Category: Proverbs–BibleTrekToday
The Father’s priority for us
Scripture reading for July 13th: Luke 12, Psalm 139, Proverbs 15
Luke 12: 27-31 “”Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.””
Fear is a constant companion to those who are not born again. We worry about life and the provision that we need to live and do what we want. Our thoughts and senses tell us that we lack what we need or that we could easily lose even our life and health. Jesus reassures those who have come to Him. Our focus need not be on life’s essentials. Our Father in heaven knows our needs and like the Good Father He is, will supply. Our focus must be on seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. Life’s essentials of food, shelter, and clothing and a compelling vision of the future–eternity, will be given us! These are Jesus’ precious thoughts written down to encourage us on our journey to Father’s House!
Psalm 139:17-18 “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with You.”
Prayer: Father God, Your thoughts and Word is precious to me! Your Word expands my vision to see life from a new perspective, that of Your kingdom and rulership. It takes me away from sin and selfishness and fear or want. Help me to live freely trusting You for life’s essentials and generously towards those still living in fear. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as in heaven! Amen!
Proverbs 15:11 “Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man!”
The Good Heavenly Father!
Scripture reading for July 12th: Luke 11, Proverbs 138, Proverbs 14
Luke 11:9-13 “”And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.””
Jesus encouraged His followers to always ask, seek, and knock when faced with needs or difficulties or forces of evil. He pointed them to how earthly fathers would respond to their children when they asked them for food or provision. Even evil earthly fathers wouldn’t give dangerous gifts that might do harm to their children! How much more will our Good, Good Heavenly Father give good gifts to all who ask Him. His best Gift is the Holy Spirit, His own Nature and Character to dwell in His children. We must ask in faith, understanding the goodness of God our Father, not scoffing at His ability to hear and answer.
Psalm 138:2-3 “I bow down toward Your holy temple, and give thanks to Your Name for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things Your Name and Your Word.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the Gift of Your Holy Spirit to live in me and lead and comfort me each day, assuring me of Your goodness and reminding me of Your Name and Word. Help me daily to submit to the Holy Spirit my mind and heart, body and soul, to be used to bring good to my neighbors and family. I ask You in the Name of Jesus Christ today, trusting Your great goodness!
Proverbs 14:6 “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.”
Powerful witnesses for Jesus!
Scripture reading for July 11th: Luke 10, Psalm 137, Proverbs 13
Luke 10:13-16 “”Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. The one who hears you hears Me, and the one who rejects you, rejects Me., and the one who rejects Me rejects Him Who sent Me.”
Jesus was in the process of sending out the seventy-two witnesses into the countryside around Capernaum. As part of His sending, He pronounced ‘woes’ on Chorazin and Bethsaida as well as Capernaum. These cities had been where He had ministered in power and now these sent-out ones would also minister in power and share the Gospel of grace through believing in Jesus. Jesus told them that their witness was powerful. Those that would hear and heed, were hearing Him and those that heard and rejected them were really rejecting Him. Those that rejected Him were rejecting His Father Who sent Him and them! Like Babylon of old, who had the Jews in captivity for 70 years and destroyed Jerusalem and many residents, these cities and people would suffer for their own rejection of truth.
Psalm 137:8 “O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall He be who repays you with what you have done to us.”
Prayer: Father God, as Your people and Your sent-out witnesses, help us to understand the authority that we have to declare Your truth. As we sow Your Word of mercy through Jesus, open hearts of the lost and bring a revelation of Your love and grace through Jesus. Without You, they will perish and suffer for their own rebellion. We agree with You: You want none to perish but all to come to You in repentance. Amen!
Proverbs 13:5-6 “The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace. Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.”
Words that sink into ears!
Scripture reading for July 10th: Luke 9, Psalm 136, Proverbs 12
Luke 9: 43-48 “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything He was doing, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by His side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My Name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him Who sent Me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.””
Jesus spoke plain truth to His disciples because He loved them and wanted the best for them. With all the miracles that Jesus was doing, the disciples were arguing among themselves about who might be the greatest of Jesus’ followers. Jesus began His rebuke by telling them to let His Word sink into their ears! Words can be heard but not allowed to sink in! The primary message was that Jesus was going to the cross. Events were coming that would test their faith! Second, Jesus knew their reasonings and used a child to illustrate His point. A child has simple trust in those older. The disciples must abide in Jesus and His Word must sink into their hearts producing saving faith. Greatness comes to the humble and dependent.
Psalm 136:23-24 “It is He Who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for His steadfast love endures forever; . . “
Prayer: Father God, thank You for remembering us in our low estate and speaking life-giving instruction to Your followers. Thank You for going to the cross for us and bearing the suffering of our evil in Your Son’s body. I receive the grace coming from Your sacrifice and ask You to speak Truth to me if I need correction. Thank You for Your steadfast love flowing eternally to all Your people!
Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
Watch your hearing!
Scripture reading for July 7th: Luke 8, Psalm 135, Proverbs 11
Luke 8:16-18 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
Jesus had just taught His disciples the parable of the Sower. God is the actual ‘Sower’ of His Word. It is likened to ‘Good Seed’ that can produce an abundant crop in the right kind of soil. We receive God’s Word through hearing it preached, taught, or spoken or reading it. Care needs to be taken how we hear. We must be diligent to take His Word deep into our hearts and allow it to germinate and grow. If we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through repentance and faith we take the first step in proper hearing. Then more can be given to us. We must always remember that God knows everything about us, including our secrets and secret sins. Confessing them to Him and repentance brings righteousness.
