Knowing God - God Sees Your Infirmity

Luke 8:47

                         

 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet.

NIV

This woman had been suffering for twelve years with female problems.  She had gone to doctor after doctor to the point that she spent all of her money.  She might have felt that no one understood or knew all that she had gone through and was going through.  Her ailment was unknown to the person standing next to her, but she was well aware of her affliction.  When she reached out to Jesus, He responded.  This woman did not and could not go unnoticed by Jesus.  Sister, do you feel like your infirmity is something you carry alone?  Have people grown weary or have they become numb to your pain and your lot?  Jesus hasn’t.  He notices you…you are a woman that cannot go unnoticed as you reach out for Jesus in your long term affliction.  Come.  Tremble.  Fall at His feet.  He wants to honor your faith in Him.  He loves you.  You are not unnoticed.

Proverbs - Confess AND Forsake

Proverbs 28:13

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:

but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Adam and Eve tried to cover their sins and were unsuccessful.  Hiding from God is quite the futile pursuit.  If we try to cover our sins we will not prosper.  Everything will be affected.  We are instructed by God in this verse to confess and forsake our sins.  We don’t just confess and we don’t just forsake.  We must do both.  Agree with God.  Make amends with those affected by our sinful choices and then forsake those sins.  The people around you will eventually give you mercy because they see that you are not only taking responsibility for what you have done, but you are seeking to not continue in those patterns.  Do you want to find mercy?  Confess and forsake your sins.

Knowing God - He is Able

2 Cor 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,

 may abound to every good work:

“And God is able….”  If we just stopped at this point reading this truth, we would find ourselves in a great place of courage and revelation.  God is able.  God is mighty and desire’s to show Himself powerful.  His abilities are what we, as mere men, need to focus on, worship and draw from.  Whatever things we face, internally or externally, should have to face the ability of God.  Whatever obstacles position themselves around us, must be confronted with the ability of God.  What are some things the Word of God reveals about God’s ability?

Luke 3:8 – God is able to make sons of Abraham from stones

Acts 20:32 – God’s grace is able to build us up

Romans 4:21 – What He promises He is able to perform

Romans 14:4 – God is able to make us stand

Ephesians 3:20 – God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can ask or think

Hebrews 2:18 – God is able to help those who are tempted

God is able.  Take some time today to enjoy all that God is able to do.  Remember that He is much more powerful and clever than you and I have yet to perceive.  Whatever may be intimidating you today is no match for the God who is able!

Proverbs - When the Righteous Rule - Things Are Cool!

Proverbs 28:12

When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:

but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

Oh that the authority over us would be righteous and not wicked.  When we have righteous people over us things are so wonderful.  We sense the safety and covering of those who seek the Lord and rule according to His ways.  We are not afraid of their moods and changes.  We know they are seeking to please the Lord and honor Him.  When the wicked rise to power we almost brace ourselves for the unexpected.  There is self-centered decision making and favoritism.  There are double standards to be expected and most likely deception and bad examples to be dealt with.  Lord, we pray we could be righteous in our places of authority you have given us and we pray that you will protect us from having the wicked rise to power over us. 

Knowing God - He Calls Our Name

Ex 3:4

 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said,

Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

God Speaks Our Name

The Lord saw Moses turn aside to see this bush that burned with fire.  When the Lord saw this, the Lord spoke Moses’ name twice.  The experience changed from a curious investigation of a physical phenomenon to a relational dialogue with God Himself.  The Lord is calling our names today.  When we ‘turn aside to see’, the Lord knows He has our attention and moves us away from what originally caught our attention and towards a place of hearing His voice.  In our busy society we often ‘drive thru’ the presence of God, hoping to chow down our spiritual fast food to hold us over.  This may happen at times, but should not be our regular way of eating.  We must be a people who ‘turn aside’.  Turn aside from the television.  Turn aside from the computer.  Turn aside from our works and quiet ourselves to hear Him say our name too.  “Dolores, Dolores”, He may say.  “Karen, Karen”, He beckons.  “Audree, Audree!” He addresses.  When we hear this, let us be like Moses and say, “Here I am!”

