August 2024

The Final Say
August 9, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:25-27
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Today, it’s easy to encounter various viewpoints on every idea. Just the other day in the news, there was a disturbing incident involving young girls at a school in Michigan. They were caught on video assaulting another young girl at their school. When questioned about why they committed such a terrible act, their response was that the girl had openly expressed her lesbianism throughout the year. She had made advances towards several of them, and when they reported it, no action was taken, so they took matters into their own hands. Now, schools in Michigan are spending thousands of taxpayers’ dollars to bring in therapists and psychologists to educate the teachers and staff on how to promote tolerance of sexual diversity among studen.

    Before I go any further, it’s essential to understand something: I do not condone violence among today’s youth or anyone else. Violence is never the right answer. I believe these girls were wrong for their actions, and they should be taught that such behavior is never appropriate. One sin cannot rectify another sin.

    However, I’ve read in scripture that homosexuality is considered a sin. So, why is the government promoting tolerance of this minority’s sin among the majority? Instead, why not encourage those who identify as gay to be more discreet about their lifestyle? Even better, why not teach everyone about what God’s Word says regarding all sin, how Jesus loves them, and how He sacrificed Himself to atone for all sin?

    The reason is quite simple. It is because the world loves sin. They will try to teach us sin is okay and that we should accept it. The Bible clearly says, “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” We must judge all wisdom by the unerring Word of God. If God calls something a sin, it is simply a sin.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Our lot in life is not to beat up those who disagree with us. It is to present the Gospel of our Lord and allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to work in their hearts. It is also crucial to be constantly in the Word of God ourselves so we can discern the difference. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”

How can God use you to change the Culture around us?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 9, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Jeremiah 8 – Jeremiah 11
  Proverbs 19:25 – 27

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 37-41
  Rom. 4

It’s A Puzzle
August 8, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:21-24
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Our family used to enjoy putting together puzzles. There always seemed to be a puzzle on the table. Most family members would stop by, look for a few pieces, and then place them where they belonged in the puzzle.

    Sometimes we’d find a few pieces that fit together, but we couldn’t figure out where they belonged in the puzzle. So, these pieces would sit beside the puzzle, connected together, until we later discovered their place.

    Occasionally, we would lose a piece. How discouraging it was to complete a puzzle, only to find one piece missing. Later, when we’d find a puzzle piece around the house, we’d try to determine which puzzle it belonged to. The only way to know was if we had seen the completed puzzle. Otherwise, it was just a colored, funny-shaped piece of cardboard.

    Our lives are much like these puzzles. We want to believe we have everything figured out, when in truth, we are all just pieces of a much bigger picture. Only God, who has seen the whole plan, can truly understand how our lives fit with the lives of others. He has already seen the completed puzzle. We might try to fit here or there, but without God’s guidance, we are simply out of place. Occasionally, we find a few others and realize we fit comfortably together with them. Yet we are still not the entire puzzle, just a section of the picture that only God has seen. How can we possibly fit into life’s puzzle? Since only God knows, it is important for us to follow His guidance and let Him place each of us exactly where we belong.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Some may be thinking, “I don’t seem to fit anywhere.” We had those puzzle pieces too—the ones we tried but couldn’t find a place for. So, we set them aside and continued searching. We knew they had to fit somewhere. When we finally found their place, it felt as if those pieces were extra special because they completed the entire picture. You do fit. We all fit into God’s plan. “The counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”

Are you letting God place you into His Master Plan?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 8, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Jeremiah 5 – Jeremiah 7
  Proverbs 19:21 – 24

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 33-36
  Rom. 3

Dollar For Dollar
August 7, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:17-20
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Feed the Hungry,” “Help the Children,” “Starving in Africa.” It seems like every day there’s a new relief program for some people group somewhere in the world. People on TV, radio, in your mail, and email are all asking for help for these starving and hurting people. They are all telling the truth about these people; they do need help. However, millions of people daily within our own countries are also starving and homeless.

 

    It’s never a bad idea for anyone to help others in any part of the world. Nevertheless, I’m afraid that for most people, when they put a dollar in an envelope to feed a stranger, they miss out on the maximum blessings.

 

    If God were to return to us exactly what we give to the poor and needy, even with the right heart motive, what can you expect from a dollar? I guess you could expect a dollar from God!

