#Goodnews #Hope #Thestory
Is there hope for the world? This story says there is. English
Èske gen lespwa pou lemonn. Istwa sa a di genyen. Haitian Creole
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19 Jul 2018 Comments Off on Is there hope for the world? English and Haitain Creole
in Devotionals, Sharing The Story
#Goodnews #Hope #Thestory
Is there hope for the world? This story says there is. English
Èske gen lespwa pou lemonn. Istwa sa a di genyen. Haitian Creole
19 Jul 2018 Comments Off on Proverbs 19
in Book of Proverbs, Devotionals
Proverbs Chapter 19
#Wisdom #Folly #TheTongue #Speaklife #Knowledge #understanding #integrity
Verses 4 and 6 are the speaking about the same context.
Don’t Favor Rich People over Poor People
2 My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you? 8 You are doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 9 If you favor one person over another, you’re sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. 10 If someone obeys all of God’s laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them. 11 After all, the one who said, “Never commit adultery,” is the same one who said, “Never murder.” If you do not commit adultery but you murder, you become a person who disobeys God’s laws. 12 Talk and act as people who are going to be judged by laws that bring freedom. 13 No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
This is a timely Scripture. We are moving away from benevolence with the belief that God will provide to segregation, separation, and isolation. We cannot separate our beliefs from how we function as a society. God is not pleased when we turn the poor and destitute away. Now if those same poor and destitute are criminals who want to harm you and your family, then you are expected to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
All of the Bible references are from the New International Version.
ProverbsSpeak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. — Proverbs 31:8-9Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will extract life for life. — Proverbs 22:22-23
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you. — Proverbs 3:27-28
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. — Proverbs 11:25
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. — Psalm 9:9
The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. — Psalm 9: 17-18
Looking at his disciples, [Jesus] said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. — Luke 6:20-21
Verses 18-26 address parenting children God’s way. When children chose to ignore correction, instruction, and advice they reap the consequences of their choices and will end up causing their parents to experience shame and reproach. I tell my grandchildren all the time that I told their parents that when they act up in school and or in public it reflects on their parents and or on me if I happen to be with them. As a Christian parent when I do not follow through with the biblical discipline mentioned in Scripture it brings shame and reproach on the name of the Lord.
As we look at these scriptures we can identify that blaming God for our problems does not resolve them. 1) When one suddenly acquires riches without the knowledge of how to grow those riches and or how to use it wisely they will lose it. 2) Choosing an incompatible mate who is making our lives miserable, and demonstrating poor judgment is a choice we make because we did not take counsel before making the decision. 21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are no downsides or negative effects of receiving instruction, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the Lord. However, there are negative consequences when one chooses to live without His direction. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
A person without integrity is a person who operates outside of God’s law. Their concentric circle of friends will be very small. Within that small circle of friends will be the continual nagging doubt as to whether or not they can trust their friend who has no integrity. To the faithful, you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. Scripture is replete with the Lord’s expectation from His children. He expects us to live lives that are governed by actions that demonstrate integrity. (2 Samuel 22:26, NLT) I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. (1 Chronicles 29:17, NLT) Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8, NIV)
Anger that is out of control and laziness are not in keeping with God’s will for us. We discussed these behaviors in previous chapters.
Finally friends, when we are living lives that demonstrate the love of God we do not speak foolishly. We seek wisdom. We can be trusted that when we say we are going to do a thing we will do it-integrity. We raise children that respect authority, and whose words can be trusted. We fear God and understand that lies destroy our relationships with Him and others.
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