December 2024

Ordinary, I Think Not
December 25, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 31:15-18
 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Idleness can lead to various problems. In reality, it’s not that we have nothing to do; often, we just don’t know what to do. We’ve allowed others to dictate our lives to such an extent that we’ve lost the ability to think for ourselves and have become unimaginative.

    As an example, let me share a story about people exchanging gifts. They all agreed that the gifts should cost nothing. One of the presenters decided to talk about the incredible value of the free gift he had chosen. He said, “This gift is something that can ignite your imagination. It can be used to start a fire to keep you warm, or you can use it to cook food over a fire. It’s handy for reaching those hard-to-reach places when you’re alone, or you can use it to measure things by marking equal lines. It makes a great companion for hiking, serving as support, self-defense, a tool for writing on the ground to keep track of your path, or propping up materials to create shelter if needed. Modified versions of this gift have been used to conduct orchestras, and drummers use them to create music in those orchestras. To some, it might be just a stick, but with a little imagination, it can be so much more.”

    The woman in our verses today recognized that she had a significant role to play in this world. Many women today are told that the roles of mother and wife are less glamorous or even demeaning. They are encouraged to aspire to be something more. However, just as people often overlook all the potential a simple stick holds, they also underestimate the importance of all that a mother and wife truly are. Why should anyone strive to be more than excellent at the most amazing task given to anyone in the entire world?

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Having the value of life prioritized, as only our Creator God can outline for both men and women, is incredibly rewarding. Placing God first, family second, others next, and self last is a principle we see in the woman in today’s verses. To those around her, she may have appeared as a simple homemaker, seemingly as ordinary as a stick. However, in the eyes of God, she was virtuous and invaluable. 

When it comes to whom we should strive to please,
the question arises: God or man?

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: December 25, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Revelation 1 – Revelation 8
  Proverbs 31:15-18

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Zechariah 4-6
  Revelation 19

It Is A Matter Of TRUST
December 24, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 31:11-14
 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Trust. It’s something people often take for granted until they no longer have it. Trust signifies that people believe in you. Trust is a virtue that, once lost, is often difficult to regain. However, we all need others to trust in us.

    Lemuel is told that when he finds the right girl, someone he can trust, she is worth more than all the spoils of war. Complete trust brings about a sense of peace in the heart of a person. Trust means there is someone you can believe in, and someone who also believes in you.

    We often view trust as something we must earn, when, in fact, it’s something that is given away. If we’ve just met, and you asked to borrow my car, there’s a good chance that won’t happen. I don’t know you, and therefore, I don’t know if I can trust you. Once I get to know you, it’s up to me to decide if I want to place my trust in you or not. You can do all you want to earn my trust, but if I choose not to give it, there’s nothing you can do.

    To give the gift of your trust to someone else is truly a great and wonderful thing. To give it to someone who may be unworthy of your trust is an act of grace. God gave us the name of His Son and trusts that we will do those things that bring honor to Him. Did we earn His trust? No. So, do we serve Him to repay Him? Again, no. We serve Him because He loves us so much and trusts us with His gospel and His name.

    He gave us His trust and the name “Christian,” meaning Christ-like when we didn’t deserve it. Therefore, as the women in this chapter, we too should do good and not evil for the sake of the name entrusted to us. We must ensure that those around us see our Lord and Saviour in the best possible light.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     God has entrusted us with His name and gospel. What are we doing with that trust? Today is a great day to show God that He did not place His trust in us in vain. We should live, work, and rejoice in this trust we have been given.

What will you do with the TRUST
God has shown towards you?

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: December 24, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  1 John 4 – Jude
  Proverbs 31:11-14

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Zechariah 1-3
  Revelation 18

A Match Made In Heaven
December 23, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 31:8-10
 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Lemuel’s mom is reminding her son not to forget about others around him. It’s easy for us to take one another for granted in the fast-paced lives we lead. However, each of us should appreciate those whom God has placed in our lives, especially those within our own homes.

    Husbands, it would be a wonderful thing if we could daily thank God for the blessing He has given us in our wives. They are truly delightful gifts from God. In the first book of the Bible, God looked at man and said, “I need to create someone who will complete and help that man,” and He designed the perfect woman just for Adam. He created your wife for you as well.

    Wives, it would be fitting for you to thank God for creating you with the special bundle of talents and abilities that only you possess, making you the perfect counterpart to your husband. You not only have your own accomplishments but also play a significant role in shaping your husband and his accomplishments.

    Both of you should be thankful that God did not leave either of you to navigate life alone. As Christians, He has also given each of you the Holy Spirit, which resides in you to help you fulfill God’s good purposes in your relationship.

    To those who may be single, there’s no need to worry about whether there is someone for you. God has a special purpose for your life. If that purpose includes a life partner, then know that God has created someone just for you. Don’t rush into it; wait on the Lord. Thank Him for His design in life and marriage. Then, if you choose to say, “I Do,” strive to be all that God intended for you to be.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    When we truly treasure something given to us, our respect for the giver often adds significant value to the gift. God is the greatest gift giver of all time. The gift He has bestowed upon you was carefully considered and designed specifically with you in mind. Show God how much you appreciate His thoughtfulness today by how you cherish the gift He has given you.

