Bible Pathway - July 23, 2014
Read Proverbs 12 – 15
Highlights:
Every verse is loaded with practical instruction that cover every aspect of life. The contrasts are what give 'the punch' to the sayings. For example, check out 15:17! It literally says a bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate! Our government officials need 14:34. Find your favorite.
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (Prov. 13:24).
This Scripture is often used as means to defend corporal punishment or, as some might call it, spanking. Many times the Word of God can become thought of in certain ways, and then there is no examination of the Scripture to see all the other ways it can be applicable in our life. There are definitely things to be learned here.
It is true that this Scripture is about punishment. However, it really has more to say about parenting than punishing. These words can help us considerably with the process of child rearing.
In society today, we see a growing problem. Violent crime is escalating among minors. A multitude of things, from fighting, to gangs, to drugs, to school shootings are plaguing the youth of America. Why is this happening? What are the answers?
This is happening because the enemy is attacking the family unit with all his power. God established the family unit as a building block to His Kingdom on earth. The devil believes that by infiltrating and taking control of the next generation he can erode the progressive construction of God's work. He seeks to rob God's people of their children. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death (Mark 13:12).
The solution to this problem is simple. The Lord should have full rule over our lives and the lives of our children. The question is, how is this accomplished?
First, we set the example by walking in the ways of the Lord. There will be times when we stray, and God will have to be a good Father and correct us. We need to accept His correction and not reject it. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him (Heb. 12:5).
We follow this by raising our children to live out what we learn from the Word of God. From a young age, we should be reading and teaching the Bible to our children. Don't leave it to the Pastor, the Sunday School teachers or the VBS workers. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children the statutes and laws of God. If they learn and live these Scriptures, they will not be easy prey for the enemy. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates (Deut. 6:6 - 9). This is not to say that a child might not still stray. It is true they may. But at least they will know what God desires from their lives. If we are true men and women of God, we can raise our children to be true men and women of God.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Eph. 5:8).
Thought for Today:
As parents we need to train our children to respect those in authority.
Christ Revealed:
As One who hates Lying (Prov. 12:22). He that sat upon the throne said. . . . all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:5,8).
Word Studies:
12:1 brutish, without regard to reason or propriety; 12:11 vain, worthless; 12:25 Heaviness, Worry; maketh it stoop, causes depression; 13:11 vanity, dishonesty; 13:16 layeth open, exposes; 14:1 plucketh, tears; 14:23 penury, poverty; 15:1 grievous, harsh; 15:17 stalled, fattened; 15:27 gifts, bribes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Assoc. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (Supreme Court) and Rep. Timothy V. Johnson (IL) • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God in prayer and with singing for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Optional Reading: Philemon 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:9
