Proverbs 11

"By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God's favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked." (Proverbs 11:11, Amplified Bible)

America has been a great nation and world leader for many generations.  It was dominated by, "the influence of the upright and God's favor [because of them]...."  Of course it has not been a Christian Nation in the sense that all are Followers of Jesus.  But, just one example, they had the influence which saw daily Bible reading in the education system of the nation.  50 years ago that all changed.

When exactly, "God's favor," was withdrawn, I cannot say.  But I believe that the removal of the Prayer of Jesus and the Words of Jesus from the school system set America on the course we are seeing played out today.  In 1962 and 1963 and 1973, "the mouth of the wicked," prevailed.  No nation or individual can have, "God's favor," if they allow, "the mouth of the wicked," to prevail either overtly or covertly.  It is amazing how American Christendom can just go on with "business as usual" when that manifestation of Christendom keeps participating in the electing, watching, reading of, "the mouth of the wicked." 

I am encouraged to continue praying for the United States of America and the nations of the world, because things can change, though I must admit, I see little encouragement on the horizon.  America can go from a "post Christian" nation, to a post, "God's favor," nation, if we have not already.  I encourage you to continue to exert any and all, "influence," you can.  You and I as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, as members of the Body of Christ, as those in whom Jesus Christ lives are the only hope for the city, the nation, the world, and, that situation in which you find yourself right now.  Only, "the upright," can avert overthrow.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I ask for your mercy on America and the nations of the world.  I pray that, "the influence of the upright," will prevail.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Proverbs 10

"The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger....The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall." (Proverbs 10:3 & 8)
(I sent a video devotional today, but know that some do not receive it; hence, this one.)

What a promise from our Lord Jesus Christ in this difficult and uncertain financial times, "The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger."  Also found in, "The Lord Is My Shepherd, I shall not want, lack."  My part?  Be righteous, and the righteousness of which Scripture declares is only the righteousness Who Is Jesus Christ in His Atoning Blood.

Verse 8 tells us another "ingredient" in Kingdom Living,"The wise in heart will receive commands."  The word translated, "receive," means "to take, capture;" it is an agressive act.  And all through Scripture I see that it is obedience to His commands which determines if I am, "wise," or a, "fool."  Some people think that reading the Bible, hearing the Bible, hearing sermons and teachings will impart the power in the promises.  It does not work that way.  Impartation comes only through obedience to The Word of God. 

This time through the Proverbs I am keenly aware that just reading, or hearing, "the words of God," do nothing for me in the sense of the benefit of their promises and commands if I do not "receive," them in obedience.  How much of what we might call "advice" is found in the Proverbs, better, "commands."  But if I just read them, underline them, nod my head in agreement at them----------- nothing.  "The wise in heart will receive (obey) commands."

" Receive," by implication, "[Obey] commands," today and we will walk as, "the wise."  And in the remainder of this day, be encouraged that no matter what is going on around us, "The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger," i.e., His People.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that too much of my life has been reading and not doing Proverbs.   Thank You for them, and grant me grace to walk in them/You.  Amen. 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Proverbs 9

"Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." (Proverbs 9:8)

I was talking with my Parents once about my favorite elementary school teacher.  Dad said in effect, "Notice who people refer to as their favorite teacher.  It is always the one who expected the most and exercised discipline."  For me, that is true of teachers, coaches, and my scout leader.  But there were certainly times when the, "correct[ion]," and, "rebuke," were not appreciated by me.  I came to love them all, however, just as my Parents and Grandparents who exercised quite adequate correction and rebuke. 

Every time I read such words in the Bible as our text, I take stock.  How do I respond to correction and rebuke?  It reveals whether I am, "a scoffer," or, "a wise man."  What about you today?  Do we seek out people who constantly affirm us, constantly tell us how wonderful we are, constantly give "prophetic words" of a nature which Bob Mumford once called, "Everything's okay, saith the Lord"?  Beware of such; you and I are not that "perfect!"

If we read carefully (as we should always read everything) the Words of Jesus, we see the "balance" between the greatest and most wonderful encouragement the world has ever heard.  We also, however, read the direst warnings and rebukes, as well as life changing and saving correction.  He is Wonderful Counselor.

Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for Your Words which save my life.  Amen.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Proverbs 8

"For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death."  (Proverbs 8:35, 36)

The subject of Proverbs 8 is Wisdom.  1 Corinthians 1:30 says that Jesus is our Wisdom, "Who of God is made to us wisdom."  When one, "finds," Jesus Christ, that one, "finds favor from the Lord."  Likewise, "....he who sins against [The Lord Jesus Christ] wrongs his own soul; all those who hate [Jesus] love death."  People who are seeking "wisdom" and ignore Jesus are seeking their own destruction.

In my Psalm reading today, I read, "Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"  Again, just as Jesus, "Who of God is...to us wisdom," so Jesus is The, "Lord, my salvation."  In Jesus Christ Himself, The Blessed Trinity reveals Himself as our Salvation.  This is the reason personal relationship with/in Jesus is so critical.  This is not a "handout religion."  This is unique in all History; it is, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"; it is not, "Go to a place to get something."  Jesus is the Personification of all Good which Father has and is to us.  Don't ask for more things.  Ask and seek continually Jesus.  Jesus is the fulfillment of Exodus 25:30, "The Bread of The Presence," i.e., revealed in John 6 as, "I am the Bread of life."  Enough talk of "presence" identification with meetings, seasons, localities and events.  Such are only of significance if Jesus is honored and glorified, if the Name of Jesus fills the meetings, the seasons, the localities and events.  We don't worship some self-made concept of "presence."  We worship, "The Bread of the Presence."  He told Moses, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest"-------------- in His Presence. 

I am so very, very thankful today that I live in Jesus Christ and He in me, in Him, "Wisdom," of the Living Triune God Himself, right here, right now, "The Bread of The Presence."  You are not alone! 

Less there be any who read these devotionals who think that the Church only discovered "real anointed worship" within the last 20- 30 years, I have posted a hymn of Isaac Watts written in 1719 for our closing prayer.  This hymn is from "The Otterbein Hymnal For Use in Public and Social Worship".  I downloaded it to my Kindle.  Both my Paternal and Maternal Grandparents came to Jesus and were a part of local United Brethren in Christ congregations.  I had the privilege in 1967 to preach in the very church building in which my Grandpa Barnette surrendered his life to Jesus in 1901.  He and my Grandma were in each service for the one week "revival" meeting.  He was up at the altar while people were coming to Jesus and prayed with them.  Glorious.
I don't know the melody, but you can sing this hymn to the tune, "O Tannenbaum"; it works.
"My God! my King! thy various praise
Shall fill the remnant of my days;
Thy grace employ my humble tongue,
Till death and glory raise the song.
2. The wings of every hour shall bear
Some thankful tribute to thine ear;
And every setting sun shall see
New works of duty, done for thee.
3. But who can speak thy wondrous deeds?
They greatness all our thoughts  exceeds;
Vast and unsearchable thy ways --
Vast and immortal be thy praise."

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2

Proverbs 6 & 7

"....a person who stirs up conflict in the community....With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk."  (Proverbs 6:19 & 7:21, NIV)

Both passages speak of the ruin of individuals and destruction of local congregations.  America is rife with those, "who stir[] up conflict in the community," and those who lead people, "astray", e.g., news media, universities, Hollywood, cynics, false teachers of Christendom.

The Proverbs 6 text is one of the seven, "things the Lord hates."  It is a very rare local church which does not have such people among them; I can think of none I served who lacked them.  Some perhaps would say that I did so because of my preaching or uncompromising stand on things; I'm open.  But it behooves us all to work at avoiding the things which our Lord Jesus Christ, "hates."  We cannot prosper without the King's, the Bridegroom's approval.

The Proverbs 7 text is one of the trilogy warnings against adultery in Proverbs 5-7.  But can we see the subtlety of seductive words in general, "persuasive words," which lead us astray and are everywhere and in every aspect of our cultures.  The Biblical remedy is in the continual command of proverbs, "My son, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.  When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.  For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life" (Proverbs 6:20-23).  For me, I can see a literal application concerning my parents.  Their counsel was always correct, always Jesus-Word-of-God centered; I only wish I had taken it all to heart.  But the Eternal Word, Jesus, and His Words are literally continually before us.  We have Eternal Counsel in the Eternal Counselor, Jesus.  We have absolutely no excuse for sin.  The only regret comes when we realize the Word of God in effect is telling us, "I told you so."

The Blessed Trinity in the Proverbs is still warning us, encouraging us, comforting us with the great command, "Bind them (my Words) always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.  When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you."  Indeed, "They are life to those who find them, and medicine to their whole flesh."

Father, in Jesus' Name, what more can I say?  Thank You.  Amen.

 

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2