Matthew 25:14-30
“For just like a man to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who the two gained two more. But he who received the one went away, and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents
came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted
five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful
slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of
many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“And the one also who had received the one talent
came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where
you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
“But
his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew
that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
“For to everyone who has, shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Message: Investing for the Future
Time: The date of Matthew's composition is anywhere from 55-60 AD probably in
Antioch of Syria. The writing is most likely to the Jews. His purpose
was to show them that Jesus of Nazareth was the expected messiah and
both his genealogy and his resurrection were legitimate proofs
of this.
What the Lord is Saying: The essence of this passage is profit making or doing something with the resources God has given you. We are to spend less than we earn. The Bible speaks against quick wealth. Proverbs 20:21 says - An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end. There are many different schemes to get rich quick because our desire for things is never ending and we think all would be better if we could have everything now. Thus, the allure of winning the lottery is in a way of acquiring all that we need at one moment. Work is often seen as an enemy in life and we tend to focus so much on play, yet many people with great wealth continue to work. I don't think it is just a desire to wanting more, but there is joy in investing in something and seeing a dividend from your work. There is nothing wrong with holding onto what we earn, but we also must have a plan for that which we acquire. I struggle with this. It seems the needs of life, ever since the kids have been born, is so great. I'm not just focused on spending for 1 or 2 people, but thinking about 5 and there seems like there are always many decisions to make with money.
Promise: No matter how much one earns or already possesses, it can be increased through patient and wise investing.
Prayer: Lord, you are holy and I need your wisdom. Lord, I tend to repeatedly spend more than I have. Dangling in front of me are investments. I think of this house and the things that I feel like it needs and I feel a desire to take some of the equity that I have build up and use it to purchase things for my house. I think about this wedding and what will be spent on it. I want to be wise, but it is hard Lord. Help me to make good decisions.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
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.
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.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Luke 12:34 - Valuing Goods and Services
Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Message: Valuing Goods and Services
Time: The Gospel according to Luke was probably the last Synoptic Gospel to be written, thus penned around 60 AD. The words salvation are in Luke, though not in Matthew and Mark. Luke, a gentile physician, wrote more than any other NT writer, writing primarily of redemptive history.
What the Lord is Saying: I have read this verse often and thought about what it means, namely that what is most important to me or what I focus my spending on is what is most important to me. When it comes to spending money, we all do not value the same things in the same way, all the time. This is normal and good. We need different values in order to help one another out. Yet, as it mentions in the 10 commandments, we are not value anything higher than God.
Sometimes, I have often looked at this verse and thought that since I spend money on anything that is not church related or disciple making related or missions related, then somehow my heart is not on God honoring things. But spending is part of life and trading, often my money, to others, for something that they are providing, for something that I desire is still giving Glory to God. But, I think it always comes back to am I valuing that item more than I value God.
Promise: There are many ways to show that we value God and His kingdom above all else.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for money and enabling me to earn money and then spend it on things that we need. Lord, I pray for your wisdom to radiate my paths, reminding me that spending is okay if it is providing something I need. Keep me focused on glorifying you and keep teaching me about money and how it can be used for your glory.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Message: Valuing Goods and Services
Time: The Gospel according to Luke was probably the last Synoptic Gospel to be written, thus penned around 60 AD. The words salvation are in Luke, though not in Matthew and Mark. Luke, a gentile physician, wrote more than any other NT writer, writing primarily of redemptive history.
What the Lord is Saying: I have read this verse often and thought about what it means, namely that what is most important to me or what I focus my spending on is what is most important to me. When it comes to spending money, we all do not value the same things in the same way, all the time. This is normal and good. We need different values in order to help one another out. Yet, as it mentions in the 10 commandments, we are not value anything higher than God.
Sometimes, I have often looked at this verse and thought that since I spend money on anything that is not church related or disciple making related or missions related, then somehow my heart is not on God honoring things. But spending is part of life and trading, often my money, to others, for something that they are providing, for something that I desire is still giving Glory to God. But, I think it always comes back to am I valuing that item more than I value God.
