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 11:16 - Grace Earns Honor

Proverbs 11:16 

A gracious woman attains honor, 

and violent men attain riches.

Message: Grace Earns Honor

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: Comparing versions:

NIV says, "A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

NLT says, "A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth." 

Good News / Today's English Version, "A gracious woman is respected, but a woman without virtue is a disgrace. Lazy people will never have money, but aggressive people will get rich."

At first glance, this seems like a little bit of a puzzling contrast. From the NASB, it compares gracious women with violent men. Hmm. What's that about? To be gracious is to be forgiving. It is to give without looking at the character of the individual receiving grace. For God to be gracious towards us or saving us by grace He is saving us without any expectation of us doing something in return. We do not have to work. And so here is the gracious woman and this is someone that everyone wants to be like for she receives honor for her grace. 

The violent man in contrast receives riches. Riches is all this person can attain. Thus, honor is greater than riches. Could it be that anyone can go make riches? Granted, it takes work, but to receive honor means you don't just look out for self. Honor is showing respect or having great esteem for another. This is a need in a marriage and is part of our wedding vows to love, honor and respect. And yet I think what most people want in life is both. We want honor but also riches. 

God is the definer of grace. When looking at grace, we first look at God and His extending grace to us. He sets the bar. All other grace is inferior, but for a woman to have grace is a high calling. This is someone that has humility. As I was thinking about modest dressing. It is a person that isn't calling attention to oneself. It is to be gentle. 

Again, the contrast then is to a man of wealth. As I look at commentaries, all the focus is on the woman and defining grace and honor. There is little words on the man's role of riches. And yet maybe this isn't a classic contrast of positive and negative but rather to say that a man is not simply to acquire riches but retain and keep them. That we are not simply to gather but sustain. And yet the man is more focused on providing for his family. The woman is helping mold the children and their character and the man is out providing what they need. 

Violent appears to mean ruthless and powerful. It is a sort of 'at any cost' to obtain. 

Prayer: O God, I am to extol honor over riches. Help me to value honor and not simply value wealth. Help me to think of character over possessions. I don't want to arrive at a funeral with people thinking of my wealth but rather who I am as a person. I want to point to You God and help people do this. 

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 10:22 - True Riches

Proverbs 10:22

It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,

And He adds no sorrow to it. 

Message: True Riches

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: Well, this Proverbs deviates a little from the previous verses in chapter 10 and seems to make a comment rather than a comparison or mentioning a vice or virtue. I felt like verse 15 of chapter 10 also was not heavy in contrasts when it said, "The rich person’s wealth is his fortress, the ruin of the poor is their poverty." Instead it was sort of making a comment. Now, here in this verse another comment is made and this time the Lord is mentioned directly for the first time in this chapter. I think you can infer the Lord in many of the other verses or all of them, but this is a more direct statement. 

The premise of this verse is - "What does it mean, really, to be rich?" At least, for the person of righteousness or the God-follower, to be rich is to be blessed of the Lord or receive blessing or be involved in all that which God blesses us. 

I think of Romans 5:1, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." And Psalm 29:11, "The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace."

Psalm 145:6, "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." We have help. We have hope. 

Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." 

Ephesians 3:20, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us."

Psalm 32:1, "How blessed is he whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered!"

These are a few verses that speak of blessings - peace, help, hope, lacking nothing, power in us, forgiven. 

And the verse mentions there is no sorrow with it. Hmm. There is potential sorrow with being rich? There is potential sorrow in getting rich improperly. I have spoken to people in Nigeria that mention many in the population use scams to earn money. Granted, the cost of living there is very hard and the people in that country do not have the basic needs we have, but to realize they are scamming people in order to gain funds. But gaining value in things improperly is a problem and can bring sorrow for all involved. 

It also seems at times that the rich have more pressure on them to provide compassion to people and to live within their means. I recall the Chick-Fil-A founder continued to live in a small house despite the enormous success of his business. There is such great temptation to live in very nice surroundings when you have more money. 

Overall, though, the key here is to realize the immense blessing that comes from God. The peace we have for now and today. The hope that we have for tomorrow. The knowledge that God is there to help and answer our prayers. Our sins are forgiven. There is amazing blessing because of the Lord being in our life. 

Prayer: O Father, make me content. Help me to be more satisfied with what it means to be in you and blessed by You. Let that be what I desire. Get me focused off of possessions and acquisitions.  

