Category: Devotional

Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 15

June 15, 2020

We are going to spend the next two weeks together as a church reading Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount! The Sermon on the Mount is the first of Jesus’ major teachings recorded in the gospel of Matthew. In it, Jesus explains the ethics and values of the kingdom of Heaven as opposed to the ethics and values of the world. The values and principles that are to govern our lives as followers of Jesus and citizens of the kingdom of Heaven are wildly different from those that govern the various cultures of our world, including the culture in which we live. Over the next two weeks, allow the words of the Lord Jesus to challenge the way you think, expose the worldly and idolatrous values and desires of your heart, and transform you to live in the new way that He has laid before us!

Today’s text is known to us as “the beatitudes”. Right off the bat in this sermon, Jesus completely flips the value system of our world on its head. The audience Jesus is addressing (as well as our own culture!) would have associated wealth, power, influence, and health with God’s blessing. Jesus reveals that those who are truly blessed by God are not necessarily the materially prosperous; they are those who are meek and lowly, the poor in spirit, those who are pure in heart and hunger and thirst for righteousness. 

Jesus goes on to say that those who are truly blessed by God are those who are hated and reviled because of their faithfulness to the Lord. This seems so backwards to us, yet it is the kind of life to which Jesus calls His followers! See how this list Jesus gives of blessedness compares to the way you actually live.

Matthew 5:1-12

5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • Which of the beatitudes stands out the most to you? What are some things you can do this week to put these values into practice?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 14

June 14, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

The author of Proverbs 31 is identified as King Lemuel. We do not know who this king was, but his words reveal a great respect and appreciation for his mother and his wife. While he receives the wisdom his mother taught him, and admires the character of his wife, the qualities cited can be characteristics seen in anyperson seeking the heart of God. This means that the example of the “Proverbs 31 woman” is one that you should seek to put into practice too men!

The king’s mother gave him three things to practice. First, she warned him against using his authority and power to engage in immorality or to seek the demise of other kings. Secondly, she warned him of the dangers of drunkenness and the inherent risks of trying to rule under the influence of strong drink and the harm and suffering he could cause. Thirdly, she urged him to always come to the aid of those who are suffering or oppressed.

The king praises his wife and her noble character. He considers her to be a virtuous woman of excellence who has his heart and deepest trust. She is wise, discreet, industrious, supportive of her husband and cares deeply about his good reputation. She not only rises early to serve her husband and family, but also those who attend to her needs. She has a healthy self-respect and is admired by those who know her. Every day she models a life worthy of imitation!

Proverbs 31

The Words of King Lemuel

31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?
    What are you doing, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women,
    your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    or for rulers to take strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

10 An excellent wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
    and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
    she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
    and provides food for her household
    and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates
    when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the gates.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • Do you find the king’s mother’s instructions apply to your life in any way?  Do you see any of the character qualities of the king’s wife in your life? What areas of your life do you still need to submit to God?

Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 13

June 13, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

The author of this proverb wants to be a righteous person but admits that he has failed to learn wisdom and has acted foolishly. He is tired and weary. But when a person perceives and understands more of God’s ways, they become humble enough to realize how much they still don’t know, and they can experience greater intimacy with the Creator of all things!  

God is great and every word of his ultimately proves to be true. When one draws close to him, he will experience God’s safety and peace (v.5). The writer warns a person to not add to, take away from, or distort God’s word, and to not lead a self-enlightened life because it is foolishness. We learn that joy and integrity is found in the balanced life—not too many riches that might lead one to falsely believe they are a self-made person who doesn’t really need God, or poverty that might lead one to steal and dishonor God.  

We see lists of three and four things that Agur observes in life that contrasts righteousness and wickedness, wisdom and foolishness, compassion and cruelty, and life and death. Life has signposts along way that reveal the wisdom and truth of God. The question is, will we have the heart and humility to see them and respond in kind to the Spirit of God?

Proverbs 30

The Words of Agur

30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.

The man declares, I am weary, O God;
    I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
    I have not the understanding of a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
    Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
    Surely you know!