Proverbs - Seeking Understanding

Proverbs 28:11

The rich man is wise in his own conceit;

but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

Lacking our own resources often helps us seek outside of ourselves for ideas and ways we might never have tried if it were so near to us.  We can grow in our understanding of how to handle our lives when we realize we need advice and counsel.  Our pride wants to stop us but when we lack we gain humility and openness.  It is a great thing to learn from others.  Are you a good question asker?  Do you ever just pick someone’s brain about life that you might admire or know they have wisdom in an area you don’t?  When we ask for wisdom the Lord can send us that wisdom through people around us.  Search out those around you and grow from what they have learned. 

Knowing God - He Sees You Spotless

Song 4:7

 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

The Lord Sees You Spotless

                                                                                

Here we learn about the Lord’s love for His bride.  He tells His bride that we are all fair and there is no spot in us.  What matters most is the Lord’s view of us and not ours or anyone else’s view of us.  When we are in Christ, all things are new.  Old things are passed away and we are new creations in Christ.  We have been clothed in His righteousness and when we come into the presence of our God He affirms that we are fair, beautiful and there is not spot in us.  He calls us His love.  Do you know that you are the Lord’s love?  Are you looking for the favor, acceptance or approval of someone other than the Lord?  You will be frustrated, confused and desperate if this is your state.  You can stand on God’s judgment of you if, indeed, you are in Christ.  He says there is NO spot in you.  Walk in His righteousness today.  Enjoy His favor.  Consider His great love and acceptance towards you.  You are fair.  You are His love.  There is NO spot in you.

Proverbs - Don't Lead the Righteous Astray

Proverbs 28:10

Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

This is a stern warning to the man or woman who causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way.  He shall fall into his own pit.  The righteous person who realizes they were led astray and returns shall not lose it all but the one who intentionally wanted to make the righteous fall will be judged harshly.  If you have been deceived take responsibility for following the wrong voice and then come close to your Redeemer.  He can make all things new.  Trust Him with your sins and trust Him to be more powerful than any sin you have committed.  Do not insult the blood of Christ with the pride of your failure.

Knowing God - The Lord Chooses Us to Serve Him

2 Chron 29:11

 My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.

                                                         

King Hezekiah is instructing the Levites in their place in God’s kingdom.  The Levites had been negligent in their calling and the king called them in to remind them and stir them up in their calling.  He tells them that the Lord had chosen them.  The Lord chose them to stand before Him, to serve Him, minister to Him and burn incense.  Hezekiah was detailed and clear in exhorting the Levites to no longer neglect any or all of what the Lord had called them to do.  The Lord chooses us as well.  He sends reminders when we, like these Levites, begin to become negligent in the positions of influence and responsibility He has given us.  When we neglect the assignments the Lord has given us, it will not only affect us, but the entire kingdom around us.  This might be a good time to bow your head, recommit your life to the Lord, ask Him to help you not be negligent and seek to be faithful in all He has chosen for you.  The Lord has chosen us, let us responds with faithfulness and fervor.

Proverbs - Praying Involves Listening

Proverbs 28:9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

We must not turn our ear away from hearing the law.  If we are a people who are always praying and asking but refusing to hear from the scriptures, the Lord tells us that our prayer shall be an abomination.  That is a pretty strong word!  We must be disciples who sit down and hear what God has said in His Word and not just want some sort of personal revelation that might very well contradict what He has already said.  Sometimes I am praying about something and then I go to church and find the answer in the bible study.  This is very exciting.  If I pray and then stay home from church and not open the word, what kind of relationship is that?  It is an abomination.  Let us be hearers of His Word and women that pray alongside what He has already spoken.

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Knowing God - The Lord Submits Evidence

Rom 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,

 that we are the children of God:

The Lord Submits Evidence

How wonderful for the Lord to do this!  The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.  These words ‘bear witness’ means to ‘corroborate with evidence’.  The Holy Spirit points out and labels pieces of evidence in order to convict us that we, indeed, are ‘guilty’ of being His children.  How does He do this?  He might show you fruit in your life that was never there before you had Christ dwelling in your heart by faith.  He might show you a desire within you that you would never have had before you were born again.  He might cause you to notice a lack of desire for sinful things you once were actually enslaved to.  What evidence have you seen in your life that shows you are God’s child?  This is one of the works of the Holy Spirit.  He is the best attorney convicting us, not only of sin, but of being God’s child.  Thank You Lord for giving us Your Holy Spirit to show us concrete evidence to combat the accuser of our brethren and internal lies that seek to persuade us that we do not belong to You.  We love you Daddy!

