Proverbs_11
Scripture:
Proverbs 11:24-25
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Observation:
Proverbs is always full of wisdom and teachings, though written in biblical times, seem just as relevant today.
Understanding:
I think current times have shown the truth of these verses.
As we saw when the news of COVID-19 first hit, people began to “withhold unduly” as they filled their cupboards leaving the store shelves empty for others…sometimes those who needed it most.
Our life example, though, should follow that of our Father – one [who] gives freely…both to God and to those who He puts in our lives.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. – Malachi 3:10
This is one area where God invites that we test Him. Awesome thing is, God is an extravagant giver. When we give freely, with trust in God as our provider, we gain even more. He cannot be outgiven.
Life Application:
Live and give generously.
May we be a source of refreshing…but recognize the source of our own refreshing.
May we be filled to overflowing, then pour out of our abundance.
Go love on somebody! <3
Rei
Proverbs_10
Scripture: Proverbs 10:22 It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it.
Observation: As evidenced by the first verse, this Proverb is written by King Solomon. Through the next 12 chapters, Solomon gives a laundry list of contrasts of righteousness and wickedness. “Each proverb is complete in itself, though some are linked by words or themes into series. They reveal sound psychology and accurate observation of life. They demonstrate the outworking of wisdom and folly in the practical business of living”(Alexander, P. & Alexander, D.). Without giving the reader strict rules for life, Solomon gives us something that is a little more general, which can be applied to all of life’s circumstances and still point us directly to God.
Understanding: My boys like the Star Wars movies. Well really anything related to Star Wars, especially the Lego Star Wars. And being that I really can’t stand the movie franchise, it’s as if I am being tortured all the time. At some point or another, I have a kid asking me about different make-believe characters, planets, weapons, animals… it’s really never ending. Not to say they aren’t good stories, I just prefer to have my fantasies be a little more down to earth (no pun intended) and believable. So I have tried to get my boys into westerns.
One of the aspects of the movies, as a franchise, that gets to me is the repetition of the same plot. The world is going bad, they look to this tiny group of zealots for a hero, a hero emerges and the world is saved. Temporarily. Eventually, the bad finds a way and they have to find a new hero. They could make the same three movies over and over and over again and people will still watch them, no matter how predictable they are.
When we experience a crisis, humans react in the same way. Something unexpected arises and we lose faith in humanity. I mean, I still can’t find any toilet paper. But, God has been calling to us from the beginning, letting us know that he has always been the hope we need. When we seek him for that hope, He makes us rich in ways we cannot even imagine and he does not dissapoint. As the verse states, he does it without sorrow.
God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), so we owe it to ourselves to discover the goodness that comes in looking to Him for our hope. Even though that may require some effort on our part. We know from scripture that the effort will not leave us empty. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:5-6
Life Application: Jesus, You are my hope and my salvation. Even though the world seems to be falling apart around me, I know You have been there from the beginning. You are the same hope from yesterday and will be tomorrow, I don’t have to look for a new one. Your plans are secure.
Isaiah_25
Scripture – What stood out?
Isaiah 25:1 Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
Observation – What does it say?
In this chapter the prophet Isaiah continues to deliver God’s message which forecasts the undoing of the nation of Moab, reveals the might of God, His character and predicts God’s future victory.
Understanding – What does it mean?
I remember reading the bible at an early age and even listening to certain songs and thinking to myself, there certainly is a lot of hyperbole to describe this God person. While reading verse 1 of this chapter the words “perfect faithfulness” and “wonderful” stood out to me. And for the briefest moment I remembered how I once thought of descriptors like this as exaggerated prose to describe this mysteriously perfect Creator.
But that is no longer the case for me. I’m not sure when the shift happened, but it did. To say that God is perfectly faithful isn’t Isaiah’s attempt at hyperbole. It’s an accurate description.
And as I held on to this thought I read about Paul battling with the thorn in his flesh, a messenger from satan. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 he writes “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Life Application – How can I apply this to my life today?
I don’t ever want to lose the perspective that God is perfectly faithful doing wonderful things planned long ago. And my hope is that if I hang onto that, then when I am asking God to remove some of my thorns, I will be able to accept it more easily when God tells me “My grace is sufficient. My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Lord, may I continue to learn about Your true nature and retain it in my heart and my spirit. Continue to guide my understanding of You.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee
Isaiah_24
Scripture
Isaiah 24:1-3 NLT
“Look! The Lord is about to destroy the earth and make it a vast wasteland. He devastates the surface of the earth and scatters the people. Priests and laypeople, servants and masters, maids and mistresses, buyers and sellers, lenders and borrowers, bankers and debtors—none will be spared. The earth will be completely emptied and looted. The Lord has spoken!”