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

Proverbs 10:2 - Shortcuts Don't Work Out

Proverbs 10:2 

Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: Shortcuts Don't Work Out

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: At first glance this is an interesting verse that starts with a vice and then a virtue. The vice is "ill-gotten gains" with the KJV translating this as, "Treasures of wickedness." NLT states, "Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life." Something I notice is after verse 1 speaks of a general statement about being wise, the next verse that begins starts the rest of the proverbs by immediately speaking of money. I have read that the subject of money is present very often in the Bible. A quick search yields this statement, "The Bible is packed with over 2,000 scriptures about money, tithing in the Bible, and possessions. That's twice as many Bible verses about money than faith and prayer combined." 

I think of my marriage and one of our chief issues of stress has been over the years the issue of money. Although we have tried to manage it, asking questions about how it was spent, creating budgets, even thinking about how we give and tithe has been a big issue (tension) of our marriage. It also seems like in this country, our appearance of advancement, is often about the money we have. Most of the world struggles with finances and earning and yet in America there seems to be an abundance of jobs because of the right infrastructures. 

I am involved in a ministry speaking to people throughout the world, although I only speak to English speaking people which appear often in Africa and India where the desire and priority to speak English is strong. As I speak to people I discover how hard it is for them accumulate wealth. They struggle with the ability to even meet basic needs. [I have been speaking to a young man of 29 who lives in Nigeria. After spending much time in Lagos and struggling to find work and then his mother dying, he found a way to get a job in Abuja, the capital. However, to do that, he had to bribe individuals to the tune of $600. And this was necessary to get a government job with consistent wages. He started the job in mid-January and currently he is still holding out hope to be paid with having to sustain himself with now the promise of pay starting at the end of April. And yet, not even sure I would call this ill-gotten gains on his part, but for sure on his employer's part.] People are working very hard only to get to what would be considered a very modest standard of living in the United States. 

This proverbs presents a temptation in accumulating wealth - a short cut to acquiring it - "ill-gotten gains." While gains doesn't always mean wealth, I think it infers wealth because of the word profit. For instance, the gain could be cheating in school in order to get a good grade in school or getting recognition at work by mistake resulting in a promotion without saying anything.  

I have an example of an ill-gotten gain in which I was on the losing end of it. It happened around 2004 when we were preparing to move into this house. Someone contacted the church we attended and as the treasurer I was contacted about this person who had a need. I met the person at one of our shopping centers and the person fooled me through his crafty words, appealing to my sense of wanting to be known as a person of faith and trust by getting my ATM card and then taking money out of account at the ATM. And then it ended with him having me give him a gift. But in the process it wasn't just a gift I gave him in withdrawing money for him, but he had used the ATM card to pull out money previously. All-in-all that day he took about $1400 from me. It was ill-gotten gain. It is something that bothered me for some time and haunted me for years that I would be duped in this way. He was a crafty man and knew how to run a scheme to get money from me. I remember calling my friend Bruce to tell him of the faith that I thought I had gained only to realize then the money that I had lost. And then the embarrassment I felt. 

Ill-gotten is contrasted with righteousness. Righteousness is another very interesting word as in the Bible it is a word that seems to have a much wider meaning than how we might use it in the English language. The Apostle Paul uses the word to express the character of God and the way of God that is His standard. As such it is all the good that we want and would hope to acquire. Romans 1:16-17 tells us that the gospel is the righteousness of God. It is our chief desire because it is all that God represents. In a way, to me, it is likened to the holiness of God. Romans 3:22 tells us that this righteousness only comes from faith in God. Romans 4:3 tells us that belief in God is what grants us or through that belief we are credited with righteousness. Romans 5:9 says we are declared righteous by His blood. Blood covers unrighteousness but it is accessed by faith or believing. 

Righteousness is an interesting word in regards to salvation, but in the context of this verse it is contrasted with that which is acquired incorrectly. We are extolled to live in a righteous manner or good manner. And this verse not only infers that righteous living will give us a profit or gain, but that profit or gain will deliver us from death. There is a freedom in living the right way. Righteous living results in a peace. 

Righteousness also includes charity. As such, having wealth or gaining wealth also includes helping those in need. This is so important. For me, this is hard. I know I have a giving heart. I trust people easily and maybe that is why I feel into that issue in 2004 partly. I want to give to those in need, but I also struggle giving too much. Charity is tough because when you give the recipient they expect that gift to be followed by another gift and so forth. But the point of this in general is righteousness or righteous living includes giving. 

