Category: Proverbs–BibleTrekToday
Offended? or Blessed?
Scripture reading for April 20th: Matthew 11, Psalm 79, Proverbs 17
Matthew 11: 2-6 “Now when John (the Baptist) heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the One Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.”
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod for speaking truth to him concerning his immoral behavior. After baptizing Jesus and hearing God speak, his faith is now wavering. He sends his disciples to Jesus and asks for confirmation that Jesus is Messiah. Jesus sends back a report of miraculous deeds: “blind are healed and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and deaf hear, and even dead are resurrected and good news is preached to the poor.” Jesus last statement to John concerned offense against Jesus. Jealousy often brings offense. All glory must go to God and thankfulness for whatever part God allows us to play.
Psalm 79:13 “But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for men of integrity like John the Baptist who fearlessly preach Your Word and live uncompromising lives of faith and holiness. Thank You for Your compassion for our weaknesses in the flesh and sometimes wavering faith. I praise You for Your amazing care and guidance in the paths of righteousness You lay out for me. May I never be offended by You but confess You daily before men.
Proverbs 17:24 “The discerning sets his face towards wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”
Sheep among wolves: no worries!
Scripture reading for April 19th: Matthew 10, Psalm 78, Proverbs 16
Matthew 10: 16-20 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for My sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Jesus had called His disciples and given them training through having them follow Him and observe His actions and heart. In this chapter, Matthew describes Jesus sending out the twelve to minister in His authority. He warned them that they were going out as “sheep among wolves.” This required wisdom and discernment to be aware of the plots of men to hinder their mission and ministry. This was spiritual warfare that required faith and understanding. The opposition would attack them and imprison them, but they were not to live in fear but to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through them in these situations. God was at work as they walked in trust and faith under the Spirit’s guidance and control.
Psalm 78:5-7 “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; . .”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit to live within me and give me directions for each day and even the words needed for dealing with each person You send me to. Help me to teach first my own family Your truths and Word and then to faithfully share with others to accomplish my part of Your plan that all be saved and know You personally. Order my steps today.
Proverbs 16:1, 9 “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” . . .”The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Calling all ‘sinners’!
Scripture reading for April 18th: Matthew 9, Psalm 77, Proverbs 15
Matthew 9: 9-13 “Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when He heard it, He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””
All men are ‘sinners’ and are in need of healing. Self-realization of this truth can come only to those humble enough to listen to the Master and open their heart to truth. Matthew, a notorious tax collector, heard the call of Jesus and decided to follow. He was so overcome, he invited all his friends, many who were also hated tax-collectors, to come and dine with Jesus and listen to His teaching. As Jesus sat and ate with these ‘sinners’, the religious community had questions and disdain that Jesus would defile Himself. Jesus gently asked them to go and find out the meaning of ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ Jesus came to show God’s mercy for those needing it most and recognizing that truth.
Psalm 77:13-14 “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God Who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples.”
Prayer: Father God, You alone are holy and full of mercy and compassion for those most sinful and worthy of judgment. Thank You for gently correcting those who mis-understood You and were judging others. Help me to see others with Your eyes and to show mercy through preaching Jesus Christ and Your Gospel of grace through faith. Make my tongue a tree of life through the Holy Spirit empowering me.
Proverbs 15:3-4 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
Touch brings healing, a Word sets free!
Scripture reading for April 17th: Matthew 8, Psalm 76, Proverbs 14
Matthew 8: 14-17 “And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him. That evening they brought to Him many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.””
Jesus came to reveal the mercy and love of His Father in heaven to any and all who would receive Him. After ministering healing to a leper who came asking if He was willing to heal him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the unclean man. Immediately he was set free! Next he ministered to the son of a Roman centurion who had appealed to Him in faith that Jesus could just say the Word and his son would be well. Jesus marveled at this Gentile’s faith! It was quickly rewarded with a Word from Jesus and results! Finally, Jesus visited Peter’s house and found his mother sick. Jesus touched her and she was instantly healed! Not only that, many from that region came and found mercy and healing! Those who believed found strong confidence and a fountain of healing and life in Jesus Christ!
