Genesis 20-23

What does it say?

Again, Abraham lied about his wife Sarah, telling  Abimelech that Sarah is his sister, so Abimelech took Sarah into his house. God had compassion on Abimelech and spoke to him in a dream, keeping him from sinning against God by sleeping with Sarah. Abimelech gave Sarah back to Abraham along with livestock and slaves, then he questioned why Abraham would do this and cause Abimelech to make a decision that would be sin against God. The answer that Abraham gave was self-preservation. Sarah conceived and bore a son for Isaac at the appointed time and named him Isaac. When the child was eight days old, Abraham circumcised Isaac just as the Lord commanded. Sarah demanded that Abraham send Hagar and her son away. The Lord told Abraham to trust him, and do as she says, for his descendants would be named through Isaac but God would also make a great nation of the maid Hagar’s son. Hagar and her son were dying of thirst in the desert and God heard their cries; therefore, He provided them with water to drink and the lad grew strong while living in the wilderness under the protection of God. Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech before God, that they would not attack one another. God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt on a mountain that He would designate. When Abraham was about to kill Isaac, the Lord stopped him form killing Isaac and provided a ram as a substitute offering. The Lord blessed Abraham because he had feared God and obeyed His voice. Abraham received word that his brother Nahor was given many children. Sarah died at the age of 127 and Abraham purchased a field, with a cave from the Hittites to bury her. The field with the cave faced the city Hebron and Abraham buried his wife Sarah in it. 

What shall I do?

I shall love my neighbor as myself and give them the information that is best for their decision making, which may not be what is best for myself. Lying is always selfish. The liar always has self-interest at heart when he/she lies to another. The Lord will always do what He has said that He will do. The Lord told Abraham that Sarah would conceive and give Abraham a son from his loins. The Lord did exactly what He told Abraham He would do and at the appointed time. The Lord told Abraham to trust Him with his two sons. First , his son through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian made. Second, his son Isaac, his son through Sarah his wife. When Sarah wanted Abraham to send away Hagar with her son, the Lord told Abraham to trust the Lord to take care of his son and do what Sarah demanded. Then the Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only remaining son, his only son through his wife Sarah. Abraham obeyed the voice of God and the Lord provided a substitute. I shall trust the word of the Lord, for the Lord our God will always do what He has promised to do and the Lord our God will always do what is right. God did what was right in stopping Abimelech from sinning, God did what was right in taking care of Ismael in the wilderness. God did what was right in stopping Abraham from killing Isaac and even provided a substitute offering. However, the Lord expects us to trust His word and do what He commands, even when it makes no logical since. I shall trust the word of the Lord our God in Jesus Christ, the only begotten God, the word who become flesh. I see people die all of the time in the intensive care unit but I have never seen someone rise from the dead. The Lord has promised to return and raise us from the dead and give us eternal life in the new heaven and the new earth which is yet to come. I shall trust the voice of God!

Genesis 18-19

What does it say?

Three men appeared and Abraham asked that he might treat the Lord hospitably. They Lord asked for Sarah and she was in the tent. The Lord told Abraham that in one year, He will return and she will have a son. Sarah laughed because of her age and the Lord said: “Is there anything to difficult for the Lord.” Abraham questions the justice of God. Will the Lord destroy the righteous with the wicked? Abraham gives the Lord scenarios beginning with 50 righteous persons, all the way down to 10 righteous person and in each case the Lord answers that He will not destroy Sodom if righteous persons are found in it. Suffice it to say that the Lord deals justly with His created beings. However, the under lying reason for Abraham’s questioning the justice of the Lord is that Abraham’s son Lot lived in Sodom with his family. The two angels who appeared as men to Abraham, with the Lord, came into the city and Lot asked that he might show them hospitality, they agreed after he urged them strongly. After eating the feast that Lot prepared, the men of the city came to Lot’s whom and demanded that he give them the two men, so that they might have sex with them. For this reason, homosexuals in the near past were often called sodomites, a term that has departed from us. The men became angry that Lot would judge them regarding the desire of their hearts. Lot even offered his virgin daughters to the attackers but they wanted the men instead. Lot showed the two angels dressed as men hospitality but the other men of the city desired to degrade them. The righteous treat others with dignity and the unrighteous treat others shamefully. The men who came to Lot’s door were struck with blindness which was also their spiritual condition. The two angels told Lot to take his family and escape, or they would be swept up with the destruction of the city. They commanded Lot to run and not look back. We should run away from sin and not look back. However, Lot’s wife looked back and she was turned into a pillar of salt. Looking back longly of sin will destroy us. When Lot arrived at Zoar, the Lord reigned down hell (fire and brimstone) from heaven on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham saw the destruction from a great distance away. The Lord saved Lot because of Abraham. Again, we have a prohibition against drunkenness in Scripture. Lot became drunk and did what he would not normally do, he had sex with his two daughters. The text says that he did not know when they laid down with him, or when they got up. Two nations: the Moabites and the Ammonites were born from incest.

What shall I do?

I shall trust the word of the Lord for He will always do what He has said that He will do. God can do whatever He wants to do, however, he wants to do it. It is a miracle that a 90 year old woman and a 100 year old man could conceive and have a child. It is a miracle that God could take out my heart of stone and give me a soft heart. It is a miracle that He is transforming me from with in by His word and His Spirit. And it is a miracle that He should do what He has promised in His word to do; raise me from the dead, in a glorified body to live in His kingdom eternally with Christ. I have not seen the resurrection and the resurrection is as incredible to me as the thought of conceiving and giving birth at the age of 90 must have been for Sarah. I shall treat all human beings with the dignity deserved as image bearers of almighty God and I shall treat others hospitably. Shall run from sin and not look back. I shall not drink alcohol because it can take away my ability to think.

