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

Jonah 4

Scripture 

Jonah 4:9-10 

9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” 10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Observation-What does it say? 

Jonah is very angry with God for his compassion over the city of Nineveh. (God relented from his anger towards them and did not bring the destruction he promised). Jonah became very depressed about it and asked the Lord to just take His life. So, God provided for him by giving him a shady plant to ease His discomfort and it made Jonah happy…until, God sent a worm and scorching heat, which withered the plant and led to Jonah being angry and depressed again. Then God asked Jonah if he had a right to be angry about the plant if he didn’t even take care of it, tend to it and make it grow.

Understanding-What does it mean? 

God was trying to teach Jonah about compassion and His specific compassion for the city of Nineveh.

Just like God tended to Jonah in his anger and depression, God was trying to show Jonah why He was concerned about Nineveh. They needed to be loved, cared for and tended to in order to continue to grow. 

Life Application

God is calling us to minister out of our comfort zones.

If 2020 has taught me anything, it’s that Jesus’ compassion and mercy is missing in this world and BOTH sides are guilty! I’ve found myself guilty of it as well. As a result of all the tension and fighting, guess who’s suffering? The people who God has called us to minister to.  Let us not be people who are pushing others away from Christ’s grace, mercy and compassion, but rather be an attractive presence in the life of someone who needs Jesus. Like Pastor says, we are called to be the “atmosphere changers.”

Luke 6:32- “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”

Luke 6:36- “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

-Michelle Gaddi