Proverbs - Unjust Gain and the Poor

Proverbs 28:8

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

The Lord has an interesting way of getting His blessings to His people.  Here we learn that those who increase their earnings by the wrong things will end up having it go to those who really need it.  How does He do this?  Sometimes there are police raids that gather the cash from a drug dealer’s house and this money is sent to places where it is needed.  Cars and vehicles are seized and sold at auction to support our police departments and those the department chooses to bless.  Unpaid taxes by tax evaders are collected with interest and help local schools and community programs.  The Lord is a judge and He is able to use that which was gained by wrong to accomplish His purposes.

Knowing God - Rolling Away the Reproach

Josh 5:9

And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

The word ‘Gilgal’ means rolling.  The Lord had taken His people out of slavery, through the wilderness and now welcomes them to the land of promise.  He gives this place a name that will always remind His people of what He has done in their lives.  Isn’t that interesting?  The Lord names a place as a reminder.  Do you have certain places that serve as reminders to you?  Have you seen the Lord roll away things out of your life and set you in a new direction?  Is it a new job?   Could you have begun a new relationship?  Is there a new healthy habit the Lord has set up in you?  Do you find yourself blushing at things you used to think were acceptable?  Perhaps you find yourself having disciplines and commitments that are in great contrast to the ‘Egypt’ you used to live in.  Rejoice in your ‘Gilgals’.  He has rolled away your reproach and has promised lands for you!

Proverbs - Praying for Our Kids' Friends

Proverbs 28:7

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:

but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

Praying for young people’s friends should be a regular discipline.  If they choose friends that go towards partying and lawlessness they will do thing that bring shame to their fathers.  As we raise our children or see those in the youth groups, we would do well to shoot up prayers asking God to surround them with people who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  Pray that they would walk with the wise and have mentors and associates who will be like iron sharpening iron.

Knowing God - He Will Magnify Our Calling

Josh 3:7

And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

The Lord had already told Joshua that He was with Joshua.  The first measure of confidence Joshua was to have in his calling was that the Lord was WITH him.  God’s presence was to be the foundational motivator for Joshua to walk in all that the Lord had for him.  After Joshua was established in the fellowship he had with his God, then the Lord would begin to reveal His presence in Joshua’s life to those he was leading.  The Lord will be with us and that should be enough for us to face this day and be about all He has commissioned us to do, but the Lord will also be our advocate to those who may not cooperate so easily with His call on our lives.  We are not to convince others of our callings.  He will do this.  He will magnify us in the eyes of those He has called us to influence.  We need to focus on the confidence of His promised presence and allow Him to defend or affirm us in the sight of people.  The Lord will take care of our reputation in the eyes of others as we concern ourselves with our reputation in the eyes of God. 

Proverbs - Better is Being Poor With....

Proverbs 28:6

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

This is one of those ‘better’ verses again.  It is better to be poor and be doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord than to be rich and being twisted and crooked in our lives.  If we find ourselves falling short financially we should rejoice that we have clean consciences and have not sown seeds that will come back and get us later.  Not having ‘things’ but having an upright life is incomparable.  There is fast approaching days when having an upright life will be as rare as a black diamond.  The worth of such integrity is far greater than the most admired trinkets this world has to give.  At your funeral, no one will rave over your finances, but your character will be eulogized.  God says it is better to walk in uprightness and be poor than be rich and corrupt.  Do you believe Him? Then, my dear sister, live like you do!

Knowing God - He Esteems the Written Word

Mark 11:17

 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?

but ye have made it a den of thieves.

When Jesus confronted the error of man’s way here, he quoted the written scriptures that the Jews had at that time.  The Lord legitimizes the written scriptures by doing this.  Jesus shows us that the written word of God is to be used to evaluate the practices and paths of His followers.  Revelation is wonderful and when it is from the Holy Spirit it will agree with the written Word of God.  God’s revealed Word will NEVER contradict the written Word of God.  Jesus is showing us that we should know His Word in order to evaluate what is going on around us in His name.  Jesus had it at the forefront of His mind so it could light the path in a preeminent way.  Just like a flashlight should be easy to find when an emergency comes our way, the Word of God should be a sword close at hand ready to be pulled out of its sheath and wielded in skill and discretion.  Jesus teaches us in this confrontation that His Word truly is His Word and we are to use His written Word to measure and illuminate the scenarios we find ourselves facing.

