#Proverbs 16: 18-19

[rsaintalbord]

It is better to live for love, than to die for pride

There is a saying that goes “it’s better to rule in hell, than to serve in Heaven.” I don’t think people really understand what hell is like if that’s something someone would proudly say. Hubris is a crazy thing and I’ve taken a few lumps because of it over the years. There is no ruler in hell, it was created for Satan and his angels for eternal punishment, The lake of fire is not a place you’d…

[touchofgoddotworld]

No Matter The Darkness In The World, God Still Has Plans For Those Who Call Him Lord (269) - October 26 2024

Choose your Podcast App to Play this episode For those who love the Lord [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed], what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for them. This is what 1 Corinthians 2:9 speaks about. The believer…

[aestariiwilderness]

Abortion is Murder & Unbiblical

The Bible does not use the word abortion. How could it? The term itself as a procedure wasn't invented yet! However, the Bible does cover: 

Humanity's inherent value and rights as (uniquely among creation) made in the image of God

Murder

Child/infant murder as something abhorrent to God

Life's beginnings, indirectly (although that also has biological support) 

Legal ramifications of killing a child in the womb 

How God sees and interacts with children in the womb 

How we as His followers are meant to treat children 

What He expects us to do for the defenseless and vulnerable (i.e., the most defenseless and vulnerable human imaginable is the one in the womb) 

And how the question of following Him and His Word is what makes or breaks the difference between a Christian and someone who claims the name but is tragically unsaved  Below are some verses and some additional explication (partial credit: @glowsticks-and-jesus)  

Proverbs 31:8 

Luke 1:44 

2nd Kings 17:17 

Jeremiah 19:5 

Genesis 9:6 

Exodus 21:22-25 

Matthew 7:20 - 23 

John 15:14 

1st John 1:5-10, 2:3-6 

Exodus 20:13 

Mark 10:13-15 Leviticus 20:3-5 (https://biblehub.com/hebrew/mizzaro_2233.htm) 

Matthew 18:10, 14

Psalm 22:10

Jacob & Esau, John the Baptist, Samson, etc. 

Judges 16:17  Glowsticks-and-Jesus Collection:

"Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.'"Jeremiah 1:4-5

"The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name."Isaiah 49:1

John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary greeted her cousin (Luke 1:39-45), an example that babies in utero are responsive human beings already aware of the outside world.

The righteous Hebrew midwives at the time of Moses pleased God by saving babies deemed unworthy of life by the authorities of their day (Ex. 1:15-21).

 As an additional note -- these references are included above, but worth a second mention -- it's plain that child sacrifice - child murder - is something that God abhors and explicitly does not command. I'd look here (https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/19-5.htm) and here (https://biblehub.com/2_kings/17-17.htm) and check out the cross-references as well. Likewise, there is direct support for laws against murder and the protection of the unborn (up to capital punishment) in the Bible (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:22-25  -- an additional reference here included about the common misunderstanding of the latter verses: https://www.str.org/w/what-exodus-21-22-says-about-abortion).

In summary -- it's possible (although, I believe, it does deprive its proponents of a foundational basis for the value of life) to be both secular and anti-abortion. But it is not possible for a Christian who truly understands their faith, their God, and His Word to be pro-abortion.

[hiseyeisonthesparrow]

I am feeling very hurt today.

For context, I went to high school in well-off, suburban Utah, although I didn't grow up there. My family still lives there. It's a VERY Mormon- and white-dominated location.

Last night, I was on the phone with my mom, just catching up, making plans for the weekend, the typical Phone Home Because Your Mom Misses You.

She told me that there were plans to build a warming shelter for the homeless in the town. I was excited -- I'd just been to a workshop about homelessness, and me and my friends had exchanged some heartfelt stories about our experiences with homeless friends, family, ward members, et cetera. But then she followed it up by telling me that many folks in the town were strongly against it -- mad that there would be a warming shelter in the town, yelling about it on Facebook groups, protesting at city council meetings. None of them wanted a warming shelter in their town. Hundreds of people, upset.

I've never felt more disheartened. Over half of the people in that town are members of the Church. The chances that there were Mormons at that city council meeting, yelling angrily about a warming shelter are astronomically high.

What God are they following?

What Christ did they get baptized to?