5 Every word of God proves true;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
    lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

7 Two things I ask of you;
    deny them not to me before I die:
8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
    give me neither poverty nor riches;
    feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9 lest I be full and deny you
    and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
    and profane the name of my God.

10 Do not slander a servant to his master,
    lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

11 There are those who curse their fathers
    and do not bless their mothers.
12 There are those who are clean in their own eyes
    but are not washed of their filth.
13 There are those—how lofty are their eyes,
    how high their eyelids lift!
14 There are those whose teeth are swords,
    whose fangs are knives,
to devour the poor from off the earth,
    the needy from among mankind.

15 The leech has two daughters:
    Give and Give.
Three things are never satisfied;
    four never say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, the barren womb,
    the land never satisfied with water,
    and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

17 The eye that mocks a father
    and scorns to obey a mother
will be picked out by the ravens of the valley
    and eaten by the vultures.

18 Three things are too wonderful for me;
    four I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky,
    the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
    and the way of a man with a virgin.

20 This is the way of an adulteress:
    she eats and wipes her mouth
    and says, “I have done no wrong.”

21 Under three things the earth trembles;
    under four it cannot bear up:
22 a slave when he becomes king,
    and a fool when he is filled with food;
23 an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
    and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.

24 Four things on earth are small,
    but they are exceedingly wise:
25 the ants are a people not strong,
    yet they provide their food in the summer;
26 the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
    yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27 the locusts have no king,
    yet all of them march in rank;
28 the lizard you can take in your hands,
    yet it is in kings’ palaces.

29 Three things are stately in their tread;
    four are stately in their stride:
30 the lion, which is mightiest among beasts
    and does not turn back before any;
31 the strutting rooster, the he-goat,
    and a king whose army is with him.

32 If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,
    or if you have been devising evil,
    put your hand on your mouth.
33 For pressing milk produces curds,
    pressing the nose produces blood,
    and pressing anger produces strife.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

  • What do you do about the regrets and past failures of life?  Do you find it easy to confess sin to God and to turn from sin?  Do you find it easy or difficult to learn from failures of the past?

Family Discussion Question:

  • Why is it so important that, as we seek the Lord, we do so in humility? What truths about God should cause us to approach Him in humility and reverence?

Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 12

June 12, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

Life is hard without some degree of discipline. Anyone who resents or rejects discipline is headed for a difficult road ahead. Our reading today speaks to the heart and character of a person, and the consequences suffered by those who are irreconcilable and rebellious.

When a person rejects God’s discipline, they suffer personally. However, those that they associate with can also experience the dire consequences of their wicked actions and attitudes. When a leader lives a life contrary to God, the whole community and even a nation can suffer.  

In contrast, the righteous learn from discipline. They are attentive to the needs of the suffering (v.7) and replace unneeded and unhelpful rhetoric in a community with calm and peace (v.8). A child left to his own devices without the seasoned and loving discipline of parents brings heartache to themselves and those that love them (v.15). If people are not given hope and vision from God’s word, they scatter in every direction (v.18).  

The person who welcomes the discipline of God, the truth of his Word, and keeps God’s law not only experiences the blessings of God in their own life, but they are also a blessing to others!

Proverbs 29

29 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king builds up the land,
    but he who exacts gifts tears it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
    spreads a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
    but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
    and seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
    but a wise man quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood,
    all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
    the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king faithfully judges the poor,
    his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom,
    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
    he will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
    but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
    for though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
    will in the end find him his heir.
22 A man of wrath stirs up strife,
    and one given to anger causes much transgression.
23 One’s pride will bring him low,
    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 The partner of a thief hates his own life;
    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
26 Many seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • How do you receive correction or discipline? Is it something you resent, or do you welcome constructive criticism and correction? Do you willingly receive God’s discipline?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 11

June 11, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

Proverbs chapter 27 repeatedly asserts that an aspect of living a wise, God-glorifying life is having people in our lives who can both give good advice as well as call us out when we need it. Verses 5-6 say this: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” As the people of God, we have been called to lovingly rebuke, correct, and call one another out as we seek to follow after Jesus together!