Genesis 15-17

What does it say?

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. Abram longed for a son because one of his servants would be his aire. God told him in the vision to look at the stars and if he could count them, that is the number of his descendants. I cannot image the stars visible to the eye, in a desert, before electric lighting. Abram believed in the word of the Lord; the Lord reckoned it to him as righteous. The Lord reckons the man who believes His word as righteous. Paul and James relate Christian belief in Christ to this passage. (Rom.4:3; Gal.3:6; Jam.2:23) Abram sacrificed animals and cut them in two and laid them separated, as the Lord commanded. God told Abram that His descendants would be enslaved but He would rescue them and bring them into the land of Canaan. After the sun had set and it was very dark, the Lord passed between the halves and was visible, as a smoking oven and a flaming torch. Since she could not conceive, Sarai reasoned to give Hagar, her Egyptian made, to give Abram a child. Abram listened to the voice of his wife, he went into Hagar and she conceived but the Sarai became jealous and treated Hagar harshly. Let us not forget that the Lord God cursed the ground because Adam listened to the voice of his wife rather than the word of the Lord. Hagar fled but the Angel of the Lord told her to return and submit herself to Sarai but assured her that her descendants through Ismael would be to many to count and they would live east of his brothers and no one would get along with (them) him. Hagar’s descendants would be a thorn in the side of Sarai’s descendants. Abram was 86 years old when Ismael was born. When Abram was 99 years old, which would make Ismael 13 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and told him to walk before Him and be blameless. Abram fell on his face and the Lord walked with Abram to make him a multitude of nations. The Lord changed his name to Abraham. The Lord covenanted to give the land as an everlasting possession to Abraham’s descendants through his wife Sarai; however, Abraham and his descendants must be circumcised. Because he listened to his wife Sarai and tried to fulfill the word of the Lord through the flesh. The covenant for the land of Canaan and all the the Lord had promised to Abraham would come, not through Ismael but through Isaac whom Sarah would bear. The Lord changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. Abraham said, that God should make Ismael great, He agreed, but told him that the covenant would be fulfilled through his wife Sarah, not Ismael. Abraham, Ismael and all of the male servants were circumcised as the Lord commanded. 

What shall I do?

I shall believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and learn to observe all that He commanded. Jesus Christ has promised eternal life to all who believe in Him. This promise was given to the Jew first and also to every tribe and tongue and people and nation. The Lord has promised eternal life for me and all who believe. However, though all of my sins are paid in full and I have been saved from the penalty of sin, I will always remember my sins and loath myself because of them. Abraham was circumcised of the flesh and I am circumcised of the heart. Abraham bore his shame on the flesh and I bear my shame in the heart. I know that the Lord is transforming me and I will receive what I do not deserve, eternal life in glory. I shall wait on the Lord just as Abraham waited, when he divided the animal halves. I shall not seek my own righteousness through works done in the flesh but shall trust in the righteous given by the grace of God, through faith in His Son, Jesus the Christ our Lord.

Genesis 12-14

What does it say?

The Lord spoke to Abram. Was it audible or was it a vision? I do not know but I do know that the Lord made his will known to Abram and His will was that Abram observe His commandments and the Lord would bless Him; thereby blessing Abram, all of the families of the earth would be blessed. Abram departed his family, as the Lord commanded, to the Land of Canaan. He took Lot his nephew, the son of his dead brother Haran, Sarai his wife, all of the wealth and servants that they accumulated in Haran. The Lord told Abram that He would give the land to his descendants. Abram went to Egypt because there was a famine in Canaan. He lied to the Egyptians and told his wife to lie and say that she was his sister. Pharaoh took Sarai into his household and gave Abram livestock. The Lord struck Pharaoh and his house with plagues because of Sarai; therefore, when Pharaoh heard what Abram had done, he drove him and his wife away. Abram went to the altar that he made between the cities of Bethel and Ai and worshiped the Lord. Is this the site of the temple mount? Lot and Abram separated. Lot went to the Jordan Valley eastward and Abram to the land of Canaan westward. Once in Canaan, the Lord spoke to Abram. Vision? Audible? He told Abram that He will give him and his descendants the land and will make his descendants more numerous than can be numbered. What an incredible thing to hear when you have no children, your wife is barren and you are already an old man. There was war among the kings. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated. The victors took the spoils, which included Lot and his possessions. When Abram heard that Lot had been captured, Abram took his men, defeated the captures, brought back lot with all of his possessions and the goods a persons of Sodom. When Abram brought back the goods, he was meet by the king of Sodom and Melchizedek king of Salem who was a priest of God. Melchizedek gave Abram a blessing and Abram gave him a tenth of all the goods. Abram gave back all that was taken to the king of Sodom.

What shall I do?

