Category: Proverbs–BibleTrekToday
Transformation by the Holy Spirit!
Scripture reading for August 25th: 2nd Corinthians 3, Psalm 20, Proverbs 15
2nd Corinthians 3:16-18 “But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.”
Paul used Moses and the Law as an example for the believers. The Law was written on tablets of stone and was received by Moses to give to the people. Moses wore a veil over his face when he left God’s presence, because the glow of God’s presence and glory was fading from him. This veil remains over all who try and keep the law. But in Christ God has given man something better! The Holy Spirit comes to indwell us and write God’s law on hearts of human flesh. He pours in God’s agape love and we begin to love God unselfishly and to love others, thus fulfilling God’s law. God Himself is Love! This brings freedom from the condemnation of broken law and transformation by the Spirit indwelling us into the likeness of God’s Son! The need for a veil is over! The glory is now increasing day by day! Amen!
Psalm 20:4-5 “May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the Name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving might of His right hand.”
Prayer: Father God, I shout for joy over Your gift of the Holy Spirit living in me! From Your Word, I understand that I am being transformed into Your image day by day, with ever-increasing glory! My cheerful heart has a continual feast! I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself! Open doors that I may share this glory transformation with all in my community!
Proverbs 15:15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.”
The fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus
Scripture reading for August 24th: 2nd Corinthians 2, Psalm 19, Proverbs 14
2nd Corinthians 2:14-17 “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s Word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”
Paul told the believers that Christ would always lead them in triumphal procession. Jesus Christ, our King, would display His Bride as beautiful and reflecting the joy of His love and grace like a pleasant perfume. Those who were humble and repentant would see them and receive their fragrance as the perfume of Life. Those hard-hearted and sin-centered would find their aroma one of death! Their old life would be exposed and conviction would fall. But God sends out His people and makes them triumphant and equips them for their task. Through them, the knowledge of Christ is spread like a beautiful aroma in every place they go or reside!
Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Prayer: Father God, even as the Psalmist prayed: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord!” You are my Rock and Redeemer, my King and Lord. As Your Bride, may my life always bear the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus Christ in every place to each person. Thank You for commissioning and equipping me for this task through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
Proverbs 14:33-34 “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools. Righteousness exalts a notion, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Learning to rely on God
Scripture reading for August 23rd: 2nd Corinthians 1, Psalm 18, Proverbs 13
2nd Corinthians 1: 8-11 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God Who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
As believers, we don’t get a pass on suffering or persecution. Paul and his ministry team went through a trial where they despaired of life itself. They felt under the sentence of death and that there was no escape. However, God strengthened them and delivered them from the deadly peril. It was Paul’s faith in God that caused him to declare that God would do it again as well. But Paul encouraged the believers to pray for them and bring help as many agreed together. This would bring thanksgiving from those helped through the prayers. Prayer is an amazing help and comfort to those in despairing trials. God is faithful to hear and answer us and those praying for us and with us. To Him be all glory in heaven and on earth!
Psalm 18:4-6 “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the testimony of these who have gone before me and have suffered in great despair. Your promise of hearing our prayers and delivering us brings comfort and faith. I pray for those in my life that I know are going through despairing trials and what looks hopeless. Use me to pray for them and to encourage them that You are faithful. Thank You for Your amazing faithfulness to us!
Proverbs 13:21 “Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.”
Integrity in giving!
Scripture reading for August 22nd: 1st Corinthians 16, Psalm 17, Proverbs 12
1st Corinthians 16: 1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”
God is a God of order and peace. A lack of integrity in handling of offerings can be a source of division and strife among believers. In his closing remarks to this church family, Paul gives instructions for an offering taken for hurting believers in Jerusalem. First, each person is to willingly, as God prospers them, set aside weekly an offering to be given when Paul arrives. Paul did not want to pressure them to give or coerce them in any way. God loves cheerful givers! Second, the church should select trustworthy individuals to send with the offering to insure it gets to the place and people intended. Paul would only go himself it it seemed advisable. The utmost integrity and accountability was to be given to God’s offerings in accordance with established practices laid out by church leaders. Amen!
Psalm 17:4-5 “With regard to the works of man, by the Word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a just God Who cares about truth and integrity in Your people. How we handle money is a test of our faithfulness and character. Help us to follow Your simple instructions and to be accountable with all offerings. Bless those who give with joy and freedom and those who act in integrity in using all finances to Your intended benefit. Keep our feet from slipping.
Proverbs 12:20-21 “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.”
The last enemy under Christ’s feet!
Scripture reading for August 21st: 1st Corinthians 15, Psalm 16, Proverbs 11
1st Corinthians 15: 20-26 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
Some in the Corinthian church struggled to comprehend how Christ was raised from the dead. They were thinking naturally that when a person is dead, then that’s the end of them. But Christ Jesus has been raised from the dead and is alive. Adam’s sin brought death to all men because death is the penalty for sin. But Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection now brings eternal life to those who believe on Him. Christ was the Firstborn from the dead but He won’t be the last! When He comes again, we shall all be raised to life eternal in a glorified body, like His glorious body! God did not abandon Jesus and He certainly won’t abandon to death those trusting in His Son. Jesus is the only path to eternal life and resurrection! Amen!
Psalm 16:9-11 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Prayer: Father God, my heart is full of joy at the understanding that I will live forever in Your presence! I believe Jesus Christ was raised from the dead and at His coming I will be raised. Use me to declare these truths to a world skeptical of the resurrection and lost in sin’s darkness. Deliver those with the fear of death by revealing that You have defeated our last enemy!
Proverbs 11:6-7 “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.”
God will not confuse His people!