Promise: There are many ways to show that we value God and His kingdom above all else.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for money and enabling me to earn money and then spend it on things that we need. Lord, I pray for your wisdom to radiate my paths, reminding me that spending is okay if it is providing something I need. Keep me focused on glorifying you and keep teaching me about money and how it can be used for your glory.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Psalm 110:4-7 - The Eternal Priest-King
Psalm 110:4-7
Message: The Eternal Priest-King
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: I continue on, albeit slowly. The day doesn't have enough time in it. Or rather, I guess it does, but I end up spending it on other things. I like this quiet time in the morning. Lord multiply the richness of the time I do have with You. Thank you for Your Word. You are a priest forever.
As I mentioned previously, the consensus is that this passage is Messianic, but is it that alone? Going back to verse 1 is the address that, The LORD said to my Lord. Thus, the words are coming from the Lord and speaking to someone. The Messiah is one of several interpretations for this passage and so the beginning of verse 4 is repeating the address to this individual. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Notwithstanding, Melchizedek is a mysterious person in the Bible, coming in and out of scenes. He blessed Abraham in Genesis 14, thus he must have a special role. The Book of Hebrews expands on this. David refers also here to Melchizedek. But the greatness of Melchizedek is not limited to him, but engulfs the order of priests that follow after him.
It reminds me of Joseph Smith, who I believe created and established the faith of the LDS and in so doing hones in on this mysterious way of Melchizedek, expanding and creating a doctrine to ordain priests or rather apostles of the LDS movement throughout time (eternally). It was a leap, but one that has kept that faith movement extremely fruitful in its endeavors, though its footing is on terribly shaky, not holy, ground.
Yes, it is clear from Psalm 110 that Melchizedek and the order of priests after him do take on an eternal priesthood. Melchizedek is also a descendant of David. Jesus is our Great High Priest and thus, his sacrifices and atonement is for all people and negates the need for future priests after him.
But, back to Melchizedek. From Genesis 14:18 he was a priest of God Most High. And this priesthood is forever. And this priesthood is also a kingship for Melchizedek was both priest and king. If Jesus is our true intermediary, then why do we need someone else to show us the way. John the Baptist prepared the way. We are called to be disciples and preach the Word to all nations. It seems the priesthoods continued because people didn't have access to the Bible. Or the priests had the access and so they controlled somewhat what the people would hear.
Going back to verse 1, The Lord said to my Lord. There, it is -- adonai speaking to adoni. The second Adoni is one of respect, but the Lord, or God is speaking in the first adonai. And in verse 5 are the words -- The Lord is at Your right hand. Again, the Lord is Jehovah and Jehovah is at your right hand. God is our power and protector. He is our Leader and sustains all. He is our Rock and our fortress. He is the great I am. He is our God, watching over us. He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.There will be a day of battle and at that time God will be the victor. But He will not only win, but He will shatter the powers of those seemingly in power. It is like an underdog beating the most favored foe. There are those powers that are completely against God and His ways and God will strike them down in this moment. These are heathen nations that God will oppose and have victory over. God is my lord and he at my right hand and he will shatter the heathen kings.
In verse 6, He will judge among the nations. He will uphold right and wrong and he will decide who has been right or wrong. He instituted a Law for people and who has lived in accordance to it? God will be the judge and decide. The Law was there to point people back to God, showing them that are incapable of keeping it, as we see each day, but this always points us back to God for our help. Our help comes from the Lord. Lord, I admit there are things throughout my day that cause me to be unsettled. Right now, I am feeling down and neglected and not important. And my response is often to pout or to remain depressed rather than look to You for strength and to look to you for comfort. Lord, at times this type of thinking then takes me to discontent where I think that where I am is not right. My thought life Lord gets dark and I start assuming what people are thinking about me, all because I have not gotten some need met. I need to continue to trust You Lord.