The Lord God chooses to whom He will be gracious and to whom He will show compassion. No one deserves the blessings of God. Abram was not righteous in that he never sinned. Abram was a liar. He lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarai and Pharaoh made a bad decision based on Abram’s lie. God punished Pharaoh but blessed Abram. Why? Only God knows! However, I do know that if God says to do something, I should do it, and if God makes a promise, He will do it. God promised Abram land and many descendants. God fulfilled this promise to Abram. God also told him that in him all of the nations of the earth would be blessed. Jesus Christ is the descendant of Abram by whom God would bless every family on the earth. At this point in the redemptive journey, the promise is not fully disclosed but will find fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. I cannot comprehend what it will by like at the consummation, when heaven and earth are made new, and God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Like Abram, I have difficulty seeing but I trust the word of the Lord. I shall walk through this life by faith in the promises of the Lord and not by sight; I presently see with my human eyes. The patients that I take care of are broken but they were created in the image of God. I work at the beside as a registered nurse, ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of broken people. This is what the Lord God has given me to do for His kingdom and I shall do this for Jesus’ sake. Nursing is the occupation that God has called me too; therefore, I shall understand this calling as ministry.

Genesis 9-11

What does it mean?

God blessed Noah and his sons in much the same way that He had blessed the first man and woman in Gn.1:28. He told them to be fruitful and multiply; however, instead of telling them to rule over the living creatures of the earth God put the fear of man into the creatures. Also, instead of giving them the vegetation of the earth for food, God gave them the living creatures for food but not while they still had life in them. There is also a remembrance that above all creatures, man is special because man was made in the image of God; therefore, man shall not be killed. God then made a covenant for man and all living things, that He would never again destroy all flesh with a worldwide flood again. As a sign of the covenant God created the rainbow. Through Noah’s sons the entire earth was populated. This means that every person on the earth has a common ancestry in Noah and his wife. It did not take long before sin entered into the family. Noah cursed Canaan but blessed shem and Japeth before he died. The sons of Noah and their sons separated and populated the earth after the flood. However, they were not willing to separate but instead began to build a city and exalt themselves, so God gave them different languages and scattered them over the face of the whole earth. Why were there people in North and South America when the explorers came across the Atlantic? The answer is God scattered them there. The word of God then focuses on the family of Shem to his descendant Terah the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot but Haran died. Abram’s wife was Sarai and Nahor’s wife was Milcah. The text makes special note that Sarai was barren. Terah took his family and they settled in Haran. After separating the people of the earth God focused His attention on Abram the son of Terah and Abram’s barren wife Sarai. 

What Shall I do?

I know that the Lord is a covenant making and a covenant keeping God. I shall trust the Lord our God who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ the Lord. God has promised eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord; therefore, I shall trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to raise me from the dead and save me from hell. God started over with Noah but man quickly returned to sin and rebellion; therefore, of all the families that He scattered around the world He set is sight on Abram who He later called Abraham and his wife Sarai who He later called Sarah. Through this couple God would bring a people and a Savor, who is Christ Jesus the Lord. I do not understand what is happening on the earth today with the global corona virus pandemic and the actions of the worlds governments but I do know that God is sovereign and He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom.8:28) Therefore, I shall trust God: Father and Son and Holy Spirit. I also know that all persons are created in the image of God. Therefore, when I go to work today, I shall care for my patients with the dignity that they are images of our creator God. 

Genesis 6-8

What does it mean?

Genesis 6

Men and women began to multiply greatly on the earth and God was not pleased with man; therefore, he restricted man’s life to 120 years. God was sorry that He made man because man was corrupt and his wickedness became abundant; therefore, God decided to destroy man, and all living things but for some reason, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous man, he was considered blameless in a time that the earth was corrupt and filled with violence; therefore, his finding favor with God would indicate his non-violence as the possible reason. God told Noah that he was going to destroy the men of the earth with the earth. God planned to cause a great flood. Noah would not have known what this meant and God gave him specific instructions on how He wanted Noah to build the ark which would house him and Noah’s family. The arc would also hold birds, animals and creeping things of every kind, a male and a female of every kind. Noah had never seen a flood before, yet he trusted the word of the Lord and obeyed His commandments. This is another reason that Noah might have found favor with God.

Genesis 7

The world would go on like it had for one more week. God told Noah to enter the arc with his family and the animals, a male and female of every kind but for the animals considered clean, he was to bring them in by male and female pairs of seven. The significance of seven pairs of clean animals and entering the arc seven days before the flood to destroy the earth would indicate perfection. Noah was 600 years old when he entered the arc, trusting the word of the Lord. After the seven days past the earth was flooded. Rain fell on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights. This is looking ahead to Israel’s wonderings in the desert, and more so, the Lord’s time in the desert before beginning His earthly ministry. The arc was lifted up and rose above the earth. The righteous shall rise and meet the Lord in the air. (1Th.4:17) The water even covered the tops of the mountains. Every thing that breathes died, except those carried and protected in the arc. We must be in Christ when the day of destruction comes. 

Genesis 8

After 150 days the water began to decrease. It was on the 17th day of the 2nd month that Noah and his family entered the arc and it was on the 17th day of the 7th month that the arc rested on the mountains of Ararat. 5 months times 30 days equals 150 days but it was not until the 1st day of the tenth month that the tops of the mountains became visible. 40 days later Noah opened the window of the ark. From the time that Noah entered the arc until the earth was dried up was 1 year. The Lord command Noah to go out an he obeyed. Noah took of every clean and bird and burnt offerings to the Lord on an altar and the Lord was pleased. God said that He will never again curse the ground because of man for the heart of man is evil from his youth.

What shall I do?

