Proverbs 27
Pro 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
-This is a scary statement. No matter what cool thing you are doing tomorrow, you honestly don't know what is going to happen. I am leaving for the Honor Academy in 7 days, but honestly, I don't know what is going to happen. It's all about faith.
Pro 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
-If someone else is not praising you, you are obviously not worthy of it. If you are praising yourself, you are vain and conceited. This reminds me of another proverb. Pro 25:7 "For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen."
Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
-A true friend will not tell you what you want to hear. A true friend is a friend to truth, first and foremost. Sometimes you have to tell your friend 'what's up', and they don't like that. They may even hate you for it. But it is faithful.
Pro 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
-For me, this applies to pornography. Once you are addicted, your eyes cannot have enough. You never stop at a certain point and say you have had enough. You are never satisfied. You always move on, looking for new and better stuff.
Zechariah 9
This was pretty much about the continual protection of Jerusalem. And, look, it is still here and still prospering. Prophecy fulfilled. Also, this chapter foretold of the triumphant entry Jesus would make, riding on a donkey.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Devotion 12/26/08
Well guys, I did have my devotion, just didn't have a chance to post it until today. My computer was defragmenting and I didn't want to mess with it. So, enjoy!
Proverbs 26
Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
-At first glance it seems these verses are contradicting eachother. But...they aren't. Verse 4 helps us to understand that arguing with a fool will get you nowhere. You will just go in circles..ie according to his folly. However, verse 5 lets us know that sometimes we must answer a fool according to his folly in order that he won't think he is smart in is cesspool of prideful stupidity.
Pro 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
Pro 26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
-That has become an all to common of a thing in our present day. We decieve our friends and loved ones and say we are "just kidding". Is not kidding just a candy-coated lie?
Zechariah 8
Zec 8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
-During the millennial reign, days of fasts will be replaced with days of feasts.
Proverbs 26
Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
-At first glance it seems these verses are contradicting eachother. But...they aren't. Verse 4 helps us to understand that arguing with a fool will get you nowhere. You will just go in circles..ie according to his folly. However, verse 5 lets us know that sometimes we must answer a fool according to his folly in order that he won't think he is smart in is cesspool of prideful stupidity.
Pro 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
Pro 26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
-That has become an all to common of a thing in our present day. We decieve our friends and loved ones and say we are "just kidding". Is not kidding just a candy-coated lie?
Zechariah 8
Zec 8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
-During the millennial reign, days of fasts will be replaced with days of feasts.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Devotion 12/24/08
So I missed another one. I don't really know why. I woke up with every intention of doing it, but I just got caught up in my video editing. Before I knew it I was getting ready for church that night. But for that very reason I am doing this devotional blog. I want to keep myself accountable and posting a blog is very beneficial.
Proverbs 24
Pro 24:1 Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,
Pro 24:2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
When we read this verse, we are like, "Oh yeah, totally, duh.". Because in our minds, evil men are like Hitler, and not our best friend who is leading us astray. Truth is, we are all evil. Deep down, engrained within us, is a capacity for evil that would even make Hitler cringe. Evil is a trait we are born with. What this verse is speaking of is the people we envy in Hollywood, sports, and yes, even High School. Why are they evil, you say? Well, like I said before, we are all evil. However, they choose to embrace their evil side, indulging in all this world has to offer. While, as Christians, we daily fight that urge. It is way too easy to envy "evil people" because they are having a blast. Drinking, partying, sex....all that stuff is intensly attractive. But the Bible tells us not to envy them and not to desire their company. The only thing that will come about is violence and trouble.
Pro 24:13 My son, eat honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
Pro 24:14 so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your hope shall not be cut off.
According to Barnes Commentary, honey was a large part of the Hebrew children diet. It was seen as the simplest form of nourishment, compared to "the sincere milk of the Word".
Pro 24:16 for a just one falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked shall fall into evil.
This verse is not talking about falling into sin. It is speaking of hard times or misfortunes. The message is that God will take care of His people.
Pro 24:19 Do not fret yourself because of evil ones, nor be jealous of the wicked;
Pro 24:20 for there shall not be a hereafter to the evil; the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
This is much like verses one and two. But God promises their way will only come to ruin.
Pro 24:32 Then I saw; I set my heart on it; I looked and I received instruction.
When the writer of this proverb saw something, he learned from what he saw. I need to learn that skill.
Zechariah 7
Zec 7:3 to speak to the priests who belong to the house of Jehovah of Hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, consecrating myself, as I have done these many years?
What they were asking is if they should continue to fast since the Temple had been rebuilt. (They started fasting when the temple was destroyed)
Zec 7:5 Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years, did you truly fast to Me, even to Me?
I can't say that everytime I fasted, I was fasting for God and God alone. Honestly, sometimes it was just to show off, or even to lose some weight. Fasting is such an important thing, we must truly seek to please God in that.
Proverbs 24
Pro 24:1 Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them,
Pro 24:2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.
