Proverbs 11:24 - Scatter your Giving

Proverbs 11:24

There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more,

and there is one who withholds what is justly due, but [it results] only in want. 

Message: Scatter your Giving

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: I checked out the NIV translation of this verse and it had a clearer understanding: "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty." As a person who at times tend to give a lot, I always am feeling like I need to give more. In the online ministry I am involved with, it includes speaking to people in other parts of the world who have real big needs daily of financial matters and basically it seems that they can't really make it in life unless someone comes in and helps them out financially. Unlike America whereby the government swoops in often and provides people the things they need to make it, they don't have that structure in place. 

At church, I sit on a mission council where we decide how money that the church has received through special designation offerings, and also proceeds from land they owned is dispersed. I’ve been on the committee now for about nine months and in that timeframe the amount of money that we have has only increased. We give reasonable amounts to people. We try to be fairly consistent and how we give and still we continue to accumulate large balance of funds. So far, we have not gone out of our way to give to places that are not requesting for assistance, but instead sort of sit back and wait for request to come in and then make decisions on how we are to give. 

The antithesis of this verse actually doesn’t really tend to make a lot of sense as it says the person who does not give freely actually ends up in poverty. I suppose it gives us this idea that and giving the outcomes of being rich or being poor, you’ll be on monetary possessions and possibly it means feelings of being rich or poor.

Perhaps I go to quickly to this versus being about money and don’t also think about it being about time. Time it seems to be another possession and it is definitely something I’m noticing in my life also as I age, but I have time and many people are suffering from a loneliness and so by me spending time with them it helps them, almost in the same way giving helps. Thus, maybe this verse is really talking about the way I give freely concerning everything in my life I possess: money, time, possessions, scriptural, knowledge, financial wisdom. Maybe don't just think it is about and give myself a little more credit for the ways in which I am trying to give outwardly, toward others. Even words of encouragement is a way to give freely. Yes, I need to give monetarily, but even in the ministry I do, our calling is to give encouragement.  

From this perspective, the antithesis idea of poverty is contrasting the person that is always thinking they need more and so in the process they are actually poor. This person could have a huge bank account and lots of money but they are only building up more for self, so they can secure their own comfort. Thus, to not share yourself and stay isolated is in fact an act of poverty. In poverty, we are always wanting more. We are never satisfied. In other words give freely as NIV states and scatter your giving as NAS states. 

Prayer: God, you have given me much - money that can be shared. You have given me time as well that I can share with others. You have given me understanding of you that I can share as well and I do. You help me to see all the time the importance of investing in others. I see this more and more in people. Our Sunday school teacher has wisdom and shares that with others. Our class leaders see people and let them know they are missed. Everyday I have an opportunity to see people and value them and show they are important and in the process I give. Pamela and I give through prayer as we share with others. I take a moment each morning to think of these things. Selfishly I just want to sit back and listen to music, read, watch TV and increase my knowledge. There are a lot of fun things to read but I can't read them all so I need to be careful that I don't get too stressed out over it all. I read an article today God about a book review and it made me want to read the book, but frankly, that is not practical right now with all of the other books I have that I want to read. Lord, help me to know how to give freely. Help me to be practical in this and think about the people you have placed in my life and how I choose to focus my time. Yesterday I was thinking about taking a day off from work and perhaps helping at a ministry like Noon Day or Steelbridge, taking time for others, in different ways, at different places. Help me God to see people. Lord, root me in this. Let this be my roots. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:15 - Wealth and its security

Proverbs 10:15

The rich person’s wealth is his fortress,

The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Message: Wealth and its security 

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Finally, in this proverb, I see a different theme: wealth. I guess there was sort of a though of riches and being poor in verse 4 but it speaks more of working discipline. But the rest of the verses so far in chapter 10 just seem to be more common in their themes of righteous living in general. This one feels different. 