What scriptures do they read? Did they not get the chance to read Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25:35-36, Luke 3:11, James 2:15-16, 1 John 3:17, Deuteronomy 15:11, Psalms 82:3-4, Proverbs 14:31, Isaiah 58:10, Mosiah 4:16-26, Alma 34:28-29, Mosiah 18:28-30, 3 Nephi 12:3, or Jacob 2:13-17?

What commandments are they following? What "love one another" do they ascribe to?

What has the name of Christ become in this day and age?

The devil turning evil into good and good into evil has never been so obvious. What perversion of gospel principles can possibly lead someone to riot against a warming shelter -- not even a homeless shelter? A place for people to stay alive in the blistering cold.

"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." The 'members' that have fought against this have, effectively, spit in the face of the Lord. Where has Christlike compassion gone?

[blackhistorystoryteller]

AFRICAN PROVERBS AND THEIR MEANINGS

This is a message to my black brothers and sisters

Learn about African proverbs and know your culture is filled with poetry

1) Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet.

Meaning: You don’t jump straight into a situation without thinking about it first.

2) Knowledge is like a garden: If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.

Meaning: If you don’t make efforts to acquire knowledge then you would not expect to have it and if you do not put the knowledge you have to use, you cannot expect to gain anything from it.

3) Sugarcane is sweetest at its joint.

Meaning: Good and sweet things of life may appear difficult to achieve but in the end, it is worth it.

4) If you offend, ask for a pardon; if offended forgive.

Meaning: This is as simple as it sounds: If you upset someone, apologise to him or her. If someone upsets you, forgive him or her because what goes around, comes around.

5) Don’t set sail using someone else’s star.

Meaning: Avoid copying someone else. Just because someone has been successful in what he/she does should not be what will make you to do the same thing and expect to be successful.

6) The best way to eat an elephant in your path, is to cut him up into little pieces.

Meaning: The best approach to solving a problem is to take it bit by bit; one at a time.

7) A restless feet may walk into a snake pit.

Meaning: If someone is busy doing nothing or is involved in what he does not know about, it is easy for him/her to get into trouble.

8) A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches.

Meaning: You can easily foresee the future of something through the character and tell-tale signs it exhibits today.

9) After a foolish deed comes remorse.

Meaning: Feeling sorry always follows a foolish act.

10) A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.

Meaning: What goes around, comes around so whatever you sow, you shall reap.

11) He who does not know one thing knows another.

Meaning: No one knows everything, but everyone knows something.

12) A roaring lion kills no one.

Meaning: You cannot achieve or gain anything by mere sitting around and just talking about it.

13) Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle.

Meaning: Do not insult someone who is taking care of your responsibility or taking care of you.

14) When a king has good counsellors, his reign is peaceful.

Meaning: What defines a man is the circumstances and people around him and if they are good, he turns out good.

15) It takes a whole village to raise a child.

Meaning: The society is responsible for the moral characters it creates and everyone in a community should be responsible for helping to train a child irrespective of who the parents are; offering correction where they are needed.

16) If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings.

Meaning: If you prepare and allow yourself to be well trained when you have the opportunity, you will achieve a lot and be favoured in due course.

17) The Rain does not fall on one roof.

Meaning: Trouble comes to everyone at one time or another.

18) Life is like a mist or a shadow; it quickly passes by.

Meaning: Life is too short, and you only live it once.

19) Wherever a man goes to dwell, his character goes with him.

Meaning: What defines a man is his character which is, inseparable from him and follows him everywhere he goes.

20) Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

Meaning: Don’t look at your mistakes; look at what caused your mistakes, otherwise you may repeat the same mistake again.

He who sees an old hag squatting should leave her alone; who knows how she breathes?

Meaning: You should never interfere in someone's issues, particularly when you do not know anything about them.

Anger against a brother is felt on the flesh, not in the bone. Meaning: You should forget and forgive anything your relatives did to you.

Maize bears fruits once and dies because it is not rooted in the ground. Meaning: You will never get to the top and stay prosperous without a good foundation.

He who will swallow the 'udala' seed must consider the size of his stomach. Meaning: 'Udala' seed is an apple seed. It is never digested in the stomach

[heartsings77]

Proverbs 6:16-19 NKJV 16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[iipeleng]

Why Free Will Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

Many people believe that free will gives us unlimited freedom, but Scripture suggests otherwise: we’re given the freedom to choose between two distinct paths, not infinite options.

