DEVOTIONS

That’s Obvious
December 18, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 30:32-33
  If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    If you stand in the rain unprotected, you will get wet. If you stick your bare hand in a fire, you will be burned. When you cut yourself, you will bleed. By now you might be thinking, “What is he trying to say? All these things are only common sense.” Well, that is what Agur is concluding in the only chapter in the Bible written under his name. He shares some very common sense, and also very important words to live by.

    He says, if you tend to brag about yourself, stop it. Also, if the idea of bringing shame to another comes to mind, don’t. People hate braggers and bullies, and so does God. Our author then shows us what to do, and how suddenly it must be done with one neat little phrase. “Lay thine hand upon thy mouth” depicts someone in mid-sentence, suddenly having a hand muzzle his or her statement. If you are bragging or badgering and suddenly realize what you are doing, he says stop it, right that moment, not another word. If you need to ask why, He gives you two simple, but great examples.

    The examples are, milk churned long enough produces butter, and a nose twisted or punched hard enough spills blood. As sure as both of these things do happen, so will arrogant or cantankerous conversation produce conflict. Seems simple when looking at it on paper, the trick is to practice it in real life.

    Agur has given us several things in his chapter of Proverbs to help us live a peaceful, honorable, and contented life. Now it is up to us to listen, learn, and live for the Lord.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     In the New Testament in James 1:22 it says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Who, then, is deceived if we live for ourselves and do not obey Scripture? We deceive ourselves. What a shame it is to have all we need for a happy life and deceive ourselves into thinking there is a better way. Live for Jesus, live with joy.

When you read it like this,
doesn’t it seem so simple and obvious?

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 18, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Hebrews 10 – Hebrews 13
  Proverbs 30:32 – 33

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Micah 5-7
  Revelation 10-11

Walk With Dignity
December 17, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 30:29-31
 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Stepping out in style!” “Looking good!” Those are just a couple of ways people might say you appear first-rate in what you are doing, or at least how you present yourself in the public eye. Our writer of this proverb, Agur, shares how we as believers might “look good” in the eyes of God and man by directing our attention to another group of four things on earth.

    He begins with a comparison to the lion. A lion, with bold courage, stands his ground among others, knowing that his strength and wisdom in the hunt are no match for the hunted. So too must a Christian walk through this world with their head up, not fearing what the world can do to them. Not because of our strength, because 1 John 4:4 says; “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” We stand in God’s strength.

   Next, he looks to the greyhound. A greyhound is an animal girt in the loins, always ready for running. They are still admired today for their grace as they run. We, too, must run the race of life with dignity as the world watches on.

    Third is the he-goat. They lead and do not follow. They love to climb to stand on higher ground. Oh, dear friend in Christ, we should lead this world and not follow in its sinful ways, being found standing on higher ground in morals and mannerisms.

   Finally, Agur points us to the King. As he walks among the people he rules with love and compassion, there is reverence for who he is. Believers too should have a life that exemplifies the King of Kings. So, as we walk into a room, filthy communication might cease in honor of the Lord we represent. The lion, greyhound, he-goat, and the king walk with dignity among those around. Remember, you are also a child of the King of all Kings and the Lord of Lords. Hold your head up.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    As you look at the four honorable mentions, you may think they are not always beautiful on the outside. However, that is not what makes them special. Like with all children of God, it is what is inside, not outside, that counts. God looks on the heart.

How would you look inside out?

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 17, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Hebrews 6 – Hebrews 9
  Proverbs 30:29 – 31

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Micah 1-4
  Revelation 9

You’re Kind Of Like A Spider.
December 16, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 30:24-28
 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Agur not only observed the challenges in the world but also drew valuable lessons from the smallest of God’s creations, lessons we can apply to our lives.

    He observed ants and their diligent preparation for the future. Ants keep working, delaying gratification, to ensure they are ready for any bad weather that might come their way. As Christians, we should also remain diligent in our work until Christ’s return, finding our ultimate gratification in His coming and the rewards He brings.

    Agur also studied conies, small animals similar to rabbits but resembling groundhogs. These creatures position themselves between rocks for protection. Likewise, we should recognize our abilities and limitations, seeking refuge in the Lord, as David often referred to God as his rock and fortress.

