Time, Jesus and the atomic clock

This beautiful, but relatively inexpensive used Swiss pocket watch from the late 1950's, is one of my favorites. It is very accurate but also it is a thing of beauty and I can really relate to it as I grew up on a farm and because it also has roses (my last name is Rose) on the periphery of the dial, so whats not to like? Until yesterday, it was the most accurate pocket watch I owned, but was replaced by the new Hammacher Schlemmer atomic pocket watch that I received yesterday.  The atomic pocket watch is the most accurate watch in existence, as it is a quartz watch that is set by our nation's Cesium atomic clock in Colorado. As I was thinking about this early this morning, my thoughts turned to a departed brother-in-Christ named Arthur Blackwell.  His generosity and genuine love for myself and Linda will always be remembered and with it the many spiritual conversations we had together.  All this brings me to a specific conversation we had, oh so many years ago concerning the nature of God.  To my surprise, he likened God to lightning, the essence of which is static electricity.  In other words, God is found at the very core of energy.  Please read the following and see if you agree....

Colossians, Chapter 1

 3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,  4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints,  5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News, 6 which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;  7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,  8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.  9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;  11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;  12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;  13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;  14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  16 For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.  17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.  18 He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.  19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in him;  20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

If you look into the heart of an atom, Jesus is there; holding it together. For eons, human beings have looked to the skies for direction and understanding time. Now, we have even begun to understand time through the workings of atoms.  But, no matter where we look or how advanced we become, God is there, showing us not only time, but how our lives should be lived.  Words such as wonderful, marvelous and astounding could never do justice to a God who can do such things. Somehow, when I look at my new atomic pocket watch and realize that its accuracy is tied to Jesus, I am reminded of Colossians 1:18 and that Jesus is nearer than hands or feet and closer that breathing!!!  Time will never be the same to me again!!!!!

Oct. 19 Proverbs 30-31

Oct. 19

Proverbs 30-31

Pro 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

Pro 30:2 "Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don't have a man's understanding.

Pro 30:3 I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

Pro 30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know?

Pro 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Pro 30:6 Don't you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

Pro 30:7 "Two things I have asked of you; don't deny me before I die:

Pro 30:8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me;

Pro 30:9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Pro 30:10 "Don't slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn't bless their mother.

Pro 30:12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.

Pro 30:13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.

Pro 30:14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.

Pro 30:15 "The leach has two daughters: 'Give, give.' "There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don't say, 'Enough:'

Pro 30:16 Sheol, the barren womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'

Pro 30:17 "The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.

Pro 30:18 "There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don't understand:

Pro 30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maiden.

Pro 30:20 "So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'

Pro 30:21 "For three things the earth tremble, and under four, it can't bear up:

Pro 30:22 For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food;

Pro 30:23 for an unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.

Pro 30:24 "There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:

Pro 30:25 the ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.

Pro 30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.

Pro 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.

Pro 30:28 You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.

Pro 30:29 "There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going:

Pro 30:30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn't turn away for any;

Pro 30:31 the greyhound, the male goat also; and the king against whom there is no rising up.

Pro 30:32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.

Pro 30:33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."

 

Pro 31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

Pro 31:2 "Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

Pro 31:3 Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

Pro 31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'

Pro 31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

Pro 31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

Pro 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Pro 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

Pro 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."

Pro 31:10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.

Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

Pro 31:14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

Pro 31:15 She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

Pro 31:16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

Pro 31:17 She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night.

Pro 31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

Pro 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.

Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Pro 31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Pro 31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.

Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

Pro 31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you excel them all."

Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.

Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!

Oct. 19 Philippians 4

Oct. 19

Philippians 4

Php 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Php 4:2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.

Php 4:3 Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!

Php 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Php 4:6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

Php 4:9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Php 4:10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.

Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.

Php 4:12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Php 4:14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.

Php 4:15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.

Php 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.

Php 4:17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.

Php 4:18 But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.