In conclusion, I need to be careful how I practice this as well as encourage this and pray that our country and people around me would approach wealth in a way that honors God. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for writing this words and including them and showing me what is important. God, you know people because you created them and you know our ways. We are selfish and yet we need not be. Even with the funds that we have received, we have a responsibility to acquire them correctly and be good stewards as well. Help people everywhere to honor You with their decisions in acquiring wealth. I pray that ill-gotten ways would cease and we would be a people everywhere taking care of our family and basic needs, but also be a people that gives. Help me in this to understand how I am to give - when to help and when to support in other ways. 

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

A Decision that Led to Disaster - Abraham, Friend of God, Charles Swindoll Study Guide

Genesis 13

In my own words - Abram and Lot separate. They were traveling together and both had become very wealthy with many flocks and many tents. Seeing this, Abram mentions they should separate. Abram gives Lot first choice as to where to settle. Lot went to east, possibly because of the fertile, well-watered land, but he also ended up close to Sodom - a very evil place; the land was attractive, the people were evil. Abram went to the west, to Canaan. Following their separation, the Lord speaks to Abram, giving him a blessing of this land to Abram as far as his eye can see. His descendants, God says, will be numerous, as far as the eye can see. Abram followed this up by building an altar to the Lord. 

Wealth tests our decisions

The text says "and the land could not sustain them while dwelling together." Lot and Abram were between Bethel and Ai and as they grew in property something caused them to struggle being together. In our world, our borders are clearly defined - property lines do this to denote the separation of property and land. Where I grew up was at first an open area (Sandia Heights at the base of the Sandia Mountains) but as people came more in abundance, settled property lines were present but not clearly marked and I saw some people feeling a need to build walls while others left the open space as long as there was a clear distance between their area and others. 

Consequences follow our decisions

The text states that Abram stopped to spend time at the altar of the Lord (13:4). At times Abram has not made wise decisions but here the text brings attention to the fact that Abram goes to the altar of the Lord. He stops and spends time with God. Following this and the anxiety that he sees tells Lot he can choose the land he desires. And even after Lot chooses his land (looks good, but is near Sodom which will be an evil city), Abram then goes the other way and settles there and once again builds an altar to the Lord (13:18).  Application - I am encouraged to go to God when I am a crossroads and after sensing God's provision. Start with Him. End with Him. 

The title of this lesson is 'a decision that led to disaster' which speaks of the decision that Lot made in choosing the abundant that looked good to the eye. The decision he made on his own led to disaster. But Abram sough the Lord several times, before decisions and after decisions and God blessed him. In this text, both parties were already wealth with possessions. But what Abram received from God was a blessing of descendants and that the land that he would dwell would be fruitful. Abram received something that went beyond wealth. And again, what is most important to me in this passage is he went to God. 

Start with Him. End with Him.   

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.

Mark 4:18-20 - The Thorns and the Harvest

Mark 4:18-20
18 And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

Message: The Thorns and the Harvest

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:

Now I look at the next 2 surfaces:
3. Among the thorns
these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
4. The Good Soil
they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.

3. The second surface received a temporary message and then when hard times came, the message faded from their lives. Here, the distraction is in the form of the worries and pressures of the world. In addition, there is the quest for riches above all and the overall desire for other things to the point that it is unfruitful.

I remember a friend making a comment once that he went to church, followed the Lord, but good things didn't happen to him. He didn't get the Christian wife, he didn't get the good job, religion didn't merit the results he had in mind. And he sort of punted the faith. We live in such a world of comparison where our eyes are constantly viewing what our friends have, our other family members, and we often get distracted. I get distracted. I have been provided everything I need and yet, all too often, I act like it isn't enough. Because others have something I think I must have it. Money isn't the key to happiness, but it sure is nice to have plenty of it. There is that deceitfulness of having lots, of riches. Do my desires for other things prevent me sometimes from seeking God and His word and telling others about him? Do I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit because I am more concerned about other things?

The temptations of the world are compelling. They are most attractive. I am often thinking of my correspondence with James Lumbuku in Tororo Uganda. His life is about survival, working hard, and ministry. They have a simple goal often and that is to not go hungry and yet they often have long periods of starvation (months). They live in a hot climate and yet they are farmers, again, for the purpose of survival. I just checked and on this January 14, 2018 day it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There crops are basic - corn, potatoes. Perhaps these two items can somewhat make it in the heat. He has real struggles and yet he is so focused on ministry. He is a pastor, a shepherd of his flock, so that would make sense. As I listen to his stories, I am at times compelled to give him money. He desires to get his children through school. One of his children is a Compassion funded child. While they struggle for survival, they are rich in love and mercy toward one another and the temptations of the world don't even seem plausible.

