Proverbs 4.1-27 – Happy Father’s Day! Proverbs gives some sound advice to all fathers who seek to offer sound advice to their children, no matter what their age. This passage provides a challenge to everyone. Specific to fathers, he is a man of counsel; he is a man of courage; he is a man of character; and he is a man of caution.
Proverbs 16.18 – It’s easy to fall into the trap. We get a better grade than someone or we receive a promotion at work or our apple pie is the best in the county fair and our attitude changes. Suddenly we feel we’re superior in some way. Maybe just a little at first, but none the less, pride settles in and it begins to grow. Watch out. God opposes our pride. Like a marshmallow peep that puffs up and then explodes in the microwave, so our passage explains that pride will experience destruction, the Lord will see to it. We investigate the posturing of pride, the peril of pride and the prevention of pride.
Genesis 1.26-28 – In a day of confusing morals what behavior and belief is right when culture changes? In a very delicate matter that affects our country the issue of homosexuality is dealt with very candidly in Scripture. With the convictions that should be framed from the Bible, what should the response of the believer be? Christ offers hope and help. We are the conduit of God’s grace and love.
Proverbs 6.16-19 – We read in Scripture, and rightly so from His compelling actions, that God is love. Yet we also read in Scripture that there are things God hates. God has separated His love for the sinner and His hatred for sin and wants us to hate sin as He does. Our passage today underscores how much God hates sin, not just certain sins, but all sin. It’s an opportunity for us to evaluate our lives and determine if we hate sin as much or if we have come to tolerate it in our own lives as well as around us.
Proverbs 18.10 – Are you satisfied with the places run to when things are tough? Or do they leave you still feeling a bit insecure. There is a place where we can go when the events of life are overwhelming, a place where with confidence we can run to be safe. Proverbs 18:10 gives us the answer. It is not one of many, it is the only place to know we are secure.
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Proverbs 31.10-31 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! “Man may work from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.” So goes the old saying – and it’s true. She is tireless. This woman of noble character is a valuable wife, she is a vigorous worker and above all she is a virtuous woman. Rise up and bless her. Praise her often for she is rare and priceless. But these qualities aren’t just for the proverbial woman, they are traits each of us should aspire to acheive.
Proverbs 15.3 Ever feel alone, like God isn’t watching or may not know what you are going through? Our ancient wisdom for modern times proverb assures us that God sees everything. That can be of comfort or conern. How does God see you?
Proverbs 3.27-35 – Neighbors come in all shapes and sizes. Some we get along with really well and some, well, aren’t so easy. Maybe we’re one of the not so easy neighbors to get along with. Solomon provides sound advice on how neighborly we should be toward others. Three groups are identified in this passage and how we are to wisely respond to them. Live wisely toward the needy. Live wisely toward the neighbor. Live wisely toward the nasty.
Proverbs 3.21-26 Feeling drained of your energy? You’re not alone. Scripture has a remedy. It’s found in walking with wisdom. It brings refreshment. It brings rest. It brings reassurance. Follow wisdom, it’s the right path.
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Guest speaker and missionary appointee with ABWE, Todd Janes, shares from John 21:18-22 about some essentials in following Christ.
The result of following Christ can include physical death, but certainly includes spiritual death as we die to self in order to follow Christ. Read Romans 6.
There are requirements for following Christ. An essential component is faithful obedience. Following Christ requires focus. It means following a unique path that God has especially designed for us (I Corinthians 12:18). It also requires our full commitment. (Mark 10:28-31; 8:34-38)
Finally, there is a reason for following Christ. It’s ultimately for God’s glory as well as the driving force or purpose for missions. Do all to the glory of God. (John 21:19; 15:5)
Following Christ is a choice. What will you choose today?