TCN's Biblical Journey June 29th

Today's reading is Proverbs 18-22

Marriage?

Here in verse 21 of Proverbs 18, we are reminded just how powerful words are. They have the power of life and death, the writer says. They do but this is not the verse I want to concentrate on today. I want to look at the next verse.

He that finds a wife a good thing. I would expand that a bit and say that when someone finds a good spouse have found a great thing. It is like gaining God's favor. For those that have such a marriage can understand this truth, but for those who haven't been married or don't have a good one, you might not be able to imagine marriage as a wonderful thing. In truth, the bad examples of marriage have hidden its greatness, behind the images of abuse and hardship. This doesn't mean that marriage is bad, but as with many things if done wrong they make it look that way.

A car is a great tool but used wrongly or driven while under the influence it is an instrument of destruction. This is true with marriage also, just as the problem with the car is the driver, so in marriage, it isn't the institution it's the people driving it.


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TCN's Biblical Journey June 28th

Today's reading is Proverbs 13-17

In the New Testament James says that the tongue is the thing that gets people into all kinds of trouble. We find that first pointed out here in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 13:2-3 is one of several places where the writer of Proverbs points out the dangers of the mouth (lips). Our words are powerful things if controlled they bring life, misused brings disaster.

To put it another way, be mindful of the words you speak because you never know which words you might have to eat.


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TCN's Biblical Journey June 27

Today's reading is Proverbs 8-12

Do you see Jesus in the background?

In Proverbs, chapter 8 wisdom is personified as a person, specifically a young woman. This young woman is crying out to those around to come to her and be taken care of. It is a beautiful picture, however, it is more than you may realize. I never saw it until a pastor pointed it out in a message. The picture is that of Christ.

If you change out the word wisdom with Jesus and her with his, you will see that Jesus fills this chapter. Jesus gives wisdom. Jesus speaks truth. Jesus stands against the proud and haughty. By Jesus were the foundations of the earth established. Last but not least, Jesus offers salvation and to reject Him means you are doing yourself harm.

Read this chapter again and see for yourself. Jesus is Wisdom.


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TCN's Biblical Journey June 26th

Today's reading is Proverbs 3-7

PAY UP?!

Proverbs 3

The nuggets of wisdom fill Proverbs. For me the question is which to choose; the fear of the Lord, the importance of wisdom, confidence, and security found in wisdom? Today I’m drawn to verse 27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

There are times when someone does something nice to you or does good in some other way and they deserve recognition and maybe even reward. Yes, we could say, God will reward them, and he will, but God expects us to do our part. It may be a simple as a thank you or as much as a large cash reward, but they need to be recognized. However, God wants us to participate in his work which means if we can we should.

There are times when someone may deserve a reward or recognition,

T but we have no way to reward them. If that is the case, this verse excuses you when it adds “when it is in your power to act.” There are times when it isn’t our place or in our power to recognize those who deserve better. Don’t feel guilty, it’s not in your power.

This verse isn’t just for those who do volunteer work. This verse would include those who do paid work. If someone has done work for you then they deserved paid. It is the good that they deserve. If you have it pay them. Don’t put off giving people what they deserve. Why? you may ask. I think the reason is if you don’t do it now you might not do it later and then you will have stolen from them and God doesn’t bless thieves.

On a different note and just as true, when your being paid for a job and it's in your power to do the work right, you need to do that too. Taking from your employer be it things, withholding your expertise, skills, or the time you should spend on a job, then you are stealing just as much as the employer who underpays his workers. 

Thankfully, God forgives thieves and forgetful people. The key is to try and make it right. Some people say don’t do today what can be put off to tomorrow, but I think God teaches “Don’t put off to tomorrow what should be doing today.”

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TCN's Biblical Journey June 25th

Today's reading is Psalms 148-150 and Proverbs 1-2

The wise keep learning...

Proverbs is a book filled with practical wisdom. It is a book that some seem to despise because it promises that God is not against giving wealth, he isn’t against saving or investing, or against promising evil for those who reject God. The practical advice in this book has been used by everyone from the saint to the business man to live a more successful life. The principles in this book are just that principles which are true, under normal circumstances. They are like gravity unless something changes it always holds true (yet planes fly, why man intervenes).

The key in this first chapter is found in verse 5. The wise man doesn’t just listen, he finds ways to continue to learn, and to seek wisdom from those wiser than himself. Not all the answers to life are found within yourself, in spite of what some eastern mystics have said, you have to seek wisdom and truth, you have to find those smarter than yourself. If you don’t then according to Solomon you aren’t wise, you might be just some wise guy.

So, are you seeking wisdom? I think if you are reading this that you must be. Keep going and keep learning.

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TCN's Biblical Journey June 22

Today's reading is Psalm 143-147

Help, God!

Psalms 143 is another cry to God in asking for deliverance. It is a very good pray which could very easily be prayed today. However, in this Psalm David list the reason God should deliver him: for His name's sake. David is calling out not because he deserves it but that God may be glorified.

This makes me think what about those times when suffering might bring God greater glory? Shouldn't we be willing to go through that if it will bring glory to God? I think we should. Because honestly, everything isn't about us.


P.S. Suffering which will help bring us maturity, or in some way bring God's will (his glory) doesn't mean it will hurt any less.

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TCN's Biblical Journey June 21st

Today's reading is Psalms 138-142

How well does God know you? The answer is partially found in Psalms 139. In this knowledge, the psalmist isn't afraid but finds the strength to stand against his enemies. For me, it is a reminder that God knows us and loves us and if he does then what are we afraid of. We don't have to be afraid but stand confidently in his presence. This is a psalm which should bring peace.