Psalm 76:1-3 “In Judah God is known; His Name is great in Israel. His abode has been established in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion. There He broke the the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.”
Prayer: Father God, Your Name is great and known to all who believe in Your Son, Jesus! Not only did You teach the Good News of Your Father’s mercy but You demonstrated His love for us in healing and casting out the forces of Satan. Through the Holy Spirit, I now have strong confidence in You and holy awe of Your love and power. Use me to share the Gospel in Word and deed, delivering many from death.
Proverbs 14:26-27 “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
Words no one wants to hear!
Scripture reading for April 14th: Matthew 7, Psalm 75, Proverbs 13
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and do many mighty works in Your Name?’ And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.””
As Jesus concluded His teaching on the blessed life of the kingdom, He warned His followers against going through the motions with outward show but lacking a true relationship with God through grace and faith. At the final judgment, many would come expecting a reward, only to be declared unfit to enter into the Father’s kingdom and eternal inheritance. They would call Jesus their ‘Lord’, but Jesus would declare that He never was personally acquainted with them. All their ‘good’ religious works were done to please others or earn favor with God. God has an appointed judgment and He will execute judgment with perfect equity. He has forewarned us about presumption and religious performance.
Psalm 75:1, 6-7 “”At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.” . . . “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God Who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your perfect love and also for promised perfect justice. I humbly ask You for mercy through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. I invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and guide me in Your ways and in deepening knowledge and relationship with You. May none of my family, friends or neighbors hear the fearful declaration: ‘I never knew you.’
Proverbs 13:14 “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
Forgiveness of others not optional!
Scripture reading for April 13th: Matthew 6, Psalm 74, Proverbs 12
Matthew 6: 7-13 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, Your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will Your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Jesus continued to teach His disciples about how to live the blessed life of His kingdom, beginning now on earth and continuing forever. He was the Way to the Father and He taught His disciples how to approach the Father and seek Him for their daily needs, forgiveness of sins, and protection from their adversary, Satan and his schemes. He gave them a simple pattern of prayer, approaching God through a relationship of child to Father. It was a humble attitude of worship, dependence and faith in His kingdom, power and provision. He cautioned them about one possible trap, that of forgiving others. If they wanted their sins forgiven by God’s grace, they must give grace to those offending them. If this request from the merciful Father was ignored or refused, their own forgiveness could not happen!
Psalm 74:12-13 “Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. You divided the sea by Your might; You broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters.”
Prayer: Father God, in heaven, You are Holy, Holy, Holy! I humbly acknowledge my need of daily bread, forgiveness of sins, and protection from the evil one and his schemes. You are my Father and King, working salvation among all the lost. Help me to demonstrate Your grace to others who have offended me. I want nothing to block Your mercy in my life and to keep me from the path of eternal life.
Proverbs 12:28 “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”
The pure pathway to blessing
Scripture reading for April 12th: Matthew 5, Psalm 73, Proverbs 11
Matthew 5:2-9 “And He opened His mouth and taught them saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. . .”
Great crowds gathered in Galilee to hear Jesus teach and preach and demonstrate the Father’s heart of love to the hurting and sinners. The ‘sermon on the mount’ is where this series of ‘blessing’ is taken from. Here Jesus gives simple truths after the manner of the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs. The blessed life comes to those poor in spirit, knowing and admitting to need of God’s mercy. It comes to those who show mercy because they have found mercy. It comes to the humble and peacemakers in the form of a new identity and eternal inheritance. Purity of heart catches God’s attention and brings blessings and guidance and an outflow of giving that models our Father’s heart!
