In Today's Scripture Reading:
Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; necessity of searching for wisdom; importance of trusting in the Lord
Solomon, along with approximately 40 other writers of the Bible, was inspired of God to record exactly what God wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to become. Consequently, we read: Receive My (God's) words, and hide (treasure) My Commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest (seek) after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Speaking through Solomon, God is saying: "Take My Word seriously." It alone can provide you with true wisdom that will guide you to understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee (2:9-11).
Despite the Lord's urging, some people spend little, or no, time reading the Bible, even though the Apostle Paul said: Study (Be diligent) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15). Only a few ever pray for spiritual achievements so they may accomplish the purpose for which God created them. Discerning Christians will put their personal goals in harmony with God's purposes and seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) while making all secular goals secondary. For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).
The choice of whom we will serve is of utmost importance, for it affects everything else in life. With the same intense energy by which worldly success is pursued by many, Christians should seek achievements of eternal value for the good of others and the glory of God.
One of life's most sobering thoughts is that the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works (deeds) (Matthew 16:27).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator who founded the earth . . . He established the heavens (Proverbs 3:19). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:2-3).
Word Studies:
1:4 give subtilty to the simple => impart insight (prudence) to the teachable; 1:11 lurk privily => wait secretly; 1:28 early => diligently; 2:1 hide . . . with thee => receive and treasure in your heart; 2:7 buckler => a shield used in hand-to-hand combat; 2:12 froward => opposed to God; 2:16 strange woman => adulteress; 3:26 thy foot from being taken => your life from all danger.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Letha Hash Staff: Pam Pendergrast Government Officials: Sen. Larry Craig (ID) and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD) Country: Bhutan (2 million) in the eastern Himalayas of central Asia Major languages: Tibetan and Nepalese dialects Public worship, evangelism, and proselytization are illegal 50-70% Buddhist; 24-45% Hindu; 5% Muslim; <1% Protestant/Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a clean and pure heart (James 4:8).
Optional Reading: Titus 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:5