Lord would expect me to endure and headed down the stairs and left him to his tantrum.

It was the next day that I was called into my supervisor's office. I was told not to return to that work site and that they had another site for me to work at. I was concerned that the story had been misinterpreted if not outright lied about. They told me not to worry about it. The client representative had called my foreman, general foreman and superintendent in to the office with other representatives. The man went on and on about how I had disrespected him, talked back to him and so on. I felt the blood start to curdle under my skin, until the next thing he said calmed me instantly. He said, "But, we knew he was lying." I wondered for a minute why they didn't even ask me my side of the story before determining the man had lied. He went on to say, "We just sat there listening to him, thinking, this doesn't sound like Steve, and then he said you cussed him out and then we knew he was lying." Even the other clients in the room that knew me didn't believe him. They said, "We have worked with Steve for years and years and have never heard him say a single curse word, even in the most challenging situations." Just to keep things smooth, they moved me to another area for a few days. I was never more proud of what the Lord had accomplished in my life than on that day. Today's "gold nugget" speaks on this very subject. "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death." Despite the wicked behavior of an ungodly man, it didn't profit him anything and because of the reputation of serving God consistently, I was delivered from harm. Be sure of this, God's Word is truth and every precept that you accept and practice will pay off for you in due season.

Prayer
Lord, I am grateful that your Word is true and I will purpose to continue in it. Forgive me of the areas I have failed you in and ask for your mercy and grace to sustain me. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/

The Belt of Truth

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 8


Gold Nugget
Verse 7: “For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips."

Commentary 
I’m surprised sometimes at how much liberty Christians take when it comes to the truth. Somewhere along the way, it became okay for us to adjust the truth or replace it all together. Sometimes I see this in more mature Christians and they will do it without shame. How did we come to this? It used to be that Christians where known for their inability to tell a lie. It was something we took pride in. There was no such thing as a white lie. The principle of not lying ruled other moral areas of our life. Not only would we avoid lying, but we would avoid doing things that we would have to lie about. The Word of God is timeless. If it was a sin to lie 100 or 1,000 years ago; it's sin today. Not only is it a sin to lie but, it lowers our defense and makes us vulnerable to the enemy. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul mentioned in Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness". Paul teaches us about the armor of God. To put on the whole armor of God, you must have on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. This is all to be able to stand against the devil. Neglecting even one part of this armor will leave us open to the enemies attacks. Neglecting to be honest is neglecting the belt of truth from the armor of God. Do you really want to leave your guard down for the devil to attack? It's better to purpose to be honest in all ways and in all things. Even if it means we will have to avoid certain actions that would temp you to lie for a cover up.

Prayer
Lord, I want to put on your entire armor. Help me to remember that refusing to be dishonest in anyway goes against your character and the character that you want me to reflect. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/ 

LOAN-ley Hearts

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 6

Gold Nugget

Verse 1-2: "1 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. "

Commentary 

I remember when I was a little boy how my grandfather told me that a "handshake" was as firm as a contract. No pen needed - a man's word ensured his agreement. Many of you may remember those days. Today things are different. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am still shocked when people don't honor their word. It is better to have not agreed to anything than to turn from your word. That brings me to today's "gold nugget". The word surety from this verse means what it sounds like. "...if you become surety for your friend" uses the word "surety" with the root word "sure". "Sure" meaning absolute, without doubt or wavering -a guarantee. If you are a guarantee for someone today and they don't pay their debt, you will pay it for them. Often times referred to as a co-signer; when you have co-signed, "You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.” Many Christians do not practice co-signing because of this very scripture and they have perfect grounds for it. The scriptures teach us to be very careful when we guarantee another person. If we vouch for someone and they back out, we may be left standing there when the lender comes for his money. He will not hesitate to take from your family. I see this scripture like Jesus' words in Luke Chapter 6, "34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High." The way these tie together for me is through the fact that Jesus says to loan and do not hope for it back. My dad taught me to only loan what I can afford to lose and don't ask for it back. If it does come back, you have not lost anything even though you were willing to. If it doesn't come back, you have only lost what you were willing to lose. Continuing with Jesus' words, we see that lending to someone and expecting it back is more like asking someone to hold your money for you. If they are in need and you can meet it, just do it and forget about it. I won’t say that I don’t co-sign or loan money to anyone, but if I do it will have to be something that I can pay back if the recipient couldn't or wouldn't. 

Just in case you thought this devotional was going to be solely about co-signing and not relevant to your situation, hold on for a second. The principle of vouching for others can be more than money. Often times we "co-sign" for people’s character. Be certain that you will be judged by others according to who you associate with and who you claim as a friend. When you refer someone, introduce someone or promote someone, your credibility is at stake. I think we should stand up for others, defend others and vouch for others, but I also think we should use caution while doing it. When that person turns out to be a discredit, your credit may be effected by it.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that who I associate for and vouch for should be people of character and not an offence to you and your name. Remind me also to give without hoping for a return or keeping score. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/       

Fine with Mine

Reading for Today: Proverbs Chapter 5


Gold Nugget
Verse 15: "Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well."

Commentary
Today's "gold nugget" is refers to a man engaging with a women that is not his to have. Whether she belongs to another or he belongs to another, either way, the "cistern" is not his to drink from. At the risk of losing some folks for lack of relevance, we will deal with the core issues that are more widely relevant. Although the 10 commandments deal with adultery (7th commandment) and how we shouldn't have another person's mate, it is appropriate that it deals with coveting (10th commandment) without being redundant. The 10th commandment declares that you're not only to avoid having your neighbor’s wife, but avoid even desiring (coveting) your neighbor's wife. Or for that matter, anything he possesses. The offense of wanting what someone else has goes even deeper. God takes great pride in being a good provider. Imagine two mothers that prepare lunch for their child. After the meal has been served, one child ignores their mother’s hard work and stares at the other child’s lunch with envy. The mother will be hurt and offended. God is very concerned with meeting our needs. When we look to what others have and covet for their possessions, we offend God as sure as that child offended his mother.

Recap - to covet your neighbor’s wife is an offense to:
· Your neighbor
· Your neighbor’s wife
· Your wife (if married)
· Potentially children on either side
· Most importantly – God

It’s time we quit looking at others and what they have, what they have accomplished, how they live, how they look, what they drive, etc. The chain reaction of who it hurts goes farther than we may think. Maybe we should just learn to be content with what is proper for us and leave the vanity and lustful desires to the foolish.

Prayer
Lord, whether it be what I drive, what I wear or where I live; I want to honor you by being content with what is proper for me. You are a great provider and if you see fit to give me something of lesser or greater value in my eyes, that’s okay by me. I trust you. Amen

If you are reading this devotional in an e-mail and would like to post a comment, click on this link http://proverbfortoday.org/