4. They hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Something different has happened now - these hear the word and accept it. The turning point is acceptance. They receive it into their lives and make it a part of themselves. By accepting it, something happens, they bear fruit. It is automatic, it happens. If the plant is watered appropriately and receives the nourishment it needs, there is no more effort, but waiting to see the fruit. This last surface is rather simple, actually.

Promise: The result from the word landing on good soil and being received is a harvest. None of us can anticipate the size of the harvest that will be produced, but a harvest will come. We may not even see the result in our lifetime. But, fruit is inevitable. It will come.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the clarity of your message. Thank you for calling people to yourself. It is thrilling to see the harvest take place and the way it does multiply. Continue to change hearts and uproot soil so that many more can come to accept your truths.

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.

Romans 7:4 - Building Wealth for God's Glory

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God

Message: Building Wealth for God's Glory

Time: Another source cites this book as being written around 56-58 BC. Because Paul himself was a Roman citizen, he had a unique passion for those in the assembly of believers in Rome. Since he had not, to this point, visited the church in Rome, this letter also served as his introduction to them.

What the Lord is Saying: As we trust in Jesus, there is a union that takes place as we die to our achievement of works in order to gain God's acceptance, recognizing that Jesus through His body has justified us, and so we are joined together with Christ, almost like a marriage -- and all of this results in good works. Good works on their own do not merit salvation or merit God's acceptance of us, but instead good works or the result of the union with Christ.

And these series of lessons are looking at wealth and the fact that good works may include increasing wealth. What was mentioned in the Tabletalk lesson for this day (again, I'm behind and so today is actually November 5, 2015) is that we can build wealth for God's glory. It gave the example of Henry Ford and creating jobs through the assembly line of automobiles which also made them affordable to many. Yes, he made millions in the process, but he also produced a product not previously available, for many people. And with much responsibility, we also are responsible for giving our wealth to those in need.

Promise: When we seek first the kingdom of God, our pursuit of productivity and the building of wealth are holy endeavors that enable us to support the work of the church and assist many people who have great financial needs.

Prayer: Lord, remind me that I can help others in need. Thank you for placing people in my life that I know have needs, like James and Joyce and family and I'm now thinking about Raj and Sourn in Cambodia. Lord, provide for their needs and draw people to yourself. THank you for the way in which they are serving you.

Proverbs 8:12-21 - Fruit Better than Gold

Proverbs 8:12-21

¹² “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
¹³ “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.
¹⁴ “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.
¹⁵ “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
¹⁶ “By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.
¹⁷ “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.
¹⁸ “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
¹⁹ “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield better than choicest silver.
²⁰ “I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,
²¹ To endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.

Message: Fruit Better than Gold

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:

Nothing is more valuable than the wisdom that comes from the Lord. From Tabletalk - Those who seek to learn and apply God's principles of wisdom are in the best position to experience material prosperity. But, that doesn't mean prosperity necessarily on this side of glory.

Leadership is supposed to be wise as well as submit to Godly authority. The intent is for them to judge rightly and punish evildoers (Romans 13).

The perspective of this chapter is still from lady wisdom. As it says in verse 12: I, wisdom. Wisdom is speaking and wisdom is stating that we are to fear the Lord, hate evil, hate pride, hate arrogance, hate a perverted mouth. Counsel, sound wisdom and power belong to wisdom. And wisdom is how kings and rulers and princes and nobles should rule. They should love wisdom and love to carry it out.

Riches, honor, wealth, righteousness -- to have them all a person needs wisdom. Without wisdom those things are chaotic. There is tyranny, even a dictator. Its harder to have than have not.

The fruit of wisdom is better than riches. Its safer. With wisdom we walk in the way of righteousness, the path of justice.

Wisdom is key in life. I don't think we really call out and define that wisdom is what we all need. According to the definition, it is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment. It doesn't mean that we must have experience, but this is what having wisdom looks like. The best source of wisdom is the eternal God.

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.