2 Corinthians 10
Scripture
2 Corinthians 10:17-18-17 But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[b] 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Observation-What does it say?
Understanding-What does it mean?
Paul did not seek glory for himself. He was trying to prove to the church that what he writes in his letters would translate the same if he was in person with them. I love the statement he gave at the end of this chapter. He boasts in the Lord, not in himself. God is the one who approves us, not men (or people).
Life Application
The good works we do should boast of the Lord’s goodness, not our own. It gives us an “in” to share the Gospel message and our own testimony of His faithfulness and goodness in our lives, with others.
We do our Good Works not so that we can get a pat on the back or praise from people, but so that God would be glorified through them.
“Good Works lead to Good Will that leads to the Good News.” -Pastor Gary Khan
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your Good Works, and Glorify your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16 NKJV
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every Good Work.” -2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
What good works have you done in the past couple of weeks? Please share in the comment section so that we can give each other ideas of ways to continue to be on mission for Jesus Christ, even through this time. Thank you and blessings to you all!
-Michelle Gaddi
2 Corinthians_9
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Observation:
Paul is writing to the Corinthian Christians who were already well known for their willingness to give – so much so that they were an example to others.
Understanding:
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. -Matthew 7:20
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:35
Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to live a life of example – both in our love and our generosity.
Our giving should be…
- abundant, bountiful
- from a right and cheerful heart
- for each one (everyone should give of what’s been given to them)
- what’s been decided in our hearts (with the Holy Spirit’s prompting, but without coercion or manipulation)
As a result, our giving will be blessed and with abundance. God is SO GOOD in that way! He provides beyond what can be imagined, beyond expectation. He’s the best provider, the best gift giver, outgiving even our best attempts.
Life Application:
May we be crazy generous right now – with those we know, those we don’t. May we listen in the stillness, quiet our hearts and hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit…whether it’s to share of an abundance of food, our last roll of toilet paper, a gift of soap or hand sanitizer or just an encouraging word.
May we be known by our actions, our fruits and our love for others. Go love on somebody! <3
Rei
2 Corinthians_8
Scripture 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Observation-What does it say? In chapters 8 and 9, Paul discusses generosity with the church in Corinth. Specifically, he was addressing the collection of money for Christians in distress. For this task, he left Titus in charge. In part, he did this to avoid any appearance of mishandling the money or embezzlement. He goes on to point out that we are to serve others, so they can see God’s love through our service.
Understanding-What does it mean? It may be a little late to talk about Christmas, but a movie that I can watch all year is It’s a Wonderful Life. I don’t know if it’s the way Jimmy Stewart’s voice lingers as he contemplates all the different scenarios he finds himself in, or the idea of a simpler time. Regardless of the little nuances of the classic film, it is really the character of George Bailey that draws me in every time. George was a generous man, always giving and never asking in return. This part of his character is what drew people to come to depend on him and love him so dearly.
All too often, I think we get the perspective of George Bailey though. We see our position as one without hope, especially when it comes to giving. I know that I have believed the lie that my generosity will be of little help. I fall into the belief that I can do no good, because what I have to give is small. But even the smallest gifts, when given with the right intention, can have a big impact. Jesus pointed out the offering of the widow, her last mite, was a bigger gift than the ones who gave out of their abundance (Luke 21:1-4).
Sometimes, we are called to be generous in the worst situations, when we feel as though we will not make it. In these times, we are reminded that God provides (Matthew 6:25-34). It may be, in the times that feel the most vulnerable and least secure, that our generosity can have the biggest voice. Paul reminds us, in the book or Romans, that unless we are willing to share God’s love, people will not hear the message of hope (Romans 10:14-15).
Life Application: Jesus, help me to find myself in situations where I can be generous. Even more, give me the boldness to share the gospel at these times. When I am scared, help me to trust in you and your provision. Help us to find your peace, no matter the chaos going on around me.
2 Corinthians 7
Scripture
2 Corinthians 7:10
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (MSG)
10 Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.