The main idea is that God looks favorably on the non-violent, who trust His word to obey His commandments. Jesus commanded His disciples to do something that seems strange. He commanded that we should love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. He said to not return violence for violence and do not demand back what someone takes. (Lk.6:27-30) The teachings of the Lord are radicle to say the least. Should we trust in our own reasoning or should we trust in the word of the Lord? I shall trust in the word of the Lord. I cannot see the consummation of the ages now but I trust the Lord. The day of the Lord is coming. The corrupt and wicked of the earth will be destroyed and there will be a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness reigns. I cannot see it now, nor do I understand what it will be like but I shall trust in the word of the Lord and observe all that He commanded.

Genesis 3-5

What does it say?

The serpent took the word of God and twisted it, so the woman did what was in her heart, she took from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and ate; she also gave to her husband and he hate. The man and woman hid themselves from the Lord and when the Lord questioned the man about eating from the tree, he blamed the woman and the woman blamed the serpent. The Lord God told the serpent that he is cursed and He will put a state of hostility between him and the woman and between his seed and her seed; her seed will bruise the serpent on the head, yet the serpent will bruise His heel. The Lord told the woman and the man that childbirth would now be increasingly difficult but she would continue to bear children because she would desire her husband and he will rule over her. Adam had been given a garden but now he is to eat through very hard work and overcoming much difficulty; at the end of the days he will return to the dust, the dust that he came from and toiled with all the days of his life. Adam named his wife Eve and God sacrificed animals to cloth and protect their bodies. The Lord God drove the man and woman from the garden to keep them from the tree of life, lest they ate from it and live forever in a state of rebellion against God. Cain and Able were their children; Cain killed Abel because he was jealous because the Lord was pleased with Abels animal offering and not his fruit from the ground. The Lord made Cain unfruitful in farming; therefore, he became a vagrant wonderer but his life was still precious to the Lord. He settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain took a wife and had a son, his descendants are name through Lamech who exalted himself as greater than Cain who proceed him, though also a murder like Cain. Adam and Eve had a third son named Seth who begot Enosh; Enosh called on the name of the Lord. God had created man, He made them in His image, He created them male and female and blessed them. Adam lived for 930 years, though he had other sons, his descendants are remembered through his third son Seth. Though Seth and each of his sons had many sons and daughters it is remembered that Seth begot Enosh, who begot Kenan, who begot Mahalalel, who begot Jared, who begot Enoch (Enoch was taken by God, halfway through life), who begot Methuselah, who begot Lamech, who begot Noah. Noah’s sons were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 

What does it mean?

Men and women have dignity because we are created by God in His image. When Cain killed Able he said, “Am I my brothers keeper?” The answer is yes! We are our brothers keeper because every person on earth bears the image of God. The image is marred by sin and the results of sin, the curse, but all human beings should be respected and treated with dignity because all human beings bear the image of God. All human life is precious in the eyes of God; therefore, should not all human life be precious in our eyes? Human life is to be protected and sustained with loving hands to protect it. Even in rebellion against his commandments God showed lovingkindness towards Adam and Eve by sacrificing the life of an animal to cloth them. He also demonstrated his love for Cain’s life even though Cain murdered Abel. God’s protection for the Serpent is that the seed of the woman would crush His head. This is looking forward to the gospel, when God would demonstrate His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom.5:8) 

What shall I do?

I am called to the ministry of nursing. I have often misunderstood this calling and thought that I should do something that men call ministry. What men most think of is pulpit ministry but nursing is ministry. All human life is precious because all human beings bear the image of God who created us. All are marred by the fall but God demonstrated His own love for us at the cross. Should we not love our neighbors and care for there needs. Therefore, I shall continue my work at the beside and see to the needs of my neighbor because I am my brothers keeper. I shall point my patients to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross for their redemption and give them hope in the consummation when all things will be made new. 

Genesis 1-2

What does it say?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; He said let there be light, there was evening and there was morning the first day; thus He created the cycle of a 24 hour day. The second day God created the atmosphere around the earth. The third day God separated the land from the sea and He created vegetation to grow on the land. The fourth day God create the Sun, the moon and the stars. The fifth day God created the fish that swim in the sea and the birds that fly in the sky. The sixth day God created all of the land animals; God created man, male and female in His image to rule over the fish of the sea, the birds if the sky, the earth and every living thing that moves on the earth. God gave man and the beasts the vegetation on the earth for food. The sixth day culminated God’s creation and He rested on the seventh day; therefore, the seventh day should be remembered as holy. God created man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils; God planted a garden and place the man there. In the garden was the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The garden was watered from below and the water flood from the garden forming four rivers. The Lord God put the man in His garden and commanded him cultivate and keep it; the man could eat from any tree, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God created marriage, for He created woman from the flesh of man; thus, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 

What does it mean?

The Lord God created the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that they contain. Everything seen and everything not seen was created by God. Man is the special creation of God because God created man, male and female, in his image, to rule on the earth. He commanded man to take care of it and all the living things on the earth; the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky and every creature on the earth. God gave man and beast the vegetation for food. The Lord God put man in His garden as a steward to cultivate it an keep it. Neither the garden, the earth, the sea, the sky nor any of the living things belonged to man; everything created belongs to God. However, man was given a special position in God’s creation as steward and had the freedom within the boundaries that God set. Man could eat from any tree but the knowledge of good and evil. The most beautiful thing that God created was marriage between a man and a woman.

What shall I do?

