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Showing posts from February, 2020

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 11

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Daily Nugget: In most of Proverbs 11, one will find the results that come from a good character trait or action. In the same verse, one will read about the consequences when the opposite is done. Good versus bad behaviors are not thought about much. After seeing how this Proverb puts the consequences of wrong actions plain and simple, one will realize even more the accuracy of the wisdom of God. One bit of advice in Proverbs 11:14 has protected many from making wrong decisions and can be guideline wisdom for future choices. This proverb is about seeking counsel (advice). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 The excellent advice when making life changes or choices is not to decide on your own. Seek multiple discernments that you can trust and are from those experienced in the area you are seeking sound advice. There is usually safety in numbers. One of the keys to getting good direction is seeking it from

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 10

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Daily Nugget: As with most Proverbs that have been read so far, the positive attributes of godly wisdom has been praised and recommended. Proverbs 10 also mentions other blessings in living by biblical wisdom, but this chapter goes into more detail for those that are not led by godly advice. We read that ungodly, do-it-yourself wisdom: Brings heartbreak to one’s mother (vs. 1). Brings no profit, especially in the next life (vss. 2, 3). Will bring little reward for laziness (vss. 4-5, 26). Brings violence into one’s life (vss. 6, 11). Causes a poor reputation and testimony (vss. 7, 9, 18, 20, 25, 31-32). Causes failure and poor decisions (vss. 8, 10, 14, 17, 24). Causes strife and division (vss. 12, 21). Has little discernment and understanding (vs. 13). Allows sin in one’s life (vss. 16, 23). Shortens life (vs. 27). Brings little hope and no heavenly, eternal future (vs. 28, 29, 30). After carefully reading Proverbs, including this chapter, one will find no benefic

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 9

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Daily Nugget: “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 8:7-9 This world contains all kinds of people. Two of those types are scorners and those that are biblically wise. Both groups are discussed in Proverbs 9. “Scorners” are those that refuse to hear advice or get mad or disrespectful when it is suggested that there are other directions or choices they could be making. They are set in their own ways and are often provoked to anger when told what they are doing is wrong. They especially do not like it when the Word of God rebukes their actions and beliefs. Those stubborn in doing what they want cannot usually be reasoned with or taught. They are closed-minded about God’s ways and His commandments. Corre

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 8

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Daily Nugget: The Bible-preserved wisdom of God is again recognized in this chapter as one of the most valuable treasures a person can ever possess. To many, the Scriptures are common sense and easily discerned as the only choice for a moral, especially a Christ-honoring, person. However, to an ever-increasing majority, this is not accepted. Since biblical morality is seldom taught in homes, churches, schools, and in public, another kind of “wisdom” has reared its confusing head and is leading masses in the wrong, often destruction, directions. This widespread thinking is to usually agree with the majority and that the only truth is what each individual believes is “right” at the time. This mob rule is controlling and often forsakes rational, God’s time-tested morality. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Prov. 12:15 Also: Deut. 12:8, Judges 17:6, 21:25, Prov. 21:2. Unfortunately, this modern philosophy is not standardized

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 7

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Daily Nugget: After Proverbs 7 spent the first five verses reminding the reader how important godly wisdom is and how it should be heeded, a scene is described. A “simple” (vs. 7) young man, not led by any wisdom just his own fleshly desires, succumbed to the enticement of a prostitute. This harlot enticed this foolish young man who was possibly in a place he had no business being near (“near her corner” — vs. 8). She seduced him (vs. 10) and made him feel she was “religious’ (vs. 14) and thus more trustworthy and believable. She lied that he was the one she was looking for (vs. 15) and that helped set sin’s snare (vs. 21-22). His limited morals were discarded, and he was led “as an ox goeth to the slaughter.” He forgot all he had ever learned and was ruined by succumbing to his temptation. This story of this young man’s falling for temptation pictures how we all can be snared — both men and women. It may not be the allurement of a harlot that gets one far from heeding God’s pro

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 6

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Daily Nugget: Proverbs 6 gives wisdom in multiple areas. There is good advice for dealing with people (vss. 1-5), for working (vss. 6-11), to the disobedient (vss. 12-15), for young men (vss. 20-31), and warnings to other sinners (vss. 32-35). Also included (vss.16-19) is a realistic view of God that many people overlook. So many just imagine the Creator of this world to be a little, old, always-smiling, kindly man walking atop the clouds. Their assumption is far from the truth. Although He is very loving, there is a part of him that is forgotten or unknown to many. That part of his character is that there are some things God hates (vss. 16-19). Many people are shocked over that statement and Proverbs 6’s verses. In protest, they cry, “But, He is love.” Yes, He is (I John 4:16), but He has other characteristics and emotions. “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” I John 4:16 Thi

When You Miss Church ...

