God Never Gives Up on Us – Jeremiah 31:37

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 31:37 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 31:37 (MSG)

“God’s Message: “If the skies could be measured with a yardstick and the earth explored to its core, then and only then would I turn my back on Israel, disgusted with all they’ve done.” God’s Decree.”

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“Thus says the Lord, “If the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out below, then I will also cast off and abandon all the descendants of Israel for all that they have done,” says the Lord.” -AMPLIFIED

 “As surely as the heavenly bodies will continue their settled course, according to the will of their Creator, to the end of time, and as the raging sea obeys him, so surely will the Jews be continued a separate people. Words can scarcely set forth more strongly the restoration of Israel. The rebuilding of Jerusalem, and its enlargement and establishment, shall be an earnest of the great things God will do for the gospel church. The personal happiness of every true believer, as well as the future restoration of Israel, is secured by promise, covenant, and oath. This Divine love passes knowledge; and to those who take hold upon it, every present mercy is an earnest of salvation.” ~Matthew Henry

We have been reminded of God’ perfect order in His creation. And yesterday, we were reminded that the Lord in His order of establishing and securing of all things, decreed that Israel would remain a nation forever, for God will never give up on them. God’s Message:

“If this fixed order departs from before me—this is the Lord’s declaration—only then will Israel’s descendants cease to be a nation before me forever.” -Jeremiah 31:26 (CSB)

In today’s passage, we find the Lord reiterating what He has already declared. Jeremiah repeats the Lord’s pronouncement for us:

“This is what the Eternal says: Eternal One: “If the heavens above could ever be measured, or the depths below be fully explored, only then would I disown the children of Israel because of everything they have done.” -(VOICE)

We find Jeremiah clarifying for us that these are the Lord’s words, not his. And the Lord declares this: “There’s only one way I will reject all the descendants of Israel. That is if people can measure the sky above. It is if they can learn the secrets of the earth below. Then I will reject them because of what they have done,” says the Lord.” -(ICB)

The point is this: God may discipline His children, but He would never give up on them.

“Unworthy members of Israel may be cast away, but the race shall never entirely cease to exist.” ~Albert Barnes

The conditions given by the Lord are intended to be an over exaggeration, an unattainable achievement. No person would be able to accurately measure the foundations of the earth. And the Lord would never be able to reject His people. There would always remain a remnant of Israel.

Consider something that Paul wrote to the church in Rome:

“My brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be in the dark about this mystery—I am going to let you in on the plan so that you will not think too highly of yourselves. A part of Israel has been hardened to the good news until the full number of those outside the Jewish family have entered in. This is the way that all of Israel will be saved. As it was written, so it also stands: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will drive away wickedness from Jacob. And this is My covenant promise to them, on the day when I take away their sins. It may seem strange. When it comes to the work of the gospel, the fact that they oppose it is actually for your benefit. But when you factor in God’s election, they are truly loved because they descended from faithful forefathers. You see, when God gives a grace gift and issues a call to a people, He does not change His mind and take it back.” -Romans 11:25-29 (VOICE)

God will never give up on Israel.

“Not until the heavens can be measured and the foundations of the earth explored, will I consider casting them away forever for their sins!”-(TLB)

“It is impossible to conceive that God could state this principle in any stronger way. The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have an enduring role in God’s plan of the ages until the end of the age.” ~David Guzik

Knowing that God has not, nor ever will, give up on His people, Israel, should reassure us and increase our faith, for God will never give up on us either.

David reminds us that there may be times that we are experiencing the Lord’s anger and His hand of discipline, but the grace He extends to us last a lifetime. David wrote:

“His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” -Psalm 30:5 (VOICE)

In the book of Lamentations, we find Jeremiah reminding us that God cares for us, and He loves us, and wants to bless us:

“Kept in God’s care:  the Lord won’t reject him forever. Kindness prevails: Even though God torments sometimes, the greatness of God’s loyal love wins out. Keeping us down: it is not the desire or way of God’s heart to hurt and grieve the children of men.” -Lamentations 3:31-33 (VOICE)

The author of Psalm 94 tells us that God will never abandon His people:

The Eternal will not abandon His people; He will not turn away from those He redeemed because justice is coming for those who do what is right and all the good-hearted will pursue it.” -Psalm 94:14-15 (VOICE)

 “God’s love is not wearied by our sins & is relentless in its determination that we be cured at whatever cost to us or Him.” ~C. S. Lewis

The author of Psalm 118 reminds us that God’s love for us never quits. He cannot cease to be who and what He is, loving and kind. (Take the time to read this psalm in its entirety on your own.):

“Give thanks to the Eternal because He is always good. He never ceases to be loving and kind.” -Psalm 118:1 (VOICE)

Isaiah recorded this Message from the Lord. It was written to Israel, but it also applies to all who call upon the Name of the Lord. It is a promise that we too can hold on to, especially in times of difficulty:

“I have reached to wherever you are in the farthest corners of earth, and the most hidden places therein. I have called to you and said, “You are my servant. I have chosen you, not thrown you away!” So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up.” -Isaiah 41:9-10 (VOICE)

“God’s love is like an ocean. You can see its beginning, but not its end.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, you may have wandered far from the Lord. In fact, He may have needed to discipline you, and may still be disciplining you. But He will never give up on you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He cares about what happens to you. He is doing whatever it takes to turn your heart back to Him. Stop fighting against Him, and accept His guidance and His love.

“God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son.” ~Jerry Bridges

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I am so grateful for your love that never gives up on me. That love that is willing to discipline and teach, to guide me in the ways that I should go. The fact that you do whatever is needed to help me walk with you, shows me how much you truly care. I am so blessed by the extent of your love, your goodness, your mercy, and your grace. At times I am overwhelmed as I realize how deep your love for me is, help me to always remember the magnitude of your love, even when I am experiencing your hand of discipline. Because even the discipline you give is done out of love. You are so good to me, Lord. I am blessed to be called a child of the Most High.

God’s Tough Love – Jeremiah 30:11

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 30:11 (NIV)

“I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’”

Jeremiah 30:11 (MSG)

“I’ll be with you. I’ll save you. I’ll finish off all the godless nations among which I’ve scattered you, but I won’t finish you off. I’ll punish you, but fairly. I won’t send you off with just a slap on the wrist.’”