When we read this verse, we are like, "Oh yeah, totally, duh.". Because in our minds, evil men are like Hitler, and not our best friend who is leading us astray. Truth is, we are all evil. Deep down, engrained within us, is a capacity for evil that would even make Hitler cringe. Evil is a trait we are born with. What this verse is speaking of is the people we envy in Hollywood, sports, and yes, even High School. Why are they evil, you say? Well, like I said before, we are all evil. However, they choose to embrace their evil side, indulging in all this world has to offer. While, as Christians, we daily fight that urge. It is way too easy to envy "evil people" because they are having a blast. Drinking, partying, sex....all that stuff is intensly attractive. But the Bible tells us not to envy them and not to desire their company. The only thing that will come about is violence and trouble.
Pro 24:13 My son, eat honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
Pro 24:14 so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your hope shall not be cut off.
According to Barnes Commentary, honey was a large part of the Hebrew children diet. It was seen as the simplest form of nourishment, compared to "the sincere milk of the Word".
Pro 24:16 for a just one falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked shall fall into evil.
This verse is not talking about falling into sin. It is speaking of hard times or misfortunes. The message is that God will take care of His people.
Pro 24:19 Do not fret yourself because of evil ones, nor be jealous of the wicked;
Pro 24:20 for there shall not be a hereafter to the evil; the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
This is much like verses one and two. But God promises their way will only come to ruin.
Pro 24:32 Then I saw; I set my heart on it; I looked and I received instruction.
When the writer of this proverb saw something, he learned from what he saw. I need to learn that skill.
Zechariah 7
Zec 7:3 to speak to the priests who belong to the house of Jehovah of Hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, consecrating myself, as I have done these many years?
What they were asking is if they should continue to fast since the Temple had been rebuilt. (They started fasting when the temple was destroyed)
Zec 7:5 Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years, did you truly fast to Me, even to Me?
I can't say that everytime I fasted, I was fasting for God and God alone. Honestly, sometimes it was just to show off, or even to lose some weight. Fasting is such an important thing, we must truly seek to please God in that.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Devotion 12/22/08
Pro 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
Pro 22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
Pro 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
All of us must study and learn in order that the truth may be portrayed correctly and in the right light.
Zechariah 6
A lot of prophecy in this. A lot of stuff I did not understand. According to the Strand Study Bible, the purpose of the eighth vision was to show God's people that those who aided satan in destroying God's work would have the same end as him.
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I'm gonna be honest, I did not feel like having my devotion this morning. My attitude in approaching it was not as it should be. But I had my devotion. As I had my devotion, I became very frustrated because I didn't get much. Proverbs was extra tricky today and Zechariah was filled with hard-to-understand prophecy. Of course I prayed to God, asking for guidance and understanding in His Word. I may have gotten something that I don't even know I received. Only God knows.
A lot of things have been bothering me lately. For some reason Christmas always brings out my irritating side. I guess all the commercialism and facades people put on during Christmas just pisses me off.
It's not only that though. I'm a little disappointed with some people in our youth group. No matter how many lessons they hear on a certain subject, it never sets in. No change. I know, they are teenagers, but really, that should not be an excuse. When are people going to start stepping up?
As the years pass, Christmas becomes increasingly depressing. As my understanding and love of Christ grows, my love for Christmas diminishes. Christmas is no longer about Christ. He has been removed and replaced by some plastic baby in a manger scene. Plastic. That's all it is. My least favorite part of Christmas is going to see my extended family. My reasons for that used to be my desire to play with my toys. Now, it is because my family is over-the-top secular about Christmas. Christ hardly comes up in conversation. This year will be hard....I'm not looking forward to it.
Pro 22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
Pro 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
All of us must study and learn in order that the truth may be portrayed correctly and in the right light.
Zechariah 6
A lot of prophecy in this. A lot of stuff I did not understand. According to the Strand Study Bible, the purpose of the eighth vision was to show God's people that those who aided satan in destroying God's work would have the same end as him.
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I'm gonna be honest, I did not feel like having my devotion this morning. My attitude in approaching it was not as it should be. But I had my devotion. As I had my devotion, I became very frustrated because I didn't get much. Proverbs was extra tricky today and Zechariah was filled with hard-to-understand prophecy. Of course I prayed to God, asking for guidance and understanding in His Word. I may have gotten something that I don't even know I received. Only God knows.
A lot of things have been bothering me lately. For some reason Christmas always brings out my irritating side. I guess all the commercialism and facades people put on during Christmas just pisses me off.
It's not only that though. I'm a little disappointed with some people in our youth group. No matter how many lessons they hear on a certain subject, it never sets in. No change. I know, they are teenagers, but really, that should not be an excuse. When are people going to start stepping up?
