3553.) Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12 (The Message)

If You Love Learning

¹ If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—
how shortsighted to refuse correction!

He who opens a school door, closes a prison.

Victor Hugo
French novelist, statesman, human rights activist
(1802 – 1885)

² A good person basks in the delight of God,
and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers.

³ You can’t find firm footing in a swamp,
but life rooted in God stands firm.

⁴ A hearty wife invigorates her husband,
but a frigid woman is cancer in the bones.

happy couple:  a wife with a good heart and a husband who loves her!

Eve was not taken from Adam’s head, because she was not intended to be his ruler . . . nor from his feet either, because she was not intended to be his slave . . . but from his side, precisely, because she was intended to be his companion.

⁵ The thinking of principled people makes for justice;
the plots of degenerates corrupt.

⁶ The words of the wicked kill;
the speech of the upright saves.

⁷ Wicked people fall to pieces—there’s nothing to them;
the homes of good people hold together.

2 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.

⁸ A person who talks sense is honored;
airheads are held in contempt.

⁹ Better to be ordinary and work for a living
than act important and starve in the process.

¹⁰ Good people are good to their animals;
the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.

Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.

–St. Francis

¹¹ The one who stays on the job has food on the table;
the witless chase whims and fancies.

¹² What the wicked construct finally falls into ruin,
while the roots of the righteous give life, and more life.

Wise People Take Advice

¹³ The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble;
the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.

¹⁴ Well-spoken words bring satisfaction;
well-done work has its own reward.

Tulips in a couple of the one thousand acres of Longwood Gardens, PA.

Kind hearts are the garden,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the blossoms,
Kind deeds are the fruits.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
American poet (1807 – 1882)

¹⁵ Fools are headstrong and do what they like;
wise people take advice.

¹⁶ Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;
the prudent quietly shrug off insults.

Choose NOT to be offended. I was taught this some years ago by my friend Ross, and I love the idea that I can make a choice that will benefit me and honor God!

¹⁷ Truthful witness by a good person clears the air,
but liars lay down a smoke screen of deceit.

¹⁸ Rash language cuts and maims,
but there is healing in the words of the wise.

Healing Words

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.
— Hubert H. Humphrey

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.
— Henri Nouwen

The miracles of the church seem to me to rest not so much upon faces or voices or healing power coming suddenly near to us from afar off, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear what is there about us always.
— Willa Cather

You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.
— C.S. Lewis

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
— Philippians 4:8  (KJV)

¹⁹ Truth lasts;
lies are here today, gone tomorrow.

²⁰ Evil scheming distorts the schemer;
peace-planning brings joy to the planner.

²¹ No evil can overwhelm a good person,
but the wicked have their hands full of it.

²² God can’t stomach liars;
he loves the company of those who keep their word.

²³ Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;
talkative fools broadcast their silliness.

²⁴ The diligent find freedom in their work;
the lazy are oppressed by work.

It is possible to fail in many ways. . . while to succeed is possible only in one way.

Aristotle
Greek critic, philosopher, physicist, zoologist
(384-322 BC)

²⁵ Worry weighs us down;
a cheerful word picks us up.

²⁶ A good person survives misfortune,
but a wicked life invites disaster.

²⁷ A lazy life is an empty life,
but “early to rise” gets the job done.

Early to bed, and early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Benjamin Franklin
author, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, diplomat
(1706-1790)

²⁸ Good men and women travel right into life;
sin’s detours take you straight to hell.

_________________________

Music:

The Gandhi quote at the top of the page has really stayed with me, perhaps because I have had a couple deaths in my circle of friends recently: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow.  Learn as if you were to live forever.”

HERE  Tim McGraw sings some of the same thoughts in his “Live Like You Were Dying,” a song which won the County Music Song of the Year for 2004.