I have often wondered how to understand this passage. The week long cycled phrase: “There was evening and there was morning, a ____ day.” How should we understand it? God created the cycle of a 24 hour day on the earth. A day is a creation of God and He created a week by resting on the seventh day. We gather together on the Lord’s day; the first day of the week because Jesus rose on the first day of the week. Has the day that we should remember changed? God created everything in six days then he rested on the seventh day. God created man on the sixth day then He rested. Man rebelled; therefore, God is no longer resting but is actively recreating and He is beginning with man. I shall remember the Sabbath when I think about the first creation but I shall remember the Lord’s day because I have sinned. Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose from the dead, forever defeating sin and death. The most beautiful thing that God created was marriage between a man and woman; therefore, I shall love the wife God has given me all the days of my life; Darlene is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. 

Ecclesiastes 9-12

What does it say?

Everything in our lives is in the hands of God. There is one fate for all and that fate is death. Enjoy life with the woman whom God has given you all the days of your fleeting life. Do whatever your hands have found to do. You do not know how much time you have to live. You may never be remembered for your wisdom and work but it is better to be wise than a fool. When a ruler becomes angry, keep your composure and maintain your position. The best person for the job may not be the one who has it. Life is dangerous but do not be afraid to live it, for no man knows what will happen and no one can tell him what will come after him; however, live wisely and not as a fool. You cannot discern the activity of God by watching the creation. No one knows what will work best. Rejoice in all the years that you live but remember the days of darkness. Childhood and the prime of life are fleeting; therefore, take care how you live when you are young because you will pay for it when you are holder and God brings you to judgment. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth because you will grow old, your body will return to the earth and your spirit will return to God who gave it. It is good to read books and write but to much devotion to books can be wearisome. The preachers conclusion to living life: fear God and keep his word because in the end, God will bring every deed and thought to judgment and nothing is hidden from God. 

What does it mean?

Our lives are in the hands of the Living God who created us and gave us life. It is good to enjoy all that God has given to us during this life but within the parameters that He has prescribed in His word. It is best to consider God while you are young because you will grow old and die and after death comes judgment. We should enjoy those around us and the good things that God has given us and we should not be idol but working all the days of our lives. It is good to study and learn but you also need recreation. The best way to live, is to have a balanced amount of learning, working and recreation. Spending to much time on one of these, while neglecting the others is not good. Always be observing the word of God because we are all accountable to our creator. We are free to live within the boundaries that God has set in His word.

What shall I do?

I shall always be learning and teaching others; I shall always be working with my hands for the good of other people; and I shall always be enjoying my wife and the things that God has given to us. I have an allotted time to live and do not know the time. I shall live to the fullness today but always in consideration of my Creator. I am free to do whatever I have found it in my hands to do within the boundaries that God has set. True freedom is knowing those boundaries and living to the fullest inside those boundaries. I know that some day I will die. My body will return to the earth and my spirit will return to God. I will be judged for everything that I did, said and thought while in the body. I know that I have already been justified, by His grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; therefore, I shall honor God, exalt Jesus Christ and seek the good of my neighbor.

Ecclesiastes 5-8

What does it say?

When you speak to God chose your words wisely and do not speak to God in haste but with reverence. If you make a vow to God pay your vow. Everyone has someone watching over their actions. It is better to work for your food than to have more than you need and not work. Hoarding wealth does not help the hoarder because he cannot take it with him when he dies nor does it help others. whom he could have helped. Use the wealth that God has given you to celebrate with others during the few years that you have life. Being rich and alone is no life at all. Be satisfied with what God has given you because envy only hurts the envious. Man is not the creator, nor sovereign, and he does not know what will be after him. God has made prosperity and adversity, when in adversity consider God. Trying to be perfect is worrisome, so why ruin yourself? However, fear God and love your neighbor. Do not worry about everything that people might say about you because you likely have cursed others. The preacher set his mind to seek wisdom and know the evil of folly. God has made man upright, but they have sought out many devices. Wisdom illuminates a matter. Do not question the authority that God has put over you. Man cannot restrain the wind or the day of death. Fear God and do good, for it is well for those who do. In this world, often, bad things happen to the righteous and good things happen to evil men; so, enjoy what enjoy the good things of life while you have them. You cannot discover all knowledge. 

What does it mean?

Man is not sovereign; therefore, man should fear God and do good for his neighbor. There is no purpose in hoarding wealth and living alone. God has given prosperity for our happiness and adversity so that we will consider God. It is good to live a joyous life, using the things that God has given for our use. Living with a chip on your shoulder that can easily be knocked off by the words of the others is a waste of life. People are going to do wrong, so don’t worry about what others are doing or saying about you. Enjoy the life that God has given you because your years are short, to short to worry about everything. Love God and love your neighbor and you do well.

What shall I do?

Living in quarantine has been difficult. I go to work and come home. Every other day is the same. A day at work in the CVICU and a day at home. We are not spending much money because we are not out in the community eating, drinking and being merry. It is good to live and enjoy the things that God has given because life is short. I shall remember that everyone has authority over them. Only the Lord is God. I shall fear the Lord and love my neighbor with the things that God has given me.

Ecclesiastes 1-4

What does it say?