The contrast clearly is wealth and what it brings rather than being poor. And yet this verse is more of a proclamation it would seem or an observation than something to emulate. It is almost a matter of fact statement. "The rich person’s wealth is his fortress." The rich person's wealth is important to them, his fortress: A fortress is a fortified building or complex designed for military defense. So the rich person counts on their wealth to protect them, per se. 

In contrast, the poor person, with their poverty is their ruin: "The ruin of the poor is their poverty." In looking at other translations, I don't see much of a difference in words. Instead of ruin there is destruction. Instead of fortress it is the fortified or strong city. 

Cambridge commentary says it well I think: 

We have here an instance of the candour and sobriety of the moral teaching of this Book. Wealth has its advantages and poverty its drawbacks, and the fact is honestly stated. There is nothing of the unreality which represents poverty as in itself desirable, or wealth as in itself to be avoided.

Yes, that's it. And yet, ruin/destruction versus strong/fortified/fortress - seems to give rise to the idea that wealth is better. I see both with problems, but it does seem, based upon my observation that those with wealth have more of a peace about them. And perhaps they can engage in more activities, ministry activities one would hope, though it seems at times it gives opportunity for more relaxation and entertainment. 

At 57 years old, the idea of retirement is coming up more. I spoke of this with a friend yesterday at lunch as we wondered how many more years. I felt like I had at least 10 good more years of working left in me and probably more. I can stay at my current job probably another 5 years and that would be somewhat normal and okay. And yet, I could leave right now and just adjust my lifestyle a little and probably be fine financially. But, in a way I am enjoying things the way they are and so maybe I should stay put. I don't feel a big draw to do anything else. But it isn't that I have more wealth to store up but I just have more of a desire to stay working or staying busy. Sort of an interesting idea right now for me. 

And yet I don't want to be absorbed in work, but rather having a need to minister. At some point, my dad will pass and he has done a very good job with his job and managing it and either I will end up with that or it will end up more in the hands of my kids for their kids. That could end up making life even easier. I have the will to complete still and that is mostly dividing my wealth to good causes once I pass. I need to get that done. But, I still feel that great desire to help those in need. I like it and see that they have the need. I am concerned about those that are working hard and yet having trouble making it. Like Francis in Uganda, James and Joyce, Tonny and Alice. Even Daniel to a point and there are many more that I am not helping regularly. There is Geoffrey in Canada who now hasn't seen his wife Esther in 4 years. There is Benjamin, the pastor in Nigeria. I know he is need of funds for his ministry and orphanage. Jean Claude is doing well. I don't see a big need for him. He doesn't seem to be focused on wealth and it might sort of upset his world if there was an influx. Even Harris in India. Obviously, he needs a job and I am hopeful for that job. After that occurs, he seems eager to do what with it - maybe just support his mom. Kiran is another person in Pakistan. She is taking all she has to help orphans. Again, with so little, is there much of a focus on those that have so little or are the needs greater there. I mean, recently we had things to give away. I took them to Joy Junction with the thought they would help homeless. They were taken to a thrift store to be sold. I could end up buying back my things. Hmm. 

I look at all of these people, in their developing countries and see there standard of living is so different. And yet as I interact with them and they request funds from me at times, though some don't, I can't help but compare my surrounding with theirs. For some, it seems extra money is needed, and yet there almost feels a danger to having more money. Without, they seem to have this great dependency on God. The pastors- James and Tonny are so focused on ministry in their lives. Maybe I am concerned about the depth of their faith, and maybe it seems that some have a tendency to not have depth because of their poor condition. And so while many seem to need a little bit more to help them out. Again, maybe having too much is a problem. 

It is similar to what I see often with people that I hear win a large amount of money, like a lottery and how that impacts their lives. As a kid, I remember a show in 1983-1984 that had a short run. It was called Lottery! - "A lottery representative and his IRS partner meet various winners across the country to present the prizes and change their lives." Money impacts people and changes things. Even as I converse with Harris and see how his life can be lived in such a high moral manner. Why? Well, one he is single, but also he has little money. So again, does wealth or adding riches really help these people. At times, I even feel like God with them because I do have somewhat the means to help them and yet I wonder if it would be helpful. What would that wealth bring to them: I feel problems and a change of priorities. 

