October 2024

I’ll Be Saved When I Want To!
October 25, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 26:1-5
 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “I’ll do what I want, when I want, and how I want.” That appears to be the prevailing attitude in much of society today. It’s a sense that we are somehow entitled to act as we please.

 

    There are individuals who hold the belief that if they enter the tribulation period with a full understanding of God’s saving grace through His Son but choose not to accept Christ as their Saviour, they can simply be saved later. How foolish it is to think that one can mock an entirely Holy God and His offer of salvation today and escape the consequences. There is always a price for disobedience. Our verses today say, just as there is, “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass,” there is also, “a rod for the fool’s back.” There is always a price to pay for un-repented sin.

 

    Salvation is freely available today, but tomorrow might be too late. Some believe they can be saved whenever they choose, but this is not accurate. A person can only be saved when God is calling and working in their heart. Does this negate human free will? No. Everyone retains the freedom to accept or reject Christ, but they do not have the freedom to diminish God’s grace by ridiculing His desire to save them. People cannot indefinitely disregard God’s invitation.

 

    Is God still inviting the world to be saved? Yes, He is indicating that there is another way, a better way to live. If people will listen and place their trust in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, He will bestow upon them His Spirit. This Holy Spirit will then assist them in comprehending God’s Word. Otherwise, the truth of Scripture is, as our verse says, “as snow in the summer,” it may not make sense. They may ask, “How can the Holy Spirit help me understand God’s Word?” The answer: “He wrote it.” 2 Peter 1:21 says: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Good news: if you feel God calling you right now, it is not too late to be saved. Invite Jesus into your heart today, right now! And if you are already saved, share the good news while there is still time.

 

Are we missing opportunities God places in our lives?

 

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: October 25, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Luke 18 – Luke 20
  Proverbs 26:1 – 5

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Jer. 7-9
  1 Tim. 2-3

 

Advice From A Talebearer
October 24, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 25:25-28
 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    People tend to dislike individuals they cannot trust. As my dad used to say, “Be a person of your word; if you make a promise, keep it.” It is challenging to have faith in someone who does not honor their own commitments.

 

    I’m sure you’ve experienced this truth in your own life. When everything is going smoothly, and there are no problems on the horizon, people all seem relatively similar. You can listen to advice from various sources and decide what to use or discard. However, when storm clouds gather and troubles loom, to whom do you turn? From whom do you seek guidance during these challenging times? Is it the person who constantly seeks praise? What about those who frequently tell tall tales? Do you rely on the person who promises to be there but never shows up and appears unconcerned? How about someone who lies persistently? I would guess not. Why not? Because you’ve learned from experience that you cannot trust these individuals with anything.

 

    This is precisely why our verses today emphasize that a righteous person should not seek advice from the wicked. The wisdom they offer is likely to be self-serving or an outright falsehood. When life’s trials and tribulations are bearing down on you, you don’t have the luxury of sifting through the good and bad advice. You know you need sound guidance from a trusted and righteous individual.

 

    Remember, people perceive Christians based on their credibility. As children of God, they view us as representatives of our God. The Bible even calls us Ambassadors for Him. We embody a God who cannot lie and who is always faithful. Our actions and words, in the eyes of the world, reflect who Christ is. Therefore, we must consistently demonstrate faithfulness on His behalf.

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Make your words, your attitude, and your life count for Jesus. Be faithful to Him and true to your word. The testimony you either support or damage may not only be your own but also that of Christ’s.

 

Do we think of God’s testimony in our lives?

 

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: October 24, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
Luke 15 – Luke 17
  Proverbs 25:25 – 28

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Jer. 4-6
  1 Tim. 1

We’ll Fix Their Wagon
October 23, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 25:21-24
 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Alright, today is the day we embrace honesty. Take a moment to think about that one person who truly gets on your nerves. No need to speak their name aloud; you should probably keep it to yourself. You know exactly who it is—the person who makes you want to hide when you see them approaching. The individual who always seems to be incredibly irritating. Maybe they have made you angry, hurt you in some way, or perhaps they have caused you so many problems it’s not even funny. So, do you have that person in mind? Well, today is the day we fix their wagon. Finally, after all this time, we are going to make things right. Jesus has shown us precisely what to do when dealing with people who treat us like this. Are you ready for the remedy? Here it is: Treat them as Jesus treated you.