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“‘For I am with you,’ says the Lord, ‘to save you; for I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not destroy you completely. But I will judge and discipline you fairly and will by no means regard you as guiltless and leave you unpunished.’” -AMPLIFIED

 “I will correct you in justice: God reminded Israel that though they would indeed see the nations that afflicted them judged, God would also correct them. As they had sinned, God would not allow them to go altogether unpunished.” ~David Guzik

In yesterday’s passage, we found the Lord urging Israel not to be afraid. God’s Message:

“As for you, my servant Jacob, do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—and do not be discouraged, Israel, for without fail I will save you out of a distant place, your descendants, from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return and have calm and quiet with no one to frighten him.” -Jeremiah 30:10 (CSB)

As we begin to look into today’s passage, we are oriented in God’s tough love.

“Tough love” is an expression that is generally thought of as a disciplinary measure where someone is treated rather sternly with the intention of helping him or her in the long run. Tough love may be the refusal to give assistance to a friend asking for help when to do so would simply allow him to continue along a dangerous path. However, with tough love in a biblical sense, the chastening hand is always controlled by a loving heart.” ~https://www.gotquestions.org/tough-love.html

“Because I am with you, and I will deliver you. I will completely destroy all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not destroy you completely. I will discipline you, but My discipline will be just. I will not let you go unpunished.” -(VOICE)

Adonai is not out to destroy His people. In fact, He reminds them that He is with them, and He promises to deliver them. He pledges to do a few other things as well:

• He will deal with, destroy, the nations that have enslaved His people.
• He will judge and discipline His people fairly.
• He will punish His children for their sin, but He will not destroy them.

The Lord would always be with Israel and Judah. He still loved them, despite the fact that they had disobeyed Him, they had sinned, and they had even turned their backs on Him. He was not going to give up on them.

Keep in mind how strong the love of the Lord is, even when He is disciplining His children. This verse tells us that God will not allow His children to go entirely unpunished…He does not give the full scope of the punishment that is deserved. He also disciplines us for our own good.

This passage is repeated almost verbatim in Jeremiah 46:27-28. Just another reminder from the Lord of the need for Him to demonstrate His deep love for His children through discipline, His tough love.

“For I am with you and I will save you, says the Lord. Even if I utterly destroy the nations where I scatter you, I will not exterminate you; I will punish you, yes—you will not go unpunished.”-(TLB)

“The believer today can draw comfort from this principle of God’s character and nature. “Take to heart these tender words: God will not make a full end of you. It may seem as though nothing will be left: the furnace is so hot; the stock is cut down so near to the ground. But God knows just how much you can bear, and will stay his hand. ‘I will not make a full end of thee.’” ~F.B. Meyer

God loves us so much that He refuses to stand back and do nothing as we go hurtling towards hell. God proves His how deep His love for us truly is through His discipline of us. Look at what the writer of Hebrews tells us:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” -Hebrews 12:1-13 (NLT)

“God loves us too much to indulge our every whim.” ~Max Lucado

No one enjoys interacting with a bratty, entitled, undisciplined child, not even God. In fact, God will do whatever is necessary to help us to conform to the likeness of Jesus, His Son. Consider something that Paul wrote to the church in Rome on this subject:

“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. From the distant past, His eternal love reached into the future. You see, He knew those who would be His one day, and He chose them beforehand to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of a new family of believers, all brothers and sisters. As for those He chose beforehand, He called them to a different destiny so that they would experience what it means to be made right with God and share in His glory.” -Romans 8:28-30 (VOICE)

“Love precedes discipline.” ~John Owen

Let us accept God’s discipline with the right attitude, knowing that He disciplines because He loves us. Solomon reminds us of this fact:

“My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; nor despise His rebuke, for those whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” -Provers 3:11-12 (AMP)

“God is interested in developing your character. At times He lets you proceed, but He will never let you go too far without discipline to bring you back. In your relationship with God, He may let you make a wrong decision. Then the Spirit of God causes you to recognize that it is not God’s will. He guides you back to the right path.” ~Henry Blackaby

My friend, God loves us too much to allow us to continue unchecked in our sin. He disciplines us because of His great love for us. So, stop fighting His discipline. Accept it. Remember, He is trying to help you to conform to the image of His Son, Jesus. His intention is only for your good.

“We often learn more of God under the rod that strikes us than under the staff that comforts us.” ~Stephen Charnock

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, too often I am guilty of fighting against your discipline. Please forgive me. Your Word reminds me that you only discipline because you love, not because you hate, sometimes I fail to remember that. As your gentle hand of discipline works to conform me into the image of your Son, help me to be accepting of that discipline that is done in love. Help me to be quick to learn, and quick to obey. I know your intentions are for my good, not evil, to give me a hope and a future, just as you told your children Israel. Lord, please guide me in your pathways of righteousness. Thank you.

Accepting God’s Discipline-Jeremiah 29:5-7

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 29:5-7 (NIV)

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Jeremiah 29:5-7 (MSG)

“Build houses and make yourselves at home. Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you’ll thrive in that country and not waste away. Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare. Pray for Babylon’s well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you.”

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“‘Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there and do not decrease [in number]. Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.’” -AMPLIFIED

“The Jewish people were in Babylon by the will of God, in that He was bringing judgment on Judah for their generations of rebellion against Him. In God’s plan they would be in Babylon a long time, so it was best for them to settle in and make the best of their lives and families there. God wanted the Jewish people to multiply in Babylon, even as they multiplied in Egypt. Exile didn’t mean that God forgot about them or wanted to destroy them. God wanted them to do good in their communities and be a blessing to their Babylonian neighbors. Ultimately, God caused them to be in Babylon, and they should be a blessing where they were set.” ~David Guzik

Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon, this letter contained a Message from the Lord. In yesterday’s text we discussed the subject: “When God’s plan is not ours”, using Jeremiah 29:4 as a springboard:

“This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon…” -Jeremiah 29:4 (CSB)

And as we turn back to the letter in Jeremiah 29, we find the Lord encouraging the captives to accept their lot. They are encouraged to:

“Build houses—make homes for your families because you are not coming back to Judah anytime soon. Plant gardens, and eat the food you grow there. Marry and have children; find wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, so that they can have children. During these years of captivity, let your families grow and not die out. Pursue the peace and welfare of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to Me, the Eternal, for Babylon because if it has peace, you will live in peace.” -(VOICE)

In the letter, we find God directing the exiles to accept His discipline, for they will be in Babylon for the duration of the time of their correction and punishment. We learn in verse 10 that this time will last 70 years, there God says:

“You will remain in Babylon for 70 years. When that time is over, I will come to you, and I will keep My promise of bringing you back home.” -Jeremiah 29:10b (VOICE)

So, in today’s text we find the Lord instructing the captives to do three things:

1.) Settle in. Build houses, plant gardens, grow food.