As the years pass, Christmas becomes increasingly depressing. As my understanding and love of Christ grows, my love for Christmas diminishes. Christmas is no longer about Christ. He has been removed and replaced by some plastic baby in a manger scene. Plastic. That's all it is. My least favorite part of Christmas is going to see my extended family. My reasons for that used to be my desire to play with my toys. Now, it is because my family is over-the-top secular about Christmas. Christ hardly comes up in conversation. This year will be hard....I'm not looking forward to it.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Devotion 12/20/08
Proverbs 20
Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
-Here God warns us about the dangers of drinking. It is no secret that drunkenness is sinful in every way. But the age-old argument is whether or not it is okay to drink period. I, being someone who is very weak in the face of temptation, think even sipping alcohol is sin. In Brad Strand's study Bible, he has a study called "How to be great in God's eyes". The first point is not to resist temptation, but avoid it. Here are some scriptures used to back that up:
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Here God is telling us that we should be diligent in watching out for temptation. You and I both know the flesh is extremely weak.
Luk 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luk 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Luk 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Here this is talking about John the Baptist. As many of you may know, he is the greatest man born of woman. I think that reputation alone should be reason enough for us to consider his example. God said he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Why? He then goes on to say he will not drink wine or strong drink. If John the Baptist, the greatest man born of woman, didn't drink, should we not do the same? Thing is, this principle can be applied to so many other things besides drinking. Anything that can tempt us should be avoided. Do not be fooled into thinking you are strong enough, because you aren't.
Pro 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
No one can, none at all.
Pro 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
I wish I would have known about this verse in my younger days. When I was younger, I didn't know any better. I didn't know I had to read my Bible (not that I would have), I didn't really know anything but going to church on Sunday. Not until we started attending Harvest Bible Church did my understanding start to expand and I began to see God's commands applied to me and not just older people. But, to be honest, if I had known about this verse, would I have done anything about it, given my immaturity? I don't know. Odds are against me. Right now I am struggling with a kid who thinks that because I didn't have devotions when I was his age, he shouldn't either. I try so hard to explain that doesn't matter because I didn't know I was supposed to. And I try to explain that he can't use me as an excuse when God asks him why he didn't read his Bible when he knew he was supposed to. I think this problem can be attributed to the way society has treated young kids. We always say they shouldn't be held accountable because they are young. We have diminished that half of our society due to our prejudice against age. But the Bible says even young kids will be held accountable. Sure, there are a lot of things young kids can't do, and shouldn't do. But as far as reading their Bible and praying, they should start getting that down now, because it doesn't get easier as you get older.
Pro 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
God must have been thinking of the teenagers of our day when He inspired this verse.
Pro 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Oh how hard is this. Vengeance is of the Lord, but to me and most people, the Lord takes too long. What a great lesson in patience this is. But we must remember, when someone wrongs us, it isn't really us they wrong, but Christ. Think about it this way. As a child to your parents, whenever someone would mess with you or take advantage of you, who took care of it? I don't know about you, and to my complete embarrassment, my mom would make sure no one messed with me. I remember one time I was living in an apartment complex in Garland. I couldn't have been more than 7 years old. I would go out all the time and play with my friends. One day I was playing a friendly game of dodge ball, that soon turned unfriendly when some teenagers decided I was an excellent target. It didn't take long before I was hit in the face and sent home crying. Mistake. As soon as my mom saw me, she jumped in the car (she made me come with her) and went after those kids. She gave them a stern talking to that isolated me from all social interaction for the remainder of our stay there. To my mom, the kids had hit her in the face with a ball, and not just me. God is our Father, and He wants to take care of us. When we are wronged, they wrong God. We should take comfort in that and not consider it a burden.
Zechariah 5
Verses 1-4
This is the 6th vision in this book. According to the Strand Study Bible, this vision was meant to show God's people that even their sin would not stop God's Work, saving sinners. God promised Zechariah that those who did hinder the work of God would be cursed.
Verses 5-10
The woman that sat on the ephah was sin, or as the scripture says, wickedness. This represents the sins of Babylon that Israel had picked up in their seventy years of captivity. According to the Strand Study Bible, the purpose of this 7th vision was to show God's people that if they will continue to build the temple and sacrifice (picture of Christ's sacrifice, which in turn is God's work=saving sinners), they will leave those sins in Babylon.
Then the vision shows two women lifting the Ephah. They represented Assyria and Babylon, used in times past by God to carry God's people into captivity because of their wickedness.
(On a side note, this makes me think of something. Christians think that they can sin with reckless abandon. There will be no consequence because, HEY, their sin has already been paid for. But then I think about the Israelites. They are God's chosen people, and if you notice, whenever they would do something stupid they would be thrown into captivity or get lost for 40 years. After Christ's prophesied death, the Gentiles (i.e. you and me, if you aren't a Jew) were brought into the family.
Zec 3:10 In that day, says Jehovah of Hosts, you shall call, each man to his neighbor, to sit under the vine and under the fig tree.
Israel is the fig tree and we are the vine that was 'grafted in'. We are now apart of that circle. We are God's people. Look what God does to His people when they screw up!! If I were you, I'd think twice before doing something that has already been forgiven. Yeah, it's eternal consequence has been paid for, but as far as the earthly consequence, I'd watch out.
Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
-Here God warns us about the dangers of drinking. It is no secret that drunkenness is sinful in every way. But the age-old argument is whether or not it is okay to drink period. I, being someone who is very weak in the face of temptation, think even sipping alcohol is sin. In Brad Strand's study Bible, he has a study called "How to be great in God's eyes". The first point is not to resist temptation, but avoid it. Here are some scriptures used to back that up:
Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Here God is telling us that we should be diligent in watching out for temptation. You and I both know the flesh is extremely weak.
Luk 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Luk 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Luk 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
Here this is talking about John the Baptist. As many of you may know, he is the greatest man born of woman. I think that reputation alone should be reason enough for us to consider his example. God said he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Why? He then goes on to say he will not drink wine or strong drink. If John the Baptist, the greatest man born of woman, didn't drink, should we not do the same? Thing is, this principle can be applied to so many other things besides drinking. Anything that can tempt us should be avoided. Do not be fooled into thinking you are strong enough, because you aren't.
Pro 20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
No one can, none at all.
Pro 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
I wish I would have known about this verse in my younger days. When I was younger, I didn't know any better. I didn't know I had to read my Bible (not that I would have), I didn't really know anything but going to church on Sunday. Not until we started attending Harvest Bible Church did my understanding start to expand and I began to see God's commands applied to me and not just older people. But, to be honest, if I had known about this verse, would I have done anything about it, given my immaturity? I don't know. Odds are against me. Right now I am struggling with a kid who thinks that because I didn't have devotions when I was his age, he shouldn't either. I try so hard to explain that doesn't matter because I didn't know I was supposed to. And I try to explain that he can't use me as an excuse when God asks him why he didn't read his Bible when he knew he was supposed to. I think this problem can be attributed to the way society has treated young kids. We always say they shouldn't be held accountable because they are young. We have diminished that half of our society due to our prejudice against age. But the Bible says even young kids will be held accountable. Sure, there are a lot of things young kids can't do, and shouldn't do. But as far as reading their Bible and praying, they should start getting that down now, because it doesn't get easier as you get older.
Pro 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
God must have been thinking of the teenagers of our day when He inspired this verse.
Pro 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Oh how hard is this. Vengeance is of the Lord, but to me and most people, the Lord takes too long. What a great lesson in patience this is. But we must remember, when someone wrongs us, it isn't really us they wrong, but Christ. Think about it this way. As a child to your parents, whenever someone would mess with you or take advantage of you, who took care of it? I don't know about you, and to my complete embarrassment, my mom would make sure no one messed with me. I remember one time I was living in an apartment complex in Garland. I couldn't have been more than 7 years old. I would go out all the time and play with my friends. One day I was playing a friendly game of dodge ball, that soon turned unfriendly when some teenagers decided I was an excellent target. It didn't take long before I was hit in the face and sent home crying. Mistake. As soon as my mom saw me, she jumped in the car (she made me come with her) and went after those kids. She gave them a stern talking to that isolated me from all social interaction for the remainder of our stay there. To my mom, the kids had hit her in the face with a ball, and not just me. God is our Father, and He wants to take care of us. When we are wronged, they wrong God. We should take comfort in that and not consider it a burden.
Zechariah 5
Verses 1-4
This is the 6th vision in this book. According to the Strand Study Bible, this vision was meant to show God's people that even their sin would not stop God's Work, saving sinners. God promised Zechariah that those who did hinder the work of God would be cursed.
Verses 5-10
The woman that sat on the ephah was sin, or as the scripture says, wickedness. This represents the sins of Babylon that Israel had picked up in their seventy years of captivity. According to the Strand Study Bible, the purpose of this 7th vision was to show God's people that if they will continue to build the temple and sacrifice (picture of Christ's sacrifice, which in turn is God's work=saving sinners), they will leave those sins in Babylon.
Then the vision shows two women lifting the Ephah. They represented Assyria and Babylon, used in times past by God to carry God's people into captivity because of their wickedness.
(On a side note, this makes me think of something. Christians think that they can sin with reckless abandon. There will be no consequence because, HEY, their sin has already been paid for. But then I think about the Israelites. They are God's chosen people, and if you notice, whenever they would do something stupid they would be thrown into captivity or get lost for 40 years. After Christ's prophesied death, the Gentiles (i.e. you and me, if you aren't a Jew) were brought into the family.
Zec 3:10 In that day, says Jehovah of Hosts, you shall call, each man to his neighbor, to sit under the vine and under the fig tree.
Israel is the fig tree and we are the vine that was 'grafted in'. We are now apart of that circle. We are God's people. Look what God does to His people when they screw up!! If I were you, I'd think twice before doing something that has already been forgiven. Yeah, it's eternal consequence has been paid for, but as far as the earthly consequence, I'd watch out.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Devotion 12/19/08
Proverbs 19
Pro 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
-Often we do see lies as an escape. When you are in a tight situation where the truth is the last thing you would say, a lie seems like a life raft. Once we lie, we confess, and say we will never do it again. But this verse is the catch to lieing. No matter what, you will be caught. Of course, yes, we are forgiven by what Christ did on the cross, but that is eternal. We still have earthly consequences to answer to.