 

    But what if you were to put your arms around someone and show them some love? If God returned to you exactly what you gave, what could you expect back from God? LOVE!

 

    And what might happen if you took a little time out of your schedule to donate it to a local shelter for the homeless? If you donate time, what would you get back? TIME.

    How about if you spent a little time praying for someone in need? What should you get in return for your prayer? You should get someone lifting you up to the attentive ear of God with your needs.

    So, for a dollar, you’d receive a dollar. For time, precious time. For prayer, sweet intercession with God. For love, the love of and from God in return. What would you rather have…? A dollar?

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Spend time with God today and ask Him how you can be a blessing to those who are currently less fortunate than you are. As my mom would say, “But by the grace of God, there go I.” We never know; it could very well be us one day.

 

What are you investing in today?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 7, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Jeremiah 1 – Jeremiah 4
  Proverbs 19:17 – 20

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 27-32
  Rom. 2

 

What’s Driving You?
August 6, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:13-16
A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Almost every social gathering on TV and in movies depicts waiters delivering drinks to everyone, making it seem normal and acceptable. None of the characters on our screens appear to have any issues leaving the party and driving home after drinking. Consequently, many of our youth and adults think, “If they can do it, I am sure I can too.” HOWEVER, this is NOT THE CASE. Alcohol claims more lives each year than nearly any other substance. Often, those killed in alcohol-related accidents are innocent people who weren’t even drinking. They were merely in public, and someone whose faculties were impaired for a brief moment by alcohol or drugs (or both) took their lives. They may not have intended to, but the result is the same: a life lost.

    Magazines and other forms of public social media now openly showcase various forms of sexuality. In nearly every popular TV show produced recently, you’ll find a character involved in a homosexual lifestyle, or there may be openly gay individuals. This creates the misconception that such lifestyles are not inherently sinful and are no longer against biblical teachings. Over time, this erodes the moral foundation and the biblical Christian stance against these practices. There’s an old saying attributed to Adolf Hitler, which still holds true: “If you repeat a lie long enough, frequently enough, and loudly enough, people will believe it to be true.”

    The lyrics in much of the rock and rap genres are filled with hate. If someone walked up to us on the street and started talking about killing someone or assaulting a woman, it would send shivers down our spine. However, when these words are put to music, they become today’s greatest hits.

    These are just a few of the dangers facing our young people and adults today. How can we steer clear of these pitfalls? There is a clear answer in today’s text. “He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.”

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    It is essential to be mindful of the influences in your life. Hollywood, many TV programs, and the world, for the most part, are driven by sinful motives. Greed, advertising revenue, and a thirst for power often guide them. God’s way is always the right way.

Who or what are you allowing to guide your life?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 6, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 61 – Isaiah 66
  Proverbs 19:13 – 16

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 22-26
  Rom. 1

Do Not Walk Away
August 5, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:9-12
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    What might cause a person who sees something that is good, finds something very precious, and has something extremely valuable, to turn and walk away from it? Then, after they have walked away, they begin to complain because they do not have it anymore.

    Right about now, you are probably saying, “What are you talking about?” Well, let me explain. Previously in Prov. 19:8, it says, “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul.” This means that if someone is to truly love their own soul, not their flesh and bone, but who they are inside, it would be because they’ve found something that is good, very precious, and extremely valuable to help guide and keep them in life. What might that be? It’s WISDOM!

    Yet thousands of people every year sit under the preaching of God’s Word, hear about a Saviour who loves them, who can and will help them, and then get up and leave the service the same way they came in. Then, when they get outside, after they have turned a deaf ear to what is good, very precious, and extremely valuable, they have the nerve to ask, “Why won’t God help me?” WAKE UP! He just tried to! Today’s verses say, “Delight is not seemly for a fool,” which simply means a foolish person will not find the Lord’s truths enjoyable. How sad not to enjoy the wisdom of the one who can help you most.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    If you do not know Jesus as your Savior, or if you know Him but have strayed away, may I urge you to call on Him in prayer? Ask God to forgive you and then, enter into His loving care. God is loving, yet He is also just and cannot be near sin. Forsake the sin of this world and come to Jesus.

Are you walking away from, or near to Jesus today?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 5, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 55 – Isaiah 60
  Proverbs 19:9 – 12

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 18-21
  Acts 28:17-31