Php 4:19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Php 4:21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

Php 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household.

Php 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1 Peter, Chapter 3, Mark Copeland

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

                             Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To examine the duties of wives and husbands to each other

2) To consider the duties that we have to one another as brethren in
   Christ

3) To see how one should prepare for persecution, motivated by the
   example of Christ

4) To note how and in what way baptism now saves us

SUMMARY

Peter continues to describe the duties of Christians living as
sojourners and pilgrims in this world.  He  counsels wives to be
submissive to their husbands and to focus their adornment on the
development of a meek and quiet spirit, like the holy women in the past
who trusted in God (such as Sarah).  For those whose husbands are not
believers, their chaste and respectful conduct may influence them to
respond to the gospel.  Husbands are then instructed to live with their
wives in an understanding way, honoring them as the weaker vessel and as
fellow heirs of the grace of life.  Such treatment would ensure that
their prayers were not hindered (1-7).

Duties toward brethren are then summarized, stressing unity, compassion,
love, kindness, and simple courtesy.  When mistreated by brethren, the
proper response is to extend a blessing, for to such conduct we were
called, that we might inherit a blessing.  As motivation for such
conduct, Peter quotes Psalms 34:12-16 which offers advice to loving life
and seeing good days. The key is to turn from evil and do good, to seek
peace and pursue it.  Those who do so have the assurance that the Lord
watches over them and hears their prayers (8-12).

Peter then turns to the theme of suffering for righteousness' sake.  In
most circumstances, no one will harm you for doing good.  If one suffers
for doing good, they are blessed (cf. 2:19-20; 4:14).  To prepare for
persecution, one should sanctify the Lord God in their heart and be
ready to meekly provide the reason for their hope.  With clear
conscience and good conduct, those who defame and revile them will
likely be ashamed.  If it is God's will that they suffer, let it be for
doing good and not evil (13-17).

To appreciate how suffering for righteousness' sake can be for good,
Peter relates how Jesus suffered for our sins.  Though put to death in
the flesh, Jesus was made alive by the Spirit (cf. Ro 1:4), in which He
preached to spirits in prison who were disobedient in the days of Noah,
and ultimately exalted at the right hand of God with angels, authorities
and powers made subject to Him.  Alluding to the example of Noah's
salvation, Peter says baptism now saves us as an appeal for a good
conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (18-22).


OUTLINE

I. OUR DUTIES AS WIVES AND HUSBANDS (1-7)

   A. THE DUTIES OF WIVES (1-6)
      1. Be submissive to your husbands
         a. That you might win those who are not believers
         b. As they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear
      2. Adorn yourselves properly
         a. Not merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold,
            putting on of fine apparel
         b. With the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
            precious in God's sight
         c. As holy women in the past who trusted God
            1) Adorned themselves
            2) Submitted to their husbands
         d. As Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord
            1) Whose daughters you are
            2) If you do good, not afraid with any terror

   B. THE DUTIES OF HUSBANDS (7)
      1. Dwell with your wives with understanding
      2. Give honor to your wives
         a. As to the weaker vessel
         b. As being heirs together of the grace of life
         c. So your prayers may not be hindered

II. OUR DUTIES AS BRETHREN (8-12)

   A. OUR DUTIES TO EACH OTHER (8-9)
      1. Be of one mind
      2. Have compassion for one another
      3. Love one another as brethren
      4. Tenderhearted, courteous
      5. Not returning evil for evil, or reviling for reviling
         a. On the contrary, respond with a blessing
         b. Knowing that you were called to this, that you might inherit
            a blessing

   B. MOTIVATION TO FULFILL SUCH DUTIES (10-12)
      1. If you would love life and see good days
         a. Refrain your tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit
         b. Turn from evil and do good
         c. Seek peace and pursue it
      2. If you would desire the Lord's favor
         a. For His eyes are on the righteous
         b. For His ears are open to their prayers
         c. But His face is against those who do evil