Proverbs - Seeking the Lord and Understanding

Proverbs 28:5

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.

What a wonderful promise!  When I seek the Lord I will understand ALL things.  He will help me with cooking, cleaning, parenting, math, people, love and other things.  Sometimes I want understanding and I head down the road seeking understanding.  This is noble but truly seeking the Lord Himself brings understanding.  Reading His Word to grasp His mind and heart on matters, praying to connect with His purposes and living in a way to reflect His nature, result in an understanding about life.  We know what is valuable.  We find out what is a waste of our time and effort.  Seek the Lord!  He will give you understanding.

Knowing God - The Lord Delivers Us

Isa 38:6

And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.

The Lord is speaking to King Hezekiah in this verse.  We learn that the Lord delivers us from things/people/situations that are coming against us.  The battle belongs to the Lord.  He is strategic, mighty and powerful in delivering His people from those situations that are seeking to come in, torment and take control of our lives.  He also says that He will defend this city.  That means that not only will he deliver us from any current threat or occupation, but He will defend us when it happens again.  Sometimes we come to the wrong conclusion that we have to deliver or defend ourselves.  He is our deliverer.  He is our defense.  Get your eyes on Him and follow His leading.  We are led in triumph in Christ.  We are led.  We are not doing the leading!  Let Him lead.  You, follow!  Don’t be deceived into a false expectation that you are required to fight this battle in your own strength.  Willingly admit your fears and failures.  Come to Him and thank Him for being your deliverer and defense.

Proverbs - Contending With the Wicked

Proverbs 28:4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked:

 but such as keep the law contend with them.

As followers of the Lord, we should love the law.  The law keeps order and represents authority.  As we submit ourselves to the law we actually contend with the wicked. Have you ever felt that this world’s wickedness was almost suffocating and you were helpless in such a battle?  Here we see one way we can actually contend with the wicked.  We can keep the law and submit ourselves to it.  We may think that showing the waitress they left an item off our bill is quite insignificant but, in fact, we are battling the wicked by upholding truth.  We may think that slowing down in a school zone is just protecting us from a ticket but, in fact, we are contending with the wicked.  Righteousness shines and our deeds ought to shine in such a way that men end up giving glory to our Father in heaven.  Contend with the wicked!

Proverbs - Caring for the Poor

Proverbs 28:3

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

Going through rough times is intended to work compassion in us for those in our future facing similar circumstances.  How could a poor man oppress a poor man?  Easily, he has forgotten he is poor and exalts himself.   When we are in affliction we can be easily consumed with our problems and insensitive to the plight of those around us.  This is like a rain which leaves no food.  Being in the midst of need should work in us a great empathy and understanding of those in need.  Sisters, when you and I face such circumstances we must be cautious about the pride of affliction.  This is a self focus that prevents the work that God wants to do in and through us during our trials.  We must look at what we don’t see.  What is the Lord doing in our hearts?  What is He speaking to us?  How does He want to work in and through this time?  The things that happen to us will work for us a much greater glory while we look at the things that are unseen and not the things that are seen.

Knowing God - His Eyes Have Grace

Gen 6:8

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

                                                                    

God saw the wickedness throughout His creation and He expressed a great regret for even making man.  The Lord was grieved and the Lord wanted to destroy all flesh with the earth.  Yet, we see a few verses later that there was a man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Our God does not generalize when dealing with man.  He sees the overall state of a society but the Lord sees the individual as well.  Our individual walks with the Lord are noticed and considered.  Our God sees everything.  He sees all that goes on in the streets, in the homes and in the hearts of mankind.  We can be like Noah and find grace in the Lord’s eyes.  The grace we have now been given is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Because He came, died and rose, those who are in Christ have found the favor and acceptance of a holy God who sees the wickedness surrounding us and yet Christ’s righteousness upon us.  Those of us who have put on the Lord Jesus, given up on this world’s ways and placed our complete trust in Him, enjoy the favor/grace of God even if our eyes often read the stories of wickedness and grief.   Dear one, know that your life is seen and you will not be lumped together in judgment when the favor of God is upon you in Christ.  As you see wickedness, rest in the fact that, if you are in Christ, you have found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Knowing God - He Wants You to Till the Land You are In