And continuing with the theme that he will judge, his judgment becomes more final through the rest of verse 6 - He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. Benson commentary says that these words are not meant to be taken literally but figuratively. But it is clear that his wrath is complete; it is not simply a judgment but their is finality in it. There is a resting place for those that oppose God and it is separation from Him. He will shatter the heads of the leaders of those that oppose God. It is not centralized, but global.
And the Messiah here, if represented, Jehovah, my Lord, He will drink from the brook by the wayside; The victorious leader pauses, for a moment, at the brook by the wayside. Drinks often refer to sufferings. The Messiah on the way to be crucified, momentarily shoulders the sufferings of the world. There are different ways to look at this verse and different ways to interpret, but all see it as a pause. Therefore He will lift up His head. On the cross, Jesus took on the suffering of all mankind, breathed out and then lifted his head to conquer sin and death by resurrecting from the dead. The leader here pauses and then commences his task in the lifting of his head.
I've been on this passage too long. I've had trouble getting through it. It's a passage that has been subscribed to Jesus but it also could be at the time a reference to a leader being led by the Lord.
Promise: God is in charge and sits at the right hand declaring his glory through victory He has over kingdoms and people that oppose Him. The bottom line is God is victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand Your Word continually and help me to see it as it is. Continue to help me to study it and stay in the practice of leaning on it. Lord, I want to be guided by truth.
4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head.
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head.
Message: The Eternal Priest-King
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: I continue on, albeit slowly. The day doesn't have enough time in it. Or rather, I guess it does, but I end up spending it on other things. I like this quiet time in the morning. Lord multiply the richness of the time I do have with You. Thank you for Your Word. You are a priest forever.
As I mentioned previously, the consensus is that this passage is Messianic, but is it that alone? Going back to verse 1 is the address that, The LORD said to my Lord. Thus, the words are coming from the Lord and speaking to someone. The Messiah is one of several interpretations for this passage and so the beginning of verse 4 is repeating the address to this individual. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Notwithstanding, Melchizedek is a mysterious person in the Bible, coming in and out of scenes. He blessed Abraham in Genesis 14, thus he must have a special role. The Book of Hebrews expands on this. David refers also here to Melchizedek. But the greatness of Melchizedek is not limited to him, but engulfs the order of priests that follow after him.
It reminds me of Joseph Smith, who I believe created and established the faith of the LDS and in so doing hones in on this mysterious way of Melchizedek, expanding and creating a doctrine to ordain priests or rather apostles of the LDS movement throughout time (eternally). It was a leap, but one that has kept that faith movement extremely fruitful in its endeavors, though its footing is on terribly shaky, not holy, ground.
Yes, it is clear from Psalm 110 that Melchizedek and the order of priests after him do take on an eternal priesthood. Melchizedek is also a descendant of David. Jesus is our Great High Priest and thus, his sacrifices and atonement is for all people and negates the need for future priests after him.
But, back to Melchizedek. From Genesis 14:18 he was a priest of God Most High. And this priesthood is forever. And this priesthood is also a kingship for Melchizedek was both priest and king. If Jesus is our true intermediary, then why do we need someone else to show us the way. John the Baptist prepared the way. We are called to be disciples and preach the Word to all nations. It seems the priesthoods continued because people didn't have access to the Bible. Or the priests had the access and so they controlled somewhat what the people would hear.
Going back to verse 1, The Lord said to my Lord. There, it is -- adonai speaking to adoni. The second Adoni is one of respect, but the Lord, or God is speaking in the first adonai. And in verse 5 are the words -- The Lord is at Your right hand. Again, the Lord is Jehovah and Jehovah is at your right hand. God is our power and protector. He is our Leader and sustains all. He is our Rock and our fortress. He is the great I am. He is our God, watching over us. He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.There will be a day of battle and at that time God will be the victor. But He will not only win, but He will shatter the powers of those seemingly in power. It is like an underdog beating the most favored foe. There are those powers that are completely against God and His ways and God will strike them down in this moment. These are heathen nations that God will oppose and have victory over. God is my lord and he at my right hand and he will shatter the heathen kings.