Pro 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
-Given God said it twice, I think we should get this principle down.)
Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
(Matthew Henry puts it better than I ever could)
Pro 19:11
A wise man will observe these two rules about his anger: 1. Not to be over-hasty in his resentments: Discretion teaches us to defer our anger, to defer the admission of it till we have thoroughly considered all the merits of the provocation, seen them in a true light and weighed them in a just balance; and then to defer the prosecution of it till there be no danger of running into any indecencies. Plato said to his servant, “I would beat thee, but that I am angry.” Give it time, and it will cool. 2. Not to be over-critical in his resentments. Whereas it is commonly looked upon as a piece of ingenuity to apprehend an affront quickly, it is here made a man's glory to pass over a transgression, to appear as if he did not see it (Psa_38:13), or, if he sees fit to take notice of it, yet to forgive it and meditate no revenge.
Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
-Devices meaning plans or purposes. We make so many plans and purposes outside of God's will and counsel. We think we are wiser and our way is better or more convenient. Isa_14:24; Isa_46:11. )
Pro 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
-Back in the day, this Biblical principle had a much different meaning, mainly because there were people who had no education. Nowadays, everyone is guaranteed at least a 9th grade education. This is a simple explanation on the different ways to let someone know they are being stupid. For someone who is not too wise, not very learned Biblically, spouting off Bible verses and doctrine is going to go right over their head. However, a nice smiting will do the trick! Okay, so what is a modern day smiting? Honestly, I don't know. But when the opportunity arises, and you can tell it is one of the "simple" ones, smiting is relative and not in any way literal. However, someone who does have understanding and has a degree of Biblical truth; You can spout off Bible verses and get into doctrine, and they will love you for it.
Pro 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
-For me, that sums up Biology class. At least that is how it pertains to me. Having evolution shoved down your throat will cause you to err from the words of knowledge. It can also be doctrinal. Many people have fallen from the faith because they allowed the "world's" way of thinking to impenetrate their already fragile minds. They embrace that colorful box that sits in the place of honor in their living rooms. They faithfully gather around it every evening, allowing all kinds of "instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge" to poison their thinking. I want to go as far to say that television has become the biggest gap between people and God nowadays. Television has more devoted followers than any religion. So who controls the television content? Take a wild guess.)
Zechariah 4
This is the fifth vision that was given to Zechariah. The Angel of the Lord is Christ. The candlestick represents Christ.
Bro. Brad says it a lot better than I do:
The idea expressed is that there was an unlimited amount of oil supplying the oil stored in the bowl to each of the seven lamps in order to keep it lit. In other words, the continued light that Israel would need to finish the rebuilding of the Temple would come from the Spirit of God within Zerubbabel and Joshua (i.e., the two olive trees). Spirit-filled men are always the answer to keeping Christ’s work ablaze (Acts 1:4-8/Jn 15:26 and Lk 24:49).-Strand Study Bible
24:49).
4:3 The “two olive trees” (Zerubbabel and Joshua), filled with the Spirit of God, would be used by God to finish the rebuilding of the Temple.
4:12a The reason Zechariah was made to ask twice was to show us the two different prophecies involved in the vision.
4:12b “Oil” in the Bible is symbolic of the SPIRIT OF GOD (Isa 61:1, Zech 4:1-6, Heb 1:9, Psa 133:2 and II Ki 4:2).
4:14 The reason for the fifth vision was to show God’s people that His work (saving sinners) required two ingredients:
1. Anointing (God’s SPIRIT - vs. 6)
2. Men (God’s men - vs. 14) (Rom 10:14-15 and Prov 29:18)
The work of God continues at the hands of spirit-filled men.
(Strand Study Bible) According to the Bible, there are six visible evidences of the Spirit's filling:
BOLDNESS:
Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive 12power, after that the 8HOLY GHOST is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 2:17,18 -9And
it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my 10SPIRIT upon all flesh: and your sons and your 11daughters
shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams: 18 9And on my servants and on my
handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my 10SPIRIT;
and they shall fprophesy:
Acts 4:8 -Then Peter, filled with
the 2HOLY
GHOST, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Acts 4:13 - Now when they asaw the boldness of
Peter and John, and perceived that they were 6unlearned and
ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had
been 7with JESUS.
Acts 4:29-31 - 29 And now, Lord,
behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all 14boldness
they may speak thy word, 30 By
stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by
the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God
with boldness.
Acts 9:17 - And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;
and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest
receive thy sight, and be filled with the 12HOLY GHOST.
Acts 9:27 - But 5Barnabas took him, and brought
him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the
way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at
Damascus in the
name of Jesus.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore
abode they speak-ing boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of
his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 19:6-8 - 6 And when Paul had 7laid his hands
upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with 8tongues,
and 9prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve 8 And he went into the synagogue, and
spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things
concerning the kingdom
of God.
Luke 1:41,42 - And it came to pass,
that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she 1spake out with a loud voice, and said, 2Blessed art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb.
