Proverbs 30
Scripture
Proverbs 30:5-6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. “
Observation-What does it say?
This chapter was written by Agur, son of Jakeh and he wrote this to Ithiel. I studied several commentaries on who these people were and there were differing opinions. While others say that he was a man in Solomon's time, some say that Agur could have been Solomon himself. Others say that Agur was not even the author's real name, but spoke of the character of this man as a collector, who collected the wise sayings of others. Whatever the case, we know that what was written was inspired. This chapter are prophecies from God that were passed on to Ithiel, who was either Agur's child or a student. In the above verse, Agur was teaching Ithiel that the source of all wisdom and truth is found in the word of God.
Understanding-What does it mean?
God's Word is flawless. It is perfect. That's why nothing more should be or needs to be added to it. Adding to it would indicate that there is a flaw in it, but it is flaw-LESS.
Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in Scripture, as well as the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses, speaks all about the word of God and loving His commands.
2 Timothy 3:16-17-"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Here at DSC, we say that where the Word of God is silent, we are silent. We say that it is our Source of all Truth and our lives are based on what it says, not what our emotions say. It is why we post SOUL Journals every day and encourage every one to do the same. Being in God's Word is a discipline that is vital to every Believer's life.
Life Application
In order to experience the transforming power of God's Word in our lives, we must read it, study it and apply it.
As James says in ch. 1:22-24, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect Word. Thank You for men and women of faith who have and are dedicating their lives to read it, study it and apply it in their personal lives. I pray that if we are living a life contrary to Your Word, that You would bring us back to the Truth. I pray we would continually meditate on Your Truth instead of the lies that the enemy and the world throws at us. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path.(Ps. 119:105). Please continue to direct our paths through Your Word and may we submit to its Truths. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Numbers 20
Scripture
Numbers 20:12
“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this chapter, it is revealed why God didn’t allow Moses and his brother Aaron to enter the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey. The people had been grumbling and complaining to the leaders about various things throughout their journey in the wilderness and one of the things was that they were thirsty. God offered a solution to the problem, but Moses took credit for himself AND did not follow God’s instructions completely. In verses 10-11, Moses did not mention God as the One who would provide the water. Instead, he said, “ must WE bring you water out of this rock? (Verse 10). Also, God told Moses to speak to the rock, NOT strike it 2 times with the staff. (Verse 11).
Understanding-What does it mean?
The interesting thing is that even through Moses and Aaron’s disobedience, God still provided water for the Israelites. Moses and Aaron just weren’t allowed to enter the Promised Land as a consequence of their disobedience.
God desires COMPLETE obedience and to be given the honor and glory for it all; not to give the honor and glory to ourselves when miracles, successes, healings, and provision happens.
Life Application
Not everyone should desire to be a teacher or leader. It’s not about the attention of being on stage or having a title or having authority over people, because God judges us more harshly (James 3:1). I’m thankful to be under the leadership of 2 amazing Pastors (Pastor Gary Khan and Pastor Levi Thompson) who have servants’ hearts.
The 3 lessons that I personally take away from this passage are:
-Stop grumbling against God’s appointed leaders, especially during wilderness times/experiences. Trust and obey God through it all, just like Pastor spoke about in his sermon on Sunday.
-Give God ALL the honor and glory for our successes, healings, miracles and provision!
-Obey God and His Word completely 100%, not just 80% or even 99%. 100%! Jesus said, “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Thank You for Your Word Jesus. You have had to walk me through all of these lessons and sometimes have to remind me of them still too. I pray for more faith and Your Holy Spirit to help me trust the leadership You have placed over me completely, follow and obey You completely and always give You glory FIRST for any success and provision in my life. Amen.
Reference:
Biblestudy.org “Why didn’t Moses enter the Promised Land?”
-Michelle Gaddi
John 13
Scripture
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Observation-What does it say?
The time has come for Jesus to leave this Earth and return to His Father in Heaven. In His final lesson for His disciples, Jesus washes their feet. Jesus demonstrates to His disciples the love He has for them. Jesus tells His disciples that they should do the things He has done for them, to others. Jesus gives them a new commandment to love one another the way He has loved them. By doing this, the whole world will know that they are Jesus’ disciples.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Does my love for others show the world that I am a Christ Follower?
Sure it’s easy to show love to others that are nice to me. But am I showing love to the unlovable the way Jesus did? Jesus showed loved to the sick and lame. He loved the social outcasts. When others shunned them out of society, Jesus welcomed them in with open arms. It didn’t matter if you were a leper, a prostitute, or even a tax collector, Jesus made time for you. Jesus loves and welcomes all! The question is does my love do the same? 🤔
“If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew 5:47-48 NLT
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Philippians 2:3-5 NLT
Life Application
Show Christ’s love to someone in need of it today.
It can be a homeless person, a neighbor you don’t really get along with or talk to, or a co-worker who kind of rubs you the wrong way. But these are the people Jesus calls us to minister to…the unlovable. So even though society tells us to avoid these people at all costs, Jesus tells us to love…unconditionally. So how about buying a meal, better yet sharing a meal with them. Or even something as small as starting a conversation with them. Ask and see how they are doing. Look for opportunities to pray for them and demonstrate Christ’s love for them in a tangible way for them to know Him. Let’s build bridges, not walls, so we can reach others and share Jesus’ story and love to a world who desperately needs Him.
-Moses Gaddi