2.) Increase. Marry, have children, grow in number.

3.) Be a blessing. Do good. Seek peace. Pray for those who have hurt you.

The Lord wanted them to accept His discipline, which was given in love and done for their own good. What was happening to them was to be a learning experience and they needed to accept it and go forward with a good attitude.

“Build homes and plan to stay; plant vineyards, for you will be there many years. Marry and have children, and then find mates for them and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Don’t dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray for her, for if Babylon has peace, so will you.” -(TLB)

“Accept it. Live as normal a life as you can and put up with inconveniences without complaining. Try to be a blessing to others. Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.” ~Warren W. Wiersbe

Discipline is not enjoyable, but it is necessary. In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that exactly:

“Endure hardship as God’s discipline and rejoice that He is treating you as His children, for what child doesn’t experience discipline from a parent? But if you are not experiencing the correction that all true children receive, then it may be that you are not His children after all. Remember, when our human parents disciplined us, we respected them. If that was true, shouldn’t we respect and live under the correction of the Father of all spirits even more? Our parents corrected us for a time as seemed good to them, but God only corrects us to our good so that we may share in His holiness. When punishment is happening, it never seems pleasant, only painful. Later, though, it yields the peaceful fruit called righteousness to everyone who has been trained by it.” -Hebrews 12:7-11 (VOICE)

“God “disciplines” His “disciples.” God is training us not just to live here and now, but to have life in the age to come, to share His life and holiness.” ~VOICE footnote

Way back in the book of Deuteronomy, we can find Moses speaking these words to the Israelites, which are still relevant to us today:

“Therefore, know in your heart (be fully cognizant) that the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you just as a man disciplines and instructs his son. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect].” -Deuteronomy 8:5-6 (AMP)

“I want you to know in your hearts that the Eternal your God has been training you just as a parent trains a child. So obey His commands! Live as He has instructed, and fear Him.” -Deuteronomy 8:5-6 (VOICE)

Job’s friend, Eliphaz, reminds us of this truth:

“Behold, how happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise or reject the discipline of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].” -Job 5:17 (AMP)

“Remember, a happy man accepts God’s correction, so don’t despise the discipline of the Highest God.” -Job 5:17 (VOICE)

The Psalmist reminds us that we are blessed when God disciplines us:

“Blessed [with wisdom and prosperity] is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and whom You teach from Your law…”Psalm 94:12 (AMP)

“How fortunate are those You discipline, O Eternal One, those You train by Your divine law…” Psalm 94:12 (VOICE)

And Solomon gives us these words of advice when it comes to accepting God’s discipline:

“Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.” -Proverbs 12:1 (AMP)

“Those who love discipline love knowledge, but fools hate any kind of correction.” -Proverbs 12:1 (VOICE)

“To resent and resist God’s disciplining hand is to miss one of the greatest spiritual blessings we Christians can enjoy this side of Heaven. Whether aggravations, trouble, adversity, irritations, or opposition, until we have discovered that God’s grace is sufficient for every test, we do not really know God. Jesus told His followers to expect trouble in the world. God does not discipline us to subdue us but to condition us for a life of usefulness.” ~Billy Graham

My friend, have you too been experiencing God’s hand of discipline? If so, accept it with a good attitude. Remember, He only disciplines those He loves. He is trying to teach you the lessons you need to travel this life. His discipline is a blessing, accept it, do not resist it.

“We may feel God’s hand as a Father upon us when He strikes us as well as when He strokes us.” ~Abraham Wright

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, I do not enjoy going through those times of discipline, often it feels like I am walking through a fire. But those times of discipline are meant to mold me and form me into the person you need to be. Those times may be painful, but they have a purpose. So, Lord, I ask for your help as I walk through those times of discipline. Help me to have a good attitude. Help me to seek your face during those times, so that I may learn what you are trying to teach me. Help me to receive the blessing that you are trying to deliver to me, and help me to bless others as I walk through the fire. I can only do so with your help, so I am asking, Lord. Thank you for hearing me, and thank you for being my Ever-Present Help in time of trouble.

The Chastisement of the Lord -Jeremiah 28:13

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 28:13 (NIV)

“Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. 

Jeremiah 28:13 (MSG)

“Go back to Hananiah and tell him, ‘This is God’s Message: You smashed the wooden yoke-bars; now you’ve got iron yoke-bars.

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“Go and tell Hananiah, ‘The Lord says this, “You have broken yokes of wood, but you have made in their place bars of iron.” -AMPLIFIED

“We aren’t told how Jeremiah felt when he left the confrontation with Hananiah at the temple. Yet later, God gave him a message to send to Hananiah, who could break the wood yoke Jeremiah wore as a prophetic illustration but could never break the yokes of iron God would set upon those who opposed Nebuchadnezzar. Their proposed rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar would fail. They would serve him, and Nebuchadnezzar’s dominion would be so complete that he would rule over the beasts of the field.” ~David Guzik

Jeremiah had walked away from Hananiah, who was contradicting the Word of the Lord, which Jeremiah had given to the people. Shortly after the incident that happened within the courtyard of the Temple, the Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah once again:

“After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke bar from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah…” -Jeremiah28:12 (CSB)

We learned yesterday that the Lord was going to deal with the audacity and rebellious attitude of Hananiah, but first, Hananiah will hear exactly what the Lord will do to Judah and the surrounding nations. And He was not going to bring the peace that Hananiah had predicted would come in two years, nor would the articles of the Temple return with the exiles. Instead, Adonai–Tzva’ot has this Message for Hananiah:

Eternal One: “Go to Hananiah and tell him, “This is what the Eternal says: ‘You may have broken a wooden yoke, but now you will get a yoke of iron that you could never break.’  -(VOICE)

Hananiah had fed the people a lie, and it appears that Hananiah had even believed his own lie. So, the Lord sends Jeremiah back to Hananiah, which was probably the last thing Jeremiah wanted to do, and instructed Jeremiah to deliver to him personally another Message. This was a Message of stronger chastening:

“Hananiah, you may have broken the wooden yoke off of my servant’s neck, but I am about to replace that wooden yoke with an unbreakable yoke of iron.” ~Tonia’s Translation

“The wooden yoke of submission would be exchanged for the iron yoke of servitude.” ~NIV footnote

Hananiah had symbolically broken the yoke that Jeremiah wore, thinking that he could break the power of the message Jeremiah had delivered, but that was not the case. Adonai–Tzva’ot now tells Hananiah that he may have broken the wooden yoke, but He, God Almighty, the Lord of Armies, will personally replace that broken wooden yoke with a stronger iron yoke. What once sounded restrictive and uncomfortable, would now become even more so.