All is vanity because everything that happens under the sun was happening before us and will continue when we are gone. Men work all the days of their lives but actually accomplish nothing. The preacher set his mind to know more than any before him but then realized that this too is vanity because with much wisdom and knowledge there is grief. The preacher sought pleasure from alcohol, possessions and women. Then he sought to gain pleasure through the works of his hands but this too was vanity. He sought wisdom all the days of his life but for what, the wise man dies just like the fool who walks in darkness, so he hated life, and saw life as striving after nothing.  He also saw the work that he did all of his life, the building of a kingdom as futile because all will be taken over by someone who did not work; he asks, what does a man get for his life long labor? The only way for a man to eat and have enjoyment is with God. There is a time for everything done under the sun. What profit is there for the worker who toils? Men have eternity in their hearts, yet it is hidden from them. There is nothing better than to enjoy what God has given man, the creation belongs to God and man should fear Him. All men are but beasts and like beast all die and return to the earth, is their proof that the life of man ascends after the death of the body or is his fate the same as the beasts? There is so much evil done to men by men on the earth, so the preacher thought, the one who never existed is better off than both the oppressed and the oppressor. Neighbors compete against each other but for what; their end is the same as one who does not labor at all. He saw a man who worked hard, depriving himself of pleasure but for what, the man did not even have a dependent. It is not good to be alone; therefore, two are better than one because they can support one another against evils. Why seek to become king, you will only be replaced by another and be forgotten. 

What does it mean?

Life without God is meaningless! Some spend their lives working hard but they will die just like the lazy man. Some spend their lives gaining wisdom and knowledge but will die just like the ignorant fool. Some spend their lives accumulating wealth and things but someone else will get these things. Some spend their lives seeking pleasure but this to will end in nothing. So, without God what is the point of life. Is a man any better than a dog? The body of a man and the body of a dog both rot and return to earth. Without God life is meaningless!

What shall I do?

In my youth and as a young adult I sought only pleasure. I saw this is vain, so I sought a wife. I became married and labored to support a growing family, only to have them leave the home. After this, I sought wisdom and knowledge. I am becoming an older adult and know the fate of my father, who labored all the days of his life, only to have someone else enjoy the pleasure of his labor. What shall I do? If pleasure, work and wisdom or vanity without God, what shall I do? I shall fear God and follow Jesus Christ because He is the way and the truth and the life. Jesus is the way to God. (Jn.14:6) The tomb was found empty, Jesus appeared to His disciples and they believed that He rose from the dead. 

Proverbs 30-31

What does it say?

Proverbs 30 - It is the Son of God who ascended into heaven and descended, gathers the wind in his hand and established everything. What is the name of the son of God? Agur knows that the words of God are true and asks two things of Him: To keep deception and lies from him and to not give him either riches or poverty but exactly what he needs to live to keep him from evil. There is a kind of man who curses his father and mother, who thinks that he is noble, and who devours the needy, Leeches are always wanting and never giving. These four are always wanting more: Sheol, the barren womb, dry earth and fire. There are four things that Agur does not understand: the flight of the eagle, how a snake gets on a rock, how a ship floats and the love of man for woman. There four things that shake the earth: a slave who comes to power, a fool who is satisfied, a woman who gets a husband, and a maid servant who supplants her mistress. Four small things that are very wise: ants, rock animals, locusts and the lizard. Four stately things: the lion, the rooster, the male goat, and a king with his army. If you have exalted yourself or plotted evil stop because this will only result in strife. 

Proverbs 31 - King Lemuel’s mother taught him not to give his strength to women and other things that destroy kings, like drinking; he needs to be concerned righteous judgment and defended the rights of the weak. She teaches him what a worthy woman looks like: she takes care of her household, her servants, brings in earnings, gives to the poor, she clothes her household for winter, she clothes herself with the things that she makes and also sells them to others, she is strong and dignified, she teaches her children to be kind, and she is never idol. Do not chase after outwardly beautiful women but seek for a wife a woman who loves the Lord.

What does it mean?

Jesus is the Son of God for he ascended to heaven and descended, the Father has given all things into his hand and all things were created through Him. All of these are attributed to Jesus in the Prologue, John 1:1-18 and John 3 during his discourse with Nicodemus and John the Baptist’s testimony. There is good reason that Jesus said it is difficult for the rich to enter into the kingdom. Not being in need can keep you from prayer. However, being poor can cause you to steal from your neighbor. It is about loving God with all of ones heart, soul and mind; also, loving ones neighbor as one’s self. It is evil to curse father and mother and take from those in need. Are you always taking and never giving? Death always takes and never gives. If you are always taking and never giving you are like death. The way a man loves his wife is beautiful. Marriage is given from above. Observing the smallest creatures is an interesting thing to do. They do not have the ability to reason, yet they do what needs to be done for their community. Why do people who have reason not do what is best for the community? Powerful things are able to strut about and for good reason, who can challenge them? But is your power dependent on the strength of others? Then why are you so proud? Womanizing and drinking are distractions. One’s concern needs to be for others. The godly woman takes care of everyone and everything in her home. The best wife that a man can have is one who loves the Lord.

What shall I do?

I know that Jesus is the Son of God from the eye witness testimony of the apostle John 1-21 and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. (Jn.15:26,27) For this reason, my personal evangelism is to promote the reading of John’s book, so others may know Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. I have more than I need; therefore, I shall be careful to keep my eyes on the Lord and not become proud or walk about stately. I shall be concerned with the needs of those around me and not be distracted by vain things. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife who loves the Lord. She has a deep concern for our household and for our children though they have grown. I am thankful for the wife God has given me. I could have no better than Darlene. 

Proverbs 27-29

What does it say?

In this section, I usually write single sentences, summarizing each paragraph into individual thoughts. However, most Proverbs are given as individual thoughts. Therefore, until the text returns to larger thoughts in paragraph form, I will begin by answering, What does it mean?

What does it mean?