_________________________

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Images courtesy of:

Gandhi quote.   https://chrisdelacruzofficial.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/live-as-if-you-were-to-die-tomorrow-learn-as-if-you-were-to-live-forever-mahatma-gandhi.jpg

school-apple.    http://extraordinarymomsnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/apple-school.jpg

dear friends Sonja and Johan Hinderlie.    http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wwHflP16Wm8/SlgCGi-f0OI/AAAAAAAAES8/EOHXusOYupU/s288/100_4460.jpg

St. Francis with the animals.   https://www.avemariapress.com/dynamicmedia/files/6d06008f1b02bbed0179a06cceb475f0/stfrancis.jpg

Longwood Gardens.    https://longwoodgardens.org/news/press/longwood-gardens%E2%80%99-spring-blooms-recognized-tulip-display-year

Attitude quote.   https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/e112e-17f9dc4d7329c7e3037d8beb43519eb7.jpg

bouquet of flowers.  http://myfsn-ars.flowershopnetwork.com/images/flowerdatabase/alstromeria-lilies-and-roses-everyday.365.jpg 

Work hard.    https://www.askideas.com/60-best-laziness-quotes-and-sayings-for-inspiration/work-hard-and-become-a-leader-be-lazy-and-become-a-slave-2/

Ben Franklin.    http://stevenblair.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/ben-franklin-2.jpg

3552.) Psalm 58

Psalm 58  (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

Speaking to the wicked rulers:

¹ Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word?
    Do you judge the people fairly?

“The abrupt question of verse 1 speaks of long pent-up indignation, excited by protracted experience of injustice.”

–Alexander Maclaren

² No! You plot injustice in your hearts.
    You spread violence throughout the land.

David said they weigh out the violence against others; with careful thought and deliberation they gave it out. “As righteous judges ponder the law, balance the evidence, and weigh the case, so the malicious dispense injustice with malice aforethought in cold blood.” (Spurgeon)

–David Guzik

³ These wicked people are born sinners;
    even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.

David diagnosed the problem of the judges; they were wicked at the root, in their nature, from birth. David understood this of all humanity including himself (Psalm 51:5). 

“Sinful, indeed, we are all by nature, and a birth-blot we bring into the world with us, making us strangers and strayers from God.”

–John Trapp

G.K. Chesterson said that the doctrine of original sin is the only philosophy that has been empirically validated by thirty-five hundred years of human history!

⁴ They spit venom like deadly snakes;
    they are like cobras that refuse to listen,
⁵ ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,
    no matter how skillfully they play.

Speaking to God who judges the wicked:

⁶ Break off their fangs, O God!
    Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord!
⁷ May they disappear like water into thirsty ground.
    Make their weapons useless in their hands.
⁸ May they be like snails that dissolve into slime,
    like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.
⁹ God will sweep them away, both young and old,
    faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.

These are strong words, harsh words! But radical evil demands vengeance from a God of justice.

¹⁰ The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.
    They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

“It is a sickly sentimentality and a wicked weakness that have more sympathy with the corrupt oppressors than with the anger of God.”

–G. Campbell Morgan

¹¹ Then at last everyone will say,
    “There truly is a reward for those who live for God;
    surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”

“Yes, child of God, there is a reward for thee. It is not in vain that thou hast washed thy hands in innocency. But it will not come in the coinage or honour of this age, else it would be evanescent and perishable. God is already giving thee of the eternal and divine – peace, joy, blessedness; and one day thou shalt be fully vindicated.”

–F. B. Meyer

It’s a short psalm! Read it again, in the heart-stirring words of The Message, a retelling by Eugene Peterson:

Psalm 58 (The Message)

A David Psalm

^1-2 Is this any way to run a country?
Is there an honest politician in the house?
Behind the scenes you brew cauldrons of evil,
behind closed doors you make deals with demons.

^3-5 The wicked crawl from the wrong side of the cradle;
their first words out of the womb are lies.
Poison, lethal rattlesnake poison,
drips from their forked tongues—

Deaf to threats, deaf to charm,
decades of wax built up in their ears.

^6-9 God, smash their teeth to bits,
leave them toothless tigers.

Let their lives be buckets of water spilled,
all that’s left, a damp stain in the sand.
Let them be trampled grass
worn smooth by the traffic.
Let them dissolve into snail slime,

be a miscarried fetus that never sees sunlight.
Before what they cook up is half-done, God,
throw it out with the garbage!

^10-11 The righteous will call up their friends
when they see the wicked get their reward,
Serve up their blood in goblets
as they toast one another,
Everyone cheering, “It’s worth it to play by the rules!
God’s handing out trophies and tending the earth!”

_________________________

Music:

And then there is the other side of the coin. As servants of the God of justice, as those who live for God, what can we do to bring his justice and peace and love to the world?  HERE  is “God of Justice” by Tim Hughes. Let us hear the prayer — “Fill us up and send us out, Lord!”

