A goad pokes one along the right path. A nail holds them firmly secure. Do you know and follow the words of the Shepherd? Have you submitted to His prodding? Are you held secure by His Word?
A goad pokes one along the right path. A nail holds them firmly secure. Do you know and follow the words of the Shepherd? Have you submitted to His prodding? Are you held secure by His Word?
This is not merely expressing regret at wrong, but feeling God’s sorrow at our offense. This spiritual sorrow leads to a commitment to change, wanting no longer to offend God. This leads to our utter dependence on God to save us from our sinfulness, crying “Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner!”
The companionship and strength of two is only improved upon by a Third. Wise married couples will take their focus off of one another and put them on this Third Strand, who is Christ Himself. He is the glue that holds all things together.
In Proverbs, wisdom and righteousness go hand in hand, as do folly and sin. Parents are God’s instruments, called to shepherd their child’s hearts to Him. Your child’s folly is not cute. It is deadly. If you really love them, you will discipline them.
This is the great exchange. The Life took our death, so that we might have life. The Righteous One took our sin, so that we might become holy. The Son took the Father’s wrath that we might obtain God’s favor.
God finally speaks. Many today think they know how the world began. Men who’ve barely lived 50 years speak of 5 billion years and big bang theories. I think God laughs at man’s wisdom. I love science and history, but I love God’s revealed Word more. Someday, we’ll get the true answers.
Often the more broken we are, the more His Spirit leaks out to others. In our strength we get the credit, but in our weakness, God does. Stop trying to be in control of everything. Admit your weakness and experience God’s power.
Light to help us see what’s ahead and to find the path you desire for me. Truth to help us know what is masquerading as good, when it’s really falsehood and temptation. These are found in your Word. May your Word speak to us as we read it today. Lord, shine and speak.
David encouraged himself in the Lord. Lift your own soul up to the Lover of souls. Sometimes we are down without even knowing why, but God knows us better than we know ourselves. Cry out to Him.
Train – like one trains a vine, tying it off to the straight stake of God’s Word as it grows. Way – Towards God’s sunlight but also being careful to know the unique bent of the child so as not to break the will. This is guidance for parents and promise too.