Luke 1:67 - And his father Zacharias
was filled with the Holy Ghost
Numbers 11:26 -But there remained two of the men in the camp, the
name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the SPIRIT rested upon them; and they were of them
that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in
the camp
I Samuel 10:6,10 - 6 1And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD will come upon thee, 2and thou
shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 10 And when they came thither to the hill,
behold, a company of prophets met him; 4and the SPIRIT OF GOD came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
I Samuel 19:20-23 - 20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when
they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as
appointed over them,the 3SPIRIT OF GOD was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also
prophesied.
21
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied
likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied
also.
22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well
that is in 4Sechu: and
he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at
Naioth in Ramah.
23 And
he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the 5SPIRIT OF GOD was
upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in
Ramah.
Ezekiel 11:4,5 - 4 Therefore
prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man. 5 And the SPIRIT OF THE 15LORD fell upon me, and
said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O
house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of
them.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 - 1 The hand of the
LORD was upon me, and carried me out in
the spirit of the LORD, and set me down
in the midst of the valley which was
full of bones, And caused me to pass by
them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and,
lo, they were very dry. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these 9bones
live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O
ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
Micah 3:8 - 8 But truly I am full
of power by the 7SPIRIT OF THE 8LORD, and of judg-ment,
and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Rev. 11:3 - 3 And I will give power
unto my atwo witnesses, and 19they shall
prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in
sackcloth.
JOY:
Ephesians 5:18,19 -1822And
be not drunk with wine,wherein is excess; but be afilled with the SPIRIT; 19 23Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 24singing and bmaking melody in your
heart to the Lord;
Acts 10:46 - 46 For they
heard them speak with 23tongues, and 24magnify
God. Then answered Peter,
THANKSGIVING:
Ephesians 5:18-20 - 1822And
be not drunk with wine,wherein is excess; but be afilled with the SPIRIT; 19 23Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 24singing and bmaking melody in your
heart to the Lord; 20 25Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
SUBMISSION:
See Ephesians 5:18-20 above
Ephesians 5:21,22 - 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the
fear of God.
22
26Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto
the Lord.
I Peter 5:5 - 5 Likewise, ye
younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be 14subject One to another,
and be clothed with humility: 15for God resisteth the
proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Romans 12:10 - 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honour preferring one another;
ONENESS:
Acts 4:31-37 - 31 And when they had
prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:
neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his
own; 1but they had all things common.
33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of
lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
LIBERALITY:
See same scripture above for
‘ONENESS’.
Pro 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
-Often we do see lies as an escape. When you are in a tight situation where the truth is the last thing you would say, a lie seems like a life raft. Once we lie, we confess, and say we will never do it again. But this verse is the catch to lieing. No matter what, you will be caught. Of course, yes, we are forgiven by what Christ did on the cross, but that is eternal. We still have earthly consequences to answer to.
Pro 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
-Given God said it twice, I think we should get this principle down.)
Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
(Matthew Henry puts it better than I ever could)
Pro 19:11
A wise man will observe these two rules about his anger: 1. Not to be over-hasty in his resentments: Discretion teaches us to defer our anger, to defer the admission of it till we have thoroughly considered all the merits of the provocation, seen them in a true light and weighed them in a just balance; and then to defer the prosecution of it till there be no danger of running into any indecencies. Plato said to his servant, “I would beat thee, but that I am angry.” Give it time, and it will cool. 2. Not to be over-critical in his resentments. Whereas it is commonly looked upon as a piece of ingenuity to apprehend an affront quickly, it is here made a man's glory to pass over a transgression, to appear as if he did not see it (Psa_38:13), or, if he sees fit to take notice of it, yet to forgive it and meditate no revenge.
Pro 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
-Devices meaning plans or purposes. We make so many plans and purposes outside of God's will and counsel. We think we are wiser and our way is better or more convenient. Isa_14:24; Isa_46:11. )
Pro 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
-Back in the day, this Biblical principle had a much different meaning, mainly because there were people who had no education. Nowadays, everyone is guaranteed at least a 9th grade education. This is a simple explanation on the different ways to let someone know they are being stupid. For someone who is not too wise, not very learned Biblically, spouting off Bible verses and doctrine is going to go right over their head. However, a nice smiting will do the trick! Okay, so what is a modern day smiting? Honestly, I don't know. But when the opportunity arises, and you can tell it is one of the "simple" ones, smiting is relative and not in any way literal. However, someone who does have understanding and has a degree of Biblical truth; You can spout off Bible verses and get into doctrine, and they will love you for it.
Pro 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
-For me, that sums up Biology class. At least that is how it pertains to me. Having evolution shoved down your throat will cause you to err from the words of knowledge. It can also be doctrinal. Many people have fallen from the faith because they allowed the "world's" way of thinking to impenetrate their already fragile minds. They embrace that colorful box that sits in the place of honor in their living rooms. They faithfully gather around it every evening, allowing all kinds of "instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge" to poison their thinking. I want to go as far to say that television has become the biggest gap between people and God nowadays. Television has more devoted followers than any religion. So who controls the television content? Take a wild guess.)