We have no idea what is coming. Praising oneself is just silly and not worth anything but to be acknowledged by others without seeking it is good. It is better to be rebuked than ignored. It is good to be careful as we walk through this world. We should always be kind and consider the others situation before greeting our friends. It is impossible to constrain people who are contentious. Men need other men to help them in this life. Whatever is in a persons heart will eventually be revealed. People always desire more than what they have. You need to care of the things that God has given you and this requires your attention. When a person has done something wrong they are worried all the time that someone is going to find. If observe the commandments of Jesus Christ, you will be at conflict with the world. It is better to be righteous than rich. If you are not following the Son, do not expect the Father to hear your requests. Do not hide the things that you have done wrong; confess what you have done wrong and never do it again. Use the time that God has given you wisely. It is best to always be truthful with people in every situation. The Scriptures make it very clear, “Do not trust your heart!” Instead, your mind and do what is wise. People who give to those in need do not have want because their concern is for others and not for themselves. Continually seeking physical pleasure is a waste of wealth and life. A government that is just is a stable government but a corrupt government will come to an end. We should always be concerned for the weakest amongst us. It is wise to hold your temper. God created everyone and we do well to remember that. Children should not run the household but in many homes the child gets his own way. Always be slow to speak or you may regret what you have said. Do not rejoice with unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth. 

What shall I do?

I do not know what the day ahead of me will bring; therefore, I shall not boast in anything but the Lord Jesus Christ. I shall not rush ahead but walk carefully throughout this life. There are people around me hurting and I do not know it. No matter how I may feel at the moment, I need to consider the other persons situation and speak kindly to everyone but not with a loud voice. Though I am a shy man, I desire community because we need each other. I shall not be envious of what others have. I shall take care of what God has given me. If I have wronged anyone, I shall confess what I have done and seek to never do it again. Should I be truthful or risk hurting someones feelings? It depends on the situation. I shall not evaluate anything with my heart but with my mind. Being lead by emotions causes all kinds of problems. I shall make decisions based in wisdom with understanding. I shall care for my neighbor but speak and act with wisdom and with understanding.

Proverbs 24-26

This morning I read and wrote comments on Proverbs 24-26.

Proverbs 24

By wisdom and understanding men are able to accomplish things. Without these we plod through life without making plans or knowing where we are going. We cannot live life alone. If we do not know something it is wise to take counsel from the knowing. If you know that something devious is happening, the right thing to do is to speak and take action. Men and women across the world are headed for death. They stagger through life on their way to slaughter. We have the words of life so preach the gospel. When your enemy falls, do not rejoice because this is not pleasing to the Lord. It would be better if he had come to repentance. We should fear God and the king. All authority has been given by God. Paul understood this even in the context of the Roman government which oppressed the people. There is wisdom for rulers. Rulers should not show partiality in judgment. Doing so will anger the people and make his ruling much more difficult than it needs to be. The right thing to do is to love our neighbor with what we say about them to others and in our actions. Never take vengeance against your neighbor. Leaving things undone to rest a little longer causes things to build up. It is much more difficult to clean up a large pile then to continually through away your trash. 

Proverbs 25

It is not right for men to exalt themselves. It is God who places men on the thrown. All glory and honor belongs to the Lord. It is better to plead with your neighbor privately because once the matter becomes public you might be embarrassed. This is how Jesus said to deal with a matter. Use your words wisely. There is a right time to say everything and there is a wrong time. There is a right time to rebuke someone and wisdom understands the right time. This negates speaking in anger. Sweets are good in moderation but to many sweet things will make you sick. Visiting ones neighbors occasionally is good but never think that you have the run of the place and are free to come and go as you please. People who lie against their neighbors are horrible. We should always be kind to our enemies because this is the way of the Lord. If your enemy returns evil for your doing good it is to his own demise, God will judge him. When you find out that people have been talking behind your back does it not change the way you feel, then do not talk secretly about others. There is no glory in seeking glory. True glory is given.

Proverbs 26

There is a way to answer a fool but the right way is not the way that he speaks. Arguing with a fool honors him because it gives the appearance that he might have a point. We should learn from our past mistakes and not repeat them. Do you believe that your idea is best? Are you willing to listen to others? A wise man has ears to listen because he understands that he does not know everything. The proverbs have much to say about the lazy man and it is always negative. If two men are arguing do not become involved or you may become injured. Some people like to stir up trouble. This is the reality in the world that we live in but a wise person is in control of their emotions. 

Proverbs 22-23

This morning, I am writing my thoughts as I read Proverbs 22-23. These are general proverbial sayings on life and conduct. Many of the sayings are only applicable in the historical-cultural context in which they were written but much of them are applicable in my life today. It is on these I will be making comments as they apply in my context.

Proverbs 22

I once had a good name in the CVICU. I had a reputation with the other nurses as the go to guy when they had question about care and the physicians trusted my judgment. I recently went back to the unit after being gone for 1 1/2 years. There had been a total turnover of the nursing staff. The physicians have been replaced on the unit by nurse practitioners and Physician assistance. Not many no me, so I feel as though my good name has been lost. Yes, a good name is more desirable than gold. God is the maker of us all; therefore, all should be honored no matter their financial status. It bothers me that my hospital holds the wealthy patients in high regard, putting them in special rooms and other amenities. Is it true that if you train up a child in the way he should go that he will never depart from it? However, raising a child today is difficult because you are not the only one raising your child. The culture is raising your child. It is true that the rich rule over the poor and the borrower becomes the lenders slave. Who are the leaders in America but the rich because they are the ones who can offered an election campaign. When you borrow many, you are working to pay interest to the lender; therefore, you are the lenders slave. A person should be learning all the days of their lives. The word of the Lord teaches us, so that we may know and trust the Lord. I receive the word of the Lord daily as if I am overseas and I long to hear a word from home. Many people like to stir up trouble and you will find many trouble makers today on Facebook and Twitter. Some of the post there, are meant to capture you into anger. Whatever your profession, do it well!

