Proverbs__25

Scripture 

Proverbs 25:21-22  If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you. Observation-What does it say?  This group of proverbs, written by Solomon, were collected and revived into worship during the reign of Hezekiah.  Hezekiah’s reign was documented in the books of 2 Kings 18-20 and 2 Chronicles 29.  He was the son of Ahaz, who robbed the temple of it’s gold and led Judah to be nearly destroyed.  Hezekiah’s primary concern was to bring the temple back to its purpose, which was the worship of the Lord. “He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembled them in the square on the east side and said: “Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary” (2 Chronicles 29:4-5).  In this particular collection of Solomon’s proverbs, comparisons are employed more than contrasts to display truths of God (i.e. a good word is like snow in the time of harvest, unexpected and refreshing).  These comparisons are coupled with instructions on how to live in a way that honors God. Understanding-What does it mean?  I’m not a total weirdo, but I have been listening to Christmas music since December 26, 2019.  Not everyday, but a lot since I have had the “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack in the CD player in my car that whole time.  It seems passe to even have a CD in a car nowadays, similar to having an 8-track player in a car in the early 90’s.  Nevertheless, I listen to the soundtrack of my favorite movie, by my favorite jazz group, which reminds me of my favorite time of year.   Throughout the whole movie, Charlie knows something is missing from his Christmas experience.  We even get a visual contrast, in that tiny Christmas tree contrasted against the ‘big aluminum tree’, of what the world expects of the time of year of the celebration of Christ’s birth.  The climax of the movie, brought on by Charlie’s cry, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”  Linus steps up, “Lights please!”, and quotes Luke 2:8-14 “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Even amidst the craziness of Christmas, it is important to take the time to remember that we are called to adopt the attitude which was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8), an attitude of a servant.  “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28).  Jesus embodied the spirit of this proverb and was constantly a thorne in the side of the Sadducees and Pharisees.  But it His love that draws us in close to him still, nearly 2000 years after his death.  In the movie, the moment Christ’s love is made apparent is the moment that the whole Peanuts gang begins to care for more than the glitz of the season and the tree comes into a new life.   Life Application  Jesus, beyond the presents and the songs, help me to be a servant during this time of year and this upcoming year.  Help me prepare myself for the upcoming season of fasting.  Fill my heart with your joy to a point of overflowing.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3Ia6msMFw -Tyler Galloway   

Proverbs_24

Scripture - What stood out?Proverbs 24

Saying 21

3 By wisdom a house is built,    and through understanding it is established;4 through knowledge its rooms are filled

    with rare and beautiful treasures.Observation - What does it say?Proverbs 24 continues the collection of sayings (the book itself being credited to King Solomon’s authorship) ending at saying number 30. Understanding - What does it mean?This year was supposed to be many things and one of my greatest hopes for it was to get my house in order. Literally. I wanted to own a house by this year. That didn’t happen. I was never in position financially, and when the pandemic hit somehow real estate prices went even higher. I have tried to work really hard at becoming a better manager of my finances in preparation for one day possibly owning a home. And so I was not surprised when this verse stood out to me.I am grateful for the work that I have put into fixing my finances. I look forward to one day owning a home. These verses however made me think how practical it would be to apply this verse to my “spiritual house” instead of just my literal one. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are vital to a healthy home. As I walk through some of my past, my emotions, and my journey with God and I endeavor to build that spirit filled life - it makes me think that wisdom, understanding and knowledge are so important to the health of my spiritual house.Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?I have been grappling with my emotions lately. And thankfully I live in a society where I have a moment to reflect on my past, present, and future. I guess the question I am left asking God is what would my spiritual home have looked like if I was twenty years old again and seeking God’s wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Would not my soul as well as my heart be in such a better place?And so God I seek you this day. May my pursuit of your wisdom be never ending. No matter how bad or how good life on earth may seem. May I continue to pursue Your knowledge that my home both literal and figurative may be filled with Your rare and beautiful treasures. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Proverbs__23

Scripture

Proverbs 23:4-5 

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.”

Observation-What does it say?

King Solomon warns people about chasing earthly riches. King Solomon knows the “Big Picture” here. He knows that our time here on earth is just temporary; that you can’t bring those riches with you when you die. And that at any given moment it can be all taken away from you. So don’t let greed get a hold of you. Be content with what you have and focus your attention on more important things.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Where are my priorities?

Where is all my time and efforts being spent in life? Is it chasing after that American dollar and the American dream, (big house, fancy car, and extravagant “toys”)? Or is it chasing after the mission that God has called me to do (helping others in need and multiplying Christ Followers everywhere)?

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33

I am thankful that God has blessed me with a job that offers overtime and opportunities to make a little extra money to help out around the house, but I’m also aware that God doesn’t want me to lose my focus (on Him) while doing so.  I will work to make a living and even work overtime at times to bring in a little extra, but I do whatever it takes not to neglect my time with God, His family, and my family when doing so and I believe God has been faithful to me because of it.

Life Application

Build God’s Kingdom, not mine.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 

-Moses Gaddi