Proverbs 8:23, 29-31. “I (Lady Wisdom) was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start; when He staked out Earth’s foundation, I was right there with Him, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enjoying His company, delighted with the world of …
Proverbs 7:4. “Say to Lady Wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call Understanding your intimate friend.” (NASB). Talk to Lady Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” (Message). “Say to Wisdom, ‘I love you,’ and to Understanding, ‘You are my sweetheart.’ May the two of you protect me, and may we …
Proverbs 6:16-19. “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” (NASB). Abomination: …
Proverbs 5:21-23. “Mark well that God doesn’t miss a move you make; He’s aware of every step you take. The shadow of your sin will overtake you; you’ll find yourself stumbling all over yourself in the dark. Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” (Message). …
Proverbs 4:18-19. “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (NASB). “The path of the just is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto the …
Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (NASB). Trust: The root word in Hebrew means, to come to for refuge; To be sure of; To be confident in; To hope in; …
Proverbs 2:6, 10-11. “For the Lord grants wisdom; knowledge and discernment are by His decree. For wisdom will enter your mind and knowledge will delight you. Foresight will protect you, and discernment will guard you.” (Tanakh). “Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word He speaks is full of revelation and becomes …
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (NASB). Fear of the Lord: Reverence; Honor; Adoration; Respectful Fearfulness; Awe; Devotion; Trusting Openness; Astonishment; Wonder; Bow down. “The fear of the Lord is the best part of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Tanakh). Knowledge: The content …
Note: In putting together a monthly devotional on the book of Proverbs, I will take one proverb from each chapter for all 31 chapters. For each proverb, I will supply different translations, with the hopes of allowing the Scripture to teach itself without my comments. I will also unpack any terms or words that need …
Introduction to the Seven Churches in Revelation. Please read Revelation 1. WHO (a.) John. The author of Revelation is the apostle John, an original member of the Twelve, the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” John was a fisherman transformed into the Apostle of Love. He was one of the Zebedee brothers, with James, and was most …
Thyatira: Loving but Corrupted. Please read Revelation 2:18-29. Thyatira. A blue-collar town, out in the backwoods. A small military outpost of the Empire that has no political importance or significance. The city is known for its commercial activities, with many trades and small businesses. If people wanted to engage with wool-workers, linen-workers, dyers of cloth, …
Philadelphia: Small but Steady Please Read Revelation 3:7-13. A city rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. An outpost city, out on the frontier, designed to advance Greek culture. A temple built for emperor worship. Another temple maintained for ritual worship of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility and debauchery. A relatively new, small city with a …