Proverbs 11:22 - Inner Value

Proverbs 11:22

As a ring of gold in a swine's snout,

so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion. 

Message: Inner Value

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: Interesting verse comparing something that is beautiful with something that is bad and then something that is not beautiful with something that is elegant. The basic idea is these two items combined are two characteristics that don't belong together. Gold in a pig. Beauty lacking discretion. And the two comparisons are two things people all enjoy - riches and beauty. Yet it seems wasteful to add riches to a pig and it should seem wasteful to have beauty added to someone that lacks discretion. 

A pig is an unclean animal. It is an animal by Jewish dietary laws that is not eaten. Gold as a precious metal metaphor represents wealth or something of value or something that is desirable. Thus, that which we desire is placed in something we don't. I Corinthians 15:33 says, "Bad company corrupts good character." Also 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked." Both of these have similar ideas of not mixing value or what we want with what is not valuable. But also here is adding value to something that won't be appreciated. On the flip side we like taking things that appear to be worthless and converting them to value, such as repairing something used rather than replacing it, such as a car or anything. It is great to take something that is used up and giving it more life, but the problem here is being corrupted. 

To lack discretion is to not think before one speaks. This is a person that needs to be careful with their speech. It is a person that needs to be cautious about what they say, especially as it relates to others. We are to value inner beauty. In Proverbs, "Charm is deceitful." Words are more important than looks. What we hear, more important than what we see as far as looks. As I have been reading through the books of Joshua and the Judges, people like Saul and Adonijah were described first about their looks. Their character was not of the importance that stood out but rather their looks and those individuals did not end up leading well. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. Your ways are the best ways and here is the reminder that there is more than meets the eye and we should be more focused on inner beauty and inner value and how we speak and conduct ourselves instead of focusing on what simply is pleasing to our eye or even our pocketbook. Redefine this in our lives. Thank you for helping me see the importance of this in my life. Keep showing me. I thank you for the beauty of my wife but it only means something because of how wonderful she is as a person. This is when the beauty really stands out in her because of how caring and loving she is to me and others. Her playful ways. Her discretion to be careful about what she wears and how she presents herself. I am so thankful for her and how you have trained her to be Godly. Help me always to value this and not get so caught up in looks and beauty. 

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

Proverbs 11:4 - It's All Going to Burn

Proverbs 11:4

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: It's All Going to Burn

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: Our pastor on Sunday did a lesson from Proverbs on gratitude. Along the way, he explained Proverbs and the different ways the verses in this book are mentioned. Well, I am still focused on these contrasting phrases and continuing to read and walk through them.

Today, it is riches and the reminder that riches do not profit at the end or in the day of wrath. This seems to be the day of judgement. Friends and I will often say, "It is all going to burn" meaning that we really should not put our focus on wealth. The pastor's lesson on Sunday was basically the idea of giving and you will receive with verses like 11:24, "the one who scatters increases all the more" and 11:25, "the generous man will be prosperous." I studied Philippians 4 where Paul says in verse 17, "giving....increases to your account." This idea of giving will make us rich. I am not sure if that means monetary payback always, but maybe just the feeling that a person hast not been focused on wealth and accumulation, but rather in helping others and helping others is a good thing. 

In my life, I have gone from a 600 square foot one bedroom apartment to a 1300 square foot house to start a family and then to a 2050 square foot house the last 21 years now. I can't imagine going up any more. There is no need. At times, I think this house is too large. I try to not focus on accumulation. Plenty of people have needs and it makes no sense for me to have a lot and them to have a little. 

But, today the lesson is really more on the end and the day of judgment and the simple message that at the end, it really will not matter how much money you have. God will not be judging you on money accumulation, but rather on our heart and our lives and how they were lived. Ultimately, I am a sinner, saved by grace. Christ saves me because of what Christ did, not me. I understand this and believe this. I believe in God and that He is creator and this world is His and I surrender to Him. He provides me peace then to live life in a way in which life is full. Life isn't only about one thing when it comes to me and living. And from Solomon's perspective, it is righteous living. It is righteousness. 