III. OUR DUTIES AS SUFFERERS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE (13-22)

   A. THINGS TO REMEMBER (13-17)
      1. Who will harm you if you do what is good?
         a. Even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are
            blessed
         b. So don't be afraid of threats, nor be troubled
      2. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts
      3. Always be ready to give a defense
         a. To everyone who asks
         b. For a reason for the hope that is in your
         c. With meekness and fear
      4. Maintain a good conscience
         a. That when others may defame you as evildoers
         b. Those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed
      5. It is better, if it is the will of God...
         a. To suffer for doing good
         b. Than to suffer for doing evil

   B. REASONS TO REMEMBER (18-22)
      1. Christ also suffered once for sins
         a. The just for the unjust
         b. That He might bring us to God
      2. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit
         a. By whom He went and preached to the spirits in prison who
            were formerly disobedient
            1) During the longsuffering of God
            2) In the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared
               a) In which eight souls were saved through water
               b) Which was a type of baptism which now saves us
                  1] Not the removal of the filth of the flesh
                  2] But the answer of a good conscience toward God
                  3] Through the resurrection of Christ
         b. Who has gone in to heaven
            1) And is at the right hand of God
            2) Where angels, authorities, and powers have been made
               subject to Him

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Our duties as wives and husbands (1-7)
   - Our duties as brethren (8-12)
   - Our duties as sufferers for righteousness' sake (13-22)

2) What are wives told to be in regards to their husbands?  Why? (1)
   - Submissive; to convert those husbands who are not yet Christians

3) What does Peter hope the unbelieving husbands will observe in their
   wives? (2)
   - Their chaste conduct accompanied by fear

4) What should not be the focus of their adornment? (3)
   - That which is outward:  arranging the hair, wearing gold, their
     apparel

5) What should be the focus of their adornment (4)
   - The hidden person of the heart:  the incorruptible beauty of a
     gentle and quiet spirit

6) What other women so adorned themselves and were submissive to their
   husbands? (5-6)
   - Holy women of God in the past who trusted in God; specifically,
     Sarah

7) How are husbands to treat their wives? (7)
   - With understanding and honor
   - As to the weaker vessel
   - As heirs together of the grace of life

8) Why should husbands treat their wives so kindly? (7)
   - That their prayers not be hindered

9) What duties do we as brethren have to one another? (8)
   - To be of one mind
   - To have compassion for one another and love as brethren
   - To be tenderhearted, courteous

10) How are we to respond when mistreated by brethren?  Why? (9)
   - With blessing; we were called to so respond, that we may inherit a
     blessing

11) What proscription is offered for those who would love life and see
    good days? (10-11)
   - Refrain the tongue from evil, the lips from speaking deceit
   - Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it

12) What is said of the righteous?  Of those who do evil? (12)
   - The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open
     to their prayers
   - The face of the Lord is against those who do evil

13) What is the general principle regarding persecution? (13)
   - If you do good, you will not be harmed

14) What is said of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake?
    (14)
   - They are blessed

15) How should one prepare themselves for possible persecution? (15-16)
   - Sanctify the Lord God in your heart
   - Be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for
     your hope
   - Have a good conscience

16) If we maintain good conduct, what will happen to those who defame
    and revile us? (16)
   - They will be ashamed

17) If we suffer according to God's will, what is better? (17)
   - To suffer for doing good than for doing evil

18) Who also suffered for righteousness' sake?  For what reason? (18)
   - Christ, the just for the unjust
   - For sins, that He might bring us to God

19) Though put to death in the flesh, what was He able to do by the
    Spirit? (18-19)
   - Preach to the spirits in prison

20) When were such "spirits" disobedient? (20)
   - In the days of Noah, during the longsuffering of God
   - While the ark was preparing

21) Of what is the salvation of eight souls through water a "type"? (21)
   - Baptism which now saves us

22) How does baptism not save us?  How does it save us? (21)
   - Not by the removal of the filth of the flesh
   - As the answer (or plea) of a good conscience toward God, through
     the resurrection of Jesus

23) What was the final outcome of Jesus who suffered for righteousness'
    sake? (22)
   - He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God
   - Angels, authorities, and powers have been made subject to Him

Is this all there is?