For me, with more wealth, what would I do with it. Right, do a lot of home improvement. Probably could easily spend about $50,000 on this house and doing all sorts of improvements inside and out. I suppose that's what I stare at, my fortress and improving it. Which brings me back to the verse -- The rich person’s wealth is his fortress. So is that it? My home. That's my wealth. I mean, it is the first thing I think about to spend money on. Things for the home. 

Perhaps this destruction is what is going on in Nigeria and the scamming of people international. With those folks, part of the blame seems to be their leaders and government that provide so little with the money that is given them. They have little so they invest in themselves. As Daniel mentions in Abuja. The workers get so little. Even at my job - the workers get little. The management gets a lot. There is so much inequity. Can it even be fixed and to what degree?

To have wealth is to have security. There is great tendency to many more problems with out wealth. 

Prayer: O God, this idea of wealth is a tough one. All these people you have placed in my life is an honor for me to know. I have helped some, based upon your leading and so many have needs. I struggle with this and whether to keep helping and wonder if how I am helping is most appropriate and correct. It makes me wonder about me and my work and what I am working for to accumulate. What is the reason and what does it achieve? O God, I need your help. I thank you for these verses and the opportunity to study them and meditate on them. There is richness in their meanings and lots to consider. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:4 - Working with a diligent hand

Proverbs 10:4 - Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Message: Working with a diligent hand

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: As I study, I like to review and think about context and common themes. Solomon is going to be giving us 375 proverbs. Obviously there are going to be similar themes. 10:1 was a more general statement about gaining wisdom and the effect that then has on people such as a father, being glad. After this verse, things get more specific. Next is money and the choices we make for acquisition. After work is hunger or what we consume, but here once again, it is about choices and making the right choice. Then in 10:3, we have Jehovah caring about those choices. Yes, we want to be good people, but we also want to be good children of God. This proverb in 10:4 seems already akin to the second one about wealth - poor and rich - are present again. 

Verse 2 speaks of how a person acquires wealth and now in verse 4 it gets even more specific to work. Work is not bad. Work was present before the fall as man was told to subdue the land, rule over creatures, consume food (which meant it would need to be acquired). But after the fall, work did take on a sad appearance or toil or a sad or hard focus (Genesis 3:17). Work and having responsibilities is good, but in work, there are challenges. 

The comparison now in 10:4 is negligence (vice) and diligence (virtue). Looking briefly at other translations: 'lazy' vs 'diligent' (NIV), 'slack' vs 'diligent' (KJV). This negligence or laziness or slack I think can infer a lot of different behaviors. It is a person that wants to get out of working so they can do other things. I notice at work myself and even others that find other distractions rather than working. Distractions I think have increased with the phone, the internet, personal dealings, exercise, reading, walking around and looking busy. I struggle at times doing things that I like to do, that don't necessarily merit much, but keep me interested. These things aren't bad, per se, but I need to be careful. I am concerned about the idea of retirement and whether I will busy myself with things that don't matter as much, rather than being more productive. Thus, I think there is a way to be busy and still negligent. 

I think one of the things that I struggle with in this is how much entertainment or resting do I need each day. Most of my days are about 17 waking hours and 7 sleeping hours. My work day Monday-Friday constitutes about 11 of those 17 waking hours leaving 6 hours: one hour eating and so 4-5 hours of other activity. Hopefully I have some bible study in that time, perhaps ministry, but I also know at times there are other things. Should I be spending that time entertaining myself or resting. The other night I spent 3 of those hours visiting a couple that is homebound and is not able to get out to visit people. 

The diligent person is careful and industrious. They do their part. There is eagerness and diligence. Hard-working, thorough, intent, earnest, constant, persistent. This is someone who is focused and concentrates. It is a person that recognizes their gifts, how they work and think and then applies those to their life. I think diligent working includes working in those areas that one is gifted or that God has designed you to work.  

