Romans 1 - Day 319 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Romans 1:16-17 Observation: in Paul's greeting to the church in Rome, he identifies the key to life. Application: It is by faith in Jesus that we have life and are made right with God. For without faith, it is impossible to please Him. In reality, it takes more faith in oneself to not believe in God than it does for us who acknowledge our limitations and flaws. Prayer: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner. Proverbs 15 - Day 318 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Proverbs 15 (chose one or more to chew on today) Commentary: This chapter raises questions never quite envisioned in previous chapters. The same apparently monotonous sequence of proverbs appears. But when they are carefully examined, several new aspects can be seen to surface. There is a mixture of nova et vetera, the new and the old. The new is the extraordinary number of YHWH sayings, already pointed out above, and the old is the continuing reference to instruction and reproof, to the “way,” and to the role of the “heart” and other organs of the body. We can consider the YHWH sayings in more detail. These should not be viewed as editorial revisions or editorial additions destined to make the sayings “orthodox,” either explicitly or by association... Murphy, R. E. (1998). Proverbs (Vol. 22, p. 115). Dallas: Thomas Nelson. Application: If we are never taught the difference between right and wrong, then everything we do, would be right in our eyes. I guess that wouldn't be a problem if we were the only person on the planet but we're not. Hence, it makes only makes sense to learn from those who have gone before us. Choose a proverb and chew on it today. Prayer: Lord, help me to adopt Your words to live wisely... Proverbs 14 - Day 317 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Proverbs 14 Commentary: The truth claim of the sayings deserves attention. In view of 14:11, 14, the lot of the just and the wicked would seem to be pretty much a foregone conclusion. Yet, 14:12 explodes any certainty. Human judgment—a way that is right for a person—can turn out to be dead wrong, in more ways than one. This human judgment includes all the wisdom that the sages collected for this book! Once more the reader becomes aware of the limitations that the sages themselves recognized. We are not to be deceived by their dogmatic style into thinking that they had a simplistic view of life. They had definite notions about the direction they wanted to impart. But this was not at the expense of the realization of the complexity of human beings and of the complex reality in which they live and move. Despite the frequent appearance of firm, unyielding conclusions, there is a kind of dialectic going on. By “dialectic” I mean that even their most dogmatic statements are in some respects conditional. Murphy, R. E. (1998). Proverbs (Vol. 22, p. 108). Dallas: Thomas Nelson. Application: The older (and hopefully wiser) I get, the more I realize just how much I don't know. Thankfully, God knows and He has graciously given us His wisdom through the sages. No, it doesn't always work out the way these proverbs predict, but at least we have a guide to help us along the way. Prayer: Praise God, from whom all blessings,flow...Proverbs 14 - Day Psalm 23 & 24 - Day 316 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6 Observation: The psalmist reveals the qualities of a good shepherd. Application: When I have to take my car in to get it fixed, I ask my mechanic friend for advice. The same is true whenever I have to fix or buy anything expensive. I want to know what the experts think before I spend any money. The Psalmist (David) worked as a shepherd and knows what he is talking about. When he declares that "the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need" he is basically endorsing God and His ability to care for us. Put your faith in God to take care of all your needs. Prayer: Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... |
AuthorHusband, Father, Pastor.... Archives
January 2024
CategoriesJoin Our Mailing List
|