Gen 3:23-24

 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

The Lord took man out of a wonderful place and put him in a place where he once was.  Man violated the boundaries of the garden and now he was not to dwell there any longer.  The Lord still loved him.  The Lord still had a plan for Adam’s life.  The Lord still had rich, fertile soil for Adam to enjoy and tend.  Our God is our father and if we are really His children we will be disciplined and given certain consequences and privileges in order to cause us to grow up in all things.  Sometimes we may experience this attribute of our Father in heaven.  He may make us leave something that we have handled in a way that was reckless and rebellious.  This means that He loves us and is not finished with us.  Accept the consequence, let the discipline work out the rebellion or doubt that may have led to the sinful choices.  It will bring forth fruit that is full of peace and righteousness.  Cooperate with His consequences and till the ground He has you in now.  Our God is a God who has every right to send us away from certain settings and place us in others.  He is God and He loves us.  Have you ever lost a relationship due to sexual sin?  Have you lost a job due to some sort of laziness or irresponsible behavior?  Have you ever lost a friendship due to lack of love or faithfulness?  What relationships are you in now?  Till them.  What jobs do you have at this time?  Work unto Him.  Who is in your life now?  Invest in them.  The Lord desires lasting fruit wherever He may place you.  He is not finished with you yet.

Proverbs - Leading with Understanding and Knowledge

Proverbs 28:2

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

When something goes wrong it seems like people tend to blame many people.  If something goes wrong at home or work the proper order of authority seems to be in a bit of confusion.  If there is to be a healthy environment, those in authority must know their place and rule with knowledge and understanding.  If our husbands have put us in charge of something and we fail in our responsibilities we should take the blame and seek to bring about a solution.  Do you know what you are in charge of?  Do you ever blame your husband for things you might have been lazy about?  Do you take time to understand and seek for knowledge to rule over the areas of responsibility you have been given?  To bless our homes, we must begin to take our duties seriously and trust that the state of our family will be prolonged as we are women of understanding and knowledge.

Knowing God - Handle Him

Luke 24:38-39

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? ……..handle me,….”

                                                                    

I am continually amazed at how many questions the Lord asks in the scriptures.  He is God.  He can make commands and statements that are authoritative and final.  Instead, He often asks His creation questions.  Here He is asking His followers why they are troubled and why they have certain thoughts in their hearts.  He has risen from the dead and His followers are not sure how to process His presence and the fact of His resurrection.  Jesus tells them to ‘handle me’.  This word ‘handle’ means to manipulate or to verify by contact.  When we are troubled or we have doubts and thoughts in our hearts, we would do well to do what the Lord told His early followers.  We need to verify the Lord’s presence in our lives by verifying with contact – handling Him.  Opening our eyes to His obvious dealings with us, praising Him with our lips, acknowledging His ever present help with us and taking in His promises and presence in His written Word will help us make contact with Him.  We mustn’t just look on Him as if He were some vague spirit in our midst.  He tells us to handle Him.  He tells us to really connect with Him in a personal up close kind of way.  Oh Lord, show each of us how to ‘handle you’ that our troubles and thoughts would encounter the reality of you.

Proverbs - A Lion's Boldness

Proverbs 28:1

The wicked flee when no man pursueth:

 but the righteous are bold as a lion.

If we are doing what the Lord says is right we don’t have to run.  We can face a situation trusting in the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts.  If you have to attend a gathering where you are afraid of someone ask the Lord if you are being wicked or being righteous.  If you stand with a clean conscience before the Lord it doesn’t matter who is there.  You don’t have to cower, you can be as bold as a lion.  A lion belongs.  He doesn’t have to roar.  He just walks through the jungle with a disposition that he has every right to be there.  If you find yourself fleeing, be open to the Holy Spirit showing you where you might have done something wicked.  If you are walking in an upright manner, you, like the lion, can go anywhere without being intimidated.

