Thursday, February 28, 2013

Proverbs 12

Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.
(12:1)

Pretty straight-forward.  No knowledge of the ancient Hebrew text is necessary to decipher what he's saying.

Why do we need to read our Bibles?
A fool's way is right in his own eyes,
but whoever listens to counsel is wise!
(12:15)

Read them here.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Proverbs 11

These proverbs contrast the righteous (upright, blameless, kind) with the wicked (treacherous, ungodly, cruel)...and it is sharp!

The one who searches for what is good finds favor,
but if someone loks for trouble, it will come to him.
(11:27)

So true!

Read them here.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Proverbs 10

The one who lives with integrity lives securely,
but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.

This is is just one of thirty-two succinct and piercing proverbs we are invited to feast on today!

Read them here

Monday, February 25, 2013

Proverbs 9

Wisdom prepares a feast and then invites us in to dine!

Accept the invitation here.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Proverbs 8

You know, if we follow the path of foolishness, recklessness, and wickedness we have nobody to blame but ourselves.  That's what Proverbs is trying to tell us.  Why is that important?  Because the impulse of every fool who has his life torn apart by his own choices is to cry "foul" and feign victimhood.

Doesn't Wisdom all out?
Doesn't Understanding make her voice heard?

Those who search for me, find me.

For the one who finds me finds life
and obtains favor from the Lord.
but the one who misses me harms himself;
all who hate me love death.

Read it here.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Proverbs 7

Read this story with a bit of fear and trembling.  How can you keep from being the pitiful main character?  Follow the advice of the very first verse!

My son, obey my words.
Keep my commands and live;
protect my teachings
as the pupil of your eye.

Read it here.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Proverbs 6

Go to the ant, you slacker!  This is just one of the memorable, pithy proverbs you encounter as you journey through this book.  Proverbs are meant to be memorable.  Sometimes even punchy.  They are to "stick."

And again we are urged to LISTEN to our parents' warnings - they are meant to protect us from harm.  Those who choose to reject wisdom will receive the harsh repercussions that they deserve.

Read it here.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Proverbs 5

I like the headings that my Bible has on the two halves of this chapter.  "Avoid Seduction" and "Enjoy Marriage."  And here is a healthy warning to keep us listening to his advice...
For a man's ways are before the Lord's eyes,
and He considers all his paths.
Read it here.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Proverbs 4

LISTEN.  That's a key word in this book.  And it is the first word we encounter in this chapter.

Today the author sets two paths before the reader.  Will we choose the way of the wicked, or the way of the righteous?

Carefully consider the path for your feet.

Read it here.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Proverbs 3

"Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you."

Wow, I could stop right there. But he keeps adding more layers. This is rich stuff!  Are you still listening?

Read it here

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Proverbs 2

An interesting structure to this chapter. The first half invites the listener to go on a desperate hunt for wisdom -and it will reap great reward!  The second half of the proverb tells us of a wonderful benefit to finding wisdom-it keeps and protects us from the destructive "ways of darkness".  Good stuff!

Read it here

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Proverbs 1

Today let's begin a journey into Proverbs. There is a key word that you must not miss. It is repeated 30 times in this book. It is the word LISTEN.  It is not just an oft repeated word, it is a major theme of the author. It is like we are sitting at his knees and he is offering pearls of wisdom. Our role is to not daydream or stubbornly refuse ... but to listen.

Read it here

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Psalms 114-118

The exuberance in the heart of the song-writer is incredible. These songs draw you into triumphant worship.

Take note of this: tomorrow begins Lent. As you read Psalm 118 keep Jesus and the crucifixion in mind.

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
This came from The Lord;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day The Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."

What day are we rejoicing in?  The day the cornerstone was rejected. The day He died ... for us!

Read them here

Monday, February 11, 2013

Psalms 110-113

This is a good summary of these small songs...

"Hallelujah!
Happy is the man who fears The Lord,
Taking great delight in His commands!"

Read them here

Friday, February 8, 2013

Psalms 107-109

The theme of God's hesed (faithful, covenant love) continues and is the central theme of Psalms 107-109. Look for it. Ps 109 has an especially intriguing angle on hesed.

Help me, Lord my God;
Save me according to Your hesed 
so they may know that this is Your hand
And that You, Lord, have done it. 

Read them here

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Psalms 105-106

These two psalms draw the fourth "book" (collection) of psalms to a close. They celebrate the hesed (Hebrew for faithful love -but far richer than the English can translate) of The Lord. It makes me think of Romans 9 ... God is faithful!  Our salvation is secure in His faithfulness, not ours. Thank You, Lord!

Read them here

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Psalms 102-104

Today we are shown how a worshiper of God approaches His throne of grace when "the day of trouble" comes. Then we turn the page to discover the psalmist delighting in the tender mercies of God in one of the most memorable of all the psalms.  And finally we pull our gaze back and worship the Supreme Creator of all things and marvel at all He has made. The only appropriate response?  "I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live."

Read them here.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Psalms 98-101

Sing...be jubilant...shout for joy...shout triumphantly...tremble...praise...exalt...bow in worship...serve...enter His courts with thanksgiving...give thanks...praise His name...

So much praise packed into so few lines!

Read them here

Monday, February 4, 2013

Psalms 95-97

There's a whole lot of rejoicing going on in the heart of the psalmist today!  Join him!

Read them here.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Psalms 92-94


Today we read a bit about the foolishness and stupidity of the natural man.  Here's a good example:
The Lord knows man’s thoughts;
they are meaningless.

Which is why we so desperately need God to teach us from the Word:
Lord, happy is the man You discipline
and teach from Your law


Keep in the Book!

Read them here.