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The Wisdom of God

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 12th.

Romans 11:33-36 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him `be' the glory for ever. Amen.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s wisdom is seen through His interactions with mankind. But there’s one supreme event in human history where we clearly see how He meticulously worked all the details together to reveal His role in our redemption.

The Conception. Jesus was no ordinary baby because His life didn’t begin at conception. He has always existed as the eternal Son of God (Mic. 5:2; John 1:1-2 Chapter 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. ), but He came to earth as a baby, conceived in a virgin’s womb by the Holy Spirit ( Luke 1:34-35 34 And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God. ). His conception was a divine miracle.

The Town. Why did God choose the small, insignificant town of Bethlehem for Christ’s birthplace? A clue is found in the name, which means “house of bread.” Later in His life, Jesus would refer to Himself as “the true bread out of heaven” ( John 6:32-33 32 Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, It was not Moses that gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world. ).

The Setting. A manger may be quaint at a Christmas pageant, but it was not an ideal place for an infant to sleep. Jesus was born among livestock because He is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” ( John 1:29 29 On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! ).

The Announcement. Instead of broadcasting the news of the Messiah’s birth to the religious or political leaders, the angel came to shepherds that night because the Good Shepherd had arrived ( John 10:11 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. ).

The common thread in these details of Christ’s birth is His identification with the lowly. Although He is King of Kings, He didn’t come to exalt over us, but to live with us and die for us. Since God’s wisdom is displayed in humility, we, too, must humble ourselves in order to become wise.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 19-21 Chapter 19 1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah. 4 Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 6 Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth `them with' words, `but' they are gone. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish. 10 Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; `But' he that is careless of his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; nd set not thy heart on his destruction. 19 A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver `him', thou must do it yet again. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand. 22 That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of Jehovah `tendeth' to life; And he `that hath it' shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. 24 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, `and' he will understand knowledge. 26 He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction `Only' to err from the words of knowledge. 28 A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools. Chapter 20 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. 2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth `against' his own life. 3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling. 4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is `like' deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? 7 A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. 8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? 10 Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 11 Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them. 13 Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, `and' thou shalt be satisfied with bread. 14 It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 15 There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge `that is surety' for foreigners. 17 Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war. 19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. 21 An inheritance `may be' gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed. 22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good. 24 A man's goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way? 25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say, `It is' holy, And after vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the `threshing' -wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. 28 Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness. 29 The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. 30 Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes `reach' the innermost parts. Chapter 21 1 The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. 4 A high look, and a proud heart, `Even' the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent `tend' only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty `hasteth' only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, `How' the wicked are overthrown to `their' ruin. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous `cometh' in the stead of the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor. 26 There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

What Christ’s Blood Does for Believers

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 12th.

Romans 3:21-26 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth `to be' a propitiation, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the forbearance of God; 26 for the showing, `I say', of his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus.

Knowing what we believe is key to a life-sustaining faith. Yesterday we saw two of the blessings that are ours through the blood of the Savior. Today we will look at two more.

By trusting in Christ as Savior, we are ...

Justified. Justification is the process by which God sees us as not guilty— just as if we had not committed any wrong. Romans 3:23 23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; condemns all mankind as sinners who are under a sentence of death and facing a dreadful eternity apart from God and His blessings. But everything changes for the person who accepts Christ’s shed blood as payment for his or her sins—through Jesus, that sinner is declared “not guilty” and is provided with Christ’s righteousness. And the new believer is adopted into God’s own family (Gal. 3:26). Jesus’ sacrifice has satisfied our sin debt, and His death is counted by God as our own (Rom. 5:9).

Reconciled. Before salvation, we were separated from the Lord and spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1). We had no way to span the gap between Him and us. Christ sent His Holy Spirit to convict us of our guilt ( John 16:8 8 And he, when he is come, will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ), make us aware that we need a Savior, and bring us to saving faith. Jesus, the Lamb of God, removed the barrier of sin that separated us from God. Christ died to reconcile us to God, “having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).