Free will, from a biblical standpoint, means choosing between God’s way and the enemy’s way—life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19), blessings or curses (Deuteronomy 11:26), commitment or lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:16). In God’s eyes, there’s no grey area, only two clear directions.

God calls us to live on purpose. Purpose isn’t just about existing; it’s about living with intention and direction according to God’s will.

“We are born looking like our parents, but we die looking like our decisions.”- Pastor Joshua McCauley

Each decision shapes our lives, and with the freedom God gives us, we decide if we follow His path or attempt to make our own way.

Purpose is the reason we exist , we all strive to figure out what our purpose is on this earth and how to fulfill it. all of this must mean something right? I was brought here for something right?

"So, what is my purpose?"

Well, it's not something we create on our own. A purposeful life is a gift from Jesus, one we can’t achieve just through behavior or goals. It’s a life given, not earned. Through Jesus, we receive grace, freeing us from sin’s power and aligning us with God’s purpose.

Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law” (NKJV).

In Hebrew, ḥāzôn or “revelation” here means prophetic vision or God’s guidance. Without it, life becomes chaotic, like a river spilling beyond its banks. True happiness (ashrei in Hebrew) is rooted in following God’s direction, bringing peace and purpose that go beyond surface-level happiness. Keeping (shamar in Hebrew) His law is about actively choosing and protecting our relationship with God’s Word. This dedication to God’s guidance brings a stability and joy that temporary pleasures can’t match.

“So Why Doesn’t God Stop Me from Messing Up?”

A common question: “If free will isn’t total freedom, why doesn’t God stop me from making bad choices?” God, like a loving parent, warns us but lets us experience the outcomes of our decisions. Think of it like a parent warning a child not to touch a hot stove; if the child ignores the warning, they’ll get burned. It’s a lesson in trust and obedience.

Psalm 81:11-12 explains it: “But My people would not listen to Me… so I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” God respects our choices because forced obedience isn’t real love. He wants us to choose His path willingly, knowing that His guidance is meant to protect, not control.

In the end, God offers two paths: His way, leading to purpose and peace, or the enemy’s path, leading to chaos. True freedom isn’t the power to do whatever we want, but the wisdom to choose the way that brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

19 Jesus said, “There was a rich man who always dressed in the finest clothes. He was so rich that he was able to enjoy all the best things every day. 20 There was also a very poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus’ body was covered with sores. He was often put by the rich man’s gate. 21 Lazarus wanted only to eat the scraps of food left on the floor under the rich man’s table. And the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 “Later, Lazarus died. The angels took him and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms. — Luke 16:19-23 | Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Easy-to-Read Version Bible Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International Cross References: Proverbs 31:22; Ezekiel 16:49; Matthew 11:23; Matthew 15:27; Matthew 26:71; Luke 16:24; John 1:18; John 13:23

Read full chapter

The Meaning of the Rich Man and Lazarus Parable

[olivescales3]

Writeblr Introduction

Please reblog!

Hello Writeblr! I'm oliveScales, and I'm currently writing and illustrating my webcomic named "The Forgotten Legends of Chima", or TFLOC for short.

Synopsis

In a world where civilizations clash for Chi in order to survive, Laval, prince of the Lion Tribe, strives to overcome every war and all injustice without ever gripping a sword. It all started when Laval witnessed evil and inequality with his own eyes. Since then, he has promised himself to protect anyone, no matter who they are, from suffering and that he will restore peace in the land of Chima. These are the Forgotten Legends of Chima.

TFLOC is about war; there will be violence, death, fighting and blood. It is not a story suitable for those under 14 years old.

I'm a fan of mythology and folklore, and I'm trying to study a few of them for my worldbuilding. Worldbuildings with focus on culture are my favorite! I also really like stories with animals and anthropomorphic characters. I'm an american who enjoys studying other cultures, and am currently studying the Portuguese language!

The Forgotten Legends of Chima is a fantasy science fiction story about the land of Chima, home to eight animal tribes. Here, you'll learn about their cultures, witness intriguing and complex relationships between them, and understand the importance of diversity.

TFLOC's cast is entirely made of aromantic-asexual characters, with some characters being either demi-partnering or non-partnering.