I have friends in India and Africa and they are hard-working individuals. But, not rich. It is hard for me to understand this. In America, I feel we have opportunities that they don't have. Their children get educated and money is spent on education. They work hard, taking exams and studying hard for those. But upon finishing school, it is often very difficult or challenging to find good work. 

One of my friends is in Coimbatore, India. I have been speaking to him for about 10 years now and saw him come out of school and start working for 2 months, working full time and yet only earning $65 a month. His living expenses are about $325 per month. He would like to get married but most marriages are arranged and the women want someone who will sustain their lives. As I speak to him, I notice how hard he works. He is working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, only taking off Sunday. He has a 2 bedroom home he now lives in after renting an apartment. When he gets a place to live, to secure it he has to pay a 6 month deposit. Right now, he has been working as a medical coder after he lost his job in the summer of 2023. During the pandemic, he was sent home to work, and most of the time, what allowed him to sustain his life was working overtime. He follows the Lord, prays regularly and I share Bible studies with him. Yet, he is not making it right now. He had a client but that ended March 1 and now he is trying to gain clients but is not finding anyone. I look at his life and his diligence in working and wonder, where are his riches. 

Yet, I learn also that these proverbs that are given by Solomon are not a promise. The focus of this verse is not on being poor or rich, but rather how we work - diligently rather than negligently. The diligent person may get rich, but will also I think feel rich. Richness may simply mean they can sustain themselves. It may mean being actually rich, but not every time. God must still be providential in our lives and we must trust Him for His hand of providence. We still pray - Lord, I trust in You; help me to accept your hand of providence in my life. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your hand of providence, in all situations of my life. You have placed me at the level I am at for a reason. Others have more, others have less. Thank you for instilling in me that desire to work hard and yet I still know that I often train myself at times to be a person of ease. Give me wisdom in the margins and in knowing when I need to work harder and be more productive. I need to guard against laziness. Help those in life, like my friend Harris in India to gain more wealth, just enough to sustain his needs. Help him also to be start in His dealings. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Mark 14:3-9 - Jesus' Anointing in Bethany

Mark 14:3-9
3 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5 For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

Message: Jesus' Anointing in Bethany

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is two days before the Passover, before the appointed crucifixion. The priests and scribes are wanting to seize Jesus and kill him but being the Passover they also are concerned about many coming to his defense. God is sovereign. His plans will prevail.

While He was in Bethany - Jesus is residing here often in Bethany. Bethany is outside of Jerusalem and seems to be a home base for Jesus. Bethany is about 1.5 miles from Jerusalem. Jesus is at the home of Simon the leper. Simon has probably recovered from leprosy and he is most likely the father of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. While Jesus is in the house, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. In the gospel of John the woman is identified as Mary. The explanation of what she did sounds simple. But, the why of what she did was probably a little bit of a mystery as the disciples were probably present. But some were indignantly remarking to one another,“Why has this perfume been wasted?

There is wonder of what has occurred. It doesn't make sense that the perfume, the costly perfume would be used in this way. My guess is odors were common place in this day. There were probably many with offensive smells. It might be even possible for Jesus to have an offensive smell. And so there was probably bewilderment at various levels regarding why someone would pour an entire vile on one person. Mark says it was poured over the head. In John, it is said that in addition to the head, it went on Jesus' feet and Mary then wiped it off with her hair. Either Mary knew that Jesus needed to be anointed or the Holy Spirit moved her to do this in one way or another.

It was remarked, the Gospel of John says the remark came by way of Judas, For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her.  To give to the poor means that it had value they thought for anything better than what has been done.

It is interesting here that the men once again get it wrong while the women, namely Mary, gets it right. How often do the men stumble in these situations with Jesus. And yet Mary gets it right. I think that is interesting because I think in this day and age where women are continually at the forefront regarding their rights, it is thought that women don't reach women well and yet Jesus points out that it is the women that are getting it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. Jesus remarks that what she has done is good. She has been told by others it has been a waste, but it is done and Jesus praises the act. He says - For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. It is not that the poor don't need the funds but Jesus is really saying that the poor are always present so it should be understood that they are always able and should be receiving donations.