We all need to surround ourselves with people that we can be vulnerable and real with and who won’t just tell us what we want to hear, people who are willing to call us out in order to help us walk more closely with Jesus! The picture the New Testament paints of the church is that we need each other, that we cannot live as God has called us to as individuals without the help, support, and correction of the whole. 

Verse 17 asserts this principle again in a different way: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” This is an amazing picture of the kind of relationships we need to have with others in the church; we need to have relationships in which both parties are being “sharpened”, where we are mutually loving and leading one another to look more like Jesus in every area of life!

Proverbs 27

27 Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
    a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
    but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
    but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
    profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
7 One who is full loathes honey,
    but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
8 Like a bird that strays from its nest
    is a man who strays from his home.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,
    and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
    than a brother who is far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
    that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
13 Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
    rising early in the morning,
    will be counted as cursing.
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day
    and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16 to restrain her is to restrain the wind
    or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.
18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
    and he who guards his master will be honored.
19 As in water face reflects face,
    so the heart of man reflects the man.
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
    and a man is tested by his praise.
22 Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
    along with crushed grain,
    yet his folly will not depart from him.

23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
    and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever;
    and does a crown endure to all generations?
25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26 the lambs will provide your clothing,
    and the goats the price of a field.
27 There will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
    for the food of your household
    and maintenance for your girls.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • How can we make starting and developing friendships and relationships like verse 17 describes, relationships where we are helping the other person follow Jesus more closely and they are doing the same for us, the priority they need to be?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 10

June 10, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

This chapter of the book of Proverbs concludes the “sayings of the wise”. It covers a range of topics including prudent and wise home building, good work ethic, and refusing to join with the schemes of the wicked or to envy them. It also addresses issues of justice and how God’s people are called to live in times of adversity: verses 10-11 say “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to slaughter.”

God’s people are meant to show the strength and integrity of their character during the “day of adversity” by looking to the good of others, stepping out to rescue those who cannot defend themselves. Throughout the Scriptures God makes His concern for the oppressed, the lowly, and the “least of these” clear, and He calls His people to love, care for, and show mercy on such. Those who suffer injustice and oppression move God’s heart to compassion in a special way!

This truth, coupled with the prohibition of partiality in verse 23 and the commendation to rebuke the wicked in verse 25, is a timely reminder for the people of God in our culture and context right now. We are commanded to rise up on behalf of the oppressed, to shine the light of God’s truth, compassion, love, mercy, and justice into the darkness of the world around us. We must respond to the injustice and oppression we see around us, showing the same depth of care, concern, and boldness that Jesus demonstrated on behalf of those who were marginalized during His earthly ministry.

Proverbs 24

24 Be not envious of evil men,
    nor desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts devise violence,
    and their lips talk of trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength,
    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
    in the gate he does not open his mouth.

8 Whoever plans to do evil
    will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of folly is sin,
    and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.

10 If you faint in the day of adversity,
    your strength is small.
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
    hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
    and will he not repay man according to his work?

13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
    and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
    if you find it, there will be a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

15 Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
    do no violence to his home;
16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
    and turn away his anger from him.

19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
    and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
    the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21 My son, fear the Lord and the king,
    and do not join with those who do otherwise,
22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
    and a good blessing will come upon them.
26 Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside;
    get everything ready for yourself in the field,
    and after that build your house.

28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
    and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
    I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,
    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
    the ground was covered with nettles,
    and its stone wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and considered it;
    I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest,
34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
    and want like an armed man.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • What does it look like, practically, for God’s people to seek justice on behalf of those who have experienced injustice or oppression? How can we live this out as the church today, as families today?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 9

June 8, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

Proverbs 23 continues the 30 “words” or “sayings” of the wise begun in chapter 22. They exhort the reader to be wary of the rich and stingy, to fear the LORD, to do good to the less fortunate, to discipline their children, to diligently pursue wisdom and to honor their parents. They warn against the dangers of drunkenness and gluttony, of adultery and of the fleeting nature of riches. These are intensely practical sayings which should guide the lives of God’s people!

In verse 17-18 the author urges the reader to “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” This is a clear picture of the idea that there is great reward in fearing the LORD and living according to His wisdom, while there is great ruin and destruction in failing to do so!