Observation
Paul, in his writing, is expressing how in his previous letter has spoken quite “frankly” to them. He expressed his love for the church he was writing to and even if his previous letter caused some pain He is glad that it brought them to repentance and closer to God.
2 Corinthians 7: 8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
Understanding
Have you ever had someone tell you something that hurt or stung you a bit. I think we all have. It may have made you feel a bit depressed for a minute and maybe just sad. But once you got over the initial pain of the sting then you were able to see what needed to be changed and now you are a better person because of it.
In some ways I feel like the situation we are in now with the quarantine is providing a harsh word. We are able to see where a lot of our devotion has been; food, money, and of course toilet paper, among other things.
For me I have taken for granted the comforts I have.
Food. Money. Health.
I have been to countries where food does not come in abundance, it doesn’t not sit in a huge samsung refrigerator. It is sought out daily.
Toilet paper is not even an option. It is for the wealthy and most of the people where I visited are not wealthy. In fact it was a way of life to not have toilet paper. Babies do not use diapers and wipes, it’s just a way of life.
I have access to healthcare and even when I don’t I can take care of my health simply by making better choices in food and exercise.
I am starting to recognize the areas that need change. A change of my heart and my mind.
I am filled with sorrow.
“Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain…”
Application
The quarantine is causing some pain. Our comforts have been compromised. Our health is at stake. Now our finances are taking a hit.
But don’t let it cause pain that leads to bitterness and discontent. Instead let it cause the pain that leads us to the presence of God in repentance. Let’s feel sorry that we have put other things above Him.
The truth is that money is not my provider, God is.
He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.”
Food does not sustain me, God does.
He is the “bread of life.”
A virus does not determine my days on earth, God does.
He is the “author of life.”
We have a great blessing that has been given to us, a chance to get alone with ourselves, reflect, and turn to God. Let us use our time of solitude from the outside world to draw near to God and open our ears to hear him and listen for his words that will bring about repentance and change.
Deborah Lee
Proverbs__3
Scripture
Proverbs 3:27
Observation
Understanding
Gratitude leads to growth in wisdom.
I pride myself on being a student. It’s something that I use to define myself in everyday life just because I love learning so much. I love the idea that “knowledge is power” because I honestly think that it is, and with knowledge is this huge responsibility to impart it to others. Something that I recently discovered (that kind of crushed me) is that knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. I figured if I was smart and had information I would impress upon people the desire to learn as well. However, something that Solomon knows really well and is trying to impress on people here, is that knowledge and wisdom are not equivalent. Knowledge is useless without the wisdom to yield it. A better way to explain this idea would probably be from my favorite book To Kill a Mockingbird: “Folks don’t like to have someone around knowing more than they do, it aggravates them. You’re not going to change anyone by talking right, they’ve got to want to learn themselves…”
Life Application
Let’s be a people who are all about good things! Don’t withhold gratitude when it is due, especially because it is the first step in attaining wisdom. Also because Solomon ends this chapter by saying:
The wise inherit honor, but fools only get shame.
Think about what you are thankful for, if it is a person, let them know! Even if it isn’t a person share what you are thankful for with others, and maybe it will lead to them thinking about they are grateful for and so on. And from there your knowledge has done the amazing and turned into wisdom for others.
Isaiah_18
Scripture
Isaiah 18:4
This is what the Lord says to me:
“I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”
Observation – What does it say?
All over the earth people have enemies, people who threaten to harm them, groups of people who instill fear. In the midst of it all, God declares that He is watching quietly from where He dwells. The following verse says that before the harvest begins, at just the right time, God will act.
Understanding – What does it mean?
At times God watches “behind the scenes” quietly. He is in control, calm and at peace. Because, when the time is right, He knows where and how to act. Although nations rise and fall, God is constant. He is always good, always faithful, always working everything for the good of those who love him.
Often I find myself desiring God to act in certain situations. In my foolishness, I can think I know better than God and I know what God needs to do or should have done. But the truth is that He, in His infinite wisdom and love, knows exactly what to do. He is never indifferent. He is never turning His back on those who are hurting. Rather, He is completely aware, looking on at everything happening, and is working everything for the good of those who love him.
Life Application
Trust that God knows what He is doing.
God, even when I see tragedy in the world, rather than doubting You, I choose to trust that You see things I don’t see, that Your ways are higher than mine, that Your wisdom is greater than mine, and that Your love is infinitely deeper than mine. Amen.
-Levi Thompson