In verse 6, He will judge among the nations. He will uphold right and wrong and he will decide who has been right or wrong. He instituted a Law for people and who has lived in accordance to it? God will be the judge and decide. The Law was there to point people back to God, showing them that are incapable of keeping it, as we see each day, but this always points us back to God for our help. Our help comes from the Lord. Lord, I admit there are things throughout my day that cause me to be unsettled. Right now, I am feeling down and neglected and not important. And my response is often to pout or to remain depressed rather than look to You for strength and to look to you for comfort. Lord, at times this type of thinking then takes me to discontent where I think that where I am is not right. My thought life Lord gets dark and I start assuming what people are thinking about me, all because I have not gotten some need met. I need to continue to trust You Lord.
And continuing with the theme that he will judge, his judgment becomes more final through the rest of verse 6 - He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. Benson commentary says that these words are not meant to be taken literally but figuratively. But it is clear that his wrath is complete; it is not simply a judgment but their is finality in it. There is a resting place for those that oppose God and it is separation from Him. He will shatter the heads of the leaders of those that oppose God. It is not centralized, but global.
And the Messiah here, if represented, Jehovah, my Lord, He will drink from the brook by the wayside; The victorious leader pauses, for a moment, at the brook by the wayside. Drinks often refer to sufferings. The Messiah on the way to be crucified, momentarily shoulders the sufferings of the world. There are different ways to look at this verse and different ways to interpret, but all see it as a pause. Therefore He will lift up His head. On the cross, Jesus took on the suffering of all mankind, breathed out and then lifted his head to conquer sin and death by resurrecting from the dead. The leader here pauses and then commences his task in the lifting of his head.
I've been on this passage too long. I've had trouble getting through it. It's a passage that has been subscribed to Jesus but it also could be at the time a reference to a leader being led by the Lord.
Promise: God is in charge and sits at the right hand declaring his glory through victory He has over kingdoms and people that oppose Him. The bottom line is God is victorious.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand Your Word continually and help me to see it as it is. Continue to help me to study it and stay in the practice of leaning on it. Lord, I want to be guided by truth.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Psalm 110:1-3 - The King's All-Encompassing Reign
Psalm 110:1-3
1 The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2 The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;
In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.
Message: The King's All-Encompassing Reign
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: I've been having trouble getting through some of these passages of late. It is March 2017 and I'm still staring at the October 2015 Tabletalk. Granted, I take it slow, studying each reading myself and then seeing what Tabletalk says. It keeps me accountable to studying the Word, but bugs me at times I can't stay on track, now 15 months behind. But, for 6 months or so in 2016 I really had trouble getting through texts. I've been on this October issue late January, once again, going at a slower pace.
The reality is some of these texts are just hard for me to understand and I want to understand them. Plus, since the 1st of the year, I've been doing all the cooking for the family and eating out maybe once every couple of weeks. But, really, that shouldn't be a big deal for my guess is there are many women out there that have been doing all the meals for 10-20-30-40 years and I'm bothered because its been 2 months.
As I read this text, first looking at TableTalk, the magazine devotional states that this is a Messianic Psalm or a prophetic Psalm that Jesus even quoted as recorded in Luke 20:41-43.
The emphasis here is on the comprehensiveness of the reign on the coming Davidic king. To make your enemies a footstool is the idea that in the ancient Near East, conquering kings and armies would often put their feet on the necks of their foes after they had subjugated these enemies --
Jesus then in Luke 20:41-43 applies this to Himself.
Promise: Let our foes do their worst, we are safe in Christ forever.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your Word. Thank you for the ministry of Tabletalk that helps me to understand your truths and helps to keep me accountable to the studying of Your Word. Bless their ministry and continue to use it to strengthen and bring Glory to Your Body.
1 The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2 The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”
3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power;
In holy array, from the womb of the dawn,
Your youth are to You as the dew.