She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. She has seized the day, the moment. This time will not occur again. She must have known something significant was occurring in Jesus' life. Perhaps she was led by the Holy Spirit and now in Jesus' words she hears that it is true, Jesus will be buried. So, to her it is confirmed that it is true.

Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her. Jesus' words is correct. This story will be remembered and has been remembered. This devotion to Jesus has gone on in history. She had the right motives and Jesus recognized this.

Summary - Jesus is anointed in Bethany, which is about a mile and half outside of Jerusalem. It is getting closer to Passover and therefore his death. He has predicted it. Perhaps the disciples didn't want to accept it. But, word of it has gotten to Mary and she now uses this as opportunity to anoint Jesus' head and feet. People like Judas think this is a waste of resources and could have been spent on the poor. But, Jesus calls this a good thing that Mary has done. This was the time.

Promise: We show our gratitude to God by our gifts to him. Anytime we give, it is a good thing.

Prayer: O Father God, you are holy and true. Thank you for this good message about Mary's love for you and the moving of the Holy Spirit to give this sacrifice. She had little and it was all given to you, at that time. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice and then giving all of You to us. Lord, I praise your name.

Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Sacrificial Contribution

Mark 12:41-44
41 And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

Message: The Widow's Sacrificial Contribution

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus, after answering the religious leaders questions turns to His followers and the crowd and has His own messages to put forth. He begins with the proclamation that He is more than a man; He is Messiah; He is Lord, Adonai; He is not simply the son of David. He confronts the assumptions of the day of how the Messiah will come. And then he confronts the religious leaders of the day and their motives as leaders and what they often do in that role to set themselves apart. Jesus tells them that their condemnation will be greater than others, their judgement will be greater than others.

Jesus is near the temple and watching people make their financial offering, perhaps their tithe, to God. In Jesus' day, monetary gifts were deposited in an offering box located in the court of the women, where both men and women could gather. Deuteronomy 12:1-7 is the Lord's instruction for the Jews to bring their offerings to the one appointed sanctuary for worship. Thus, contributing monies to this box was in some ways a public act. People could see who was giving money when someone placed money in the box. Coins were the currency at this time and coins dropped in a box made noise so the sounds was a giveaway as to the amount of money contributed. Jesus knows hearts and He knows people. He sat there and observed people. He makes a contrast between the rich and poor. He remarks that giving is somewhat easy for the rich, but for the poor person giving is even a greater sacrifice.

Jesus has spoken recently that the religious leaders devoured widows' houses. They took their possessions. He has harsh words to say about people's wealth. God is tough on those who have given much.

It is interesting that Jesus is taking this moment to talk harshly about those in religion and their positions, their motives and even our own perception of people. I remember growing up in a church that was working on a huge building program. At the time, they thought it would be helpful to hear from families that had prayed about and taken a role in determining what to give to the church. But they brought the wealthy to the front and let them share their testimonies. Even in church we have a tendency to set apart those that give much. It is big news when someone gives a lot of their money to the church.

Jesus here is addressing motives and appearances which is what he spoke about in regards to the religious leaders position: many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

In looking at the differences between giving by two classes of people, I see an interested contrast and that is what it means to truly worship God with our wealth. Jesus called attention to the fact that woman, the poor widow, actually put in more than all the contributors because she gave all she owned, all she had to live on. In the last several years as I have engaged in conversations with individuals from Africa, notably those in very poor parts of the world and I hear often of their struggle to meet basic living expenses and then also hear from a pastor in Uganda, living in a farming town called Tororo, I am struck with this idea of true worship. I don't comprehend here at times what it means to give sacrificially because each time I give there is often something left, actually there is a lot left. Giving is simply another expense type. [Note: I volunteer with the ministry - globalmediaoutreach.com]