As believers, we should understand what occurred when we received Jesus as Savior. Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed, forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God. That is, Christ’s blood has brought us from death to life—and has let us enter into an eternal relationship with the Father.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 19-21 Chapter 19 1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah. 4 Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 6 Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth `them with' words, `but' they are gone. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish. 10 Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; `But' he that is careless of his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; nd set not thy heart on his destruction. 19 A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver `him', thou must do it yet again. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand. 22 That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of Jehovah `tendeth' to life; And he `that hath it' shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. 24 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, `and' he will understand knowledge. 26 He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction `Only' to err from the words of knowledge. 28 A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools. Chapter 20 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. 2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth `against' his own life. 3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling. 4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is `like' deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? 7 A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. 8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? 10 Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 11 Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them. 13 Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, `and' thou shalt be satisfied with bread. 14 It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 15 There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge `that is surety' for foreigners. 17 Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war. 19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. 21 An inheritance `may be' gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed. 22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good. 24 A man's goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way? 25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say, `It is' holy, And after vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the `threshing' -wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. 28 Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness. 29 The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. 30 Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes `reach' the innermost parts. Chapter 21 1 The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. 4 A high look, and a proud heart, `Even' the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent `tend' only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty `hasteth' only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, `How' the wicked are overthrown to `their' ruin. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous `cometh' in the stead of the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor. 26 There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

The Symptoms of Discouragement

Published by InTouch Ministries for reading on July 13th.

James 1:2-4 2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; 3 Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. 4 And let patience have `its' perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.

One of Satan’s most effective weapons is discouragement. The enemy knows that if he can destroy our courage, we’ll be ineffective in our attempts to accomplish anything for Christ. Let’s explore the downward spiral created by this destructive force.

One mark of discouragement is a divided mind. This underlying distraction affects every area and decision. No matter what you’re doing, it feels as if a dark cloud covers your entire thought life.

Discouragement also leads to the “blame game,” where it’s common to feel the need to point a finger at someone else. You may want to find fault with God because He has allowed painful circumstances in your life, or you may accuse others because of the way they treat you. Perhaps you yourself feel guilty for poor choices or past mistakes. My friend, blame is an empty activity. No healing or restoration ever came from trying to pin responsibility on someone else for the hardships in your life.

Anger is another common indication that a person is discouraged. When this occurs, bitterness may develop and finally become a spirit of vengeance. If you let anger grow and fester without resolution, it can easily turn into depression. Then resentment can act like a cancer that slowly spreads and invades every aspect of your life.

The traits described above aren’t what one would expect of a Christian, are they? However, they are all too evident in the church. Ask the Lord to search your heart for any trace of discouragement—and to eliminate its destructive power from your life.

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 19-21 Chapter 19 1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah. 4 Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 6 Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth `them with' words, `but' they are gone. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish. 10 Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; `But' he that is careless of his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; nd set not thy heart on his destruction. 19 A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver `him', thou must do it yet again. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many devices in a man's heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand. 22 That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of Jehovah `tendeth' to life; And he `that hath it' shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. 24 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, `and' he will understand knowledge. 26 He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction `Only' to err from the words of knowledge. 28 A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools. Chapter 20 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. 2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth `against' his own life. 3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; But every fool will be quarrelling. 4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is `like' deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find? 7 A righteous man that walketh in his integrity, Blessed are his children after him. 8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? 10 Diverse weights, and diverse measures, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. 11 Even a child maketh himself known by his doings, Whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Jehovah hath made even both of them. 13 Love not sleep, let thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, `and' thou shalt be satisfied with bread. 14 It is bad, it is bad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 15 There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge `that is surety' for foreigners. 17 Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war. 19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness. 21 An inheritance `may be' gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed. 22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to Jehovah; And a false balance is not good. 24 A man's goings are of Jehovah; How then can man understand his way? 25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say, `It is' holy, And after vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king winnoweth the wicked, And bringeth the `threshing' -wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, Searching all his innermost parts. 28 Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness. 29 The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head. 30 Stripes that wound cleanse away evil; And strokes `reach' the innermost parts. Chapter 21 1 The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. 4 A high look, and a proud heart, `Even' the lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent `tend' only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty `hasteth' only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked shall sweep them away, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of him that is laden with guilt is exceeding crooked; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: His neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; And when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. 12 The righteous man considereth the house of the wicked, `How' the wicked are overthrown to `their' ruin. 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; But it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; And the treacherous `cometh' in the stead of the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; But a foolish man swalloweth it up. 21 He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof. 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles. 24 The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard killeth him; For his hands refuse to labor. 26 There is that coveteth greedily all the day long; But the righteous giveth and withholdeth not. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: How much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind! 28 A false witness shall perish; But the man that heareth shall speak so as to endure. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways. 30 There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah. 31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.

Rejection of the World

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 13th.

“Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” ( 1 John 2:15 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ).

Genuine believers love God and reject the world and all its philosophies.