Scripture reading for August 18th: 1st Corinthians 14, Psalm 15, Proverbs 10
1st Corinthians 14:26-33 “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
God’s people are commanded to gather together for worship, prayer, and teaching of the Word. God speaks to His people through gift-people and through spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to edify, exhort and comfort God’s people. Each person has a gift or manifestation of the Spirit that may be shared, but never to cause confusion. God is a God of peace and order. He gave instructions about the use of gifts. Two or three at most should speak in tongues publicly, but only if there is one who can interpret. Tongues are a sign for unbelievers. Prophesy can be given by two or three, each in turn and care taken that all would understand and be encouraged and built up. Each person is responsible to follow God’s instructions in a humble and submissive spirit of love for God and those present.
Psalm 15:1-3 “O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? Who who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up reproach against a friend; . .”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are a God of order and peace, not of confusion. Help me as a pastor and overseer to instruct Your people in these simple instructions. Help me to always invite the Holy Spirit to move through Your people in the gifts and to bring clarification and understanding so all may be edified. Build up Your church that they might do mighty exploits for You and share Your wisdom.
Proverbs 10:13-14 “On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.”
Lord, I need love!
Scripture reading for August 17th: 1st Corinthians 13, Psalm 14, Proverbs 9
1st Corinthians 13: 1-8 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”
Because of sin and selfishness, mankind is bankrupt when it comes to God’s kind of love. We can have all sorts of talents and gifts, but without agape love, the love that gives to help another, they are meaningless. We often lack patience and kindness with others. Envy and boasting cause division and strife. Resentment and irritation come out of us instead of blessing and rejoicing and long-suffering. Fortunately, God’s love becomes available to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our spiritual growth after new birth by faith is governed by our growth in learning to love like our Lord. Lord help me to love like you!
Psalm 14:2-3 “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is none that does good, not even one.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the greatest gift, Your amazing agape love! I receive it and embrace my need to grow in my ability to love You and others. Fill me daily with the Holy Spirit. Give me opportunity to share love. Keep me from folly, the loud and seductive voices of this world that try to use me in unloving ways of impatience, irritation, resentment and strife. I am glad Your love never ends!
Proverbs 9:13-16 “The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!””
The mutually dependent church!
Scripture reading for August 16th: 1st Corinthians 12, Psalm 13, Proverbs 8
1st Corinthians 12:24-28 “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.”
Pride and envy can easily slip into the church around the spiritual gifts and gift people God appoints. Paul here carefully points out that God puts His body together with many varied parts and different giftings. This is not to cause division, but to bring greater unity and interdependence. Not everyone has every gift or is appointed by God to fill positions of leadership. God calls leaders to be servants and those with gifts to serve others to His glory. Each person should care for the others. We are mutually dependent on God and those whom He has gifted. God has dealt bountifully with His family in supplying abundant gifts and gift people to serve. His wisdom through the Holy Spirit brings justice and blessings.
Psalm 13:5-6 “But I have trusted in Your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your church! I am amazed and blessed by the various members and the gifts You have placed in them and through them to serve Your people. Help me to walk in wisdom to use the gifts You have formed in me of teaching and evangelism and helps. I rejoice each day at new opportunities to serve You by serving others! You have dealt bountifully with me and Your family!
Proverbs 8:20-21 “I (wisdom) walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”
Healthy self-examination!
Scripture reading for August 15th: 1st Corinthians 11, Psalm 12, Proverbs 7
1st Corinthians 11: 27-32 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.”
The receiving of the Lord’s supper is to be an intimate time of fellowship with the Lord and healthy self-examination. This sacred meal consists of bread representing the sinless body of Jesus Christ and wine or grape juice representing Christ’s blood shed for our sins. We are to discern through His sacrifice for us our own sins and ask our Lord for mercy and cleansing. Some Corinthians were taking this meal with a frivolous and prideful attitude. This resulted in some falling to sickness and even some dying because of unconfessed sins. God’s desire is for us to judge ourselves so that we do not need God to judge us because of Christ’s sacrifice covering our sins. These are pure Words, given to refine us for His service!
Psalm 12:7-8 “The Words of the Lord are pure Words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; You will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Lord’s Supper and the opportunity to remember Jesus’ death on the cross for us and the forgiveness of our sins and healing of our bodies. Forgive me when I have taken this supper without a healthy self-examination. Give me fresh insight into Christ’s sacrifice and His current Body, the Church. Help me to forgive others as I have been forgiven and to walk in health.
Proverbs 7:4-5 “Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.”
God is faithful–are you?
Scripture reading for August 14th: 1st Corinthians 10, Psalm 11, Proverbs 6
1st Corinthians 10: 8-13 “We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Writing to a church in an immoral and idolatrous culture in Corinth, Paul gave examples from Scripture that would be useful for avoiding temptations. God sees and knows each person. He is faithful to those who humbly put their trust in Him for help and mercy. Every temptation comes with a way of escape. Sexual immorality requires use of the feet to run away and resist. Twenty-three thousand Israelites died when they gave in instead of running away! Proverbs says the adulterer will not go unpunished and that sexual immorality will burn the garment of our flesh! It affects our body and soul. We must avoid pride and humbly use the means of escape provided by our Lord! God is watching us and is for us!
Psalm 11:4-5 “The Lord is in His holy temple the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelides test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness to us in sending Your Son to live perfectly under Your law and offer His body for our sins. Help me remember each time I am tempted to use the way of escape You graciously provide. Protect me from sexual temptations, grumbling, and testing God by my attitudes. Use me to proclaim Your Name through a life of love and ability to resist temptations.
Proverbs 6:27-29 “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.”