Knowing God - He Sees Their Day Coming

Ps 37:13

The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

In this psalm we read the verse before that…”the wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.” The Lord tells us that he will laugh at him. The Lord knows that all that the wicked wish upon God’s people is nothing compared to the Lord’s ability to defend and bless.  The threats and vile comments thrown at those who seek to honor the Lord are heard by their Defender.  The Lord sees the final chapter.  Even in the time of the Great Tribulation where His people will go through incredible suffering and persecution, the Lord knows that the cries of those who have suffered at the hand of the wicked, hasten the coming judgment and finality for both the wicked and those who are His.  We must get our eyes on the One who sees every wicked plot, hears every threatening word, and remember not to take vengeance.  Vengeance belongs to the Lord and He will repay.  We must forgive, love those who hate us, do good to those who do evil to us, bless those who curse and commit our souls to a faithful Creator who sees that their day is coming.

Proverbs - Be Aware of Seasons

Proverbs 27:26-27

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

A shepherd who looks well to his flocks and knows that there are seasons for food and seasons that will be difficult for his flocks to graze, is one who is a good shepherd.  This shepherd will have wool clothing and milk from his goats for his family.  Do you consider seasons in your grazing?  Do you anticipate time that might be difficult to spend time with the Lord and take advantage of down times that facilitate such communion?  Do you know that pleasurable pursuits are only to be taken upon His leading after you have done His priorities?  If you know this, you will be clothed well and those around you will be well taken care of.

Knowing God - He Wants His House Filled

Luke 14:23

 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

We read in the scriptures that “.. strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt 7:14).  When we read this we can think that the Lord is very picky and doesn’t really want a lot of people coming into this incredible relationship with Him.  This is not true!  Just because a few people find it does not mean that it is God’s heart for this to happen.  We read in Jesus’ account that the lord wanted his house to be filled.  He wanted people sought out and compelled to come in!  This lord in this parable represents the Lord Himself.  The Lord went to the greatest lengths to make the way for man to be reconciled with Him.  He did all the work and now it is available to whosoever believes.  When considering presenting the Lord’s opportunity to be forgiven and saved, remember that the Lord wants His house filled.  He is seeking those who are lost.  His heart is that no one would perish but that ALL will come to eternal life.  Don’t be discouraged about that one you are praying for.  God wants them to come in.  He wants us to compel people to come in.  As you walk along the highways and roads of your life today, remember that these people are on the guest list.  Give them the invitation and see what happens!

Proverbs - That Which Remains

Proverbs 27:25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself,

and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

There are some beautiful hills by my house that turn so green in the spring they almost seem to be alive with color.  The cows graze on them and the brilliant green is practically hard to look at.  As time goes on the summer sun comes and the green turns to a dull brown awaiting fire danger signs and decay.  No matter how beautiful things can be in this life, all flesh is as grass and the glory of man is as the flower of the grass.  Things are fleeting and our joy and purposes must not be in the temporal.  We should invest in that which remains – the seed of the Word of God and our relationship with Him.  Sisters, let us pursue that which abides and stays alive.  Let us rid our days of temporal pursuits that amount to little and fill them with that which remains.

Proverbs - Our Crowns Do NOT Endure Forever

Proverbs 27:24

                                                         

For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

When we are doing well financially we are not act like this will continue uninterrupted.  Riches are not forever and the authority we have now might not be with us tomorrow.  This should motivate us to be diligent and faithful in the calling we find ourselves in now.  We must know that we are but dust and our times are in His hands.   All authority is given by God and He sets down and lifts up.  We should enjoy where we are and seek to be faithful with what we have.  To be presumptuous about our future is to exalt ourselves above our God.  Let us remember that we don’t know what a day brings forth and seek to honor Him now.

Knowing God - God's Throne is Forever!

Ps 45:6

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: …

                                                                     

A throne denotes position, authority and dominion.  God’s position is established forever.  It doesn’t matter if someone is yielded to Him as their king or not, He is king.  His authority is final no matter what cultural trends seem to be popular and accepted.  His dominion is enduring and He will have the final say in the end.  He is God and we are His creation.  Our stability and confidence should be quite sure given the fact that God’s throne is forever and ever.  If you and I have declared Him our king and willingly submitted to His kingdom’s cause, we can rest knowing that His authority is quite sufficient for all matters of our lives.  His throne is forever.  His throne is over our marriages, feelings, health and finances.  The neat thing is, that not only are we under His authority as subjects in His kingdom, but we are His children and live within His tender care and affection.  Thank you for your throne O God.  Rule over my soul my precious King!