As the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), Satan has designed a system that the Bible simply calls “the world.” The Greek term (kosmos) refers to a system encompassing false religion, errant philosophy, crime, immorality, materialism, and the like. Of it the apostle John wrote, “All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever” ( 1 John 2:16-17 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. ). While the world and its fleshly preoccupations are but temporary realities, the true believer has eternal life and will abide forever.

When someone becomes a Christian, he acquires a new set of goals and motivations; the world and its lusts no longer attract but repel him. He no longer loves “the world, nor the things in the world” (v. 15). At times he may be lured into worldly pursuits, but he is doing not what he loves but what he hates (cf. Rom. 7:15). That’s because new life in Christ gives the believer a love for God and the things of God.

Jesus said those who follow Him are not of the world, just as He was not of the world. We still move about in it to do His will, but we are not of it. That’s why Jesus specifically asked the Father to keep us from the evil one ( John 17:14-16 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil `one'. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. ). We’re vulnerable to being sucked into this evil world’s system now and then, but our love is toward God. That love is what will redirect our focus toward heavenly priorities.

Do you reject the world and its false religions, damning ideologies, and godless pursuits? Instead, do you love God, His truth, His kingdom, and all that He stands for? If you reject the world and its devilish desires, that is a strong indication you have new life in Christ.

Suggestions for Prayer

Ask God to reveal to you ways you may still be clinging to the world. When He does, sever those connections.

For Further Study

Read 2 Corinthians 4:4 4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn `upon them'. ; Ephesians 2:1-3 Chapter 2 1 And you `did he make alive,' when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins, 2 wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; 3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:-- ; and James 4:4 4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God. . What is Satan’s ultimate goal in pulling people into his system?

Additional Resources

Rejecting Christ

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 13th.

"For those who disbelieve, 'the stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,' and, 'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense'; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed" (1 Pet. 2:7-8).

Rejecting Christ leads to spiritual damnation.

Israel was a unique nation, chosen by God to be the guardian of His Word and proclaimer of His kingdom. The Old Testament records His miraculous and providential care for her throughout the centuries, and the prophets told of One who would come as her great Deliverer. Israel eagerly awaited the promised Messiah.

But the story has a surprise ending. In the Person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah finally came and presented Himself to Israel. The religious leaders examined Him carefully, measuring Him in every way they could. But He didn't fit their blueprint. They expected a reigning political Messiah who would instantly deliver them from Roman oppression. They felt no need for a spiritual deliverer, so they rejected Him and tossed Him aside like a worthless rock.

That rejected cornerstone is precious to believers but remains a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to unbelievers. A "stone of stumbling" was a stone on which someone tripped while walking along the road. A "rock of offense" was a rock large enough to crush a person. The point: rejecting Christ brings spiritual devastation of enormous proportions.

All who reject Christ do so because they are disobedient to the Word. Rebellion against the written Word inevitably leads to rejection of the living Word. Of such people Peter said, "To this doom they were also appointed" (v. 8). They weren't appointed to reject Christ, but to receive the judgment that their rejection demands. That's a frightening reality that should motivate you to take every opportunity to evangelize the lost.

Suggestions for Prayer

If you have family or friends who are rejecting Christ, pray for them often, asking God to grant them saving faith.

For Further Study

Read Romans 9:30-10:17, noting Israel's false standard of righteousness and Paul's prayer for her salvation.

Additional Resources

Daily Bible - July 13

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 13th.

Reading for Today:

2 Chronicles 21:1 Chapter 21 1 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. –22:12
Psalms 83:1-8 Chapter 83 1 O God, keep not thou silence: Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. 2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; And they that hate thee have lifted up the head. 3 Thy take crafty counsel against thy people, And consult together against thy hidden ones. 4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; Against thee do they make a covenant: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagarenes; 7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre: 8 Assyria also is joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah
Proverbs 21:1 Chapter 21 1 The king's heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.
Acts 17:16-34 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with them that met him. 18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) 22 And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious. 23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. 24 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined `their' appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again. 33 Thus Paul went out from among them. 34 But certain men clave unto him, and believed: among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Notes:

2 Chronicles 21:1 Chapter 21 1 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. 1 led Judah astray. Undoubtedly he was influenced by his marriage to Ahab’s daughter (v. 6) and was influenced in the alliance just like his father (2 Chr. 18:1). They had not learned from Solomon’s sinful example (1 Kin. 11:3, 4). His wicked wife, Athaliah, later became ruler over Judah and tried to wipe out David’s royal line (2 Chr. 22:10).