Hananiah and the people of Judah had failed to remember something that Adonai–Tzva’ot had told them in the past:

“However, if you do not obey Me or live by all I have commanded, if you turn your backs on My decrees and despise what I have commanded so that you fail to do as I have directed and break the covenant that exists between us, then this is what you can expect: I will bring a horrific cloud of terror over you, and you will waste away in disease and burning fevers, your eyes will grow dark, and your restless souls will long for life. The seeds you plant will provide you no sustenance because raiders will consume whatever you grow. I will turn My face against you and stand by as your enemies strike you down. Those who despise you will reign over you, and you will run away even when no one is chasing you. If, after all this, you still do not listen to Me, then I will increase your punishment until you have paid seven times for your sins. I will break you of your powerful pride, and I will make the heavens above you as cold as iron and your earth below you as hard as bronze.” -Leviticus 26:14-19 (VOICE)

“. . . we only add to our chastening when we resist it-exchanging wood for iron.” ~Derek Kidner

“Go and tell Hananiah that the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but these people have yokes of iron on their necks. -(TLB)

 “The yokes of iron can be understood as God’s stricter discipline upon His people. If we resist God’s gentler discipline – yokes of wood – we may find ourselves under much more unpleasant yokes of iron. It is far better to surrender the better yoke of Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).” ~David Guzik

What is chastisement or chastening? It is another word for discipline or correction. It means to correct a wrong behavior, to prune it, and train it. Scripture has quite a bit to say about chastening too. Mind you, chastening tends to be painful, no one enjoys being pruned. But chastening is necessary, it helps us to grow in the manner that God desires, and we all experience it. Remember these truths:

God chastises us because He loves us:

“My son, do not ignore the Eternal’s instruction or lose heart when He steps in to correct you; because the Eternal proves His love by caring enough to discipline you, just as a father does his child, his pride and joy.” -Proverbs 3:11-12 (VOICE)

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He corrects each one He takes as His own.” -Hebrews 12:6 (VOICE)

God chastises us to correct us:

“Remember, a happy man accepts God’s correction, so don’t despise the discipline of the Highest God.” -Job 5:17 (VOICE)

God chastises us in order to teach us:

“How fortunate are those You discipline, O Eternal One, those You train by Your divine law…” -Psalm 94:12 (VOICE)

God chastises us to purify us:

“Now that you have taken care to purify your souls through your submission to the truth, you can experience real love for each other. So love each other deeply from a [pure] heart.” -1 Peter 1:22 (VOICE)

God chastises us to help us grow:

“My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit…” -John 15:2 (VOICE)

 “God is interested in developing your character. At times He lets you proceed, but He will never let you go too far without discipline to bring you back. In your relationship with God, He may let you make a wrong decision. Then the Spirit of God causes you to recognize that it is not God’s will. He guides you back to the right path.” ~Henry Blackaby

My friend, do not despise the Lord’s chastisement and discipline. He disciplines us in order to mold us and make us into the person He desires us to be. Remember, it only chastises us because He loves us, and He wants to correct us, teach us, purify us, and help us grow. It may hurt for a time, but His intentions are for our good.

“The steady discipline of intimate friendship with Jesus results in men becoming like Him.” ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, it hurts when you chastise and discipline me. Your Word tells me that you do so though because you love me, and your intentions are to make me into a fruitful, productive child of the Most High. You are forming me into the likeness of Jesus, and that entails a whole lot of pruning. Lord, please remind me, while we are in the process, that you are doing this for my good. That your intention is to correct, teach, purify and help me grow. Help me to remain submissive, accepting your guidance without squirming, kicking, and screaming. May my prayer always be: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” -Luke 22:42 (NIV)

You Cannot Refuse God’s Judgement -Jeremiah 25:28

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Jeremiah 25:28 (NIV)

“But if they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink, tell them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: You must drink it!”

Jeremiah 25:28 (MSG)

“If any of them refuse to take the cup from you and drink it, say to them, ‘God-of-the-Angel-Armies has ordered you to drink. So drink!”

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“And if they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you will say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “You shall surely drink!” -AMPLIFIED

“The heathen nations in question should fall to rise no more. The Jews should fall but for a time, and then rise again. Therefore, the epithet is given, “the God of Israel. If they refuse to take the cup—No effort of theirs to escape destruction will avail. (God says to the nations)  If I spared not Mine elect people on account of sin, much less will I spare you, (or leave you to) be unpunished—”be treated as innocent.” ~Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jeremiah has been delivering a Message from the Lord, this one was to the nations. In the Message we find Adonai–Tzva’ot telling the nations that there would be no escape from His judgement.

“Then you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Drink, get drunk, and vomit. Fall down and never get up again, as a result of the sword I am sending among you.’” -Jeremiah 25:27 (CSB)

And in today’s passage, we learn that there will be no refusal to accept God’s judgement either. Adonai–Tzva’ot says to Jeremiah:

“If they refuse to drink from the cup you offer to them, tell them, “This is what the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, says: ‘You must drink it!” -(VOICE)

When God’s judgement comes, no one will be able to refuse to accept it.

No one will be able to make the excuse that they did not know the difference between right and wrong. Because Paul tells us that God’s Law has been written on our hearts.

“For instance, some outsiders who are not required to follow the law often live quite naturally by its teachings. Even though the law wasn’t given to them, in themselves they have the law. Here’s the thing: their lives demonstrate that God has inscribed the law’s teachings on their hearts. On judgment day, their consciences will testify for them, and their thoughts will both accuse and defend them. This good news given to me declares that this affirmation and accusation will take place on that day when God, through Jesus, the Anointed One, judges every person’s life secrets.” -Romans 2:14-16 (VOICE)

Paul also tells us that all creation testifies of and points to the Creator.

“For the wrath of God is breaking through from heaven, opposing all manifestations of ungodliness and wickedness by the people who do wrong to keep God’s truth in check. These people are not ignorant about what can be known of God, because He has shown it to them with great clarity. From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people because, despite the fact that they knew the one true God, they have failed to show the love, honor, and appreciation due to the One who created them! Instead, their lives are consumed by vain thoughts that poison their foolish hearts. They claim to be wise; but they have been exposed as fools, frauds, and con artists— only a fool would trade the splendor and beauty of the immortal God to worship images of the common man or woman, bird or reptile, or the next beast that tromps along.” -Romans 1:18-23 (VOICE)

David reminds us that it is the fool who says there is no God.