_________________________

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Images courtesy of:

We want justice.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/justice.jpg

Psalm 51:5.   https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/2ab70-capture.png

rattlesnake venom.    https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/black-mamba-venom-morphine-04102012/

toothless tiger.    http://onlyinbridgeport.com/wordpress/talk-to-the-animals-zoo-celebrates-90th-birthday/

snail slime.    http://www.strangehistory.net/2018/02/13/snail-love-spell/

3551.) 1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6   (NIV)

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.

These same principles apply to our occupations today. When we work hard and honor our employers, it glorifies God. But when we are bad workers and disrespectful to our supervisors, it brings shame on the name of Jesus Christ.

–David Guzik (and following notes)

² Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on. ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing.

There are different ways that people do not consent to the truth of God’s Word.

· Some deny God’s Word.

· Some ignore God’s Word.

· Some explain away God’s Word.

· Some twist God’s Word, using it as a toy to be played with in debate and disputes.

One can be surrounded by God’s truth; one can even memorize the Bible, and not have it effect the life for eternity. Curiosity or interest in God’s Word without submission to it is a grave danger.

They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

Very commonly, Christianity is presented today on the basis of what you will gain by following Jesus: personal success and happiness, a stronger family, a more secure life. These things may be true to some degree, but we must never market the gospel as a product that will fix every life problem.

When the gospel is marketed this way, it makes for followers of Jesus who are completely unprepared for tough times. After all, if the “Jesus product” isn’t working, why not try another brand? Also, this sales approach takes the focus off Jesus Himself, and puts the focus on what He will give us. Many have their hearts set on the blessings, not the One who blesses us.

While not ignoring the blessings of following Jesus Christ, we must proclaim the need to follow Jesus because He is God, and we owe Him everything as our Creator. What is right before God, and what glorifies Him, is more important than whatever benefit we may gain. We need to see Christians who are more concerned with what glorifies God than with what benefits me.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Psalm 62:10   (ESV)

If riches increase, set not your heart on them.

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Galatians 5:22-23   (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴ to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Sometimes we think of the early Church as composed entirely of poor people and slaves. Here we see that even as early as this it had its wealthy members. They are not condemned for being wealthy nor told to give all their wealth away; but they are told what not to do and what to do with it.

Their riches must not make them proud. They must not think themselves better than other people because they have more money than they. Nothing in this world gives any man the right to look down on another, least of all the possession of wealth. They must not set their hopes on wealth. In the chances and the changes of life a man may be wealthy today and a pauper tomorrow; and it is folly to set one’s hopes on what can so easily be lost.

They are told that they must use their wealth to do good; that they must ever be ready to share; and that they must remember that the Christian is a member of a fellowship. And they are told that such wise use of wealth will build for them a good foundation in the world to come. 

There is a famous Jewish Rabbinic story. A man had inherited great wealth, but he was a good and a generous man. In time of famine he gave away all his wealth to help the poor. His brothers came to him and said: “Your fathers laid up treasure, and added to the treasure that they had inherited from their fathers, and are you going to waste it all?” He answered: “My fathers laid up treasure below: I have laid it up above. My fathers laid up treasure of Mammon: I have laid up treasure of souls. My fathers laid up treasure for this world: I have laid up treasure for the world to come.”

Every time we could give and do not give lessens the wealth laid up for us in the world to come; every time we give increases the riches laid up for us when this life comes to an end.

The teaching of the Christian ethic is, not that wealth is a sin, but that it is a very great responsibility. If a man’s wealth ministers to nothing but his own pride and enriches no one but himself, it becomes his ruination, because it impoverishes his soul. But if he uses it to bring help and comfort to others, in becoming poorer, he really becomes richer. In time and in eternity “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

–William Barclay

²⁰ Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, ²¹ which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

_________________________

Music:

From verses 15 and 16 — God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

This praise just overflows from Paul’s heart as he thinks about God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! How it must have inspired Timothy! How grateful we are to have it teach us today! We must praise God, too — click  HERE  to join in with Chris Tomlin’s “Our God Is Greater.”

_________________________

New International Version (NIV)   Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

pursue righteousness.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/f2568-1timothy6-11crop.jpg

hearse and uhaul.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1tim6-uhaul-hearse.jpg

dollar bill with heart.   http://lovelogists.blogspot.com/p/short-love-stories.html

Be rich.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1tim6-be-rich.jpg

3550.) 1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5   (NIV)

Widows, Elders and Slaves

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Ephesians 4:32   (KJV)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted . . .

³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. ⁵ The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. ⁷ Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, ¹⁰ and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

¹¹ As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. ¹² Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. ¹³ Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.