2 Chronicles 21:1 Chapter 21 1 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. 2–15 Elijah, best known for his confrontations with Israel’s Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kin.17–2 Kin. 2:11), confronted prophetically Jehoram’s sins of idolatry and murder (21:13). The consequences from God’s judgment extended beyond himself to his family and the nation (21:14,15). This event undoubtedly occurred in the early years of Jehoram’s coregency with his father Jehoshaphat and shortly before Elijah’s departure to heaven, ca. 848 B.C. (2 Kin. 2:11, 12).

Psalms 83:4 4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. cut them off. The hostile nations, under Satan’s influence, repudiated God’s promise to preserve forever the nation of Israel (Gen. 17:7, 8; Ps. 89:34–37).

Acts 17:18 18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Epicurean philosophy taught that the chief end of man was the avoidance of pain. Epicureans were materialists—they did not deny the existence of God, but they believed He did not become involved with the affairs of men. When a person died, they believed his body and soul disintegrated. Stoic philosophy taught selfmastery—that the goal in life was to reach a place of indifference to pleasure or pain. babbler. Literally, “seed picker.” Some of the philosophers viewed Paul as an amateur philosopher—one who had no ideas of his own but only picked among prevailing philosophies and constructed one with no depth.

Acts 17:28 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. in Him we live and move and have our being. A quote from the Cretan poet Epimenides.

Acts 17:29 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. the offspring of God. A quote from Aratus, who came from Paul’s home region of Cilicia. not…like gold or silver. If man is the offspring of God, as the Greek poet suggested, it is foolish to think that God could be nothing more than a man-made idol. Such reasoning points out the absurdity of idolatry (Is.44:9–20).

DAY 13: How did Paul address the philosophers of Athens?

In preaching to them Jesus and the resurrection, Paul was brought to the Areopagus ( Acts 17:19 19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? ). This was a court named for the hill on which it once met. Paul was not being formally tried; only being asked to defend his teaching.

Paul immediately mentioned the inscription on one other object of worship: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. The Athenians were supernaturalists—they believed in supernatural powers that intervened in the course of natural laws. They at least acknowledged the existence of someone beyond their ability to understand who had made all things. Paul thus had the opportunity to introduce them to the Creator-God who could be known. When evangelizing pagans, Paul started from creation, the general revelation of God (14:15–17). When evangelizing Jews, he started from the Old Testament (vv. 10–13).

Declaring to them the “God, who made the world” (v. 24) flatly contradicted both the Epicureans, who believed matter was eternal and therefore had no creator, and the Stoics, who as pantheists believed God was part of everything and could not have created Himself. And adding that “He has made from one blood every nation of men” (v. 26) also confronted them directly. All men are equal in God’s sight since all came from one man, Adam. This teaching was a blow to the national pride of the Greeks, who believed all non-Greeks were barbarians. “And has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” God sovereignly controls the rise and fall of nations and empires (Dan. 2:36–45; Luke 21:24 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. ). God is responsible for establishing nations as to their racial identity and their specific geographical locations (Deut. 32:8) and determining the extent of their conquests (Is. 10:12–15).

God’s objective for man in revealing Himself as the creator, ruler, and controller of the world was that they “should seek the Lord” (v. 27). Men have no excuse for not knowing about God because He has revealed Himself in man’s conscience and in the physical world (Rom. 1:19, 20; 2:15).

Additional Resources

July 13 - Jesus and the Leper, Part 1

Published by Grace To You for reading on July 13th.

“When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean’” ( Matthew 8:1 Chapter 8 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. –2).

Leprosy was a most feared and contagious disease in the ancient world. Spongy, tumor-like swellings grew on the face and body, and eventually leprosy affected the internal organs and bones.

In ancient Israel lepers were vivid object lessons regarding sin. Like leprosy, sin infects the entire person (cf. Eph. 2:1) and is ugly, corrupting—incurable without extraordinary means.

Several things stand out about the leper who came to Jesus for healing. First, he came to Him with confidence. He obviously sensed Jesus’ love and tenderness and somehow knew the Lord did not mind associating with him. The leper’s primary concern was his tremendous need and Christ’s all-sufficient ability and willingness to meet it.

Second, the leprous man approached Jesus with reverence. His boldness in calling out to Jesus and coming near derived not from presumption but from humble adoration. The word rendered “bowed down” means to prostrate oneself and is also translated “worship” in the New Testament (cf. Acts 7:43 43 And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of the god Rephan, The figures which ye made to worship them: And I will carry you away beyond Babylon. ; Rev. 4:10). The leper’s attitude suggests he addressed Jesus as Lord, not simply as “sir” but in recognition of His deity. He knew that as God’s Son, Jesus could heal his horrible disease.