“A wicked and foolish man truly believes there is no God. They are vile, their sinfulness nauseating to their Creator; their actions are soiled and repulsive; every deed is depraved; not one of them does good.” -Psalm 14:1 (VOICE)

“If they refused to accept Jeremiah’s prophecies, the prophet was to tell them that they would experience God’s judgment anyway.” ~Thomas Constable

“And if they refuse to accept the cup, tell them, “The Lord of heaven’s armies says you must drink it! You cannot escape!” -(TLB)

“And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink,…. To give credit to the prophecies of ruin and destruction delivered by the prophet, but say, these things shall not be: then shalt thou say unto them, thus saith the Lord of hosts, ye shall certainly drink; or those judgments shall certainly be inflicted; there will be no possibility of escaping, whether they were believed or not; or how unwilling soever they were to believe the denunciations of them, or to have them come upon them; yet assuredly so it would be; for thus saith the Lord of hosts, who is omnipotent, and does what he pleases in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, over whom he has a despotic power and government…” ~John Gill

We will not be able to refuse God’s judgement. And yes, there will be those who will think they can escape it, there will be those who will deny that it is happening because they do not believe in God, but they will not be able to avoid it when it comes to pass. Solomon tells us we will get what we deserve, whether we want to accept it or not:

“You hear, but you have refused to answer my call. My hands reached out, but no one noticed. All my advice, all my correction, all have been neglected—you wanted nothing of them. So I will be the laughter you hear when misfortune comes, and it will come. I will be the mocking sound when panic grips you—
When panic comes like a stormy blast, when misfortune sweeps in like a whirlwind, when sorrow and anguish weigh you down. This is when they will call on me, but I will not respond; they will be frantic to find me, but they won’t be able. Because they despised knowledge of my ways, and they also refused to respect and honor the Eternal, because they rejected my advice and turned down my correction, they will surely get what’s coming to them: they’ll be forced to eat the fruit of their wicked ways; they’ll gorge themselves on the consequences of their choices. You see, it’s turning away from me that brings death to the simple, and it’s self-satisfaction that destroys the fools. But those who listen to me now will live under divine protection; they can rest knowing they are out of harm’s way.” -Proverbs 1:24-33 (VOICE)

The writer of Hebrews gives us this warning about turning away from God:

“See that you don’t turn away from the One who is speaking; for if the ones who heard and refused the One who spoke on earth faced punishment, then how much more will we suffer if we turn away from the One speaking from heaven…” -Hebrews 12:25 (VOICE)

Paul warns us to always be ready, because we do not know when Christ will return for His Bride, and we need to always be ready. Remember, there will be no excuses, and we cannot refuse to accept God’s judgement.” Paul warns us to always be ready, because we do not know when Christ will return for His Bride, and we need to always be ready. Remember, there will be no excuses, and we cannot refuse to accept God’s judgement.

“Now, brothers and sisters, you don’t need further instruction from us or anyone else for that matter regarding how the seasons and times will play out. That’s because you know the truth well enough. The day of the Lord will race onto the scene and surprise us like a thief in the night. People will be going about their business chanting, “All is well! All is at peace!” and in the next moment, ruin and destruction will suddenly seize them as labor pains grip a woman about to give birth; for them there will be no escape. My brothers and sisters, it will be different for you. You do not dwell in the darkness, so that day will not surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light. You are sons and daughters of the day. We are not created of night, nor are we owned by darkness. So then let’s not give in to sleep or wander around in a stupor as some do, but let’s stay awake and in control. You see, sleepers sleep through the night, and drunkards drink the night away; but since we belong to the day, we should stay sober and in control, covered with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us, His chosen, to face His wrath but to be the heirs of salvation through our Lord Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, who died for us. So regardless of whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. So support one another. Keep building each other up as you have been doing.” -1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (VOICE)

“For God to forgive sinners without the full penalty being paid would contradict His justice and make Him our partner in evil. Christ fully paid that penalty for our sins–but the pardon must be willingly and gladly received. God will not force anyone into heaven.” ~Dave Hunt

My friend, we will not be able to refuse God’s judgement, and there will be no escaping the penalty for our sins. Confession, repentance, and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is the only way. Have you confessed your sins to the Lord? Have you repented and turned from them? Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life? I hope you have.

“The Lord made it very plain in the New Testament that believers cannot escape reaping the kind of harvest they sow. We cannot hide our sin; we will not get away with it. The secrets of the night are not hidden from God.” ~Theodore Epp

My Prayer:

Adonai Elohim, my Great Lord, you are God Most High, Judge over everyone and everything. I am learning of the importance of keeping my life in right standing with you. I have confessed my sin to you. I have repented, and accepted Jesus as Lord. I ask for your help in living a life that is holy and acceptable to you. Help me to walk in your ways, so there will be no need for judgement and discipline. Help me to say no to temptation, and to choose to walk in obedience to you. I know I cannot do this without your help, so please, Lord, be my Ever-Present Help. Thank you.

Learning From the Hard Times -Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

Growing with God: a daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 (NIV)
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 (MSG)
A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date. You learn more at a funeral than at a feast—After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it. Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart. Sages invest themselves in hurt and grieving. Fools waste their lives in fun and games. You’ll get more from the rebuke of a sage than from the song and dance of fools. The giggles of fools are like the crackling of twigs under the cooking pot. And like smoke.
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“A good name is better than precious perfume, and the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that [day of death] is the end of every man, and the living will take it to heart and solemnly ponder its meaning. Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad (deep in thought) the heart may be happy [because it is growing in wisdom]. The heart of the wise [learns when it] is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is [senseless] in the house of pleasure. It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity. For like the crackling of [burning] thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; and this too is vanity (futility).” -AMPLIFIED

“Remember that life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times and from the worst mistakes.” ~UNKNOWN

As we walk through life we all experience difficult situations. The Teacher’s bottom line for us to learn today is that we need to learn from those difficult situations, and learn well. The Teacher’s point is valid, and if you consider life in general you will realize that we learn more in the difficult times, than we do in the happy, carefree times.