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All should go to church: saved and unsaved. An unsaved person will learn God’s way to Heaven and, hopefully, be saved. A saved person should go to church because God commands it (Hebrews 10:25); it is the place to learn about spiritual things; it is a place to serve God, and it is a place to receive spiritual encouragement. Too many born-again people stay away from the house of God. Sometimes the excuses are legitimate, such as sickness or an emergency; but too many times, they are not legitimate. When a Christian stays home from attending services at the house of God, he can do damage to himself and to the cause of Christ. Some of the negative impacts of his avoiding church include: His lack of faithfulness to the house of God is a bad example to other believers and the unsaved. If his avoiding church is observed, others may justify their staying home as, “Well, if so-and-so doesn’t go to church, why do I have to go?” The lack of attendance encourages others also to miss. Others

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 5

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Daily Nugget: Proverbs 5 gives a warning that too many ignore, and regret it later. Although it was directed to Jewish men, it can apply to men, and portions of it, to women today. The advice is for men to avoid having sexual relations out of wedlock and especially with prostitutes and “strange” women. “For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.” Proverbs 5:3-4 “Strange women” is referring to those that were not Jewish, but also can be applied today to those that are not Christians. Whoever it is, sexual relations out of marriage is sin. If it is between unmarried people, most agree, it is called “fornication.” If the iniquity involves a married person, it is “adultery.” “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14 “Flee fornication. Every si

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 4

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Daily Nugget: Proverbs 4 continues to tout the importance and value of wisdom. Wisdom is not always the accumulation of facts, but also contains knowledge tested and proven reliable by experience. This learned wisdom is especially dependable when the source of it is God’s Word, the Bible. This chapter rehearses some of the great benefits of obtaining true wisdom. It also encourages one to: Not to forget what you have learned “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.” Proverbs 4:5-6 Also: Prov. 4:20-21. To exalt the value of making wise choices and discerning right from wrong (Prov. 4:8). Many regret bad decisions and choices. A wise person will have less from which to be ashamed or embarrassed. “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Prov. 4:13 Follow the direction discerning wisdom leads. It will usually k

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 3

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Daily Nugget: A Christian has an advantage when he reads and applies what God has preserved in the Bible (Prov. 3:1) to his life. Some of those blessings include: A longer life (Prov. 3:2, 8): most likely because of not reaping the terrible wages of involvement in sin, receiving the blessings of God, and living a healthier lifestyle. Peace (Prov. 3:2). The unrighteous, often in rebellion to God and His commandments, are their own worst enemies. Chaos, confusion, and confrontation frequently dictate their life as they follow their own way (Prov. 12:15) that so often fails. On the other hand, when a child of God follows the leadership of God, he will be led in the path that God knows best for him. He may still have difficulties, as this is a sinful world, and sin hurts everyone. However, even through trials and tribulations, the obedient, trusting believer can have peace that is foreign to the unrighteous. The “favour” of God on him and his life (Prov. 3:4). There is NOTHING bett

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 2

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Daily Nugget: In Proverbs 1, Solomon revealed that the beginning of obtaining wisdom is to reverence, respect, and regard the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and His commandments. This trust in God is referred to as “the fear of the Lord.” Trusting in the Lord and His guidance is further expounded in Proverbs 2. After hearing His words from the Bible or sources referencing it, they will often be stored (“hide”) in the back of one’s mind and accessed when needed. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;” Prov. 1:1 However, if one never hears or reads God’s words, there will be no wisdom to apply when required. It is so vital that one pays close attention to God’s Words so that it can be learned and used in the future. “So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Prov. 1:2 Many “hear” God’s wisdom, but it makes little difference in their lives. They are still led by their own foolishness and not guided by God’s wis

Daily Devotion of Proverbs 1

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Daily Nugget: A proverb is knowledge that has been tested by experience and has proven to be good, trustworthy advice. Solomon, one of the wisest men in biblical times, is giving some of his wisdom in Proverbs 1. “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.” I Kings 4:29-30 Many know a lot of things, but that does not make them wise. There are PHDs, famous politicians, teachers, and bosses who are quite intelligent, but that does not mean they have wisdom. Following the daily news and being abreast of activities of prominent leaders and public figures will attest to that fact. They may know it in their head, but the application of their knowledge is far from being practical, logical, and not harmful. They may be proud of their philosophies and decisions, but a wise person can clea

What Salvation Is Not

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To obtain salvation the Bible says one must: Know they are a sinner and that they have not pleased God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 Know that they are going to hell because of their sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Know that God loved them so much, that He let His only son, Jesus, die a terrible death on the cross as the ONLY payment for their sins. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Know that Jesus rose again and got victory over death, so we could also. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9 Ask God to save you from your sins, and you will be saved! "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salv

What Is Wrong with Sin?

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The Bible reminds us of something most of us already know about ourselves: “For all have sinned, …” (Romans 3:23). Not only do we all commit it, we were born sinners. So, if all are guilty, what is wrong with sin? Here is some of what the Bible says is wrong with sin: Sin is against God. When Joseph was tempted to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife, he knew if he sinned, it would be against God: “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Gen. 39:9 The prophet Samuel knew that if he failed to pray for Israel it would be a sin against God: “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you … ” I Sam. 12:23 Although this instance was prophetic at the time, the people of Israel knew that sin was wrong: “And it shall come to pass … what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our Go

What Is the Word of God?

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You could knock on many doors and ask what books are in those houses. Few would have the same books. Fewer would have the same book that was over 100 years old. Most of the houses, however, would have a form of one of the oldest and most popular of all books, the Bible. What is this book that so many have, cherish and some even ridicule? It is not just a book; it is the preserved Word of God. It is the road map through a difficult life. It tells of a saving plan that will give riches eternal. Its advice, when followed, will change one's life and alter one's future. It is the only Book that tells the mind of God. It is God’s Word. The Bible is exactly what God wants us to know. “And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the

What God Knows about You

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“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 He knows about your location! “Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:23-24 Although the context is about the last days, the principle applies: “Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:” Amos 9:2-3 He knows the condition of your body. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 H