Post by mommadee48 on Apr 12, 2022 12:47:28 GMT -5
THE DAILY BREAD, READ: (PROVERBS 11: 1-3).
A LIFE OF INTEGRITY:
Proverbs says that those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what's true rather than what's expedient. "The integrity of the upright guides them" (11:3). This commitment to integrity isn't only right way to live, but it also offers a better life. The proverb continues: "But the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" (v.3). In a long run, dishonesty never pays.
If we abandon our integrity, short term "wins" actually yield defeat. But when fidelity and truthfulness shape us in God's power, we slowly become people of deep character who led genuinely good lives.
1) The LORD detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favor with him.
2) When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3) The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
INSIGHT:
The word integrity, in Proverbs 11:3 comes from the root word Tamam, meaning "to complete, be finished, be at an end". It denotes moral wholeness and innocence. These qualities are reflected in Job's life:
"Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears GOD and shun evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason' "(JOB 2:3).
Another form of this Hebrew word appears in Psalm 15:2, where it's translated "blameless". Who is it that will enjoy fellowship with God?
The person of integrity, "The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart".
THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER, READ: (1PETER 5:6-11).
WHEN WE COME TO GRIPS with the massive nature of life's challenges and the severe limitations of our wisdom, knowledge, or strength, we find, like LINCON, that we are utterly dependent on JESUS---the ONE who has no limitations. Peter reminded us of this dependency when he wrote, "Cast all your anxiety on HIM because he cares for you" (1 PETER5:7).
God's love for HIS children, paired with HIS absolute power, make HIM the perfect Person to approach with our frailties---and that's the essence of prayer. We go to Jesus acknowledging to HIM (ourselves) that we're inadequate and HE's eternally sufficient. Lincoln said he felt he "had nowhere else to go". But when we begin to comprehend GOD's great care for us, that's wonderfully good news.
WE CAN GO TO HIM!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under GOD's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because HE CARES for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, (devil), standing firm in faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the GOD of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in CHRIST JESUS, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast, to him be the power for ever and ever AMen.
WITNESS MARKS, READ: (ROMANS 15:1-6).
THE BIBLE ENCOURAGES US to leave our own "witness marks" as we work for GOD by serving others in our broken world. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: "Each of us should please neighbors for their good, to build them up" (Romans 15:2). This is the example of our GOD, "who gives endurance and encouragement". (v. 5). It's about being a good citizen of both earth and heaven".
Our "witness marks" may seem like small things, but they can make a vital difference in someone's life. An uplifting word, a financial gift to someone in need, and a listening ear---all are kindness that can have a lasting impact. May GOD, help you make a mark for HIM in someone's life today! (Note: whatever you do for GOD do it in secret, and you will be justly rewarded in HIS time.)
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me". For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the GOD who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A LIFE OF INTEGRITY:
Proverbs says that those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what's true rather than what's expedient. "The integrity of the upright guides them" (11:3). This commitment to integrity isn't only right way to live, but it also offers a better life. The proverb continues: "But the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" (v.3). In a long run, dishonesty never pays.
If we abandon our integrity, short term "wins" actually yield defeat. But when fidelity and truthfulness shape us in God's power, we slowly become people of deep character who led genuinely good lives.
1) The LORD detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favor with him.
2) When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3) The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
INSIGHT:
The word integrity, in Proverbs 11:3 comes from the root word Tamam, meaning "to complete, be finished, be at an end". It denotes moral wholeness and innocence. These qualities are reflected in Job's life:
"Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears GOD and shun evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason' "(JOB 2:3).
Another form of this Hebrew word appears in Psalm 15:2, where it's translated "blameless". Who is it that will enjoy fellowship with God?
The person of integrity, "The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart".
THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER, READ: (1PETER 5:6-11).
WHEN WE COME TO GRIPS with the massive nature of life's challenges and the severe limitations of our wisdom, knowledge, or strength, we find, like LINCON, that we are utterly dependent on JESUS---the ONE who has no limitations. Peter reminded us of this dependency when he wrote, "Cast all your anxiety on HIM because he cares for you" (1 PETER5:7).
God's love for HIS children, paired with HIS absolute power, make HIM the perfect Person to approach with our frailties---and that's the essence of prayer. We go to Jesus acknowledging to HIM (ourselves) that we're inadequate and HE's eternally sufficient. Lincoln said he felt he "had nowhere else to go". But when we begin to comprehend GOD's great care for us, that's wonderfully good news.
WE CAN GO TO HIM!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under GOD's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because HE CARES for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, (devil), standing firm in faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the GOD of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in CHRIST JESUS, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast, to him be the power for ever and ever AMen.
WITNESS MARKS, READ: (ROMANS 15:1-6).
THE BIBLE ENCOURAGES US to leave our own "witness marks" as we work for GOD by serving others in our broken world. The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome: "Each of us should please neighbors for their good, to build them up" (Romans 15:2). This is the example of our GOD, "who gives endurance and encouragement". (v. 5). It's about being a good citizen of both earth and heaven".
Our "witness marks" may seem like small things, but they can make a vital difference in someone's life. An uplifting word, a financial gift to someone in need, and a listening ear---all are kindness that can have a lasting impact. May GOD, help you make a mark for HIM in someone's life today! (Note: whatever you do for GOD do it in secret, and you will be justly rewarded in HIS time.)
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me". For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the GOD who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.