But wealth matters. It seems that I will be judged on what I have done with my money. More and more I am having a hard time with wealth accumulation. I am struggling with this idea of having new things at times and the need for nice and pristine. We are flawed people and yet we don't want our cars to be flawed with dents. We want it all to be good, looking nice, and never a problem. And so from a money situation, I am struggling with riches, especially when there is such an imbalance in life. It is a struggle to me that people have this need to have no wants and everything is taking care of in this life. 

Everything in our life is wearing down. The car needs to be fixed. Yet, sometimes people get lucky and have a car that lasts. They don't get in accidents. We have a fridge that we bought 5 1/2 years ago. It has been great. But now, it is not working and has errors. Our bill to repair it is now approaching half of what we paid. And the concern I think is whether it will be fixed ever again. Or will we have to start over. These things happen. We don't like them. We like life to be running well, with pristine looking appliances versus accepting everything that is broken. And yet in all of that we have comfort. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, good jobs and a lot of joy with family and friends and people. 

So focus on right-living. Focus on righteousness. I review these words again. 

10:3 - The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger. 

10:6 - Blessings are on the head of the righteous. 

10:7 - The memory of the righteous is blessed.

10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

10:16 - The wages of the righteous is life.

10:20 - The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver.

10:21 - The lips of the righteous feed many. 

10:24 - The desire of the righteous will be granted. 

10:25 - The righteous has an everlasting foundation. 

10:28 - The hope of the righteous is gladness.

10:30 - The righteous will never be shaken.

10:31 - The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom. 

10:32 - The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable. 

And now 11:4 - Righteousness delivers from death. 

Rather than being rich, what matters is righteousness for that delivers from death. 

And this is my quest still, righteousness.

Summary: O God, I want to be this type of person. A righteous person. That's what I want. I want to do my work right and do things well and make good decisions and make things better. I think I have. I have tried, but still I make mistakes. Like the fridge, sometimes I have to start over. But you love me and know me and I am so thankful for that. I struggle God at work with those people that don't meet my expectations. I struggle with it at home, with it everywhere. I said it in front of people that I am trying to meet people's expectations and anticipate them. Help me God. Help me to give myself grace when I need it. Help me to rest in who you have made me to be. Help me to have moments of celebration where I feel like what I have done is good. It is hard to be on this quest of constant improvement. I get tired with it God. Make me God the person you want me to be. And let that be enough. And then take me home to You. Whatever you want me to go through, I will do it. Selfishly, I want to live this life now and figure out what I can do for me and how to help others. I want to do this Lord. I want to be righteous and want this in others. 

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 15:42-47 - With A Rich Man In His Death

Mark 15:42-47
42 When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. 45 And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were looking on to see where He was laid.

Message: With A Rich Man In His Death

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 has been crucified. He has breathed his last on the cross letting out a loud cry after feeling rejected by God, suffering the wrath of God during a dark time that fell over the face of the earth for 3 hours. Mark records the mocking of Him that occurred. And then calls attention to two women who followed Jesus and supported His ministry - Mary Magdalene and Mary his mother.

When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Jesus breathed His last breath after 3pm on Friday. It is the day before the Sabbath so their is preparation of food for Sabbath day. Enter Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Joseph is a member of the Sanhedrin and one such person who was a follower of Jesus and believed He was who He said He was. He believed Jesus was the messianic King promised. Matthew's gospel records Joseph as being a wealthy man. and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Despite being a prominent man, he still gathered up courage in going in before Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. At this point, prior to the Sabbath, the body has probably been taken down off of the cross. Normally, crucified bodies were simply thrown into a ditch. Joseph goes to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus so that a proper burial can be performed. This is the only man that could go before Pilate. The disciples had fled at this point. He was well respected.

Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. Normally those who had been crucified might not have expired for 2 or 3 days. He sought the centurion's confirmation as the centurion who also confessed Jesus as the Son of God, was responsible of watching the crucifixion and ensuring it was going properly and the body was not tampered with. Pilate confirms with him, an outside source, on whether Jesus is in fact dead. But, it was also important that His burial occur today, one to fulfill scripture, and also to do this work before the Sabbath. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Pilate freely gave the body to Joseph, perhaps out of respect, but also perhaps out of compassion. While declaring Jesus to be put to death Mark also states that there was some sort of question by Pilate as to why Jesus was being put to death.

Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Joseph has the means to buy a fine linen cloth. He took Him down and wrapped Him in the cloth and proceeded to sprinkle myrrh probably on him. This was a delicate wrapping as He then lays Him in a tomb. This rock was probably a place reserved for himself to be buried. He had hewn it out previously. He places Jesus in this special place. Jesus dies with the wicked but is buried with the rich.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph were looking on to see where He was laid. Albert Barnes records these words:

The affection of these pious females never forsook them, in all the trials and sufferings of their Lord. With true love they followed him to the cross; they came as near to him as they were permitted to come in his last moments; they followed him when taken down and laid in the tomb. The strong, the mighty, the youthful, had fled; but female love never forsook him, even in his deepest humiliation. This is the nature of true love; it is strongest in such scenes. While "professed" attachment will abound in prosperity and live most in sunshine, it is only genuine love that will go into the dark shades of adversity and flourish there. In scenes of poverty, want, affliction, and death, it shows its genuineness. That which lives there is genuine. That which turns away from such scenes is spurious.

Summary - These sets of verses describe the taking of Jesus' body and placing it in the tomb, wrapping it with a linen cloth by Joseph, one of the respected members of the Sanhedrin, who believed Jesus was the Messiah and was awaiting the Messianic kingdom. Joseph takes care of this burial, prior to the Sabbath and takes Jesus to a nice cave he has probably carved out himself. Mary Magdalene and Mary, His mother, look on.

Promise: Tabletalk of December 6, 2016 - Though Jesus was condemned to death like a common criminal, Jesus enjoyed a magnificent burial of which no lawbreaker could be worthy.

Prayer: Lord, you deserve a great burial as you did not deserve to be crucified. God you ordered these events to occur as they did and they fulfill your prophetic word. You are concerned about the details of our lives as you were of Jesus' death. Thank you for faithful men like Joseph and faithful women like Mary Magdalene and Mary. Help me to be careful and provide you what you deserve.

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.

Mark 10:23-25 - The Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom

Mark 10:23-25
²³ And Jesus, looking around, *said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴ The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus *answered again and *said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Message: The Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom

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 - A man has come to Jesus asking what he can do to inherit eternal life. He calls Jesus good and Jesus attempts to correct him so the next time he calls him simply Teacher. This man feels confident that he has kept the laws, the 10 commandments, and yet he still asks the question of how he can obtain eternal life. Jesus tells him that it is more than only rule-keeping, but a matter of the heart. The man walks away because his heart is focused on accumulating wealth and he won't give up his wealth for anything else. 

And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark records Jesus first looking around, as if Jesus is wondering if this incident has had an impression or impact on His disciples. In other words, are they understanding the lesson that is here in this man and his response? Jesus makes a pronouncement that is still true today. The wealthy feel like they don't need God. They have everything that money can by and so they have need for nothing else. It is an interesting assertion, especially in the world I live in where having more seems to be what everyone wants. And those that have little are thought to be suffering. 

What happened to this man becomes a lesson to us all. Having wealth can create a stumbling block to man and his ways. The disciples were amazed at His words. The words of Jesus continue to express an opposite way to that which has been proclaimed in the world and Jesus today continues to put forth this opposite way. 


But Jesus *answered again and *said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Again, Jesus repeats and he then draws upon a comparative hyperbolic language. It is simpler to take a large animal and fit him into a small opening that it is for a rich mad who has a large abundance of things to be willing to give them all up so as to enter the kingdom of God. 

But, it is not impossible, Jesus is stating though it can be hard. For the rich young ruler, it was hard. He had things in this earth to hold onto and he could see how his days were better, his present days were better by having these things. And to give them up, even if it was only a matter of the heart giving them up, was not what he could do.