“We are a long time in learning that all our strength and salvation is in God.”
~David Brainerd

“A good name is worth more than the finest perfume, and the day you die is better than the day you were born. In the same way, it is better to go to a funeral than a celebration. Why? because death is the end of life’s journey, and the living should always take that to heart. Sorrow beats foolish laughter; embracing sadness somehow gladdens our hearts. A wise heart is well acquainted with grief, but a foolish heart seeks only pleasure’s company. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than a song written by fools, for the laughter of fools is like the hiss and crackle of burning thorns beneath a pot. This, too, is fleeting.” -(VOICE)

The Teacher begins with reminding us that our reputation, or good name, is important, even valuable; so take care of it. Be sure that when you face difficulties, trials and temptations that you are doing all you possible can to keep a good reputation; for once you allow your temptation to be damaged it is difficult to repair it.

The Teacher then launches into a discourse of the need for us to learn from those difficult times in life. Death, funerals, sorrow, sadness, and times of criticism are all times to be open to learning and looking for those lessons of wisdom that we should be learning. Remember, there are no accidents in life; God allows us to experience difficult times in order to help us learn and grow.

“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. The day one dies is better than the day he is born! It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. Yes, a wise man thinks much of death, while the fool thinks only of having a good time now. It is better to be criticized by a wise man than to be praised by a fool! For a fool’s compliment is as quickly gone as paper in fire, and it is silly to be impressed by it.” -(TLB)

Some people say that sorrow is good for the soul. It causes us to ponder deeper the important things of life and it gives us a more acute understanding of God. Consider Job’s response to the trials and tribulations that he endured. Those difficulties brought to him a deeper understanding of who he was in the scheme of things, but more importantly, who his God was.

“Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”” -Job 42:1-6 (MSG)

“Let this encourage those of you who belong to Christ: the storm may be tempestuous, but it is only temporary. The clouds that are temporarily rolling over your head will pass, and then you will have fair weather, an eternal sunshine of glory. Can you not watch with Christ for one hour? “ ~Williams Gurnall

Scripture is filled with words of encouragement for us to learn from times of difficulty and struggle. Let us take a look at what God’s word says about this:

“I will teach you and tell you the way to go and how to get there; I will give you good counsel, and I will watch over you.” -Psalm 32:8 (VOICE)

“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.” -Psalm 25:8-9 (AMP)

“My son, do not ignore the Eternal’s instruction or lose heart when He steps in to correct you; because the Eternal proves His love by caring enough to discipline you, just as a father does his child, his pride and joy.” -Proverbs 3:11-12 (VOICE)

I remind you what James wrote to the church at large about facing difficulties:

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” -James 1:2-4 (MSG)

“Down through the centuries in times of trouble and trial God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God’s help and comfort in every kind of trouble which might cause fears to arise in the human heart. You can look ahead with promise, hope, and joy.” ~Billy Graham

My friend, when faced with difficulties, instead of complaining, crying or looking for the easy way out, look for the lessons that you should be learning. Remember to give thanks in every situation; for God has a reason for allowing you to walk through it.

“Beloved, I say, let your fears go, lest they make you fainthearted. Stop inspiring fear in those around you and now take your stand in faith. God has been good and He will continue to manifest His goodness…….. Let us approach these days expecting to see the goodness of the Lord manifest. Let us be strong and of good courage, for the Lord will fight for us if we stand in faith.” ~Francis Frangipane

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to see and understand what it is that you are trying to teach me in the difficult times. Instead of squirming and looking for a way of escape, help me to be still and know that you are God. Help me to see that you are trying to teach me to be totally reliant on you. Even when it hurts, Lord, help me to be looking for your goodness and grace in the middle of the storm. Help me to learn those life lessons and to grow more like Jesus.

Teach Your Children Well – Proverbs 31:1

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Proverbs 31:1 (NIV)
The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

Proverbs 31:1 (MSG)
The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:
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“The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:” -AMPLIFIED

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~Frederick Douglass

Today we begin the final chapter of Proverbs. This chapter is credited to Lemuel; his name is in verses 1 and 4. We do not know anything about Lemuel except what we see in this chapter. Lemuel was a king; over what we do not know. He was a wise king who learned much from his mother. In the ancient Near East the mother had great influence over her children.

Some theologians think that Lemuel was a pseudonym for Solomon; in this case his mother would have been Bathsheba. Jewish tradition teaches that this last chapter was written by Solomon. Other theologians feel that Lemuel was a descendant of Ishmael and a leader of one of the Ishmaelite tribes. There are still more theories out there which try to identify who this unknown poet and philosopher was; sadly we do not have enough information available to us to pinpoint who he rightfully was. We do though have the lessons of wisdom available to us that he wrote about that his mother taught him.

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” ~Billy Graham, evangelist

“These are the words of King Lemuel. An oracle of wisdom handed down to him by his mother:” -(VOICE)

We find in this first verse King Lemuel attributing these sound words of wisdom to his mother. In the coming days we will find three passages of advice. Two will focus on temptations that royalty of that day would have faced: the over indulgence of sexual activity with their many wives (another reason many theologians felt that this was Solomon.) and the tendency toward drunkenness. The third bit of wisdom that Lemuel learned from his mother was the primary objective of any leader; to protect and defend the poor and needy.

“These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel of Massa, taught to him at his mother’s knee:” -(TLB)

The relationship between parent and child is of utmost importance in the Bible. It was the parents job to teach their children in the way they should live; so that when they were old enough to make their own decisions they would consistently and habitually follow in the ways of the Lord. We can look at Solomon’s teachings to remind us of this:

“Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], even when he is old he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

The Message Version conveys it in this way:

“Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.”

Even back when Moses was around he saw the need for the parents to impress upon their children the things of the Lord. Over and over again he stressed this need for them to teach their children the ways of the Lord. Take note:

“But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May his miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your lives! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did.” -Deuteronomy 4:9 (TLB)

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” -Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (AMP)

“Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth.” -Deuteronomy 11:19-21 (MSG)

Lest we think that the child has no part in this process, I remind you of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth.” -Ephesians 6:1-3 (AMP)

We see that Lemuel learned from his mother well. He gained much wisdom from the teachings that his mother impressed and imprinted upon him; and he was able to apply them to his personal life as he reigned as king.

“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.”
~Charles R. Swindoll

My friend, if you have children, take the time to teach them the ways of the Lord. Live your own personal life as a living testimony to your children. Your home is the training ground for your children’s future. By watching you and listening to you they learn how to handle various situations; remember that.

“The child that never learns to obey his parents in the home will not obey God or man out of the home.” ~Susanne Wesley

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to be the parent that you desire me to be; influencing my children to live a life sold out to God. I understand the need of making a habit of reading your Word with my children and teaching them the ways of the Lord. Give me wisdom and boldness to train them in following your Word. May my legacy to my children be that they are rooted and grounded in you, Lord. Thank you.