Message: The King's All-Encompassing Reign
Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying: I've been having trouble getting through some of these passages of late. It is March 2017 and I'm still staring at the October 2015 Tabletalk. Granted, I take it slow, studying each reading myself and then seeing what Tabletalk says. It keeps me accountable to studying the Word, but bugs me at times I can't stay on track, now 15 months behind. But, for 6 months or so in 2016 I really had trouble getting through texts. I've been on this October issue late January, once again, going at a slower pace.
The reality is some of these texts are just hard for me to understand and I want to understand them. Plus, since the 1st of the year, I've been doing all the cooking for the family and eating out maybe once every couple of weeks. But, really, that shouldn't be a big deal for my guess is there are many women out there that have been doing all the meals for 10-20-30-40 years and I'm bothered because its been 2 months.
As I read this text, first looking at TableTalk, the magazine devotional states that this is a Messianic Psalm or a prophetic Psalm that Jesus even quoted as recorded in Luke 20:41-43.
The emphasis here is on the comprehensiveness of the reign on the coming Davidic king. To make your enemies a footstool is the idea that in the ancient Near East, conquering kings and armies would often put their feet on the necks of their foes after they had subjugated these enemies --
Joshua 10:24 When they brought these kings out to Joshua, Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came near and put their feet on their necks.-- and from this came the idea of making your foes into your footstool. This image is one of full authority -- Sit at my right hand -- that encompasses even those who in vain oppose the Lord's chosen regent. Thus, verse 1 is pointing to the day when the rule on David's throne enjoys total rest from his enemies and unopposed control over them.
Jesus then in Luke 20:41-43 applies this to Himself.
41 Then He said to them, “How is it that they say the Christ is David’s son? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
43 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’
The king who David speaks must be more than a mere descendant of the son of Jesse. David addresses the king as My Lord. So the son to whom David refers is greater not only by nature but also in the kind of reign he exercises. David's reign ended when he died, but Jesus's reign continues forever because all of the Messiah's enemies are defeated.
Promise: Let our foes do their worst, we are safe in Christ forever.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your Word. Thank you for the ministry of Tabletalk that helps me to understand your truths and helps to keep me accountable to the studying of Your Word. Bless their ministry and continue to use it to strengthen and bring Glory to Your Body.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Proverbs 31:28-31 - The Wife Who is to be Praised
Proverbs 31:28-31
Message: The Wife Who is to be Praised
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: After hearing of the hard-working wife and mother in the previous verses, the wife and mother is now praised by her children and her fear of the Lord is commended.
Her children rise up for they have been her biggest witnesses for the acts in which she has done. I notice this about my kids as they are very cognizant of Pamela and her moods and her actions. They see it all. And these children's response is and bless her. They remark of how excellent her behavior and person-hood is to them. She has been wise and has exhibited godly education towards them.
And her husband, and he praises her with the following words: Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. The husband loves his wife and esteems her. He sees her as the best ever. Paul mentions the importance of a husband loving his wife and that is what this man exhibits. The husband should always feel like he has the greatest prize in his wife. I hear this remark often from men and that is a good thing. Often it is heard from young men who are playing a sport and they will often mention there mom that sacrificed for them and did so much so that they could have opportunities. Everyone had a great mom. This is how it should be. This means the mom is doing her job. And the husband to shows that he has no reason to go elsewhere for any companionship or have any sort of desire for another woman.
It is tragic to see that women are not judged for their works, but too often for their looks. Lord, help me to be a different sort of man. Help me to praise my wife for who she is on the inside. The problem with us Americans is we want it all, but our chief aim should be a wife that cares for her family and children and as the previous verses mentioned, looks out for the interests of others and is giving to other people as well.