The value of wisdom and the reward which exists in living wisely is a major repeated theme throughout the book of Proverbs, and this chapter reminds us in verse 12 that it is not an easy endeavor! We must apply ourselves in determination and in discipline in order to gain true wisdom; it takes a great deal of effort on our part, and a great deal of grace from our God, in order to attain the wisdom that He offers. 

We can rest assured that it will be well worth the effort!

Proverbs 23

23 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
3 Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
4 Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.
5 When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
    for suddenly it sprouts wings,
    flying like an eagle toward heaven.
6 Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;
    do not desire his delicacies,
7 for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.
    “Eat and drink!” he says to you,
    but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,
    and waste your pleasant words.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
    for he will despise the good sense of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient landmark
    or enter the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Redeemer is strong;
    he will plead their cause against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction
    and your ear to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
14 If you strike him with the rod,
    you will save his soul from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    my heart too will be glad.
16 My inmost being will exult
    when your lips speak what is right.
17 Let not your heart envy sinners,
    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
18 Surely there is a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

19 Hear, my son, and be wise,
    and direct your heart in the way.
20 Be not among drunkards
    or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
    and slumber will clothe them with rags.

22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
    and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it;
    buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
    he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad;
    let her who bore you rejoice.

26 My son, give me your heart,
    and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit;
    an adulteress is a narrow well.
28 She lies in wait like a robber
    and increases the traitors among mankind.

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
    Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
    Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who tarry long over wine;
    those who go to try mixed wine.
31 Do not look at wine when it is red,
    when it sparkles in the cup
    and goes down smoothly.
32 In the end it bites like a serpent
    and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
    and your heart utter perverse things.
34 You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
    like one who lies on the top of a mast.
35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;
    they beat me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake?
    I must have another drink.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • How does verse 12, couples with verses 17 and 18, encourage you to seek wisdom with diligence and determination?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 8

June 8, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

Proverbs 22 communicates God’s wisdom on wealth, poverty, and discipline before beginning the 30 “sayings of the wise” which will go on for the next chunk of the book. There are multiple verses concerning the raising of children, such as the famous principle of verse 6 (it is incredibly important to remember here that these are generally true principles and not universally true promises!). 

Verse 15 asserts that “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” The statement implies something that any parent knows all too well; children don’t have to learn foolishness, rebellion, or disobedience. They know it inherently from a very early age! 

The rest of the proverb affirms the pivotal importance of disciplining children in order to drive that inherent folly and rebellion from their hearts! What is true of earthly parents and children is also true of us with our Heavenly Father; we don’t have to learn to rebel against His authority, we do it instinctively! Sin is the most natural thing for us, and it takes mercy and discipline to drive it out of us!

Just as we are called to raise our children in the instruction and discipline of the Lord, God disciplines His children in order to drive folly out of our hearts, in order to lead us to repentance! It is important to remember that God’s discipline and judgment is always a mercy to us because it always has as its purpose to lead us back to God’s way which, as we have discovered in our journey through Proverbs, is the only way to true and full life and joy!

Our God, in His mercy, intentionally allows trials and hardship to come on us because, just like an earthly parent with their children, He knows what we don’t know, He sees what we can’t see, and He loves us enough to zealously pursue our hearts, even if that means temporary suffering, pain, or discomfort for us.

Proverbs 22

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
    and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
    the Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
    is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor,
    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
    and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
    for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
    and quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart,
    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
    I shall be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit;
    he with whom the Lord is angry will fall into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Words of the Wise

17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
    and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
    if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
    I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
    of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
    or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the Lord will plead their cause
    and rob of life those who rob them.
24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
    nor go with a wrathful man,
25 lest you learn his ways
    and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Be not one of those who give pledges,
    who put up security for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay,
    why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not move the ancient landmark
    that your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man skillful in his work?
    He will stand before kings;
    he will not stand before obscure men.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • What does it mean for God to “discipline” us? How is it actually a good thing for us?
  • Why is it important to remember that, even though God’s mercy and grace are not always comfortable for us, they are always working to transform our hearts through the discomfort?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 7

June 7, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

Proverbs chapter 21 touches on a few different themes. In the middle of the chapter we see the theme of the reward in living wisely contrasted with the ruin brought on by wickedness and foolishness. A repeated notion in this section is that the wicked man who shows no mercy will also find no mercy when he seeks it: verse 15 states that “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” 

As people who have experienced the rich mercies and extravagant generosity of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to extend that same mercy and generosity towards others! 