Ever felt like this???  Have you ever been so happy that it was a delight to fall into a blissful sleep?  What does it really take to feel this good?  Having all the money you want, finally receiving that big promotion at work, the birth of your firstborn child or the day of your marriage?  I can tell you that I have  accomplished most of these and for awhile I seemed as happy as the dog in the picture.  I remember one morning in 1973 when I worked overnight for Norton Company, that I sat back in my office, put my feet up on my rather large desk and felt this way and it was, OH, so nice.  I was only 24 years old and I realized that I had already progressed to the point where I had a job that at least 30 people I knew envied. Then, after awhile, I asked myself a question that came from a song called "bring in the clowns"; Is this all there is?  And so, I started looking for something better and found it through a gift from a lowly helper who worked on one of the coating machines I supervised.  It was a copy of the living Bible, which in reflection was nothing more than a paraphrase of the genuine Scriptures, but something clicked.  Something deep inside me reassured me that this was what I was looking for; the elusive satisfaction of blessedness that only God can bring.  The prophet Isaiah puts it this way...

Isaiah, Chapter 55

1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which doesn’t satisfy? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 

It has been a number of decades since that eventful morning, but still its memory overshadows all else.  The God of Heaven has come into my life in such a way as to influence everything; absolutely everything!!!  Believe me when I tell you that God has blessed me in ways that I couldn't even imagine in 1973 and treated me far better than I have deserved.  Even though I will never really understand how that dog in the picture feels, I do know the delight God has given me and it simply is too marvelous to put into words.  Take a moment and reflect upon your life and ask yourself this one question: Is this all there is?????

Oct. 18 Proverbs 27-29

Oct. 18

Proverbs 27-29

Pro 27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.

Pro 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Pro 27:3 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

Pro 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Pro 27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.

Pro 27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.

Pro 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.

Pro 27:10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster: better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.

Pro 27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.

Pro 27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

Pro 27:13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!

Pro 27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him.

Pro 27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike:

Pro 27:16 restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.

Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.

Pro 27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.

Pro 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Pro 27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man's eyes are never satisfied.

Pro 27:21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.

Pro 27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.

Pro 27:23 Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds:

Pro 27:24 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.

Pro 27:25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in.

Pro 27:26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.

Pro 27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls. 

 

Pro 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Pro 28:2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

Pro 28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

Pro 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.

Pro 28:5 Evil men don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.

Pro 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

Pro 28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Pro 28:8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

Pro 28:9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Pro 28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.

Pro 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

Pro 28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

Pro 28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Pro 28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

Pro 28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

Pro 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

Pro 28:17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.

Pro 28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

Pro 28:19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Pro 28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

Pro 28:21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

Pro 28:22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.

Pro 28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

Pro 28:24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.

Pro 28:25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.

Pro 28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Pro 28:27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

Pro 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive. 

 

Pro 29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

Pro 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Pro 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Pro 29:4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

Pro 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Pro 29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

Pro 29:7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.

Pro 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Pro 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

Pro 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

Pro 29:11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

Pro 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

Pro 29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

Pro 29:14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

Pro 29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

Pro 29:16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

Pro 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

Pro 29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

Pro 29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

Pro 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Pro 29:21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

Pro 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

Pro 29:23 A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

Pro 29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

Pro 29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

Pro 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.

Pro 29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

Oct. 18 Philippians 3

Oct. 18

Philippians 3

Php 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

Php 3:4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

Php 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

Php 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

Php 3:7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Php 3:8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ

Php 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Php 3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;

Php 3:11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.

Php 3:16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.

Php 3:17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.

Php 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,

Php 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Php 3:21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.