On this note the following verse mentions that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. How said that we put such a value on charm and beauty in society. I think it is often because we are so tied into TV, Movies, and the media, and the constant exhibiting of these type of women. They are held up as the ideal ones because we all want to be like them. Yet, it is amazing because there personal lives are often very rocky. There are exceptions, definitely, but we often don't even care about their private life as long as their showmanship is in order. How awful of us to put that much stock in these type of people. The Bible is clear that this is not how we should view women, but instead a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
The virtuous woman is the key woman. Here it is, the 2nd last verse of the book speaking that the key is the fear of the Lord. And the book started in Proverbs 1:7 with - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. What is the key ingredient in all of life? It is those that fear the Lord. Ecclesiastes ends with The conclusion, when all has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Every person has the same ideal - to fear God. The problem is we can't see this and this is not as apparent to the momentary glances that we get on the screens of the lives we stare at. Yet, Solomon makes it clear, this is the key.
Any praise, beyond the fear of the Lord of her, should be made my others. Give her the product of her hands,and let her works praise her in the gates. Her walk equals her talk. Her walk exhibits who she is, a woman that fears the Lord. It's funny, but recently, I saw this picture of my mom in my dorm room at college. At the time she was probably about 42 and I noticed how beautiful my mom was and is. But, I've always known how amazing my mom is and she has always been a woman that fears the Lord and for all of my life this is what stands out about her, almost to the point that I don't see her beauty because her fear of the Lord was so loud in her life that this is what defined her always. She spends time praying, seeking the Lord, and has a great desire to teach other women as well. Her voice has always been lovely and singing in church, praising God, stood out in her life. This is how we should see women in our lives. We should see the fear of the Lord first.
Promise: God is honored through praises which come to his people for graces which he has imparted and which by their very nature exalt him. -- John Piper. Let us who are husbands cherish and praise our godly wives that we might honor God. -- Tabletalk.
Prayer: Thank you God for my mom and for my wife. Thank you for the way in which they carefully desire to praise You with their lives. Help me to better encourage them and be thankful for them.
28 Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.
Message: The Wife Who is to be Praised
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: After hearing of the hard-working wife and mother in the previous verses, the wife and mother is now praised by her children and her fear of the Lord is commended.
Her children rise up for they have been her biggest witnesses for the acts in which she has done. I notice this about my kids as they are very cognizant of Pamela and her moods and her actions. They see it all. And these children's response is and bless her. They remark of how excellent her behavior and person-hood is to them. She has been wise and has exhibited godly education towards them.
And her husband, and he praises her with the following words: Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. The husband loves his wife and esteems her. He sees her as the best ever. Paul mentions the importance of a husband loving his wife and that is what this man exhibits. The husband should always feel like he has the greatest prize in his wife. I hear this remark often from men and that is a good thing. Often it is heard from young men who are playing a sport and they will often mention there mom that sacrificed for them and did so much so that they could have opportunities. Everyone had a great mom. This is how it should be. This means the mom is doing her job. And the husband to shows that he has no reason to go elsewhere for any companionship or have any sort of desire for another woman.
It is tragic to see that women are not judged for their works, but too often for their looks. Lord, help me to be a different sort of man. Help me to praise my wife for who she is on the inside. The problem with us Americans is we want it all, but our chief aim should be a wife that cares for her family and children and as the previous verses mentioned, looks out for the interests of others and is giving to other people as well.
On this note the following verse mentions that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain. How said that we put such a value on charm and beauty in society. I think it is often because we are so tied into TV, Movies, and the media, and the constant exhibiting of these type of women. They are held up as the ideal ones because we all want to be like them. Yet, it is amazing because there personal lives are often very rocky. There are exceptions, definitely, but we often don't even care about their private life as long as their showmanship is in order. How awful of us to put that much stock in these type of people. The Bible is clear that this is not how we should view women, but instead a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
The virtuous woman is the key woman. Here it is, the 2nd last verse of the book speaking that the key is the fear of the Lord. And the book started in Proverbs 1:7 with - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. What is the key ingredient in all of life? It is those that fear the Lord. Ecclesiastes ends with The conclusion, when all has been heard: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Every person has the same ideal - to fear God. The problem is we can't see this and this is not as apparent to the momentary glances that we get on the screens of the lives we stare at. Yet, Solomon makes it clear, this is the key.