Zechariah 4
This is the fifth vision that was given to Zechariah. The Angel of the Lord is Christ. The candlestick represents Christ.
Bro. Brad says it a lot better than I do:
The idea expressed is that there was an unlimited amount of oil supplying the oil stored in the bowl to each of the seven lamps in order to keep it lit. In other words, the continued light that Israel would need to finish the rebuilding of the Temple would come from the Spirit of God within Zerubbabel and Joshua (i.e., the two olive trees). Spirit-filled men are always the answer to keeping Christ’s work ablaze (Acts 1:4-8/Jn 15:26 and Lk 24:49).-Strand Study Bible
24:49).
4:3 The “two olive trees” (Zerubbabel and Joshua), filled with the Spirit of God, would be used by God to finish the rebuilding of the Temple.
4:12a The reason Zechariah was made to ask twice was to show us the two different prophecies involved in the vision.
4:12b “Oil” in the Bible is symbolic of the SPIRIT OF GOD (Isa 61:1, Zech 4:1-6, Heb 1:9, Psa 133:2 and II Ki 4:2).
4:14 The reason for the fifth vision was to show God’s people that His work (saving sinners) required two ingredients:
1. Anointing (God’s SPIRIT - vs. 6)
2. Men (God’s men - vs. 14) (Rom 10:14-15 and Prov 29:18)
The work of God continues at the hands of spirit-filled men.
(Strand Study Bible) According to the Bible, there are six visible evidences of the Spirit's filling:
BOLDNESS:
Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive 12power, after that the 8HOLY GHOST is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 2:17,18 -9And
it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my 10SPIRIT upon all flesh: and your sons and your 11daughters
shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams: 18 9And on my servants and on my
handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my 10SPIRIT;
and they shall fprophesy:
Acts 4:8 -Then Peter, filled with
the 2HOLY
GHOST, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Acts 4:13 - Now when they asaw the boldness of
Peter and John, and perceived that they were 6unlearned and
ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had
been 7with JESUS.
Acts 4:29-31 - 29 And now, Lord,
behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all 14boldness
they may speak thy word, 30 By
stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by
the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together;
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God
with boldness.
Acts 9:17 - And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;
and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest
receive thy sight, and be filled with the 12HOLY GHOST.
Acts 9:27 - But 5Barnabas took him, and brought
him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the
way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at
Damascus in the
name of Jesus.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore
abode they speak-ing boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of
his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 19:6-8 - 6 And when Paul had 7laid his hands
upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with 8tongues,
and 9prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve 8 And he went into the synagogue, and
spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things
concerning the kingdom
of God.
Luke 1:41,42 - And it came to pass,
that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she 1spake out with a loud voice, and said, 2Blessed art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb.
Luke 1:67 - And his father Zacharias
was filled with the Holy Ghost
Numbers 11:26 -But there remained two of the men in the camp, the
name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the SPIRIT rested upon them; and they were of them
that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in
the camp
I Samuel 10:6,10 - 6 1And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD will come upon thee, 2and thou
shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. 10 And when they came thither to the hill,
behold, a company of prophets met him; 4and the SPIRIT OF GOD came upon him, and he prophesied among them.
I Samuel 19:20-23 - 20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when
they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as
appointed over them,the 3SPIRIT OF GOD was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also
prophesied.
21
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied
likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied
also.
22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well
that is in 4Sechu: and
he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at
Naioth in Ramah.
23 And
he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the 5SPIRIT OF GOD was
upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in
Ramah.
Ezekiel 11:4,5 - 4 Therefore
prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man. 5 And the SPIRIT OF THE 15LORD fell upon me, and
said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O
house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of
them.
Ezekiel 37:1-4 - 1 The hand of the
LORD was upon me, and carried me out in
the spirit of the LORD, and set me down
in the midst of the valley which was
full of bones, And caused me to pass by
them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and,
lo, they were very dry. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these 9bones
live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O
ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
Micah 3:8 - 8 But truly I am full
of power by the 7SPIRIT OF THE 8LORD, and of judg-ment,
and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Rev. 11:3 - 3 And I will give power
unto my atwo witnesses, and 19they shall
prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in
sackcloth.
JOY:
Ephesians 5:18,19 -1822And
be not drunk with wine,wherein is excess; but be afilled with the SPIRIT; 19 23Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 24singing and bmaking melody in your
heart to the Lord;
Acts 10:46 - 46 For they
heard them speak with 23tongues, and 24magnify
God. Then answered Peter,
THANKSGIVING:
Ephesians 5:18-20 - 1822And
be not drunk with wine,wherein is excess; but be afilled with the SPIRIT; 19 23Speaking to
yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 24singing and bmaking melody in your
heart to the Lord; 20 25Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
SUBMISSION:
See Ephesians 5:18-20 above
Ephesians 5:21,22 - 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the
fear of God.
22
26Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto
the Lord.