Yet, this is also a lesson for me. I protect our finances. I have a giving heart and yet I often don't give because I am concerned about the needs of my family. And I want to make sure I have what I need to sustain this present life. It is tough to know at times how to give. 

Summary - Jesus, after speaking to the Rich Young Ruler, in answering his question on obtaining eternal life takes a moment to speak a lesson to the disciples and those around. He says that being rich makes it hard, not impossible, but hard for people then to enter the kingdom of God. We must always be careful of the matters of our heart. 

Promise: Wealth brings temptations. We may be prone to look for security in our riches and not in Christ. Where is my heart? 

Prayer: Lord, I need to evaluate this in my life. I know I do this at times. I like to hold onto my wealth. And yet I know I can also be a giving person. There is a tough balance. I want to be guided by You. And I want to make sure that I am not holding onto something, my wealth, and forgoing what you are calling me to do.

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.

Proverbs 10:4-5 - The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

Proverbs 10:4-5
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Message: The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

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: Even there were not any verse or chapter divisions in the original manuscripts, the beginning of this chapter says -- A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Solomon in Proverbs is primarily speaking to a son or his children to discuss things to think about, mostly regarding behavior. The reality is that left to our natural state, we have a tendency to live lives of complete selfishness. We do not naturally please others. For example, a child has to learn to share. For some it is easier than others. I see this in myself often, my selfishness takes over in so many areas. Yes, I work hard, but often I think that hard work then merits a meeting of my expectations.

These two proverbs contrast the hard working with the lazy. This is a common theme. I have learned in life that it is not just about working hard but working hard in a wise manner. After college I worked in a credit union as a teller for just about 6 months. In that job, I worked quickly but not always carefully. I enjoyed being faster than everyone else, but along the way I wasn't always the most accurate. My next year was spent volunteering in radio and doing temp jobs. In those jobs I sometimes didn't have big time requirements and could work at my own pace. Then, I got a job in retail. It wasn't just working hard that was important, but being wise in that work and working with a smile on my face, which has always been a challenge. In this process, I went back to school and then went to work at an accounting office. I worked hard, but not hard enough. My boss was similar to my boss now, expecting me to get the job done and not being focused on my time. I took a few afternoons off to watch Lobo basketball and didn't come in like he did on the weekends and he let me go. That was a wake up call for I spent another couple of months looking for work while having a wife at home and a new child. I then worked in Santa Fe and had different demands placed on me and I responded, thought it was still a challenge. That was a good job, but I still felt inadequate many times and I wasn't sure I was working well. I then took a job back in Albuquerque with a friend being the resident accountant for a small business. That was a job I didn't have much confidence in and I let others decide how I would work rather, though they looked to me for advice often.

I think overall I have learned to be diligent as verse 4 speaks.

And now I look at my children and I must admit their idleness makes em bothered. I think they spend too much time in entertainment and recreation mode. But, I also need to remember myself and what I had to learn and I need to give them time to learn as well.

Promise: Different seasons of life dictate often how often we spent quality time with the Lord and quality time working, but it is always important to be diligent and work in a wise manner.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences that I have had. Some have been hard to go through, but through them you have taught much about myself. Forgive me for continually thinking of myself as deserving something because I simply work hard. You have gifted me in a certain way to be a certain person and this is who I am. And remind me that I am simply behaving in a way that is consistent with my make-up. Help me to be patient with my wife and children. I need your help Lord, I often act in way that I am not proud of. I want to instead bring glory to Your Name.

Jesus Calling: December 8

Your needs and My riches are a perfect fit. I never meant for you to be self-sufficient. Instead, I designed you to need Me not only for daily bread but also for fulfillment of deep yearnings. I carefully crafted your longings and feelings of incompleteness, to point you to Me. Therefore, do not try to bury or deny these feelings. Beware also of trying to pacify these longings with lesser gods: people, possessions, power.
     Come to Me in all your neediness, with defenses down and with desire to be blessed. As you spend time in My Presence, your deepest longings are fulfilled. Rejoice in your neediness, which enables you to find intimate completion in Me.