Knowing God - He Made the Earth for Us to Live On

Isa 45:18

‘...God himself that formed the earth and made it

;…he formed it to be inhabited:…”

There are so many classes we endure that begin to tell us the geological and scientific features of this earth.  They usually end up going beyond scientific findings and end up with theoretical conclusions that, if taken to heart, could lead a human to feel like an evolutionary accident and an insignificant life form on a planet that deserves great awe and admiration.  In this revealed truth we learn that God formed the earth to be inhabited.  His plan in volcanoes, mountains, beaches, jungles and forests was with the intention of having humans dwell here.  This is exciting!  This stacks the deck for daily purpose and discovery!  Considering the environmental factors around us; the distance of the sun from the earth, the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange of vegetation, the chemical structure of water itself, speak volumes of the incredible design our God had in making the earth to be inhabited!  We are here by design and the world around us was created with us in mind.  Our God is so incredibly generous by giving us the great planet to inhabit!  Live today and enjoy all He has created remembering He formed it to be inhabited by you and me!

Proverbs - Know Your Flock

Proverbs 27:23

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

A shepherd needed to know what the state of his flocks was.  He had to be diligent.  He needed to know if all his sheep were accounted for as well as the physical condition of each.  We are often put in charge of people like the shepherd is given the sheep.  If we are moms, our children are our flock.  If we are over a classroom, the students are our sheep.  If we are over people at work, they are our sheep.  We must not be lazy in knowing the state of our flocks.  We must look well to our herds.  As we pray regularly for those we care for we will be sensitive to their needs and strengths.  Do you know what each of your children is struggling with?  Are you keeping your eyes open to those you oversee as to where they might need encouragement or direction?  Lord, give us the diligence to really know the state of our flocks and that we might look well to whatever herds you have given us.

Knowing God - He Clothes Us

Gen 3:21

 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God

make coats of skins, and clothed them.

                                                                                                    

Earlier we read in Genesis 3:7, “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”  Adam and Even had a sense of vulnerability, shame and desire to be covered.  They sewed fig leaves together.  Creative? Yes. Enduring? No. What was going to happen as the day to day environment took its tolls on leaves that would lose their softness and become brittle and dry?  It was a temporary fix that would not meet their need to be covered.  The Lord took animal skins and made coats for them.  He made the covering with a material that is durable and only gets more comfortable and suitable as it is worn.  When we find ourselves in a place where we have overstepped the lines, God desires and is prepared to clothe us with enduring material that can weather our day to day lives.  Let us look at a few things He wants to clothe us in:

Isa 61:10 “…. he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness…”

Eph 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God…”

Col 3:10 “ And have put on the new man….”

Zech 3:4 “… Take away the filthy garments from him….and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”

Rev 7:9 “….stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes….”

Isa 61:3 “…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;…”

When we find ourselves in a place that we have blown it and realize our shame, remember it is God who has the covering we need.

Proverbs - Parenting a Fool

Proverbs 27:22

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle,

yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Fools are not to be handled with anger and force.  It will not drive foolishness from them.  If you are dealing with a foolish child, be cautious of your footing.  Do not be pulled into heated arguments and physical lashes.  When you discern foolishness, listen to the only wise God and seek His counsel on what to say and what not to say.  Foolishness can be driven out by the rod of correction, not the rod of anger.  Correction involves speaking the truth and bringing the foolishness into the light of truth.  Be a mom who can hold her ground because you are standing on the rock.  