Any praise, beyond the fear of the Lord of her, should be made my others. Give her the product of her hands,and let her works praise her in the gates. Her walk equals her talk. Her walk exhibits who she is, a woman that fears the Lord. It's funny, but recently, I saw this picture of my mom in my dorm room at college. At the time she was probably about 42 and I noticed how beautiful my mom was and is. But, I've always known how amazing my mom is and she has always been a woman that fears the Lord and for all of my life this is what stands out about her, almost to the point that I don't see her beauty because her fear of the Lord was so loud in her life that this is what defined her always. She spends time praying, seeking the Lord, and has a great desire to teach other women as well. Her voice has always been lovely and singing in church, praising God, stood out in her life. This is how we should see women in our lives. We should see the fear of the Lord first.
Promise: God is honored through praises which come to his people for graces which he has imparted and which by their very nature exalt him. -- John Piper. Let us who are husbands cherish and praise our godly wives that we might honor God. -- Tabletalk.
Prayer: Thank you God for my mom and for my wife. Thank you for the way in which they carefully desire to praise You with their lives. Help me to better encourage them and be thankful for them.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Proverbs 31:13-27 - The Wise and Industrious Wife
Proverbs 31:13-27
Message: The Wise and Industrious Wife
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: I just read these verses and this is an amazing woman. I wonder if this is a woman that packed together from several different wives because this wife seems like she has everything going for her. Granted, this is at a time when each day was about survival and not simply about getting to the end of the day to relax and take it easy.
In this passage, she looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. My reading of this is she is always thinking of ways to help those in her family, providing them clothing, and what they need and she is efficient working with her hands. She can be creative. My mom was always up in the morning each day, first to spend time in the Word, as I would come up the stairs to her reading her Bible and then she spent the morning making sure we had what we needed for breakfast. She got us off to a good start. My mom and my wife did a lot of sewing early on in their marriages. Even to this day, my wife is thinking about the family and thinking about what they need, like getting the oil diffuser the other day to maybe help Megan and Derek.
It is a biblical constant to get goods and services at the best price. Here in verse 14 is the woman and She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She will go to great lengths to acquire food and other items needed for her family in order to get them at the best price. Sometimes it is not always advantageous to do this but there is no problem in taking our time to find a good deal, a deal the marketplace is willing to provide.
Once again, what I remember about my Mom is rising before anyone else and first having time with God and then preparing food for T and I as we headed out the door for the school day. She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is prudent about buying things and also looks at a field that will provide what she needs for her and her family. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong which refers to the strength she goes about in doing her work each day. She senses that her gain is good; which means that she understand profit and fruit from her labor and can feel satisfied as well about a job well done.
She is not idle as her lamp does not go out at night. She is a hard worker. We are supposed to work 6 days and rest the seventh, not work half days and rest half days. We are not to be idle, but workers. Thus She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. She is a good example to others of hard work. She jumps right in and doesn't leave work to her servants, but she works hard herself.
She is attentive to the needs of those less fortunate to her. I am reminded of a little excerpt I saw the other day about black mothers and the remark that they never turned anyone away from a meal. She is always ready to feed anyone. She doesn't work simply to horde and keep things for herself but She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is ready for any oncoming obstacles. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She is prepared. She dresses her self appropriately, given the situation and her house is proper as well and may even include items she has made herself. She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her glory is her husband and him being well known in society, in his profession. She does not get in the way of his authority, nor his success in the community. She upholds it and supports it and allows him to shine. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. And because of the abundance with which she hands and the good worker she is. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. She sells that which she makes.
She is not disquieted by any fear of what may happen, knowing in whom she trusts, and having done her duty to the utmost of her ability. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She has peace about her because she has not been idle, she has worked hard, she has modeled good behavior and she looks optimistically toward the future. She is not dependent on others. She has worked hard. She is not waiting for a handout before she can do something. She has confidence in herself. And because of this she guides her family in wisdom. She is a woman of experience and she passes on this experience to her children and those in her household. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her language to those around her is animated and regulated by love.