 

    Think back to those moments when you did or said things that must have hurt Jesus. What did He do in response? He willingly laid down His life to save you. Can you recall all those times when you neglected Him, insulted one of His children, or made fun of Christians? Well, He certainly showed you. How? He loved you unconditionally. That ought to teach you not to be unkind to Him.

 

    Yes, Jesus instructs us to treat our enemies with respect and love. It might seem like a tall order, and you may be wondering, “What do I gain from it?” Remember, God promised to reward you. Perhaps, as you demonstrate the love of Jesus to someone else, God might even bless you with a new saved friend.

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Remember the Sundasy School song? “Jesus loves the little children, ALL the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” 

 

Can Jesus manifest that love through you today,
or is there something hindering it?

 

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: October 23, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Luke 12 – Luke 14
  Proverbs 25:21 – 24

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Jer. 1-3
  2 Thess.3

 

A Broken Tooth HURTS!
October 22, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 25:18-20

 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Worthless!” Have you ever considered the various ways people can be told that they are worthless? You might hear phrases like “good-for-nothing bum,” but how vivid is that?

    Solomon has a knack for words. He states that a person who lies about their friends is akin to a weapon or sharp tool because their falsehoods inflict deep wounds on others. He further elaborates that placing trust in such an individual is comparable to attempting to eat with a broken tooth. Ouch! Regardless of one’s toughness, just thinking about it hurts. Not only does it cause physical pain, but misplaced trust proves to be a futile and agonizing endeavor. When you have a broken tooth with an exposed nerve, the last thing you desire is to eat something. And what about the agony of attempting to walk on a dislocated ankle? Have you ever twisted or, worse yet, broken your ankle? I recall an incident while playing softball when I started running from home plate to first base. In the process, I heard a “POP…” as I pulled a muscle in my ankle, and I collapsed in instant pain. The agony persisted for days, rendering me useless to the team for the rest of the game.

    Equally worthless is a person who would take a garment from someone shivering in the cold. What kind of person would commit such an act? This person would be the same individual who pours vinegar on nitre. Nitre was a type of soda used for cleaning, but when mixed with vinegar, it lost its effectiveness and became neutralized.

    Additionally, worthless is the person who rejoices while others are in misery. Solomon effectively illustrates the character of an unfaithful and untrustworthy individual. He paints a vivid picture of someone who proves worthless as a friend.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Solomon is describing an unsaved, uncaring individual who offers no assistance to his young son’s life and would be of little value as a friend. However, there is no one who is considered worthless in the eyes of God. He sent His Son Jesus to die for all of humanity. While this person may not make a good friend, every individual holds worth in the eyes of God.

Do we see everyone as valuable to God?

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: October 22, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Luke 10 – Luke 11
  Proverbs 25:18 – 20

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Isa. 63-66
  2 Thess. 1-2

Too Much, Is Too Much
October 21, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 25:14-17
 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    The conclusion of our passage today suggests an old phrase: “Don’t overstay your welcome.” Even close friends require their own space and moments of solitude. Husbands and wives, who are the closest of friends, also need time alone. They not only need personal space but also moments alone with God.

    Remember, too much of anything is not always a good thing. “Hast thou found honey?” Our text raises an important question: What about honey? Honey is a natural sweetener, and a small amount of it can be quite delightful and even beneficial for your health. However, excessive consumption can lead to illness.

    As human beings, we often tend to be creatures of excess. When we discover something or someone we truly enjoy, our desire for more can become obsessive. We fixate on it, and what was once a source of pleasure can transform into a problem. These obsessions can consume our thoughts, time, and even our entire lives. Any object or pursuit that draws us away from God, no matter how seemingly good, has the potential to become an idol. We may start to prioritize the gift over the Giver of all good things.

    Objects, in and of themselves, are not inherently evil. They are simply things, devoid of a soul or conscience. These items are not responsible for leading us away from God. Instead, it’s the person’s obsession with these objects that becomes the issue. We have all heard what it says in 1 Tim 6:10; “the love of money is the root of all evil:” Money is not evil. It is the over obsession toward money which cause the problem. The entire verse says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Why, then, is this object a problem? Because it leads many astray from their faith. Abandoning God for anything or anyone will inevitably mark the commencement of numerous sorrows.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     “Everything in moderation.” This would be an excellent motto for all Christians, except when it comes to God and His Word. In those cases, you simply can’t get enough of Him.

Do you ever forgot the giver of the gift when fixating on the gift itself??

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: October 21, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Luke 8 – Luke 9
  Proverbs 25:14 – 17

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Isa. 59-62 1
  Thess. 5