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 …
The Beatitudes: Jesus the Example. Please read Matthew 5:3-11. As the disciples discovered in their three years of ministry with Jesus, He was the perfect example of each of the Beatitudes. If they were wondering what the Beatitudes meant when He spoke them, they surely gained understanding as they saw Jesus live them out. He …
The Beatitudes: 8. Persecution. Please read Matthew 5:3-12. “Blessed are they who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10). Congratulations! Be glad! You are in good company when you are treated badly for doing good. You are in a select group when you are mistreated for doing what …
The Beatitudes: 7. Peace. Please read Matthew 5:3-10. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matt. 5:9). You will grin from ear to ear when you are able to harmonize people and help those in discord to sing the same sweet tune. Congratulations! God is drawing up the adoption …
The Beatitudes: 6. Purity. Please read Matthew 5:3-10. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8). You will cheer with delight when your innermost being is cleaned of mixed motives and impure thoughts. Congratulations! Your clean inner reservoir of instincts will now more clearly reflect a pure image of God, …
The Beatitudes: 5. Mercy. Please read Matthew 5:3-10. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt. 5:7). Congratulations! You are one of God’s favorites when you compassionately share someone’s misery and relieve their difficulty. You are to be envied! For putting God’s love into action towards others puts His love into action for …
The Beatitudes: 4. Hunger. Please read Matthew 5:3-10. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6). You will enjoy full satisfaction when you starve for a more righteous character like a desert pilgrim in a desperate search for food and water. Congratulations! When you have an appetite …
The Beatitudes: 3. Meekness. Please read Matthew 5:3-10. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). You will be joyfully fulfilled when you submit to God’s authority, like a wild bronco bridled by a master horseman. Congratulations! Since your strength and giftedness is guided by God, you will soon explore the …