Job 1 - The Trials of Job

Job 1
    There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
    Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.
    Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and  behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Message: The Trials of Job

Time: The time of Job is unclear and commonly debated. Often the language of the book can give clues. It seems to be that Job had a lifespan of close to 200 years as Job 42:16 says he lived 140 years after the events in the book.

What the Lord is Saying:

I've always enjoyed this chapter and studied it often. I have many notes in my Bible about it. There is much debate as to the dating of this book. I'm not sure what to conclude. It's possible that this is a story and not even true. Would that matter?

Description of Job
I often like how Job is described in verse 1. He is (1) blameless, (2) upright, (3) fearing God, (4) turning away from evil. He almost sounds like a Christlike figure. He is blameless so he is innocent of wrongdoing. He is upright or honest and true to His word. He fears God. He turns from evil.

He has 10 children and his possessions are not measured by gold or silver, but by the number of livestock that he has. He had many servants. He was a wealthy businessman.

Job was a man of piety. He loves his children and he prayed for them. He made offerings for them on their account. Their sins were his responsibility. He sought pardon for them, for their known sin and what he did not know of them. They were children. They had wealth and they loved feasts. They drank aplenty.

God and Satan Talk
Again, Job was blameless, upright, feared God, and turned from evil. And evil was brought against him often. Verse 6 picks up on a meeting, probably from above, in the invisible world, between Satan and God. Satan and his entourage have been roaming about the earth, looking for people to sway away from the Lord and worship Satan and his ways. God diverts their attention to Job. The text doesn't say that Satan is looking for people, but he is roaming, so I think it is inferred.

This is interesting. God shows Satan Job. Could it be that because Job was upright, he could handle Satan's work? Satan is fallen and will work, so God turns Job to him. He knows that the strong one will not be swayed. Satan is challenged to do his worst; man to do his best.

Satan makes a guess as to why Job is so great: he has been given a lot of good, family, and possessions and he has protection from God's enemies. Satan thinks he may have faith because he has great provision. God gives him permission to put him to the test.

The Trial
Job's messengers come to him while he is feasting with his family and begins to tell him bad news.(1) The oxens and donkeys have been taken and the servants have been killed by Sabeans; (2) fire burned up the sheep and servants, killing them; (3) the Chaldeans took the camels and servants and slew them; (4) a strong wind came and struck a house with your children in it and they died.

The Response
Job worshiped God and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Promise: Job understands that God is sovereign and everything we gain and everything we lose falls under the sovereign ordination of our Creator.

Jesus Calling: February 13

Peace be with you! Ever since the resurrection, this has been My watchword to those who yearn for Me. As you sit quietly, let My Peace settle over you and enfold you in My loving presence. To provide this radiant Peace for you, I died a criminal's death. Receive My Peace abundantly and thankfully. It is a rare treasure, dazzling in delicate beauty yet strong enough to withstand all onslaughts. Wear My Peace with regal dignity. It will keep your heart and mind close to Mine. 

John 20:19-21
English Standard Version
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them,“Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

John 14:27
English Standard Version
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Peace is a word that is thrown around a lot today. In the Bible the word peace is used more than 250 times to denote many different meanings. The root word in the Hebrew speaks to well-being, wholeness, soundness and completeness. In the New Testament, the Greek word denotes the opposite of war and conflict and ultimately Jesus is described as the peace which unifies humanity and reconciles humanity with God through His death.

From the verses above we see that peace is a gift from the Lord Jesus. It is something we need. Without it we try to get it on our own or our lives are lived anxiously and nervously. Our lives are often lived in fear because tomorrow is an unknown. We work hard to be safe from the unknown and we think that through our own power and knowledge we can erect peace and give peace to people, but peace really only comes from the Lord Jesus.

Peace is something He gives us and then we carry with us. It isn't something we create or manufacture or visualize. It is not of our own doing. That is the point of the words above. Peace is provided by Jesus through His death.

My prayer:

Lord, help me daily to not look elsewhere for peace, but to realize daily that as I submit and surrender to You, peace will overcome me. I don't want to be distracted, looking at my surroundings to define my well-being, but instead may I see you standing there, offering peace to me. And as I walk in this world, may I carry only your peace. Define peace in my life. Guard my life with your peace. Thank You for choosing to save me and make me whole in You. Draw people to yourself so they may encounter the true Peace that is in You.

This peace only comes from you. Your peace is different from any other peace that may be provided by culture or the world. There is only peace in Christ because in Christ we are made righteous. 

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.