I also remember when my wife and I were younger, living in a house for the first time, having recently had our first son, child and I lost my job and Pamela wasn't working and we were struggling financially. People in our lives came to our rescue. They gave us funds. They provided us out of their abundance. I will always remember our life insurance man or the person trying to garner our business (Woodmen of America) and then also a couple on staff with Navigators. They both said that they had a little extra and they chose to give their little small abundance to us. To me, I thought that was an act of giving, true giving. While my wife and I have given funds over the years to a number of causes, our giving continues to hover around or maybe at times just slightly exceed a 10% amount of our income. But, I am not sure if it has ever reached a level of sacrifice. Maybe it has at times. Often, I am thinking giving is done with the idea that we are replacing what we would have spent on something else with giving. But, I am not sure we are ever going without something for the sake of our gift. I think this is what Jesus is talking about here.

So one hand I feel we need to move to a realm of giving sacrificially but also, Jesus is talking about giving with the heart. This is how I need to give.

Summary - Jesus is in the process of communicating truths to His followers. He has now spoken of his position as man and Lord. He also talks directly about religious leaders and their responsibilities or rather the way they abuse their power. He also now speaks of giving and specifically giving to the temple/church with the right motives, not based upon what we have, but based upon an attitude and desire to truly give.

Promise: From Tabletalk - R C Sproul wrote, "God is not so much concerned with what we give as how we give." The Lord is looking at our hearts and He esteems those who have hearts that are willing to make sacrifices for His kingdom. 

Prayer: Lord, I have read this. I have drawn some conclusions, but I am still a little at a lost as to what this means to me and how I am to apply these truths to my life. To me, you are looking at motives in these two individuals. So, Lord, help me to figure out my motive and what it might mean to sacrifice.

Proverbs 28:27 - Generous Giving

Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

Message:  Generous Giving

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: Belief and action are actually polar opposites of one another. We often say we believe in God, but as we navigate life and various circumstances, do our actions display believing God through them. The reason I think this is so hard is because we walk by sight instead of walking by faith. We focus on what we can see instead of trusting God to take care of outcomes. This is why we can rest on God's promises. There are promises such as all who call upon Jesus will be saved, the promise of having land, and the promise that God will supply our needs. 

A generous person without a lot of wealth to begin with is much different from a generous person with little wealth. We can give much money if we have much money to give, but the person that gives with little is really trusting God more for his hand of providence. I think this is what is inferred from this verse.

Promise: Strive to be generous with what we have, trusting in God to supply our every need.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be a generous giver and in the process, trust You for outcomes. Help me to not simply wait to have money before I give.

Deuteronomy 15:11 - Why Do Some People Live in Poverty

Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

Message:  Why Do Some People Live in Poverty

Time: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a collection of sermons given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. The year was 1406 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting verse an idea. It states, the poor will never cease in the land. This is the context from verses 7-11:

“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need whatever he lacks. Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the Lord against you, and it will be a sin in you. You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. For the poor will never cease in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

This is an interesting set of verses, reminding us to help those that are less fortunate. I don't exemplify this sort of attitude, but rather focus on what I can acquire. 

God will never make all people equal in this world. There will always be some with more, some with less. And my response therefore is: You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.There are two different types of people mentioned here: the poor and the needy.  The “poor” are in humble circumstances; the “needy” are actually in want.

There is a relationship we have with the poor. It is a permanent relationship, not simply momentary.   

Promise: To be wise stewards of God's resources, we must provide real help to people who are truly in need.

Prayer: Lord, help me to help others in need. The needs are great and there are many in need and yet there is too much of a desire in my life to acquire more than I probably need. Those that need help often live much simpler lives and yet I am often foregoing their needs for my own. Help me to be wise and look our for those in need.