Ironically, this man is a striking contrast to the Jewish leaders. They were always clean and lavishly attired, but inwardly were corrupt and unbelieving. The man with leprosy, on the other hand, was outwardly repulsive in appearance, but inwardly he was worshipful and full of sincere faith.

Ask Yourself

Noting the analogy between sin and leprosy, imagine if sin’s effects actually did show themselves on our faces and skin. How would this affect our behavior and obedience? What does that tell us about the deceitfulness of sin and how to counteract it?

Additional Resources

What Moves You to Minister?

Published by John Piper for reading on July 13th.

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ( Galatians 6:8 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. )

Faith has an insatiable appetite for experiencing as much of God’s grace as possible. Therefore, faith presses toward the river where God’s grace flows most freely, namely, the river of love.

What other force will move us out of our contented living rooms to take upon ourselves the inconveniences and suffering that love requires?

What will propel us . . .

to greet strangers when we feel shy?
to go to an enemy and plead for reconciliation when we feel indignant?
to tithe when we’ve never tried it?
to speak to our colleagues about Christ?
to invite new neighbors to a Bible study?
to cross cultures with the gospel?
to create a new ministry for alcoholics?
to spend an evening driving a van?
to invest a morning praying for renewal?

None of these costly acts of love just happens. They are impelled by a new appetite — the appetite of faith for the fullest experience of God’s grace.

Faith loves to rely on God and see him work miracles in us. Therefore, faith pushes us into the current where the power of God’s future grace flows most freely — the current of love.

I think this is what Paul meant when he said that we should “sow to the Spirit” ( Galatians 6:8 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. ). By faith, we should put the seeds of our energy in the furrows where we know the Spirit is at work to bear fruit — the furrows of love.

Morning Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 13th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 13th.

Jonah 4:9 9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.

ANGER is not always or necessarily sinful, but it has such a tendency to run wild that whenever it displays itself, we should be quick to question its character, with this enquiry, "Doest thou well to be angry?" It may be that we can answer, "YES." Very frequently anger is the madman's firebrand, but sometimes it is Elijah's fire from heaven. We do well when we are angry with sin, because of the wrong which it commits against our good and gracious God; or with ourselves because we remain so foolish after so much divine instruction; or with others when the sole cause of anger is the evil which they do. He who is not angry at transgression becomes a partaker in it. Sin is a loathsome and hateful thing, and no renewed heart can patiently endure it. God himself is angry with the wicked every day, and it is written in His Word, "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil." Far more frequently it is to be feared that our anger is not commendable or even justifiable, and then we must answer, "NO." Why should we be fretful with children, passionate with servants, and wrathful with companions? Is such anger honourable to our Christian profession, or glorifying to God? Is it not the old evil heart seeking to gain dominion, and should we not resist it with all the might of our newborn nature. Many professors give way to temper as though it were useless to attempt resistance; but let the believer remember that he must be a conqueror in every point, or else he cannot be crowned. If we cannot control our tempers, what has grace done for us? Some one told Mr. Jay that grace was often grafted on a crab-stump. "Yes," said he, "but the fruit will not be crabs." We must not make natural infirmity an excuse for sin, but we must fly to the cross and pray the Lord to crucify our tempers, and renew us in gentleness and meekness after His own image.

Evening Devotional by C.H. Spurgeon for July 13th

Published by C.H. Spurgeon for reading on July 13th.

Psalms 56:9 9 Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me.

IT is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was "for us" before the worlds were made; He was "for us," or He would not have given His well-beloved son; He was "for us" when He smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of His wrath upon Him—He was "for us," though He was against Him; He was "for us," when we were ruined in the fall—He loved us notwithstanding all; He was "for us," when we were rebels against Him, and with a high hand were bidding Him defiance; He was "for us," or He would not have brought us humbly to seek His face. He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within—how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if He had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of His being; with all the omnipotence of His love; with all the infallibility of His wisdom; arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is "for us,"—eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because He is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure His help. "When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies be turned back." This is no uncertain hope, but a well grounded assurance—"this I know." I will direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up for the answer, assured that it will come, and that mine enemies shall be defeated, "for God is for me." O believer, how happy art thou with the King of kings on thy side! How safe with such a Protector! How sure thy cause pleaded by such an Advocate! If God be for thee, who can be against thee?