    Next, Agur turned his attention to locusts, small creatures that were feared in his time. Locusts would swarm in great numbers, devouring everything in their path. Individually, they were weak, but collectively, they were unstoppable. This illustrates the purpose of the church – as a collective body, we can accomplish what would be impossible alone in service to the Lord.

    Finally, Agur found wisdom in a common spider. When God created spiders, He endowed them with a remarkable ability to survive. If a spider falls, it often breaks its fall by creating a silk-like strand attached to something before hitting the ground. Similarly, we, as God’s creation, have all we need to navigate life’s challenges. When we look within, we find the Holy Spirit ready to comfort us in our greatest trials.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Also, take note that the spider ends up residing in the king’s palace. No matter where you started in life, remember that as a believer, you are a child of the King of Kings. Someday, you too will dwell with the King in His Heavenly Home.

Does it really matter where in the Palace you live
if you’re in the Palace and not out in the cold?

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 16, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Philemon 1 – Hebrews 5
  Proverbs 30:24 – 28

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Jonah
  Revelation 7-8

WEEKEND REVIEW
December 14 & 15, 2024

Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word of God is pure:
he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words,
lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

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 49 – 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 49 – 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 14, 2024
Obadiah
Revelation 6
December 15, 2024
No Passages Assigned

NEXT WEEKS UPCOMING SCHEUDLES:

SCHEDULE 1 – Bible In a Year – with Proverbs Study 

December 16, 2024
Philemon 1 – Hebrews 5
Proverbs 30:24 – 28
December 17, 2024
Hebrews 6 – Hebrews 9
Proverbs 30:29 – 31
December 18, 2024
Hebrews 10 – Hebrews 13
Proverbs 30:32 – 33
December 19, 2024
James
Proverbs 31:1 – 3
December 20, 2024
1 Peter
Proverbs 31:4 – 7
December 21, 2024
Proverbs 30 – 31
December 22, 2024
No Passages Assigned

 

SCHEDULE 2 – Old & New Testament

December 16, 2024
Jonah
Revelation 7-8
December 17, 2024
Micah 1-4
Revelation 9
December 18, 2024
Micah 5-7
Revelation 10-11
December 19, 2024
Nahum
Revelation 12-13
December 20, 2024
Habakkuk
Revelation 14-15
December 21, 2024
Zephaniah
Revelation 16
December 22, 2024
No Passages Assigned

Grass Is Grass
December 13, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 30:21-23
 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    As Agur continues his observations in life, he identifies three things that trouble humanity, and a fourth thing that is utterly unbearable. What are these things?

    First, there is the case of a servant who is suddenly elevated to a leadership position. All too often, the responsibilities of this role go to their head, and they become difficult to deal with. I recall working as a manager in a restaurant alongside two other managers, and we all used to say, “If I were to become the General Manager, I would never behave like the current General Manager.” Then, one of us got the job. Overnight, power went to his head, and he became an absolute tyrant until he was eventually dismissed.

    The second thing Agur observes is that when a person of humble means suddenly acquires great wealth, they often forget their origins. People who win state lotteries and squander their winnings are a prime example of this timeless truth.

   The third disquieting aspect is a broken home when one partner is hateful or odious. What should bring great joy to most people, being married and having a partner to share life with, turns ugly. Instead of a house filled with joy, the partner becomes the target of the other’s hatred.

    Lastly, and most distressing, is when someone you trusted catches the eye of your spouse. Slowly, the affection that should be directed towards you and your family is redirected to another. Agur is absolutely correct; the wandering eyes of a spouse have ruined many homes. Satan often employs this tactic not only to destroy households but also extended families, churches, and, in some cases, entire communities. This fourth scenario is something we cannot and should not bear.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    We need to be thankful for how God has provided for our needs today. The grass is never greener on the other side once you get there. Grass is grass!

Have you ever stopped to think, what looks like
green grass from a distance
may be nothing more than weeds close up?

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 13, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  2 Timothy 1 – Titus 3
  Proverbs 30:21 – 23

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Amos 7-9
  Revelation 4-5