¹⁴ So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. ¹⁵ Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

¹⁷ The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” ¹⁹ Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.

Spurgeon advised in Lectures to My Students that when people come to a pastor with gossip, he should say, “Well, all this is very important, and I need to give it my full attention – but my memory isn’t so good and I have a lot to think about. Can you write it all down for me?” Spurgeon says this will take care of it, because they won’t want to write down their gossip.

²⁰ But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. ²¹ I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Leaders who practice favoritism in the workplace have no chance to build a culture of trust.

–Robert Whipple

²² Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

²³ Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Here we have a great truth which the Christian forgets at his peril, that we dare not neglect the body, for often spiritual dullness and aridity come from the simple fact that the body is tired and neglected. No machine will run well unless it is cared for; and neither will the body. We cannot do Christ’s work well unless we are physically fit to do it. There is no virtue–rather the reverse–in neglect of or contempt for the body. 

–William Barclay

²⁴ The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.

The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones.

–William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 3, scene ii

²⁵ In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Hebrews 6:10   (NLT)

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

_________________________

Music:

This chapter gives instructions for how we ought to behave towards others. Over and over Scripture says we are to be loving, kind, gentle, patient, generous . . .  Click  HERE  for the Collingsworth Family and “God’s Family.”

_________________________

New International Version (NIV)   Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

Brothers, mothers, sisters.    http://wallpaper4god.com/wallpapers/1-timothy-512_5482_1280x768.jpg

Galatians 6:10.    http://www.freewebs.com/sewbird/2009%20Summer%20jpg%20files/Galatians%206-10.jpg

We’re not gossiping . . .     https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/28a49-gossipnot.jpg

Let your light so shine, David Gunter.   https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338121884493807452/

3549.) Thankful

Thanksgiving Day, 2022

The Heidelberg Catechism says that belief in the providence of God makes it possible for us to be “thankful when things go well” and “patient when things go against us” (Q&A 28). So sometimes we are thankful, and sometimes we are patient. Paul sums things up this way. He says it is God’s will for us to be thankful “in all circumstances.”

Really? Well, it may help to note that Paul is not saying we should be thankful for all circumstances but in them. When things seem to go against us, I think God expects us to be grateful that his hand holds us and helps us to endure under the strain. That’s a big challenge–to look for reasons to be thankful when the going is tough.

Sometimes it can be equally difficult for us to be thankful when things are going well. We might not think it would be that way. After all, when things go well, we have so much to be grateful for. But the very nature of human beings, even if we are Christian, is to overlook the crowd of God’s good gifts to us every day.

Let me suggest that today you sit still where you are and exercise the gift of noticing. Notice what you see, what you have, and who is with you. Notice the color, beauty, and variety around you. Keep noticing, and make a list of the gifts you notice. Then give thanks to God, the great giver!

O great Creator and Giver of all gifts, give us today the great gift of being able to notice all your gifts. Open our hearts to a spirit of thanksgiving, we pray. For Jesus’ sake, Amen

–all from Rev. Howard Vanderwell 

_________________________

Music:

HERE  is “Thank You, Lord” by Dennis Jernigan.

_________________________

3548.) 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4   (NIV)

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

We find the first demonic doctrine in Genesis 3. There Satan, speaking through a serpent, taught Eve: You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God (Genesis 3:4-5). Since then, every demonic doctrine has found its way back to this root: the idea that we can be gods, and operate independently from God.

–David Guzik

² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

The word “hypocrite” suggests “wearing a mask.” I think of how many leaders–spiritual and political and financial–have been disgraced because they proclaimed one thing, but behaved personally in the opposite fashion.

³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

This passage (verses 6 through 10) is close–packed with practical advice, not only for Timothy, but for any servant of the Church who is charged with the duty of work and leadership:

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

Training oneself to be godly involves reading and studying the Bible, praying, meditating, witnessing to others, participating in worship and Christian fellowship. There must be exercise and effort, because we do not simply drift . . . la, la, la . . . into godliness.

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

(i) It tells us how to instruct others. The word used does not mean to issue orders but rather to advise, to suggest. It is a gentle, humble, and modest word. It means that the teacher must never dogmatically and pugnaciously lay down the law. It means that he must act rather as if he was reminding men of what they already knew or suggesting to them, not that they should learn from him, but that they should discover from their own hearts what is right. Guidance given in gentleness will always be more effective than bullying instructions laid down with force. Men may be led when they will refuse to be driven.