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant

Proverbs 6:6-11

⁶ Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,
⁷ Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,
⁸ Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.
⁹ How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
¹⁰ “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”—
¹¹ Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

Message: Go to the Ant

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: As I've learned elsewhere, I have things to learn, even from the ant. In verse 6, I am told to look to the ant, o lazy one, and observe her walking about and then be wise. Take notice of the smallest creature on the earth and realize there is much to be learned from this creature. I continue to find it interesting that the ant's life span is about 30-45 days and yet with no leader each ant has the inborn train of preparing her food in the summer and gathering what the ant will need for the harvest. So, they are gathering for other ants that will live on after them. How can one look at this and say this is all birthed by chance?

Verse 9 begins with 2 words - How long - describing the strange idleness of man. Granted, sleeping and playing and sitting in front of a TV I think all are examples of being a sluggard. Just being out of bed is not enough to escape the sluggard tag on our lives. But, for me, the time I spend staring at a screen, seeking to be entertain by it when there are other things I could be doing. I was at my parents last night and noticed the books by my Mom's nightstand and noticed once again the books of great Christian writers she was taking the time to go through. She is not a sluggard but she is spending time equipping herself in a better way, desiring to bring glory to God. It is a beautiful picture. I look at the house and things I could do and there are many. Help me Lord to not constantly go toward the tube but engage in activities of meaning with my family and friends.

Promise: Be careful about continual acts of putting off to tomorrow what could be done today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for examples that you provide with even the smallest of your creatures. You are a good God and a kind God and thank you for your Word that encourages us and reminds us in the ways in which we are to live. Lord, train me to surround me with only good sources of information in my life.

Proverbs 16:8 - What really matters in the end?

Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.

Message: What really matters in the end?

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Tabletalk comes up with the titles of each of my day's readings. I like to use the devotional as a guide. It's helpful for me to have some sort of guide. I need that structure. I often wonder what is the structure or guide that directs people in their lives. Definitely, there is more than just one focus people have in life. People have different goals of achievement. I sense that many people just want to accomplish something. People want to be relevant. There are servants in this world that when they give others happiness it gives themselves happiness.

In the Bible I do find this idea of righteousness voiced over and over. I looked at a word count and noticed that obviously God is the most common word in the Bible; Jesus, sin, and Christ follow. And then righteousness. It's almost like the biggest problem in life is sin and the answer is righteousness. This is probably why, when asked of a person, if there are going to end up in heaven after they die, the person will respond yes because "I have been a good person." The problem is not that they don't think they have made mistakes or sinned, but they view their lives on a different basis, the kind of person they believe they are -- and that person is one that is generally righteous.

Yet, it seems that more and more this is not people's number one goal. Rather, it appears that people this will result in life, but life's decisions are often shadowed instead by ambition, fame, and material possessions. I continue to be reminded of a message I heard a professor give this past summer about the culture or way of life during Bible times and how it remarked that people in those times had work on their mind most of the time because their goal was simple: survive. The biggest challenge often was giving God a day of rest and trusting that resting would not effect survival. Today, I am challenged to rest not because of survival but simply ambition or wanting a goal. To be honest, I think rest is interwoven in my daily life. I rest many times during each day.

I would hope that my life is lived with the goal of being righteous. This is one of the reasons I think it is important to read from God's word each day as it reminds me I'm a sinner and that righteousness is the goal. Yet, scripture also teaches that while we desire to be righteous, ultimately Jesus makes us righteous by removing sin from our lives. In God's eyes, I am as righteous as I will ever be. But, in my eyes, I still have a long way to go.

This Proverb today, from Proverbs 16:8 cries out that when thinking about what we have, our possessions, our wealth, what we often strive to have more of in our life, in the end we never want to think that our wealth will make us a righteous person for it is better to have very little in the way of possessions and be a righteous person than to have a lot of wealth and be a person of injustice. Injustice is not being fair.

What is more interesting to me is not that people do not want to be righteous for that remains as the ideal of what people are wanting to have as a part of their life. The problem really is that the most used word in the Bible is sin (behind God, Jesus, Christ) and this is what is eroding in society. Sin is being carved out of life or at least significantly diminished. And I fear that with sin gone people think ultimately their own righteousness will be good enough before God.