Psalm 135:11-12 “Your Name, O Lord, endures forever, Your renown, O Lord throughout all ages. For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.”
Prayer: Father God, Your Name and renown endures forever! Through Jesus Christ, I have repented of living for me and now have received Christ’s gift of righteousness. I ask for continued healing of my ears to better hear Your Word and softening the soil of my heart to increase the capacity to receive Your Word and produce a crop for eternal life and proclaim Your Name to the ends of the earth!
Proverbs 11:4-5 “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.”
Speech with authority!
Scripture reading for July 6th: Luke 7, Psalm 134, Proverbs 10
Luke 7:6-10 “And Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the Word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed Him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.”
A Gentile army commander sent word to Jesus that his servant was sick and near death. He humbly sent some elders to Jesus to ask for help. Upon hearing the request, Jesus went to help. On the way, the centurion sent other servants to plead with Jesus not to come, but to ‘just say the Word, and my servant will be healed.’ This statement of faith caused Jesus to marvel and commend the centurion for his understanding of authority and the power that comes from speaking truth. Believers have authority given to them by God through Jesus’ Name to speak healing, blessing, provision and life as directed by the Holy Spirit. We bless others and bless our Lord when we act and speak in faith!
Psalm 134:1-3 “Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, He Who made heaven and earth!”
Prayer: Father God, we bless You today and lift up our hands to Your supreme authority! You have blessed us with authority through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and direction to have faith like that centurion who trusted in the power of Your Word. Use my mouth to speak wisdom and what is right and bless Your Name. Let Your blessing flow to me from heaven!
Proverbs 10:31-32 “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.”
God commands love for enemies!
Scripture reading for July 5th: Luke 6, Psalm 133, Proverbs 9
Luke 6: 27-31 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.”
The law of sowing and reaping says that we get back what we put out. Jesus, knowing this to be true, commanded His followers to show love for their enemies. God’s love does what is best for the other person, in order to see them converted. When we do good to our enemies, it opens up their lives to see and experience the grace of God and hopefully draws them to repentance and life. This can change them from being your enemy to being a brother or sister and dwelling in God’s unity of the Trinity. This is Wisdom speaking, as God’s Word and Jesus are Wisdom for us!
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are Love and Wisdom. Forgive me for at times ignoring this command to love my enemies. I would rather ignore them or get even. This is not like Jesus. Fill me with Your Love and remind me to show love to all You put in my life and path. I desire the good and pleasant peace of dwelling in unity with You and Your people.
Proverbs 9:12 “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”
Calling all sinners!
Scripture reading for July 4th: Luke 5, Psalm 132, Proverbs 8
Luke 5: 27-32 “After this He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed Him. And Levi made Him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””
No one can come to Christ unless they are called. God, Who is Wisdom, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, Who was made Wisdom from God to call lost sinners and broken ‘children of men’ to follow Him. Those humble enough to listen and respond find joy and rejoicing in God’s House and look forward to table fellowship with Jesus. He blesses the poor with salvation and takes care of their needs. He brings beauty for ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning and death. But in Jesus’ time on earth, religious folks stood in judgment of His call to sinners. They refused to listen to the fact that all have sinned and need a physician! Are you listening today? What is your response to Jesus’ call?
Psalm 132:13-16 “For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place; “This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.””
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your call to me in my life as a young child to follow Jesus and to preach Your Good News. My heart is grieved because of many who judge instead of listen and respond. Help me to model Your love and patience and mercy towards the lost. Anoint my life with power and purity to clearly present Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. May heaven rejoice with each new saint born of God!
Proverbs 8:4-5 “”To you, O men, I call, and My cry is to the children of man. O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. Hear, for I will speak noble things and from My lips will come what is right.””
Good news: mercy and justice!
Scripture reading for June 30th: Luke 3, Psalm 130, Proverbs 6
Luke 3:15-18 “As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all saying, “I baptize you with water, but He Who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, to clear the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” So with many other exhortations he preached Good News to the people.”
John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, created a stir among the people and religious authorities. His preaching called people to repentance and to baptism or washing of filth in expectation of the coming Messiah. This Messiah, according to John, would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He would come to bring in the harvest of souls from the earth, symbolized by a winnowing fork, a tool that was used to harvest the wheat. The wheat would then be beaten on the threshing floor to remove the chaff. The Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, cleansing all sin and creating a new life. Sins would not only be forgiven, but consumed completely because Christ paid our penalty for sin. This message was “Good News” for sinners who were humble enough to repent!
Psalm 130:3-4 “If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your great mercy in sending Your Son to take the fire of judgment for broken law on our behalf on Calvary’s cross. Thank You for Jesus Christ, our Messiah, providing us with an inner baptism of the Holy Spirit and cleansing us with Holy Fire from Your altar of mercy. But for Your mercy, we would be consumed in the fire of judgment as chaff instead of gathered into Your Barn!
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.”