TFLOC is an interpretation of Legends of Chima's storyline, which means that worldbuilding and characters are going to be developed alongside new content to add further depth into the story, such as unimportant/secondary characters becoming important and vital to the story.

Chapter 1

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Chapter 2

Coming soon :)

Sneak Peeks

TFLOC Full Sneak Peek

TFLOC Episode 2 Sneak Peek

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 1)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 2)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 3)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 4)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 5)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 6)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 7)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 8)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 9)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 10)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 11)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 12)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 13)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 14)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 15)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 16)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 17)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 18)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 19)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 20)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 21)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 22)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 23)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 24)

TFLOC Sneak Peek (part 25)

TFLOC Sneak Peek 2 (part 1)

TFLOC Sneak Peek 2 (part 2)

(Check the #tfloc tag to see everything TFLOC related!)

Snippets

TFLOC Snippet 1

TFLOC Snippet 2

TFLOC Snippet 3

TFLOC Snippet 4

TFLOC Snippet 5

TFLOC Snippet 6

TFLOC Snippet 7

TFLOC Snippet 8

TFLOC Snippet 9

Laval and Lagravis

Worriz and Gorzan

Sir Fangar

Found Family (Tormak and Li'ella)

Heads Up Seven Up 1

Asks

Are there any proverbs [in Chima]?

When and why did you start writing?

Laval's purpose

Laval and Cragger

Storytelling Saturday

Character Ask (Laval)

WBW Chi Market

STS Halloween Party

Cragger character ask

Muse Monday Ask (Laval)

WBW ghost stories

Links

The Forgotten Legends of Chima Carrd

oliveScales' Carrd

oliveScales' Cohost

oliveScales' Toyhouse

oliveScales' Bluesky

[hrsquotes]

Such great words from Paster Tim Peterson of Christian Family Church in Minnesota, USA this photo is.

Whether you know this or not, God wants to bless us. He really does. Each & every one of us. His desire is not for us to have little or to be poor. He wants us to live in abundance of more than enough so that we can be generous & help others, in the name of Jesus.

Some verses about blessing: Deuteronomy 8:18 Deuteronomy 30:15-16 Psalm 34:8 Proverbs 10:22 Proverbs 16:20 Malachi 3:10 Ephesians 3:20 Philippians 4:19

[touchofgoddotworld]

He Cares For You Affectionately and Cares About You Watchfully (247) - May 25 2024

Play on other Podcast Apps 1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) – Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. This program covers the following scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-2; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 4:19;…

[scribeforchrist-blog]

It Depends on You

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Romans 12:18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

=========================

SUBJECT: It Depends on You

=========================

** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM HANDLING IT IN GOD’S WAY

I AM SECURE IN GOD

I AM THOUGHTFUL

I AM LIVING IN GOD’S WAY

=========================

READ TIME: 6 Minutes & 57 Seconds

=========================

THOUGHTS:

=======================

    We all know it is hard to have peace with some people. We can try our hardest to make peace, but some people don’t want peace. No matter how many ways we try to bring it to them, it just doesn’t work, for I have experienced this no matter how many times I try to apologize. I try to do the right thing; some people fight, argue, and do everything they can to make you angry or feel bad.

   We must remember that we don’t have to follow them; we can do the opposite; the verse says IT DEPENDS ON YOU, live with peace with all men. I had a problem one time with someone, and I just kept doing what I should do, but I noticed they were still upset and didn’t want to have anything to do with me, and I heard the Holy Spirit say IT DEPENDS ON YOU over and over all through the day.

    I was like God; I don’t know why this individual is mad at me but then he showed me, and I said God I was being peaceful and kind, but still he wanted me to apologize. I was so upset. I didn’t want to because I did nothing wrong, and he said it DEPENDS ON YOU, and I'm like on me; I didn’t do anything wrong ; even as I slept, I heard the Holy Spirit's voice, as I showered, I heard it AGAIN, IT DEPENDS ON YOU , I saw the individual again, and I heard it AGAIN. I said, no, no, this must be wrong; he's was rude to me, but after I prayed on it, I said, Holy Spirit, could I ask why I have to apologize?

