Proverbs 23:23 ESV / Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
So it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed. — Exodus 17:11
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Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]. — 1 Corinthians 9:24
The apostle Paul approached his work with an ardour like this. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize," he asked in 1 Corinthians 9:24. Run in a method that will allow you to get it. Paul envisioned himself as a gold-medal-winning Olympian who would exert all of his muscles, nerves, and sinews to cross the finish line. What is the reward, then? Not a passing prize, but rather "an imperishable crown" (v. 25).
Victory is achievable for us Christians. So let's go for it and run like we want to win!
Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice. — Philippians 1:18
If there is a place for "competition," it should be against those who reject the gospel and scriptural principles. But regardless of its name, let's be glad when a church upholds God's Word and draws people to Christ. When faced with rivalry-driven enmity and conflict, it should be our mentality. Let's avoid interchurch rivalry.
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. — Proverbs 11:1
God abhors lying just as much. According to Proverbs 11:1, "dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord." In this verse, those who defrauded others in the marketplace are mentioned. Even though the overcharging was only a few pennies each sale, God detested this behavior.
On the other hand, honest people make an effort to rectify the wrongs, even if it costs them money.
The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you. — Acts 17:23
Paul came to Athens on his second missionary trip many years later, and as he was walking about the city, he noticed that inscription. He took use of the occasion to address his audience, saying, "The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you." Paul had a personal knowledge of that one God, of whom they knew nothing. He introduced Himself as the "Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24). The apostle, however, didn't end there. He also urged people to repent since Jesus Christ will one day judge the earth justly.
Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel. — Exodus 18:19
When Moses received some much-needed guidance from his father-in-law Jethro, he was far from a youngster. He noted that if Moses kept attempting to do all of the judging for the children of Israel on his own, he would soon burn out. It was for this reason that he informed Moses, "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" (Ex. 18:18). It would have been simple for Moses to say, "Look, Dad, I'm in control here. I am competent in my work. Since I've been around for a while, I've also developed some wisdom. Instead, he carefully listened and divided the job as Jethro advised. Things moved more smoothly as a result, and the work was completed more quickly.
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. — Proverbs 4:23
our innermost self. It has also throbbed with ideas, passions, and decisions many times. How we speak, act, and react to situations is determined by our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). Will we put our faith in the Lord and decide to exercise kindness, tolerance, and love? Will we give in to our arrogance, our avarice, and our resentment?
The emphasis in today's Scripture reading is on the value of taking good care of our hearts. Do we maintain our spiritual health?
Do we need to shed the weight of unneeded worries and burdens?
Are we continuing in a consistent rhythm of thanks and adoration?
Is our level of trust higher than our level of worry?
Diet: Do we consume the nutrients that come from God's Word that give us life?
Have you recently checked your heart?
An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought [the apostles] out. — Acts 5:19
The same God who delivered from communist tyranny and sent an angel to set the apostles free from jail (Acts 5:19) may also deliver us from whatever is imprisoning us, whether it be physically or spiritually. We must never lose heart! Our great deliverer is God.
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8
God loves us not because we deserve to be loved but rather because of His grace. Through the Savior, who loved us "while we were still sinners" (Rom. 5:8), we freely receive His undeserved favor. By displaying His compassion toward those who are challenging to love, we are to reflect this new relationship with Christ in every aspect of our everyday lives.
Are you exhibiting God's love to the unlovely as someone who has been redeemed by His grace?
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. — Matthew 6:34
Naturally, we have to be accountable for our own actions. But God desires that we rely on His direction. Our first responsibility when issues arise is to bring them to Him in prayer. He might make it clear that we've brought this problem upon ourselves and that we need to make adjustments in order to fix it. He'll extend pardon and provide the willpower to transform. He may also say, "Leave it with Me," after assuring us that we are making every effort. Just do your next task.
Only God has the strength and knowledge to manage everything. If we can learn to put God out of our lives, worry will gradually lose its grip on our lives.
So it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed. — Exodus 17:11
When Moses stretched his staff toward the heavens in our Scripture lesson, a representation of intercessory prayer, the Israelites were able to defeat the superior Amalekite army. The Israelites may not have seen him praying on the hill, but it provided them with the intangible support they required.
People who are ill, suffering, or grieving cannot see the other Christians who are praying for them. However, a lot of individuals have told me they are astonished by the sense of God's presence in their suffering, and they are aware that this is the outcome of their friends' prayers.
May we fervently pray for those who are in need. Let's provide unnoticed assistance.
You shall teach them to your children . . . when you lie down, and when you rise up. — Deuteronomy 11:19
Young people are like sponges. They absorb the attitudes and ideologies they come into contact with. Therefore, we must use extreme caution in deciding what we let them think about.
What are your kids learning about in your house? What do they learn from periodicals and television? What language and attitudes are they absorbing from your conversations? Are you a good example of someone who loves the Lord and cares about others? Does your home place a strong focus on religion? Are you doing everything in your power to instill God's Word in their hearts?
No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 3:11
Jesus stressed the value of laying a strong foundation for our life. According to Him, whomever keeps His commandments is like "a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). When crises strike with hurricane-like power, we won't be blown away if we construct according to His code of obedience. We will not be swept off our feet by the storms of suffering and temptation if we have a strong foundation of faith and obedience. Even if difficulties may arise, because we have constructed our lives in accordance with the principles of the unmovable Rock, Jesus Christ, we will be stronger when they do.
Are we creating our lives in accordance with Jesus' teachings?
They made Him a supper; and Martha served . . . . Then Mary . . . anointed the feet of Jesus. — John 12:2-3
Jesus was involved in all three categories of relationships. Considering that our Lord spent a lot of time giving, those that required all of His efforts were probably the most frequent during His time on earth. He helped the sick, uplifted the depressed, and instructed the populace. We are aware that He must have occasionally felt exhausted from these encounters. He frequently regenerated Himself by withdrawing to pray (Matthew 14:23; Luke 5:16).
He probably had some relationships that were more casual. Jesus was heartened by the ones who were refueling. Relationships with people like Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, whose love and presence brought honor to the Lord, were among them.