Psalm 73:1, 23-24 “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” . . .”Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
Prayer: Father God, You have revealed Your amazing love and heart to bless to me and my family! Your desire is that all families of the earth enjoy this blessedness that comes from faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, the Way to heaven, eternal life and inheritance is revealed. Open doors for me to share this great treasure and see others blessed and cleansed by the Water of Life in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
“Follow Me”
Scripture reading for April 11th: Matthew 4, Psalm 72, Proverbs 10
Matthew 4: 17-23 “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him. And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”
Jesus came back in the power of the Holy Spirit from His forty-day encounter with Satan in the wilderness. He immediately began to preach repentance and call people to enter the kingdom of heaven. He began calling disciples from among the fishermen working at the Sea of Galilee. This was the area of Israel where a trade route brought many Gentiles through the area and the area Isaiah had prophesied about a “great light” appearing! Those called to follow Jesus, responded immediately! They were promised by Jesus a new type of ‘fishing’! Jesus then went throughout that area teaching and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of heaven and healing and miracles were being done among the people in need of His kingdom! Praise the Lord! The whole earth was being filled with His glory!
Psalm 72:18-19 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, Who alone has done wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious Name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing call to those first fishermen to follow You and become fishers of men. The amazing love of King Jesus was and is being demonstrated by the covering of sins and offenses against You and the healing of hearts, bodies and souls damaged by sickness and sin. Through Jesus, I have found the fountain of Life! Use me to share the Gospel and Your glory to all! Amen!
Proverbs 10:11-12 “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
Scripture reading for April 10th: Matthew 3, Psalm 71, Proverbs 9
Matthew 3: 13-17 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a Voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.””
Jesus was a truly righteous man, never having sinned. He lived under God’s Law in pure obedience, enabling Him to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. However, He was directed by the Father to be baptized by John. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. What was Jesus doing in this baptism? I believe that as our representative, He was identifying with us in our need for cleansing. He was establishing a pattern for His disciples to follow of humility and obedience to the desire of the Father. All followers of Jesus are told to believe and be baptized (immersed) in water in identification with Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Have you been obedient and faithful to follow Jesus?
Psalm 71:15-16 “My mouth will tell of Your righteous acts, of Your deeds of salvation all day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of Your righteousness, Yours alone.”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for the humble example of Your Son in His identification of our need of repentance and cleansing from sin. Thank You for the holy ordinance of water baptism that You have called Your people to obey if possible. I am not saved by water baptism, but through obedience and identification with Jesus Christ, I receive grace and forgiveness and His righteousness as a gift! Amen!
Proverbs 9:10-11 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”
Great joy and worship!
Scripture reading for April 7th: Matthew 2, Psalm 70, Proverbs 8
Matthew 2: 7-11 “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found Him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship Him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”
“Wise men (and women) still seek Him!” is a popular bumper sticker with believers in our culture. In the time of Jesus’ birth, God revealed to some men renowned for their wisdom the birth of a King, the Son of God. God sent a “star” to lead them across the desert and wilderness to the exact location of this Child Who was a King. They stopped to inquire of the local king, Herod, about this Child’s birth and location. Herod had asked the Jewish leaders about where the King would be born and they had revealed “Bethlehem” through the prophesies of Micah. Herod sent them to locate this Child with instructions to return and reveal the location. They went onward, led by the star, and found the child. Great joy and worship and the giving of expensive gifts resulted! They were warned not to return to Herod. They obeyed as only “wise” men could! Show your wisdom by seeking Him, worshiping Him and obeying!
Psalm 70:4 “May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You! May those who love Your salvation say evermore, “God is great!””
Prayer: Father God, You Alone are the All-Wise God! In Your Son is hidden all the treasures of true Wisdom and Knowledge! I seek Your instruction as silver and Your Wisdom as fine gold and jewels! Nothing I desire can compare with Jesus Christ, the Wisdom and Knowledge of God My Father! I shout with the psalmist: “God is Great!” and thank You for leading me to Jesus, the Pearl of great price.
Proverbs 8:20-23 “Take My instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.”