The proverb implies that the one who shows no mercy should not expect to receive mercy when in need of it; if we fail to be people of mercy, it should cause us to pause and question whether we have truly experienced and been transformed by the mercy of God! “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7).

Proverbs 21

21 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
    he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
    the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
    but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
    because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked,
    but the conduct of the pure is upright.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
    his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;
    he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
    will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger,
    and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers.
16 One who wanders from the way of good sense
    will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
    and the traitor for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land
    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling,
    but a foolish man devours it.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
    will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty
    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
    keeps himself out of trouble.
24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
    who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him,
    for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long he craves and craves,
    but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
    how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish,
    but the word of a man who hears will endure.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face,
    but the upright gives thought to his ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • Why is it so important that we show the same love, mercy, generosity and kindness that God has shown us in Jesus? What does it demonstrate about us if we don’t?
Devotional

Daily Devotional-June 6

June 6, 2020

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!

The majority of Proverbs 20 deals with having good judgment and discernment. The teachings in this chapter deal with a range of topics such as hard work, justice, being a good and wise ruler, and money. The various teachings contained in this chapter work towards a vision of having good judgment!

In verse 5 we see that people’s true intentions and purposes are often difficult to discern, but in order to be wise we must draw it out of them! Immediately following this verse, verses 6 and 7 say this: “Many a man proclaimshis own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous man who walks in his integrity-blessed are his children after him!” (emphasis mine). 

The author is teaching us that although many people say their hearts are true, proclaiming their faithfulness, but do so in pretense, disguising ulterior motives. We can and should observe the fruit of their lives in such matters and expose those things!

Even more than that, however, these verses act as a call to God’s people to walk in integrity, in total, radical honesty and authenticity, rather than in hypocrisy. Jesus instructed us to “Let what you say be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37). The principle is clear; in reflecting God’s character to the world, His people are meant to live lives of such uprightness and integrity that we don’t even have to say “I promise”; our “yes” or “no” is enough because we can be trusted to that extent!

This is a tremendously difficult calling, and few people actually live this way, yet God expects this from us as His people! No one should ever have to question if we mean what we say, if we are masking some hidden agenda, or if we really are what we present ourselves to be; our integrity and trustworthiness should be such that we have no pretension with anyone!

The gospel frees us to live this way! Because even our biggest regrets and our most heinous sins have been freely, fully, and forever forgiven in Christ, we can live with total honesty in every area of our lives; if we can come just as we are before the Holy God because of what Jesus has done for us, certainly we can come as we truly are before other broken and sinful people!

Let’s examine our lives and our ways, see if we truly live this way, and come to the Lord in confession and repentance! Let’s lead our lives in such radical integrity, genuineness, and authenticity that the truthfulness and faithfulness of God is put on display through us!

Proverbs 20

20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
    but every fool will be quarreling.
4 The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
    but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
    but a faithful man who can find?
7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—
    blessed are his children after him!
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment
    winnows all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
    I am clean from my sin”?
10 Unequal weights and unequal measures
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
11 Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
    the Lord has made them both.
13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
    but when he goes away, then he boasts.
15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by counsel;
    by wise guidance wage war.
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
20 If one curses his father or his mother,
    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
    will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.
23 Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord,
    and false scales are not good.
24 A man’s steps are from the Lord;
    how then can man understand his way?
25 It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
    and to reflect only after making vows.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked
    and drives the wheel over them.
27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord,
    searching all his innermost parts.
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
    strokes make clean the innermost parts.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Family Discussion Question:

  • What does it mean to have integrity? What about hypocrisy? How does the grace of Jesus free us to not feel like we have to pretend with anyone?