Philippians 4:19
English Standard Version
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
 
Colossians 2:2-3
English Standard Version
² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

My Prayer
Lord, you are my provider. Remind me that riches means much more than personal wealth but encompasses all aspects of the fruits of the Spirit, eternal life, peace, and rest. Jesus, Help Me. Surely you are in this place. So much of my world is focused on comfort, ease, entertainment, and enjoyment - to the point that sometimes I feel like I am not in need of You. But, keep me praising you and thanking you for everything in my life. Thank you for the encouragement you bring to life, even in the difficulties or rather especially in the difficulties. You have given me understanding and knowledge of You.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 - The Worth of a Good Name

Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.

Message: The Worth of a Good Name

Time: Ecclesiastes: 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:

From TableTalk:
It takes a lifetime to build, but it can be destroyed in an instant by one bad decision. [We all see this, but especially when we are young. Derek sees this in school when he skips a class or walks out of a class or quits the soccer team or changes team. One action messes up everything. This happens at work even as it sometimes takes one mistake to change people's view of you.] A good name usually refers to a good reputation. The Bible sometimes portrays people who had a good name in public but whose private behavior invalidated their reputation. [This is a hard truth for society. The private lives of people are becoming more apparent in society with the transparency that is taking place through social media as it gives "the" media easier access to people's real thoughts. But, in general, the stars or the people that we look to that have gifts that society deems as not easily replaced often have a more transparent life and so their reputation is easier to be tarnished. This is election time right now and the goal often of competing candidates is to find something in a person's private life to make the other person appear not to be a good candidate.]

Ointment - From Smith's Bible Dictionary 
Some of the ointments have been known to retain their: fragrance for several hundred years. They were a much-coveted luxury, and often very expensive. [Because of our easy of going to a store and buying what we need I think we lose the significance of some substances. There was a time when something like an ointment took much time to be formed and therefore it was considered a luxury item. One idea here is a good ointment was something sought after, that people wanted. We all want a good name and we need to be careful in life of our actions.]

[This first verse of chapter 7 ends with "the day of death is better than the day birth." Often times it is the funeral that results in a lot of people showing up. There aren't droves of people showing up at a hospital to welcome a new baby. The baby needs time to become a person of value.] The day of death provides the dying person with a chance to reflect on his own heart, and it causes loved ones to reflect on their final destiny and their need of heart transformation if they are to experience life with God forever. 

Promise: A good name is not securely established until the day of death. 

 



 

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - Enjoyment in our Toil

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
¹⁸ Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. ¹⁹ Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. ²⁰ For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

Message: Enjoyment in our toil

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:

There are two thoughts in these verses

Work is Good
Here is a noble idea -- work is a reward in itself. As you work, as you toil, there is enjoyment. This is one thing that I think our TV culture has gotten right. My wife like the Chicago series of shows on right now -- Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med. I especially enjoy Chicago Med, the last in the series. Granted, this is TV and the shows are make believe and present the best of the best, but they also get it right by showing that working is good for us. There is great enjoyment and satisfaction in doing a good job. As we work, as we toil, there is enjoyment. I need to thank God more for the job he has given me. 

Wealth is Good
I think I understand these verses, in fact, I think this is a verse than many people understand too much. As I read and understand scripture and the role of ministry we are to have in our life, I do think it is important to have a verse like this that reminds us that we do have a right to have enjoyment in the midst of our toil. But, I also think us Americans have shifted to the other extreme of enjoyment. We are eating too much, drinking too much and spending our days just sitting and enjoying. And yet we are not living just a few years of life anymore, but many ears and spending many of these years in this enjoyment. 

Conclusion
But, this verse should also be an anthem to all of those outside of the faith that look into Christianity and think that it is a faith of drudgery and duty. On the contrary, God commands us to enjoy ourselves through these words from Solomon. Life is meant to have enjoyment. I need to remember this, for I think I struggle sometimes taking it easy, but maybe not. Maybe I just take it easy in other ways that to others may look like work. 

Promise: Enjoy the work that you have and the experiences it brings to your life and then enjoy the result of your labor. But do not focus too much on either one.

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.