 He said because you are walking a different path than him, you are my child, and if you want to live by the word, you must follow it. I took what he said and apologized, and It felt good, but did he accept it? No,He complained and said a lot that I did, and I apologized again and moved on past it. I did what the Holy Spirit wanted of me; sometimes that’s hard to do, and sometimes it doesn’t even seem fair, but I did what pleased God; that’s what we must do to please him.

    2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

   God loves it when we are cheerful and keep the peace. He loves it when we are cheerful to do it, as he says he loves it. We must do this from our hearts; many don’t want to , because some times we feel we are always right. No matter who we think we are or what title we hold, we aren't. We must learn that whatever God is telling us to do, we must do it cheerfully; maybe it's giving something away, maybe it's giving apologies; whatever it is, we must do it from the heart and not from what we think but what he thinks is right.

 

Romans 14:19 So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.

 

Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

 

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

 

These verses tell us that when we want to have peace, we will have joy, and when we are the peacemakers, we are called the sons of God, and we should pursue peace with everyone. And like I said, this is not easy, but when we allow God to be our conductor, we will be all right. We can always follow him, and he will show us the way. We often spend our days trying to be people pleasers, and we should be God pleasers . Do you think I wanted to apologize to him? I didn’t, but I did it with a heart that pleases God, and I did it because God desired me to, and i knew I needed to obedient to the spirit of God.

  Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

     Our main aim, our main objective should be to live according to the spirit and set our minds on that alone. Not on what makes us happy and what gratifies the flesh we always want to have a spirit of obedience and love; when we walk that way, we will always please God, what most people don’t teach on is obedience being hard, but when we say we love God we must obey him through all circumstances.

  ***Today, we talked about apologizing and pleasing God; it doesn’t feel good to apologize all the time, but when we see that the relationship or interactions, we haven’t been gratifying God and we aren’t walking in peace, we must solve that issue at all cost according to how God wants us too.

 Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship

  This isn’t just what we do with our body, but this is how we handle situations; we must always be a living sacrifices unto God, making him holy and acceptable in every situation we should make sure it’s acceptable to him; if you know you're not handling a situation with honor and grace ask him to give you a heart to do it , and to give you the right actions and to order your steps. When we do this, we will be at his mercy and grace. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

========================

Heavenly Father, help us handle every situation the way you want. Father, if it’s a situation we aren’t handling right, please show us; if it’s something we said that’s not of you, please show us; lord we aim to please you with our body and actions; lord, continue to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us, lord we are so grateful for everything, we thank you for your grace and mercy in Jesus Name Amen

========================

REFERENCES

========================

+ 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

 

+ Mark 12:33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

 

+ 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 15

Leviticus 15

1 Chronicles 20

2 Kings 4

=========================

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Good Morning World

Daily Devotionals for November 16, 2024 

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 28:8-9 (KJV): 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Proverbs 28:8-9 (AMP): 8 He who by charging excessive interest and who by unjust efforts to get gain increases his material possession gathers it for him (to spend) who is kind and generous to the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law (of God and man), even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting (to God).

Thought for the Day

Verse 8 - Sinners may heap up riches, but God will see that their wealth is given to the person who will consider and help the poor. "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just" (Proverbs 13:22). "Though he heaps up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver" (Job 27:16-17). God will not bless riches gained by unjust means such as usury. Usury is the act of lending money at an excessively high rate of interest. Israel was given instructions about lending to their countrymen. Although they could charge interest on a loan to a stranger, they were not to charge interest on a loan to a fellow Israelite (Deuteronomy 23:19-20). This same principle should apply to loans among Christians.

In the New Testament, Jesus gave us an even higher way, telling us that it is better to give than to lend. We are instructed to give not only to fellow Christians, but also to give mercy and compassion to others as well. At one time in our lives, the Lord instructed my husband and I to cancel all the monetary debts owed to us, telling us that He would repay us. It was very liberating for us to do so, since many of those who owed us money were unable to repay us. When we released them, the Lord released finances to us in a different way that more than compensated for the thousands of dollars we had lost.

"And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6:33-38).