Knowing God - God Deals with the Stumbler

Gen 3:14

 And the Lord God said unto the serpent…

The very first person the Lord makes a statement to after the fall of man is the serpent.  Not Adam.  Not Eve.  He questions man.  He confronts the serpent.  He speaks to the voice that spoke to His creation.  He speaks to the influence that suggested reasons for disobedience.  He speaks to the one who challenges God’s voice.  When we are praying for others who are believing a lie and crossing lines that the Lord has clearly drawn, we can be confident that our God will speak to those who influence the ones we love.  Yes, this particular event was between the Lord and the fallen angelic being that crept in and tempted these two, but we learn about God’s heart and His dealing with not only the one who has sinned but those that may have contributed to their demise.  We must be sensitive to the Lord addressing us if we may have tempted someone as well.  Perhaps this would be a great time to quiet your soul and gain confidence for those you are interceding for and humble yourself if you have, in fact, been the tempter.

Proverbs - Praise and Refinement

Proverbs 27:21

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

Praise is like a furnace to us.  A furnace and fining pot were meant to soften the silver and gold so that any impurities would go to the top and be skimmed off.  When we are praised it is meant to melt us and bring to the surface any impurities to be skimmed off as well.  Praise will help us see whether the Lord gets the glory or we take credit.  Praise will help us know whether we have pleased the Lord or whether we pleased men.  The next time you are praised allow it melt you and bring anything to surface the Lord wants to skim off. 

Knowing God - God Asks Questions

Gen 3:9-13

 And the Lord God called unto Adam…..Where art thou?...

And he (the Lord God) said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee

that thou shouldest not eat?......

And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? ……

The first three recorded times that God spoke after Adam and Eve had listened to the devil, their lusts and reasoning, were all questions directed to them.  It was not an exclamatory rebuke or a reminder of the commandment they had broken.  Where, Who, Have You, and What Have You Done.  The Lord asks His people where we are all the time.  We end up being in a place He never intended us to be in.  He asks His people what relationships or words might have led to our sinful choices.  He knows that conversations with the enemy, other people or words we might hear could have contributed to our rebellion.  He asks us whether we have done something.  The Lord knows whether we have or not.  He is seeking for us to take personal responsibility for our sinful choices and recognize them as disobedience to His commands and not just choices that leave us with bitter consequences.  Finally He asks, “What is this that you have done?”  Now that we have come out from hiding, recognized the social factor in our sin and admitted our own volition, He wants us to take in the greater repercussions we might not readily recognize in the midst of hiding and blaming.  We often think of God as the God of commandments, but often our God is the God of probing questions.

Proverbs - Eyes and Satisfaction

Proverbs 27:20

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

This is a great truth to know.  Our eyes are never satisfied.  If we go to any store at any time we will SEE something we like.  God made us this way.  We appreciate beauty and we tend to admire the new.  That is okay if we understand this about ourselves.  This will actually protect us from buying things that the Lord has not given us.  Before you go shopping or look in a magazine or catalogue it would be wise to state this truth before the Lord.  Perhaps you could thank the Lord that your eyes are never satisfied so may your eyes enjoy things without having to own them.  If we understand this about ourselves we won’t be so deceived into thinking an admiring eye must lead to a possession.  It is nice to look and enjoy fabrics, colors, designs and beauty.   We must never praise the gods of gold, silver and apparel.  We can enjoy and then know that our eyes are never satisfied.  They will always see something they like.  We must know that life does not consist of an abundance of possessions and godliness with contentment is great gain. 

Knowing God - He Asks, "Where Are You?"

Gen 3:9

And the Lord God called unto Adam,

 and said unto him, Where art thou?

The Lord knew where Adam was, but He still called out and asked Adam, “Where are you?”  The answer was not to inform God but to inform Adam.  Adam needed to see where he was in light of the choice had made to ignore the Lord’s boundaries and participate in something the Lord had forbidden.  When we cross those lines, our God is still calling out and saying, “Where are you?”  Adam was hiding and had made coverings for himself.  The Lord wanted Adam to look at his state, his feeble attempt and covering his tracks and his lack of freedom to walk through the garden freely enjoying all that the Lord HAD given him.  Sometimes we accept where we are and don’t realize how our actions have affected our lives.  We must be sensitive to the first recorded time that God raises a question in His Word.  Where are you?  Are you hiding?  Are you hearing His voice in the distance?  Are you trying to hold the pieces of your life together with things you have ‘sewn’ together?  Are you restricted and bound by the consequences of sin?  Do you hear Him questioning you?  Even if there aren’t obvious conditions speaking to you, allow this question to often search you and perhaps even show that you are in a good place.  Where are you?