More scripture to ponder:
Proverbs 28:6 - A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar. -- Again, what is the first thing we are impressed with in life -- richness or wealth. The person with the shiny car, the nice house, is what is appealing to us. We think, "If I had that, then life would be good." Why is this? For one, we can't see truth easily. 

Matthew 5:29-30 - If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. -- This is funny verse and is a play in words, but again, is given to remind us of what is most important in our lives. Scripture does this continually and so we continually have to pay attention. The issue here is something in you that causes you to stumble or be a person of injustice, not acting fair to the person God has called you to be. Because the problem with stumbling is you wind up in hell. 

Promise: Jesus is the answer to the problem of sin. Jesus makes us righteous.

Ecclesiastes 6:7-9 - An Unsatisfied Appetite

Ecclesiastes 6:7-9
All a man’s labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied. For what advantage does the wise man have over the fool? What advantage does the poor man have, knowing how to walk before the living? What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires. This too is futility and a striving after wind.

Message: An unsatisfied appetite

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

This passage is something I do not see I struggle with. The idea is that we don't work hard to simply keep up with the Joneses, but I work hard to provide for my family. Yet, the Joneses are a problem in my life because they are doing things I am not interested in doing and so my kids love to spend time with them. I want to do work at home and simple activities but they want to go have fun in new ways. I guess I should allow them, but sometimes it hurts when I do want to do something that then they aren't here. 

"What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires." Do we stop at times to just enjoy what we have or are we too conditioned to just seeking more? This is the danger in life. 

From Tabletalk, "There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but if we think those nice things will make us content, we will never find our self in a place of happiness. The more that we own, the greater the temptation to make what we own the source of our contentment. But Christ alone can satisfy us permanently."

Promise: Work hard and then be content.

Proverbs 27:11 - Pleasure and Poverty

Proverbs 21:17 -
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

Message: Pleasure and poverty

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Initial Observations
The first thing I think of when I read this verse is Hugh Hefner. Isn't it funny that when talking about pleasure, he is the first person that comes into my mind. That somehow the idea of gratifying oneself in a sexual sense is what pleasure is all about. And yet as I was driving to work this morning I had in me the desire to stop by and get a Bavarian cream doughnut. In essence, I was looking for a little pleasure.

Also, both sides of this verse or both lines state the same thing. It says, he who loves wine and oil will not become rich. The price of oil or precious unguent was about equal to the 300 days‘ wages of a field laborer. Indulgence in such a luxury would thus become the type of all extravagance and excess.

Not necessarily poor

So I come back to this verse, he who loves pleasure will become a poor man. Now I wouldn't call Hugh Hefner poor; financially he began an empire that other people wanted and so he was and is paid a lot of money. But I also wonder if that is the only meaning of poor. It seems every time I saw the guy he had a different woman he was holding onto. Like I wonder if he was ever satisfied. I guess if I eat a Bavarian cream doughnut every day on the way to work I would simply spend about $.75 a day and it probably wouldn't make me broke, but it would give me a little pleasure. But, is it that in seeking out a pleasure like a Bavarian creme doughnut (gluttony) and looking at beautiful women (adultery of the mind) or even filling my life with TV watching or shopping or something else, that in these ventures, I am becoming a poor man. There must be something different that is meant by poor.

Never satisfied

I also see with both of these that the love of pleasure or wine and oil always brings people back to wanting more. The pleasure received is enjoyable and pleasurable but it also wears off quickly. Maybe the key to these verses is the word love. The problem with these vices in our lives is that we often do not just sample them, but we become addicted to them in our life. We go from a like to a love and that becomes the problem. Clearly, the drunk is not rich.

People today are selling different types of pleasure indulgences. There is gambling, drinking, but also entertainment of various types, like video games

Promise: We will continually run out of money every time we get it if we make it our aim to enjoy every conceivable pleasure that we can afford. It is right to appreciate the good gifts of God, but these gifts are not satisfying as ends in themselves.