(ii) It tells us how to face the task of teaching. Timothy is told that he must feed his life on the words of faith. No man can give out without taking in. He who would teach must be continually learning. It is the reverse of the truth that when a man becomes a teacher he ceases to be a learner; he must daily know Jesus Christ better before he can bring him to others.

(iii) It tells us what to avoid. Timothy is to avoid profitless tales like those which old women tell to children. It is easy to get lost in side-issues and to get entangled in things which are at best embroideries. It is on the great central truths that a man must ever feed his mind and nourish his faith.

(iv) It tells us what to seek. Timothy is told that as an athlete trains his body, so the Christian must train his soul. It is not that bodily fitness is despised. The Christian faith believes that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. But Paul is pleading for a sense of proportion. Physical training is good, and even essential; but its use is limited. It develops. only part of a man; and it produces only results which last for so short a time, for the body passes away. Training in godliness develops the whole man in body, mind and spirit, and its results affect not only time, but eternity as well. 

(v) It shows us the basis of the whole matter. No one has ever claimed that the Christian life is an easy way; but its goal is God It is because life is lived in the presence of God and ends in his still nearer presence, that the Christian is willing to endure as he does. The greatness of the goal makes the toil worth while.

–William Barclay

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

from Experiencing God Day-by-Day,
by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

LET NO ONE LOOK DOWN ON YOU

Timothy was a sincere young man who earnestly desired to serve the Lord. Yet certain weaknesses in Timothy’s life hindered him from serving God confidently. Timothy was very young to be a religious leader, and apparently some doubted his abilities. Timothy had a tender nature and was sickly (1 Timothy 5:23). His was an inauspicious beginning for a young minister of the gospel in an age of persecution!

Paul urged Timothy not to allow his youthful insecurity to blunt his zeal and faithfulness in doing what God had told him. Rather than arguing with those who criticized Timothy, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness. Paul advised Timothy to live a life that was so spotless in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity that his life could serve as a model for others in the church to follow. Timothy’s life was to be the evidence that God had called him. God looked beyond Timothy’s youth, timidity, and physical weakness and saw his sincere heart.

As you seek to follow God’s will, you may identify with Timothy. Perhaps some things about you seem to disqualify you from serving the Lord effectively. You may be sensitive because you are a new Christian or because you come from a sinful past. Perhaps you have little education or money or social status. You may have previously experienced failure in your service for God. Don’t allow this to intimidate you from following God’s will. Your area of weakness may be God’s means of demonstrating His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). Allow God to demonstrate His call upon you by transforming your life into a model of godliness.

¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

“And just as the unfaithfulness or negligence of a pastor is fatal to the Church, so it is right for its salvation to be ascribed to his faithfulness and diligence. It is indeed true that it is God alone who saves and not even the smallest part of His glory can rightly be transferred to men. But God’s glory is in no way diminished by His using the labour of men in bestowing salvation.”

–John Calvin

_________________________

Music:

The older I get, the more I love children and youth and young men and women. So much wonderful potential! I remember that when I first heard this piece by Kurt Bestor and Sam Cardon, I was moved to tears.  For all the children who have no one to help them grow into a full life, to give them love and to teach them well — Lord, have mercy.   Click  HERE  to hear the Gondwana Singers and “The Prayer of the Children.”

_________________________

New International Version (NIV)   Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

Don’t let anyone think less of you.  https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/8d8e2-1tim412.jpg

wearing a mask.    http://s3.hubimg.com/u/3840542_f496.jpg

Don’t let anyone look down on you.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/93855-1timothy4.12.jpg

3547.) 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3   (NIV)

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

Only the Holy Spirit of God can make a man an elder. This is clear in Acts 20:28 — Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. The Holy Spirit lays a burden on a man’s heart to take up this important work and also equips him for it. 

–William MacDonald (and all following notes)

² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

One does not lead by lording it over others, but by providing a good example. Qualifications include personal character, the witness of the home, teaching aptitude, and a measure of experience. These are God’s standards for any who would exercise spiritual leadership in the local church.

⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the New Testament, it is generally understood that a deacon is one who cares for the temporal affairs of the local church, whereas bishops (overseers) care for its spiritual life.

¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

There were women deacons in the early church:

Romans 16:1-2   (NIV)

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household . . .

The theme of the book of 1 Timothy is set forth quite clearly in verses 14 and 15. Paul states here quite simply that there is a standard of behavior for the church of God and that he is writing to Timothy to enable him to know it.