Lessons From Small Wonders -Proverbs 30:24-28

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Proverbs 30:24-28 (NIV)
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

Proverbs 30:24-28 (MSG)
There are four small creatures, wisest of the wise they are— ants—frail as they are, get plenty of food in for the winter; marmots—vulnerable as they are, manage to arrange for rock-solid homes; locusts—leaderless insects, yet they strip the field like an army regiment; lizards—easy enough to catch, but they sneak past vigilant palace guards.
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“There are four things that are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, yet they prepare their food in the summer; the shephanim are not a mighty folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks; the locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in groups; you may grasp the lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.” -Amplified

Once again we find Agur making a list; this time it is a list of small creatures that are wise in their own way. These small creatures each have a lesson of wisdom to teach us. We need to be aware that bigger is not always better; small things can teach us great lessons.

“There are four creatures on earth that are small, but they are very wise and we can learn from them: While ants are hardly a strong species, they work constantly to store up food during the summer; while badgers are animals without many defenses, they are wise enough to make their homes in the rocky cliffs; while locusts live without a ruler, they all know how to move in formation; while a lizard is easy enough to catch in your hand, it is shrewd enough to enter the palaces of kings.” -(VOICE)

Agur points our attention to the ant, the shephanim, the locusts, and the lizard. All of these creatures are small, but in their on way they can be looked upon as mighty. We will take the time to look at them individually.

“There are four things that are small but unusually wise: Ants: they aren’t strong, but store up food for the winter. Cliff badgers: delicate little animals who protect themselves by living among the rocks. The locusts: though they have no leader, they stay together in swarms. The lizards: they are easy to catch and kill, yet are found even in king’s palaces!” -(TLB)

Lesson 1: Industrious
Brought to us by the ant. It was Solomon who taught us to go to the ant and learn. He said:

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazy fellow. Learn from their ways and be wise! For though they have no king to make them work, yet they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” -Proverbs 6:6-8 (TLB)

The ant is hardworking. Though small you can observe these little guys lifting large loads and carrying them back to their hills in preparation for hard times. Nothing distracts them. If an obstacle is placed in their way they walk around it and carry on.

Lesson 2: Secured
Brought to us by the shephanim; otherwise known as a cliff badger or hyrax.
This animal is a small mammal; insignificant in size. For the most part they are defenseless, but they have the wisdom to seek safety in the cliffs and rocks. It was David who taught us too to run to the Rock for safety. David said:

“From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help].” -Psalm 61:2 (AMP)

Lesson 3: Team-player/disciplined
Brought to us by the locusts. Locust work together as a team; despite the fact that they have no true leader. They are disciplined and ordered working together toward one end. No one locust is more important than another. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to work together as one, just as the locusts do. Paul said:

“My brothers and sisters, I urge you by the name of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, to come together in agreement. Do not allow anything or anyone to create division among you. Instead, be restored, completely fastened together with one mind and shared judgment.” -1 Corinthians 1:10 (VOICE)

Lesson 4: Persistence
Brought to us by the lizard. Agur brings across the point that there is no stopping the lizard; they are persistent. They can be found even in the king’s palace. They are easy to catch and kill, but they are no respecter of persons. They can be found within the small hut and even in huge palace. Paul teaches us to also be persistent in following the Lord. He wrote to the Corinthian church:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” -1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP)

My friend, let us learn a lesson of wisdom from the small wonders of God’s creation. If we would take the time to look around and observe, we would see that there can are many useful lessons to be learned from the world around us, God’s creation. Slow down and take time to learn them.

My Prayer:
Lord, may my eyes be looking for the lessons that you want me to learn from Your creation around me. Open my spiritual eyes to your ways. Help me to continually be seeking more of you and your wisdom. I know that I need to intentionally be seeking you and learning of you. Help me to grow, Lord, into the person that you have intended me to be. Thank you.

The Problem With Anger – Proverbs 29:22

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Proverbs 29:22 (NIV)
An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

Proverbs 29:22 (MSG)
Angry people stir up a lot of discord; the intemperate stir up trouble.
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“An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered and undisciplined man commits many transgressions.” -AMPLIFIED

“A quick temper will make a fool of you soon enough.” ~Bruce Lee

When we say that someone is hot-headed we are saying that they have a fiery spirit and are quick to anger. A hot-headed person gets mad easily and stays mad. The average person tends to steer clear of hot-headed individual because we never know what will set off the anger of the hot=headed person. They tend to be like a powder keg waiting to explode.

“Anger is one letter short of danger.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

“A hot-head provokes quarrels, and one mastered by anger commits all kinds of sins.” -(VOICE)

Solomon draws our attention once again to the problems associated with anger. He points out that the hot-headed fool starts arguments and fights. And anger stirs up trouble and commits many offensive actions. He implies that anger is negative and immoral.

“A hot-tempered man starts fights and gets into all kinds of trouble.” -(TLB)

“No matter how just your words may be, you ruin everything when you speak with anger.” ~John Chrysostom

The problem with anger is that when we allow it to overtake us, we tend to lose control of our words and our actions. Recently we have spent time looking at Solomon’s words of wisdom on the need for self-control over anger. He told us:

* “A [shortsighted] fool always loses his temper and displays his anger, but a wise man [uses self-control and] holds it back.” -Proverbs 29:11 (AMP)

* “There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.” -Proverbs 29:20 (TLB)

* “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.” -Proverbs 15:18 (AMP)

Over in the book of Ecclesiastes we find Solomon telling us that the anger of the hot-headed is a good sign that that person is a fool. He writes:

“Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.” -Ecclesiastes 7:9 (MSG)

“When you resort to shouting in conflict, you are reacting in the flesh. You have lost control of the only person you can control: yourself.”
~Neil T. Anderson

David, Solomon’s father, wrote of the need to keep control over our emotions and not to resort to anger. He reminds us that God is ultimately in control and He will deal with those who offend us. David writes:

“Be still. Be patient. Expect the Eternal to arrive and set things right. Don’t get upset when you see the worldly ones rising up the ladder. Don’t be bothered by those who are anchored in wicked ways. So turn from anger. Don’t rage, and don’t worry—these ways frame the doorway to evil. Besides, those who act from evil motives will be cut off from the land; but those who wait, hoping in the Eternal, will enjoy its riches.” -Psalm 37:7-9 (VOICE)