I Peter 5:5 - 5 Likewise, ye
younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be 14subject One to another,
and be clothed with humility: 15for God resisteth the
proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Romans 12:10 - 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honour preferring one another;
ONENESS:
Acts 4:31-37 - 31 And when they had
prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul:
neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his
own; 1but they had all things common.
33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
34
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of
lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35
And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted,
The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
LIBERALITY:
See same scripture above for
‘ONENESS’.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Devotion 12/18/08
Proverbs 18
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
--Many people try to say this verse is saying that words literally have the power of death and life. What I mean is if you say "I am going to die" a lot, it will happen. Or if you say "I am going to recieve a new house" 5 times a day it will happen. This whole positive affirmation thing. That is stupid. If that were so, it would elimate the use of prayer. This verse simply means that what we say can affect death and life in certain situations. I am confident that more than once someone's words caused another's death.
Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
--Yesterday my mom was talking to me about this verse. She made note that is says "whoever finds a wife", implying it is the husband who should be seeking a wife, and not the other way around. That is not today's trend. Women are constantly searching for a husband in various, and mostly sinful fashions. We have all seen the clothing conservationists. This is all to attract men. And men, trying to find a good wife, usually move towards the most attractive thing. Women have changed the stakes. They want men attracted to their bodies instead of their brains. And they have done a very good job of that. Men don't put up posters praising the minds of women. They praise their physical attractiveness. Modesty is not just so men won't go insane with lust. It is also so men can see something besides a piece of meat. Which, to be honest, is all we see now a days.
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
--I was asked to teach a lesson on friendship and this was one of my main points. You must show yourself friendly. What does that mean? Well, let's look at yesterday's devotion. "A friend loveth at all times". Hmmm....well that pretty much answers that question.
Zechariah 3
Zec 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Zec 3:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
--Satan is standing there to resist God's work. But God showed that His Gospel will be preached no matter what. Satan can resist it, but he can't stop it.
Zec 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
--Joshua was the High Priest of Israel. He was seen as a holy and righteous man. However, before God, he was clothed in filthy garments. Before God, no man is righteous; every man will be dirty and filthy in His sight.
Zec 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
--Praise God. Christ paid for our sins. 'change of raiment'=Christ will clothe us in His own righteousness. Unbelievable. Our God is great!)
Zec 3:8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.
--The branch is Christ. (also, when it mentions Angel of the Lord, that is Christ) This foretells his first coming.
--------As Christians, we always forget the goodness of God. We only focus on the bad things in our lives. I'm sure you have heard this a million times, but once you have received salvation, can anything really bring you down after that? Seriously. Every wrong you have done, or will ever do, is wiped clean. Because of that amazing gift, you are able to spend eternity in Heaven. Christ has taken our filthy garments and clothed us in His righteousness. How great is our God.----------
Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
--Many people try to say this verse is saying that words literally have the power of death and life. What I mean is if you say "I am going to die" a lot, it will happen. Or if you say "I am going to recieve a new house" 5 times a day it will happen. This whole positive affirmation thing. That is stupid. If that were so, it would elimate the use of prayer. This verse simply means that what we say can affect death and life in certain situations. I am confident that more than once someone's words caused another's death.
Pro 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
--Yesterday my mom was talking to me about this verse. She made note that is says "whoever finds a wife", implying it is the husband who should be seeking a wife, and not the other way around. That is not today's trend. Women are constantly searching for a husband in various, and mostly sinful fashions. We have all seen the clothing conservationists. This is all to attract men. And men, trying to find a good wife, usually move towards the most attractive thing. Women have changed the stakes. They want men attracted to their bodies instead of their brains. And they have done a very good job of that. Men don't put up posters praising the minds of women. They praise their physical attractiveness. Modesty is not just so men won't go insane with lust. It is also so men can see something besides a piece of meat. Which, to be honest, is all we see now a days.
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
--I was asked to teach a lesson on friendship and this was one of my main points. You must show yourself friendly. What does that mean? Well, let's look at yesterday's devotion. "A friend loveth at all times". Hmmm....well that pretty much answers that question.
Zechariah 3
Zec 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Zec 3:2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
--Satan is standing there to resist God's work. But God showed that His Gospel will be preached no matter what. Satan can resist it, but he can't stop it.
Zec 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
--Joshua was the High Priest of Israel. He was seen as a holy and righteous man. However, before God, he was clothed in filthy garments. Before God, no man is righteous; every man will be dirty and filthy in His sight.
Zec 3:4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
--Praise God. Christ paid for our sins. 'change of raiment'=Christ will clothe us in His own righteousness. Unbelievable. Our God is great!)
Zec 3:8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.
--The branch is Christ. (also, when it mentions Angel of the Lord, that is Christ) This foretells his first coming.
--------As Christians, we always forget the goodness of God. We only focus on the bad things in our lives. I'm sure you have heard this a million times, but once you have received salvation, can anything really bring you down after that? Seriously. Every wrong you have done, or will ever do, is wiped clean. Because of that amazing gift, you are able to spend eternity in Heaven. Christ has taken our filthy garments and clothed us in His righteousness. How great is our God.----------
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