It is not enough to say to a child who is misbehaving, “Behave yourself!” if the child does not know what is expected in the way of good behavior. He must be told first what good behavior is. 1 Timothy does this for the child of God in relation to the church of God.

. . . in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

The church must be, very consciously, the place where God is. This makes a church more attractive than anything else.

The Church is God’s house because…

· He is the Architect.

· He is the Builder.

· He lives there.

· He provides for it.

· He is honored there, and He rules there.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.

_________________________

Music:

The last verse tells us that the previously unknown truth concerning who Jesus is and what he does is now known, and it is marvelous and wonderful! The lines which summarize Jesus’ life sound almost like a fragment of a hymn, and remind me of one of my favorite hymns: “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation,” sung  HERE  by the Harvard University Choir. Text: Latin, trans. John Mason Neale; Music: Henry Purcell.

1. Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion’s help forever,
and her confidence alone.

2. All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.

3. To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of hosts, today:
with thy wonted loving-kindness
hear thy people as they pray;
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.

4. Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee to gain,
what they gain from thee forever
with the blessed to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.

5. Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One,
One in might, and One in glory,
while unending ages run.

_________________________

New International Version (NIV)   Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

the pillar and support.    http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/NT/Pauline/PastRes/Church_Pillar.gif

What does a good leader look like?    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1tim3-good-leader.jpg

Behave yourself.    http://image.spreadshirt.com/image-server/v1/designs/11772399,width=190,height=190/behave-yourself.png

3546.) 1 Timothy 2

“Mary consoles Eve.” Crayon and pencil by Sr. Grace Remington, OCSO. Copyright 2005, Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey

1 Timothy 2   (NIV)

Instructions on Worship

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

The early church leader Tertullian explained:  “We pray for all the emperors, that God may grant them long life, a secure government, a prosperous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, an obedient people; that the whole world may be in peace; and that God may grant, both to Caesar and to every man, the accomplishment of their just desires.”

³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

So it is both our privilege and our obligation to pray for “all people” — a privilege to approach God’s throne in behalf of others, and an obligation to the sacrifice that Jesus has made for us.

⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

In the modern world most people think that any road leads to God, if followed sincerely or with a good heart. The Bible does not support this idea. Jesus said, in John 14:6 :  “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 

And David Guzik has another perspective:  Many people think that God would be unfair or narrow minded to have only one way to salvation; but the thought needs to be turned over. To say that God is unfair for this, one would have to look at Jesus dying on the cross – the spotless Son of God, came from heaven and lived humbly and died in horrific agony, both physical and spiritual – to look at Jesus on the cross and say, “Thanks God; I appreciate the gesture, but that isn’t enough. You’re going to have to do a little more than that, because that is only one way and if You are fair You will make several ways.”

⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

Mother Teresa wore a sari that cost $1 but clothed herself with good deeds done in Jesus’ name.

Being overdressed is inappropriate; being expensively dressed is not a spiritual gift; the best garment is action which reflects the love of Christ.

¹¹ A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. ¹² I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. ¹³ For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. ¹⁵ But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

v.13 – Both Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, and Eve clearly sinned first. Yet, the Bible never blames Eve for the fall of the human race, but always blames Adam (through one man sin entered the world, Romans 5:12).

v.14 – In the original Greek language, the verse reads she will be saved in the childbirth. This has the sense, “Even though women were deceived, and fell into transgression starting with Eve, women can be saved by the Messiah – whom a woman brought into the world.”

The summary is this: Don’t blame women for the fall of the human race; the Bible doesn’t. Instead, thank women for bringing the Messiah to us.

–David Guzik

We must not read this passage as a barrier to all women’s service within the Church, but in the light of its Jewish and its Greek background. And we must look for Paul’s permanent views in the passage where he tells us that the differences are wiped out, and that men and women, slaves and freemen, Jews and Gentiles, are all eligible to serve Christ.

–William Barclay

_________________________

Music:

From An Indigo Christmas with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, a Canadian choral group that specializes in Afrocentric music of all styles — Melissa Davis leads “Mary Had a Baby.”  You have a heart of stone if you do not enjoy this rendition!!  Click  HERE  and thank the Lord for Mary and all mothers, and for God and all earthly fathers, and for Jesus and all sons and daughters.

