Category: Proverbs–BibleTrekToday
Religious divisions!
Scripture reading for February 23rd: Acts 23, Psalm 39, Proverbs 8
Acts 23:6-10 “”Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force to the barracks.”
As Paul was brought before the religious Jews who were seeking to kill him, God gave him insight into the division of these leaders. They were divided into sects, Sadducees and Pharisees, according to what they believed about the supernatural world. One group, the Sadducees, were anti-supernatural, doubting in what was not visible. The Pharisees, of which Paul was a part, believed in the resurrection of he dead and angels and spirits. Paul wisely chose to identify with those believing the supernatural. God’s message of grace and mercy towards sinners involved resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Sharp and violent disagreement took place around these issues. This also happens today when the Gospel is preached.
Psalm 39:7-8 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!”
Prayer: Father God, deliver me from religious divisions around traditions of men. Help me to discern, like Paul, how to answer and to rightly and kindly confront those in error. You have promised us Your wisdom and deliverance by faith and trusting in You to help us. Thank You for always being true to Your Word! Help me to wait on You for direction in each circumstance of persecution or misunderstanding.
Proverbs 8:8-9 “All the Words of My mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. They are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.”
Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus.
Scripture reading for February 22nd: Acts 22, Psalm 38, Proverbs 7
Acts 22:6-11 “”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and come into Damascus.”
The fierce Pharisee and persecutor of followers of Jesus was on his own way to Damascus with letters of authority to round up followers of Christ. God knew Paul’s heart and had plans to him. On the road in broad daylight, a great light shone around Paul and he was knocked off his horse to the ground. A voice, the Lord Jesus, spoke a question to him, speaking his name twice for emphasis. Paul responded with a question: “Who are Your, Lord?” Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and told him he was really persecuting Him. Paul’s next question: “What shall I do?” Jesus’ instructions were to go into Damascus and wait for further instructions. Paul was led by the hand because the bright light had left him without sight. God was revealing to Paul the darkness of sin in his life and the path of ‘Light’ in Jesus.
Psalm 38:9-10 “O Lord, all my longing is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes–it also has gone from me.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your patience with those who are sincerely misguided and under the control of darkness. Use me to help people in that state to find answers to “Who are You, Lord?” and “What shall I do?” Thank You for revealing Your Son’s identity, Jesus the Christ, to me and calling me to follow Jesus and shepherd Your people under Your master leadership. Let Your light shine brightly in me.
Proverbs 7:1 “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; . . “
The will of the Lord be done!
Scripture reading for February 21st: Acts 21, Psalm 37, Proverbs 6
Acts 21: 10-14 “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.””
Paul was traveling with companions and heading for Jerusalem. At yet another stop in Caesarea, the prophet Agabus gave Paul and the church there about the coming arrest and binding of Paul. Those present, and Luke, urged Paul not to go. It is natural to want to avoid trials, but in this case Paul had been instructed to go to Jerusalem. He must obey even though he might have wanted to stay. Finishing God’s work must come first, even if it resulted in imprisonment or even death. Paul was choosing to ‘delight himself’ in the Lord and trusted that he was given the desires of God’s heart. He was lead by the Holy Spirit to fulfil God’s will.
Psalm 37:4-5 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
Prayer: Father God, help me to delight myself in You each day and open my heart to Your will and desires. I sometimes would rather follow the easy path that my flesh or even my wife or family think best. Help me to encourage others wrestling with God’s will to follow Him obediently and with faith. I hide Your Word in my heart that I might be lead by it, instructed in the night hours and spoken to in decision time.
Proverbs 6:20-22 “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
Living well–finishing well!
Scripture reading for February 20th: Acts 20, Psalm 36, Proverbs 5
Acts 20: 18-24 “And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not count my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul had called together the Ephesian Church elders that he had lived among for nearly two years. His time to depart had come and he reminded them of how to live by recounting his own life experience of trials, testing, suffering and humble proclamation of the Gospel. He had fully declared the truth to all in Asia, through public meetings and in small groups from house to house. He was leaving for Jerusalem, knowing through the Spirit that trials and afflictions were in his future. But his own life or circumstances was not his major concern. His focus was on completing the course of ministry laid out for him by God, testifying to the grace of God in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! He played for an audience of One!
Psalm 36:10-11 “Oh, continue Your steadfast love to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart! Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.”
Prayer: Father God, You are the great Watcher of all mankind. Your eyes watch each person run their race of faith here on earth. You lay out a course for Your people and take them through trials, tests, and ministry opportunities. Help me through the Holy Spirit to stay humbly focused on the tasks You provide each day and today. Let not pride or arrogance lead me astray. Let me finish my course with Your grace!
Proverbs 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
“Who are you?”
Scripture reading for February 17th: Acts 19, Psalm 35, Proverbs 4
Acts 19:13-17 “Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the Name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus Whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.”
This amazing story took place over twenty years after Pentecost. Earlier, Paul had lead twelve disciples who were only familiar with John’s baptism of repentance into the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and prophesy. Miracles were being done with just aprons from Paul’s clothing being placed on the sick and infirmed and healing taking place. Some sons of the Jewish high priest had evidently observed Paul and other believers invoking the Name of Jesus. They tried to use the same formula, but the demon addressed them with a question: “Who are you?” These exorcists knew about Jesus that Paul preached, but they did not know Jesus! The evil spirit did know Jesus and Paul, but did not see Jesus in them! The result was a bad beating and humiliation but growth for Christ’s Church!