James, the brother of Jesus, warns us that oft times our anger is rooted in the fact that we do not get our own way. Sadly, we get angry and fight for the simple fact that we insist on having our own way in things. Take a look at what James wrote:

“Where do you think your fighting and endless conflict come from? Don’t you think that they originate in the constant pursuit of gratification that rages inside each of you like an uncontrolled militia? You crave something that you do not possess, so you murder to get it. You desire the things you cannot earn, so you sue others and fight for what you want. You do not have because you have chosen not to ask. And when you do ask, you still do not get what you want because your motives are all wrong—because you continually focus on self-indulgence. You are adulterers. Don’t you know that making friends with this corrupt world order is open aggression toward God? So anyone who aligns with this bogus world system is declaring war against the one true God. Do you think it is empty rhetoric when the Scriptures say, “The spirit that lives in us is addicted to envy and jealousy”? You may think that the situation is hopeless, but God gives us more grace when we turn away from our own interests. That’s why Scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but He pours out grace on the humble.” So submit yourselves to the one true God and fight against the devil and his schemes. If you do, he will run away in failure. Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.” -James 4:1-8 (VOICE)

“Pride is one chief cause of undue anger. It is because men are proud, and exalt themselves in their own hearts, that they are revengeful, and are apt to be excited, and to make great things out of little ones that may be against themselves. Yea, they even treat as vices things that are in themselves virtues, when they think their honor is touched, or when their will is crossed. And it is pride that makes men so unreasonable and rash in their anger, and raises it to such a high degree, and continues it so long, and often keeps it up in the form of habitual malice… If men sought not chiefly their own private and selfish interests, but the glory of God and the common good, then their spirit would be a great deal more stirred up in God’s cause than in their own; and they would not be prone to hasty, rash, inconsiderate, immoderate, and long-continued wrath, with any who might have injured or provoked them; but they would in a great measure forget themselves for God’s sake, and from their zeal for the honor of Christ. The end they would aim at, would be, not making themselves great, or getting their own will, but the glory of God and the good of their fellow-beings.” ~Jonathan Edwards

James also warns us that as children of the Most High that we need to be careful to NOT let anger get the best of us. James writes:

“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.” -James 1:19-21 (MSG)

“A moment of anger can destroy a lifetime of work, whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build.” ~Leon Brown

My friend, be careful lest you give in to anger and fall into sin. Let go of what you consider your “rights” and let God deal His justice to those who stand against you. Do not sin in anger. Instead of becoming angry choose the pathway of love.

“Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life.”
~Solomon (Proverbs 4:23 VOICE)

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me, I pray, for those times that I have given in to anger. I know that is not how you desire me to act. I realize that anger stirs up strife and causes more problems. Teach me to allow you to deal with the situations and people that make me angry and upset. Help me to learn some self-control.  Help me to turn to you when I am confronted with things that make me angry and allow you to handle the people and situations in your way and in your time. Remind me that you are a Just God and you will make things right. Thank you, Lord.

Teach and Train – Proverbs 29:19

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Proverbs 29:19 (NIV)
Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.

Proverbs 29:19 (MSG)
It takes more than talk to keep workers in line; mere words go in one ear and out the other.
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“A servant will not be corrected by words alone; for though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].” -AMPLIFIED

“It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.”
~Harvey S. Firestone (founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company)

Many of us may look at today’s bit of wisdom, proverb, and overlook it or breeze right by it, thinking that it does not apply to most of us because the average person does not have servants. I would point out to you that we all hold various leadership roles and the practical lesson that Solomon is trying to teach us can be applied to those we are in authority over.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” ~Jim Rohn

“Words are not enough to correct a servant; even if he understands, he will not respond.” -(VOICE)

Once again we find Solomon addressing the need for discipline, that word that no one likes to hear. Remember what discipline means though, in its basic form it means to teach or to train.

So, Solomon is telling us to teach and train those who we have authority over. We are reminded that discipline is a good thing; it is needed to succeed.

“Sometimes mere words are not enough—discipline is needed. For the words may not be heeded.” -(TLB)

“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” ~Charles Kuralt

I have often seen and heard of instances where people have begun a new job, and the leadership expected the new employee to know exactly how to do the job the way that the leadership personally wanted it done. Folks, that rarely happens. When someone begins a new job they need to be instructed in what they need to be doing and what the expectations are for them. They need a good job description; something that is rarely given today for some odd reason. How can people learn unless someone teaches them?

You may have heard the idiom, “Teach, don’t preach.” What this phrase is trying to convey to us is the need to not only “tell” someone what to do, but to show them as well; teach them, educate them. The Bible has a lot to say about teaching and how it should be done.

“The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” -Proverbs 16:23 (KJV)

“The godly man is a good counselor because he is just and fair and knows right from wrong.” -Psalm 37:30-31 (TLB)

“How can a student know more than his teacher? But if he works hard, he may learn as much.” -Luke 6:40(TLB)

The Apostle Paul encouraged Titus to lead by setting a good example and to teach. Paul wrote in his letter to Titus:

“Titus, you have to set a good example for everyone. Go out of your way to do what is right, speak the truth with the weight and authority that come from an honest and pure life. No one can argue with that. Then your enemies will cower in shame because they have nothing bad to say against us.” -Titus 2:7-8 (VOICE)

“Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another.” ~George Washington

To Timothy, who was Paul’s student and apprentice, Paul wrote:

“But as for you, my child, be empowered by the grace that is in Jesus, the Anointed One. Whatever you heard me teach before an audience of witnesses, I want you to pass along to trustworthy people who have the ability to teach others too.” -2 Timothy 2:1-2 (VOICE)

Paul also told Timothy:

“Teach these things and make sure everyone learns them well.” -1 Timothy 4:11 (TLB)

Even Jesus instructed His disciples to teach not only go out and make disciples, but to teach them.

“Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” -Matthew 28:19-20 (TLB)

“No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.”
~Harry Emerson Fosdick

My friend, take advantage of every opportunity to teach and train others. Stop expecting that people will “know” instinctively what is expected of them and how to do things. Discipline is actually shows that we care. Care enough for others to be sure that they know what they are doing.

“Love precedes discipline.” ~John Owen

My Prayer,
Heavenly Father, I ask that you will teach me your ways. In turn, help me to teach others your ways. Remind me that I need to care enough to teach and train others in what is expected of them. No one ever learns by osmosis. Give me your wisdom, Lord, in how to teach the way that will benefit others, building them up, so that they can in turn teach and train others for your glory. Thank you, Lord.