Verse 9 - As we have previously noted, a large donation to a church from ill-gotten gain is an abomination to God. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight" (Proverbs 15:8). God also regards the prayers of those who deliberately turn from His commandments, as an abomination. We must come to God with a submissive attitude and repentance in our heart if we want God to hear and answer our prayers: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your mercy and kindness to us. Lord, may we be like You, and show that same mercy and kindness to others. Lord, may we be able to trust You with our financial affairs, should You tell us to forgive a debt that someone owes us. Lord Jesus, You paid a debt You did not owe, and I owed a debt I could not pay. Thank You for releasing me, and Lord, I release others today by forgiving them and blessing them and extending mercy to them. May all of Your children have the Father's love and mercy toward one another. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Good Morning World 11/15/2024 3:21:17 PM Jacksonville, Florida USA From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ,   gatekeeperwatchman.org  TM ‎Founder and Administrator of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Groups. #GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO. www.facebook.com/gatekeeperwatchnan www.facebook.com/ Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956

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Proverbs 2:10-22

10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

[theprayerfulword]

July 1

Proverbs 2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of His saints.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," 6 so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?"

Psalm 7:1 O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

Isaiah 43:1 The Lord says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.”

Zechariah 9:16 The LORD their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land—

Exodus 14:14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

May you never listen to the lies of the enemy, or accept his offers of peace, lest he entice you to leave the refuge of the Lord with a promise of worldly goods which last only until he comes to take you to his own land as slaves. 2 Kings 18

May you despise and scorn the enemy who comes against you with insults and defiance toward the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and may you lift your praise to your King as the enemy flees in the face of your resistance. 2 Kings 19

May the Lord your God deliver you from the enemy's hand so that all the kingdoms of earth will know that the Lord alone is God. 2 Kings 19

May you seek out the Lord when the enemy makes his boast against you, and turn to God in humility and repentance as you stand on His word to receive the strength and wisdom to keep your focus on Him, never once answering the enemy's accusations or responding to his defiance. 2 Kings 19

May you take root below and bear fruit above in the zeal of the Lord Almighty, knowing that He will preserve you against all that the enemy will try to do, defending and saving you for His name's sake. 2 Kings 19

May you always desire and seek out the company and fellowship of fellow believers, members of the Body of Christ, for the Lord will strengthen and encourage, exhort and provoke to good works, each member by the ministry of the Word and the moving of the Spirit through each other member. Acts 21

My child, I am your help, your strength and your shield. Trust in Me, for I hear the voice of your supplication, and you are helped. Take refuge in Me, My dear one; trust not in the strength of man, which will come to an end, or in the power of princes and principalities, which will use you for their own purposes. Look and see, My querying one, and declare to Me if a single one of the good promises which I have promised to My people have failed to come to pass. Though you be brought low, yet have I saved you, leading you by a straight way to a city with foundations which I have designed and constructed, where I am the light, that you may dwell in Me, and I in you, and you shall sing for joy in the shadow of My wings. Depend on Me, My seeking one, for I shall set a guard over you that will not fail, but will keep your mind, your tongue, and your hands from the enemy. My Spirit will instruct you on how to bring a pleasing sacrifice to Me out of the meditations of your heart, the words of your mouth, and the deeds of your hands. I long to walk with you, My loving one, and share My heart with you. Do not hide, My trembling one, for My love covers you, and when I weed the garden of your heart, it is with tenderness and prudence in order to bring out the beauty that I see. Still your spirit, My precious one, and wait before Me that you may know that I am God.

May you feel no surprise at the troubles and fiery ordeals that come upon you, as though something unusual was occurring, for through much tribulation will you enter the kingdom of God as you take up your cross and follow Him, seeking for the will of the Lord to be done, which is the wisdom and counsel of God, and brings great joy and much rejoicing before His throne. Acts 21

May you sing to the Lord a new song of praise whenever the merciful gather together. Psalm 149

May you rejoice in your Maker and be glad in your King, praising His name with dancing and making music to Him. Psalm 149

May you rejoice in the honor the Lord shows you when He crowns your humility with victory. Psalm 149

May the praise of God be in your mouth and a double-edged sword in your hand as you are obedient in carrying out God's sentence written and pronounced against the principalities and powers of the air which set themselves against the will and ways of God, to inflict vengeance on His foes and punishment on His enemies, binding their kings with fetters and their princes with shackles of iron, casting down every vain thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ. Psalm 149

Though the words of a gossip are swallowed greedily by many, may you have an appetite for the living Word which was broken for you, for it will be health and strength to your heart. Proverbs 18:8