Psalm 35:27-28 “Let those who delight in My righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord Who delights in the welfare of His servant!” Then my tongue shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.”
Prayer: Thank You Father, for the amazing stories of the Gospel spreading and the gradual unfolding of Your plan among Jew and Gentiles. The joy and delight of people healed of sickness and infirmity and delivered from evil spirits brings joy to our hearts as Your children. May evil spirits not ask the question “Who are you?” of us as we confront them in faith and the wisdom and insight of Your Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 4:7-9 “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
“Don’t be silent!”
Scripture reading for February 16th: Acts 18, Psalm 34, Proverbs 3
Acts 18: 6-10 “And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justice, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.””
Paul and Silas continued to encounter opposition from religious Jews to the Good News of Jesus as the Christ. Paul did what Jesus instructed and shook out his garments and declared his innocence of their blood. He had declared to them the truth. They had tried to silence him but he was under other orders from Jesus Himself. Jesus appeared to him in a vision and calmed his fears. He told him that He would protect him and be with him, not to become fearful and silent in the face of opposition. There were lots of other men and women in Corinth that would respond to the Gospel and receive salvation! God speaks to His people and answers their prayers and calms their fears–angelic help is also present!
Psalm 34:6-7 “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for bringing in a harvest even in the midst of opposition and personal attacks on Your people. Thank You for not remaining silent either, but calming Your workers with wise counsel and encouraging words. Forgive me when I don’t trust you, but lean on my own understanding. Deliver me from all fear and may I never remain silent when You have told me to proclaim Good News!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
The command to repent!
Scripture reading for February 15th: Acts 17, Psalm 33, Proverbs 2
Acts 17: 29-34 “”Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”
Paul went to Athens, the center of Greek culture and philosophy of his time. He found there many idols and much idolatry, but also an open door to speak and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to those gathered to discuss the latest trends and ideas. Paul quoted one of their own poets who had stated that man was ‘God’s offspring.’ This was the truth told in Scripture as well, so Paul began there and refuted the idols of that day as creations of man’s imagination sculpted or hammered into images of gold, silver, or stone. He called on all men to repent of these humanistic ideas and embrace the Truth in Jesus Christ, Who God had appointed as King and judge! Some with hardened hearts mocked Paul, but others turned in faith and joined Paul to learn more of God’s eternal plan.
Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.”
Prayer: Father God, Your counsel and plans are forever settled in heaven! I ask that they be revealed to all my offspring! Thank You for this eternal truth and for those who repent with hearts to hear and believe Your Word! Help me to walk in integrity in the power of the Holy Spirit today. Guard the paths of justice for Your people and watch over us as we walk through this wilderness to heaven’s joy and delight!
Proverbs 2:6-8 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the ways of His saints.”
Saved by grace alone, through faith alone!
Scripture reading for February 13th: Acts 15, Psalm 31, Proverbs 31
Acts 15:5-11 “But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. And God, Who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, and He made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.””
The religious people who love rules and control often cause trouble in the church. They have their rules that seem right, but are not really God’s rules. In this chapter of Acts, a dispute arose among Jewish believers about application of circumcision and keeping the law of Moses. The question was debated by the apostles and elders. Peter, once a devout Jew, gave his observations as did Paul, a former Pharisee, who ministered to the Gentiles and God worked miracles through him to draw many to salvation. These pillars of the early church came to a unified decision: All men, Jew or Gentile, are saved by the grace of God through simply believing the Gospel and responding with repentance. This dispute was settled peacefully through seeking the mind of God and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Psalm 31:19-20 “Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; you store them in Your shelter from the strife of tongues.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You pray for all believers and are for us when we need to work out our salvation. Your abundant goodness is displayed to all Your called-out people, Jew or Gentile. Your simple plan to give grace to all who by faith believe the Gospel of Your Son has been passed down for generations. Use me to continue this process for my kids and those in my generation.
Proverbs 31:8-9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Joy and encouragement in tribulation!
Scripture reading for February 10: Acts 14, Psalm 30, Proverbs 30
Acts 14:19-24 “But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the Gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in Whom they had believed.”
Paul certainly suffered for the sake of the Gospel, as Jesus had told him at his conversion. God’s Word is truth! Preaching the Gospel often brings persecution and it also brings salvation to those who receive the Good News! The mourning of sinners is turned into joy and rejoicing in eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sin. This brings praise to God and thanksgiving from the saved and also from those sharing the Good News! The job of elders in the church is encouragement, teaching of all of God’s Word, and building the faith in new disciples through prayer, fasting, preaching, and teaching! Rejoicing follows!
Psalm 30:11-12 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing Your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Your forever!”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for Your amazing plan of salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I will praise You more and more, and not be silent! I will sing of Your glory and tell of Your Good News to all peoples. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit that I might powerfully preach to those still lost and make disciples who will be clothed in gladness and the white garments of salvation!
Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every Word of God proves true; He is a Shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”