_________________________

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

Mary consoles Eve.    http://lionessblog.com/2011/12/12/virgin-mary-consoles-eve/

Pray for the world.    http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhweg0q9Xc1qf325bo1_500.jpg

God has provided the only way.    https://kingdom777.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/1tim2-cross-bridge.jpg

Mother Teresa.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/ac65b-1blogmotherteresa.jpg

3545.) 1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1   (NIV)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior

Paul, in his self-description, emphasized his credentials (apostle) and authority (by the commandment of God). He did this both as a personal encouragement to Timothy and so the letter could be used as a letter of reference before any erring Ephesian Christians.

It seems that 1 Timothy was written by Paul to Timothy sometime after his release from Roman imprisonment as described at the end of Acts, and written from Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3).

Apparently, after his release (hoped for in Philemon 1:22 and Philippians 1:25-26 and Philippians 2:24), Paul returned to the city of Ephesus. There he discovered that during his absence Ephesus had become a storm center of false teaching (a sad fulfillment of the prediction he had made to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-30).

Paul probably dealt with the leaders of the heresy personally, but soon found it necessary to leave for Macedonia. He then left Timothy in charge of affairs at Ephesus, as his own personal representative. He knew that Timothy had a tough job to carry out, so he hoped that this letter would both equip and encourage him in the task.

–David Guzik (and following notes)

and of Christ Jesus our hope,

² To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Paul could consider Timothy a true son in the faith because he probably led him and his mother to the Lord on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-20 and Acts 16:1).

Timothy was a resident of Lystra, a city in the province of Galatia (Acts 16:1-3). He was the son of a Greek father (Acts 16:2) and a Jewish mother named Eunice (2 Timothy 2:5). From his youth he was taught in the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Tim 3:15).

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

Paul left the Ephesian Christians with a particular set of teachings (which he had received from Jesus and the Old Testament). He was concerned that Timothy did everything he could to make sure the Ephesians continue in that doctrine.

Paul did this because doctrine is vitally important to God. Today, what one believes — that is, their doctrine — is staggeringly unimportant to most people. This spirit of the modern age has also heavily influenced Christians. We live in a day where Pilate’s question What is truth? (John 18:38) is answered today, “Whatever it means to you.” But truth is important to God, and should be important to us. Remember that one of the pieces of the full armor of God is the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). And we are told that “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” ((John 8:32).  

⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶ Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

⁸ We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. ⁹ We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine ¹¹ that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

Paul tells Timothy that sound doctrine and right conduct are vitally connected.

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

We often see our Christian service as a matter of volunteering. Yet as Christians, in regard to Jesus and His church, we are not volunteers. We are slaves. We are duty bound servants of Jesus, and faithfulness is expected of such servants. You don’t have to be smart to be faithful; you don’t have to be talented or gifted. Faithfulness is something very down-to-earth, and every one of us can be faithful in the sphere God has given us.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, ¹⁹ holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

We see that Paul was not afraid to point out opponents of the truth by name, as he said to do in Romans 16:17. This was not a contradiction of Jesus’ command not to judge (Matthew 7:1-5). Bible commentator Warren W. Wiersbe wrote:  “While Christians are not to judge one another’s motives or ministries, we are certainly expected to be honest about each other’s conduct.”

_________________________

Music:

From verse 17:  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

HERE is a hymn (one of my favorite hymns!) based on this verse.

_________________________

New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Images courtesy of:

Paul’s letter to the disciple.    http://40daysofstudy.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/1-timothy-1.jpg

Psalm 43:5.   https://www.pinterest.com/pin/561683384762129906/?autologin=true

Let the words of my mouth.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/52164-psalm19-1428129.jpg

immortal, invisible.    http://cccooperagency.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/ss_1timothy1-17.jpg

3544.) Proverbs 11

“The righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” — Proverbs 11:28

Proverbs 11 (The Message)

Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way

¹God hates cheating in the marketplace;
he loves it when business is aboveboard.

² The stuck-up fall flat on their faces,
but down-to-earth people stand firm.

³ The integrity of the honest keeps them on track;
the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.

⁴ A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart,
but a principled life can stand up to the worst.

⁵ Moral character makes for smooth traveling;
an evil life is a hard life.

⁶ Good character is the best insurance;
crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.

⁷ When the wicked die, that’s it—
the story’s over, end of hope.

⁸ A good person is saved from much trouble;
a bad person runs straight into it.