Are we truly thankful for God’s gracious gifts He gives to 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: December 23, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  2 Peter 1 – 1 John 3
  Proverbs 31:8-10

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Haggai
  Revelation 17

WEEKEND REVIEW
December 21 & 22, 2024

Proverbs 30:33

Surely the churning of milk
bringeth forth butter,
and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood:
so then forcing of wrath
bringeth forth strife.

Work Week Devotions
Through The Book Of Proverbs

     What a joy it has been to be with you this past week. I pray these WORK WEEK DEVOTIONS have been a blessing to you as well. To receive them daily in your e-mail box go to LIHWMinistries Sign-Up Page – Living In His Word Ministries and sign up. Each day these devotions will be delivered directly in your e-mail box.

      As previously mentioned, with WORK WEEK DEVOTIONS, we will only be publishing Devotional Thoughts Monday – Friday.

     On Saturday we suggest you re-read the entire chapter we have been studying this week, and if we will be going into the following chapter the next week, we encourage you to read that chapter as well.     

There are never Devotions on Sunday.

As we Journey through Proverbs, if you have any questions
Please send them to LIHWDEV@LIHWMinistries.org

Also, you would be huge help and blessing if you 
might write a review on these devotions on
Review Work Week Devotions (amazon.com)
or 
Review Work Week Devotions Journal (amazon.com)

WEEK 50 – Day 6:

     On Saturday, we suggest you re-read the Proverb we have written from this past week and the week to come.

Proverbs 30-31

WEEK 50 – Day 7:

     Today we suggest you read and study whatever the Lord has laid on your Pastor’s heart. Whatever Scripture he uses for today’s messages were given to him by God for your specific needs.

THROUGH THE BIBLE
OLD & NEW TESTAMENT TODAY AND TOMORROW:

December 21, 2024
Zephaniah
Revelation 16
December 22, 2024
No Passages Assigned

NEXT WEEKS UPCOMING SCHEUDLES:

SCHEDULE 1 – Bible In a Year – with Proverbs Study 

December 23, 2024
2 Peter 1 – 1 John 3
Proverbs 31:8-10
December 24, 2024
1 John 4 – Jude
Proverbs 31:11-14
December 25, 2024
Revelation 1 – Revelation 8
Proverbs 31:15-18
December 26, 2024
Revelation 9 – Revelation 16
Proverbs 31:19-24
December 27, 2024
Revelation 17 – Revelation 22
Proverbs 31:25-31
December 28, 2024
Proverbs 30-31
December 29, 2024
No Passages Assigned

 

SCHEDULE 2 – Old & New Testament

December 23, 2024
Haggai
Revelation 17
December 24, 2024
Zechariah 1-3
Revelation 18
December 25, 2024
Zechariah 4-6
Revelation 19
December 26, 2024
Zechariah 7-10
Revelation 20
December 27, 2024
Zechariah 11-14
Revelation 21
December 28, 2024
Malachi
Revelation 22
December 29, 2024
No Passages Assigned

Not Meant For Royalty
December 20, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 11:13-16
 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    In church, we sing a song: “I’m a Child of the King, A Child of the King, with Jesus My Saviour, I’m a Child of the King.” Children of the king are called Princes or Princesses.

    In the next few weeks, people all over the world will be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s at parties and family gatherings. Many of these gatherings will include alcohol. Sadly, many church members will also be drinking at these parties.

    The Bible teaches that Children of the King, whether a prince or princess, should not consume alcohol. Why? “Lest they drink, and forget the law.” This is not just the law of man but also the law of God. I can hear some of you now saying, “We’re not under the law,” and you are right. However, when you were saved, you were saying, “I love you, God, and will obey your commandments.” We obey the law now not because of the law itself, but because of our love for the Lawgiver, God.

     Our text also says we might, “pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” In a single night, we can tarnish our testimony for the rest of the year. When those who are not believers see us engaging in the same behaviors as they do, they often think, “Why do I need their God? I’m just like them.”

    Who should use alcohol? In ancient times, medical professionals used it to alleviate the suffering of those who were near death or those who were burdened by deep sorrows. (Please note that “heavy hearts” here does not refer to the lonely or sad, so if you were thinking of using this as an excuse to indulge, think again.) The Hebrew definition for “heavy hearts” is “Bitter of Soul.” Should a Christian have a bitter soul? Absolutely not. The Bible encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always and to celebrate Christ, our Saviour.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    This year, resolve to end the year on the right note. Let us not allow Satan to tarnish the testimony we’ve worked so hard to convey to our lost friends throughout the year. Stand up for Jesus. Leave alcohol to those who are not believers. Act like royalty. We need to live for Christ and truly enjoy this Christmas season.

Are you a child of the King of Kings, or not?

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: December 20, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  1 Peter
  Proverbs 31:4 – 7

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Habakkuk
  Revelation 14-15