Once again I humble my heart before my God, and ask to be made able to rightly contemplate portions of the precious Bible; for in and of myself, I am not worthy. With repeated readings of the Bible, more and more is revealed about God and all things needed to direct and keep me on the pathway that leads to loving and knowing Him better. On this Friday evening my desire is to learn and be prompted about my responsibilities toward God, as I worship and adore Him. He is truly incomparable!
The following Bible quote, was written by one who had not abided by the principles, he now advocates as an older and wiser man. Hoping to save the younger person from his experience of sinful excess, sadness and remorse, he gave advice which is applicable for the general well being of people of all age groups. Proverbs 4: 20 – 23 “My son, give attention to my words, incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The advice of King Solomon continues, Verses 24 –27 “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips from you, let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from doing evil.” Hopefully his readers learn from his negative experiences and follow the advice given by the elderly king. Commonly some in any age group, will be filled with a measure of self-importance, and determine instead to just ‘do our own thing’; and then if we are honest, most likely end up sadder and wiser as a consequence.
Obviously the advice in Proverbs is timeless, because hundreds of years later, there is similar advice in the New Testament. Paul councils the believers to, 1 Timothy 6: 5, 6, 9 and 10 ‘flee pride, disputes and arguments over words, envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, wrangling,’ ‘desire to be rich,’ ‘harmful lusts’, ‘love of money’. He then gives the reason for leaving off these activities, Verse 11 “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” All these attributes are spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, with each to be much desired, by the people of God. Verse 12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” It seems such a personal plus and stress release for each person to follow the way of God. Then there is comfort in Gods promise of eternal life; ever before His people. Therefore what is the point for any of us, to be absorbed in, achievements, money, or being envious about people and what they are, doing, or have? Verse 6, 7 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
From personal experience, Jesus knew the distress of living in this sinful world, and promised His peace and to send the Holy Spirit, as our Comforter, after He left earth. 1 Timothy 3: 16 “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
Dear Jesus, in my mind I sing and say praises, for your love and provision all through every moment of every day. It is established in my mind that, ‘the love of God, is beyond compare.”