⁹ The loose tongue of the godless spreads destruction;
the common sense of the godly preserves them.

a poster from World War II

WHAT COMES OUT OF YOUR MOUTH?

from Experiencing God Day-by-Day,
by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? Do you frequently and spontaneously offer prayers for others? Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father.

Or do you often regret your words? Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said? Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tend to criticize others? Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? Does your mouth spew grumbling and complaints? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God’s heart.

You may say, “Oh, but that’s just the way I am! I am always saying the wrong thing!” Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit (see James 3:3-10). A sanctified mouth is a wonderful instrument for the Lord. A heart like the father’s heart will produce only pure and loving words. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others.

¹⁰ When it goes well for good people, the whole town cheers;
when it goes badly for bad people, the town celebrates.

¹¹ When right-living people bless the city, it flourishes;
evil talk turns it into a ghost town in no time.

¹² Mean-spirited slander is heartless;
quiet discretion accompanies good sense.

¹³ A gadabout gossip can’t be trusted with a secret,
but someone of integrity won’t violate a confidence.

“Gossip” by Norman Rockwell.

He who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter: The man or woman of wisdom – those of a faithful spirit – knows there is an appropriate time to conceal a matter. There are times when love and wisdom guide to privacy.

–David Guzik

¹⁴ Without good direction, people lose their way;
the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

People need leadership and guidance. God has given systems and structures of authority, and those in leadership need to be able to give wise counsel. Bible commentator John Trapp wrote:  “One special thing the early Christians prayed for the emperor was, that God would send him Senatum fidelem, a faithful council.” 

¹⁵ Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned;
if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.

¹⁶ A woman of gentle grace gets respect,
but men of rough violence grab for loot.

A God-Shaped Life

¹⁷ When you’re kind to others, you help yourself;
when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.

_________________________

Music:

HERE  is “We Can Be Kind”  sung by Nancy Lamott. Many times it seems that the simplest things are the things that make the difference!

_________________________

¹⁸ Bad work gets paid with a bad check;
good work gets solid pay.

¹⁹ Take your stand with God’s loyal community and live,
or chase after phantoms of evil and die.

²⁰ God can’t stand deceivers,
but oh how he relishes integrity.

²¹ Count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free,
and God’s loyal people will triumph.

²² Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful face on an empty head.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye.”

–Miss Piggy

²³ The desires of good people lead straight to the best,
but wicked ambition ends in angry frustration.

²⁴ The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

“The Miser” by Tsaritsa Maria Fyodorovna (mother of Tsar Nicholas II), 1890.

The Miser

A miser once dreamed he had given away
Some bread to the beggar he’d met in the day.
He woke with a start and solemnly swore
That as long as he lived he would slumber no more.

²⁵ The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.

²⁶ Curses on those who drive a hard bargain!
Blessings on all who play fair and square!

²⁷ The one who seeks good finds delight;
the student of evil becomes evil.

²⁸ A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

²⁹ Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air;
common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.

³⁰ A good life is a fruit-bearing tree;
a violent life destroys souls.

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

“The fruit of the righteous – that is to say his life – is not a thing fastened upon him, but it grows out of him…. Look to it more and more that your religion is real, true, natural, vital – not artificial, constrained, superficial, a thing of times, days, places, a fungus produced by excitement, a fermentation generated by meetings and stirred by oratory. We all need a religion which can live either in a wilderness, or in a crowd; a religion which will show itself in every walk of life, and in every company.”

–Charles Haddon Spurgeon

³¹ If good people barely make it,
what’s in store for the bad!

_________________________

The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Images courtesy of:

green tree.    https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/tree3.jpg

Bernie Madoff.    https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/dec/06/hsbc-bernard-madoff-lawsuit

Everything happens for a reason.   https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/da/b4/f7/dab4f70586ac0eb54b95fc2e96caa10f.jpg

“Loose lips sink ships” poster.    https://www.allposters.com/-sp/Loose-Lips-Sink-Ships-Posters_i16261328_.htm?upi=Q1I539GO1ZLN

Rockwell.    http://www.nrm.org/wp2016/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Gossips_web.jpg

Psalm 19:14.   https://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/prov11-words.jpg

Miss Piggy.    https://jadensadventures.fandom.com/wiki/Miss_Piggy

Fyodorovna.    http://01varvara.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/maria-fyodorovna-the-miser-1890-e1268345929496.jpg

fruit and verse 30.    https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/00/89/00/02/240_F_89000280_eied5nOCJmGU1hx5QfCIGHQSkuwSrdcL.jpg