January 14, 2013

The Appeal of Wisdom: From a Father and From Wisdom Itself

Notes on Proverbs

The invitation to take hold of the wisdom that comes from above is universal. It is expressed in two ways in the book of Proverbs. First, we read of a father inviting his son to take heed to his words: “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings” (4:20). Second, we read of wisdom personified extending the invitation for all to come, learn, and become wise: “Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? […] ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, understand prudence; and, O fools, understand wisdom. Listen, for I will speak noble things…” (8:1, 4-6).
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September 28, 2012

Effective Teaching and Hearing (9/28)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Nehemiah 8-10.

The following passage describing Ezra reading the law of God to the people shows how the word of God can be effectively presented by the speaker and received by the audience.

“And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel. Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).
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September 6, 2012

A Disciple’s Influence

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described the character of one who would be one of His disciples. He made it very clear that His disciples would have an impact upon the world around them.
Lighthouse

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Jesus used three analogies – the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill – to describe His disciples. Each one of these emphasizes different aspects of the influence which we are to have upon others, and how the world will react to us.
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May 17, 2012

"Let Him Alone and Let Him Curse" (5/17)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 16-18.

As David traveled with his men, a man named Shimei came and followed along with them, cursing David, throwing stones at the king and his servants, and accusing David of being a man of bloodshed who was receiving what he deserved in Absalom’s rebellion. Abishai, one of David’s men, wanted to kill Shimei for his taunting.

“Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.’ But the king said, ‘What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, “Curse David,” then who shall say, “Why have you done so?”’ Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, ‘Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him. Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.’

“So David and his men went on the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside parallel with him and as he went he cursed and cast stones and threw dust at him. The king and all his people who were with him arrived weary and he refreshed himself there” (2 Samuel 16:9-14).

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May 14, 2012

Do Not Be As the Mule Which Has No Understanding (5/14)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you” (Psalm 32:8-9).

One of the traits that sets mankind apart from the animals is that we have the ability to reason and make thoughtful decisions. Unfortunately, this ability is not always utilized, hence the reason for the psalmist’s admonition.
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May 10, 2012

"What Right Have You to Tell of My Statutes?" (5/10)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75.

It is natural to feel a sense of indignation when we hear one who has rejected God attempt to explain the Scriptures to us. This feeling should not be surprising, for even God has this reaction to the attempts of the wicked who claim to speak His truth.

“But to the wicked God says, ‘What right have you to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth? For you hate discipline, and you cast My words behind you. When you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you associate with adulterers. You let your mouth loose in evil and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done and I kept silence; you thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes’” (Psalm 50:16-21).

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April 26, 2012

"Dark Sayings of Old" (4/26)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Psalm 73, 77-78.

“Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.

“For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not for get the works of God, but keep His commandments, and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Psalm 78:1-8).

The words of God are to be passed down from one generation to another today, just as they were under the Law of Moses when this was written. Below is a list of some of the lessons that need to be taught.
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