Tag Archives: the book of Proverbs

February 13
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  (Proverbs 3:5, NIV)

Today’s scripture addresses the proper ordering of both our hearts and our minds.

Our affections and loyalties are nurtured in our heart.  In the life of the Christian disciple, all affections and loyalties are subordinate to one’s love of the Lord.   What He allows, we may allow.  What He prohibits, we must prohibit.

We have complete confidence in this arrangement because we have complete confidence in our heavenly Father.  Therefore, we need not rely on our own reasoning to make sense of things.

Do not be the disciple who says to God, “Show me and I will go,” when He has said, “Go, and I will show you.”  We need first to be obedient.  Understanding will follow.  – Luther

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January 29
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“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.”  (Proverbs 23:17, NASB)

The sinner does not regard the law of the Lord as applicable to him; nor does he consider valid the instructions of his Creator.  The fact is this: We all have been active sinners; dismissive of God’s law and disdainful of His rightful authority.

Are we tempted to envy those we see cruising on sin’s easy boulevard while we endure the inconveniences of the narrow moral road?   Yes!  We feel the tug because of our humanity.  However, we were created for grander purposes.  Do not give-up; and do not give-in to envy.

To “live in the fear of the Lord” is to continuously mindful of the things that matter to the Lord — and to allow your heart to follow the Spirit’s leading.  – Luther

 

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January 25
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“For those who find me find life, and receive favor from the Lord.”  (Proverbs 8: 35, NIV)

(Warning: Another Kansas University reference today! Go Jayhawks!)

The testimony of the Lord is everywhere.  We only need pay attention to see (and hear) it.

As you may remember from yesterday’s posting, today’s scripture, from the book of Proverbs, is inscribed on the museum building of the University of Kansas.  Just across the street and up the block a bit in the Kansas School of Religion is a large stained-glass window of Moses before the burning bush — which is also depicted on the University’s seal.

There it was (and is) for every passerby: An invitation to life, divine favor, and communion with the Holy.

What invitations from God will we see today?  And what will be our response?  – Luther

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