As it is mentioned before, it remains a part of her, she is not idle. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. She is the anchor, so as to say of the house.
Promise: The Goldy woman exemplified here is equally an example of a Godly person, namely one that is not idle, but is actively working and figuring out how to do things correctly.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for my wife and the servant that she is and the hard worker that she is. She works hard in the home and outside of it. She is careful in the work that she does, always to the best of her ability and only churns out quality. I hurriedly get things done but when my wife's hand is upon it, it is done with great value. Protect her and guide her and keep her strong. Teach us continually as a family to be hard workers during the work and then rest well on our Sabbath, Sunday.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Message: The Wise and Industrious Wife
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: I just read these verses and this is an amazing woman. I wonder if this is a woman that packed together from several different wives because this wife seems like she has everything going for her. Granted, this is at a time when each day was about survival and not simply about getting to the end of the day to relax and take it easy.
In this passage, she looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. My reading of this is she is always thinking of ways to help those in her family, providing them clothing, and what they need and she is efficient working with her hands. She can be creative. My mom was always up in the morning each day, first to spend time in the Word, as I would come up the stairs to her reading her Bible and then she spent the morning making sure we had what we needed for breakfast. She got us off to a good start. My mom and my wife did a lot of sewing early on in their marriages. Even to this day, my wife is thinking about the family and thinking about what they need, like getting the oil diffuser the other day to maybe help Megan and Derek.
It is a biblical constant to get goods and services at the best price. Here in verse 14 is the woman and She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She will go to great lengths to acquire food and other items needed for her family in order to get them at the best price. Sometimes it is not always advantageous to do this but there is no problem in taking our time to find a good deal, a deal the marketplace is willing to provide.
Once again, what I remember about my Mom is rising before anyone else and first having time with God and then preparing food for T and I as we headed out the door for the school day. She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is prudent about buying things and also looks at a field that will provide what she needs for her and her family. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong which refers to the strength she goes about in doing her work each day. She senses that her gain is good; which means that she understand profit and fruit from her labor and can feel satisfied as well about a job well done.
She is not idle as her lamp does not go out at night. She is a hard worker. We are supposed to work 6 days and rest the seventh, not work half days and rest half days. We are not to be idle, but workers. Thus She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. She is a good example to others of hard work. She jumps right in and doesn't leave work to her servants, but she works hard herself.
She is attentive to the needs of those less fortunate to her. I am reminded of a little excerpt I saw the other day about black mothers and the remark that they never turned anyone away from a meal. She is always ready to feed anyone. She doesn't work simply to horde and keep things for herself but She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is ready for any oncoming obstacles. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She is prepared. She dresses her self appropriately, given the situation and her house is proper as well and may even include items she has made herself. She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her glory is her husband and him being well known in society, in his profession. She does not get in the way of his authority, nor his success in the community. She upholds it and supports it and allows him to shine. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. And because of the abundance with which she hands and the good worker she is. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. She sells that which she makes.
She is not disquieted by any fear of what may happen, knowing in whom she trusts, and having done her duty to the utmost of her ability. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She has peace about her because she has not been idle, she has worked hard, she has modeled good behavior and she looks optimistically toward the future. She is not dependent on others. She has worked hard. She is not waiting for a handout before she can do something. She has confidence in herself. And because of this she guides her family in wisdom. She is a woman of experience and she passes on this experience to her children and those in her household. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her language to those around her is animated and regulated by love.
As it is mentioned before, it remains a part of her, she is not idle. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. She is the anchor, so as to say of the house.
Promise: The Goldy woman exemplified here is equally an example of a Godly person, namely one that is not idle, but is actively working and figuring out how to do things correctly.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for my wife and the servant that she is and the hard worker that she is. She works hard in the home and outside of it. She is careful in the work that she does, always to the best of her ability and only churns out quality. I hurriedly get things done but when my wife's hand is upon it, it is done with great value. Protect her and guide her and keep her strong. Teach us continually as a family to be hard workers during the work and then rest well on our Sabbath, Sunday.
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