A Spiritual Guide

Develop A Lasting Relationship 07.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 28, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 27-31 in your Bible ot Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027-31&version=9

Today we will read and learn about advice given to the wise; Agur’s confession of his faith; the words of King Lemuel; and the praise of a good wife. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that our activities should not dishonor the Lord.

If we love someone, we want to be with them and to know what pleases them so that we can develop a lasting relationship. We also want to know what they dislike so that we can avoid words or actions that would displease them. Surely, this should also be an important consideration in our relationship with our Lord as well. “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” (Proverbs 28:5-8).

How can God be attentive to what we have to say if we are not interested in learning what God likes and dislikes about the things that we do. That is why it is so important to learn God’s Word, He even tells us how we are to pray so that we are not asking for something that will cause harm to ourselves or others. “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (28:9).

We can not ask God for things that go against His teaching. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (I John 3:18-22).

The Book ends by describing the virtuous woman, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (31:10-12). The admirable description of the virtuous woman (31:10-31) sets a standard that most Christian wives and mothers pray they can live up to, but there is an underlying behavior pattern here which outlines what God is looking for from all of us, to be godly.

Godly people are to have a heart of compassion and show it through deeds of mercy, even the clothes we wear have an impact on our relationship with God. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18).

The conclusion is that all of us, men and women alike, will be greatly blessed because we fear (respect) the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” (Proverbs 8:13-14).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who ascended to and descended from heaven (Proverbs 30:4). Jesus is the only one that ascended to and descended from heaven. “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (John 3:13).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Today, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to dishonoring You, we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from You and keep our hearts in oneness with You. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great day and week!

God Bless,
Christina

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