Proverbs 23

Some seek after wealth all the days of their lives only to die and someone else spend it. I watched this happen with my father. I have done a great deal of open-air preaching in the past, and Lord willing would like to do so again. Wisdom says not speak in the hearing of the fool because he will despise the wisdom of your words. Wisdom in this is to not argue with those who want to argue. This does nothing but distract from telling people about Jesus Christ. There are many sayings in these proverbs about disciplining a child. We should never be envious of what those who are not following the Lord have in the present world. This world is coming to an end and all who follow the Lord are rich in the grace of God. We have a future but the way of the wicked will be cut off. The last seven verses are a prohibition against drinking. My father was an alcoholic and his father before him. My brother was an alcoholic and drug abuser. I have seen the damages that drinking can cause; therefore, I want no part with it! It pains me when someone stands in the pulpit and defends drinking alcohol. Yes, it causes me a great deal of pain!

Proverbs 19-21

This morning I am reading Proverbs 19-21 and these are my thoughts. The proverbs before contrasted the righteous and the wicked but these proverbs are general sayings on life and conduct. 

Proverbs 19

It is good to be wealthy because you will have many friends and bad to be poor because you will be separated from friends. This is true to the extent that a rich man is generous and gives gifts. There is much written against lying in the proverbs. The 9th commandment: “You shall not testify falsely against your neighbor” is understood as a general prohibition against lying. We should be gracious to the poor because doing so is giving to the Lord.  We should always be kind and truthful, both of these are the way to live life and conduct ourselves everyday. 

Proverbs 20

It is not wise to be a drinker. There has been much debate about this in Christian life because Jesus and his disciples drank wine. The difference is strong drink and intoxication. A glass of wine with a dinner is not a problem but drinking regularly to feel a buz is a problem. It is difficult to distinguish between the truly poor and the sluggard. I am continually thinking about things but not much has come to be. Not a single person on the earth is without sin. I can confidently say this without knowing you because the word of God says that it is so. However, I do not know what you struggle with unless I know you. The Lord hates lying and swindling. The entire advertising system is set up on these, not to mention coveting. You might think it a good idea to steal but it never is. Nurses gossip about other nurses and this always causes decent on the unit. The Lord has said and this proverb agrees that we should not repay evil with evil but should wait on the salvation of the Lord. My entire life has been ordained by God. I do not know what will occur in the future. I can surmise future events based on past events but I walk through life not knowing what lays ahead. A young man’s glory is his strength and the honor of old men is their gray hair. If this is regarding wisdom gained with age I understand but otherwise what good is grey hair. I have lost much strength and my head has become very grey. I hope I have become wiser because my strength has wained. 

Proverbs 21

Everyone thinks “I am right.” We are little gods. The Lord knows our hearts and there are none righteous. I must walk humbly before the Lord at all times. Lying is a continued theme in these proverbs and is always spoken against, whether it be a false witness or in business. Many a man has understood that it is difficult to live with a contentious woman. However, why is this woman so contentious? Perhaps it is something that I have done or not doing. We should hear the cry of the poor and help them but how am I to distinguish between the truly poor and the sluggard? It is difficult to find trouble when quite but speaking the wrong words can often lead to disaster. I think that this is the reason for being quick to listen and slow to speak. The sluggard desires good things but is not willing to work for it but the righteous gives and does not hold back. Why are men different? Why is one man a hard worker who gives and another a sluggard who takes? 

Proverbs 16-18

This morning, I will be reading Proverbs 16-18 and making comments while I read; however, I will not be commenting on every verse but on those which apply in my life. All of these texts are single thoughts contrasting the upright and the wicked.

I have thought what I was doing was for my neighbor but it was actually done for my own glory. The scripture says the Lord made the wicked for the day of evil. I confess that this is difficult. Yes, I would rather be poor and walk in the way of Christ than be rich and evil. Sanctification is an interesting things because it is man thinking and God directing his steps. Rulers are established to deal out justice. Wisdom and understanding are the most valuable things on earth. When I have been most vulnerable to fall was when I was prideful. We think that we know what we are doing, “I got this!” However, we are like children who need the guiding hand of a Father and the word does that. It is for hunger that a man works and it is for the good of the people. Being slow to anger is better then might because it is difficult to be slow to anger and ruling ones spirit takes a great deal of strength. It is often the case that the poor are mocked and it is always a bad thing for the Lord made both the rich and the poor, all bear the image of almighty God. Seek love and let go of your hard feelings towards your brother and do not allow those feelings for being wronged in the past affect your relationship in the present. We have to let go of past hurts. Once the dam holding back our anger breaks it comes out as a flood and nearly impossible to contain. I have experienced this and even while yelling and stomping my feet I thought, “Stop it!” and was not able to do so. A judge should judge all matters according to the law and not his prejudice. Raising children is difficult and adult children are even more so, when they are going their own way. It can cause a father and mother grief. Having a cool spirit and being slow to anger and holding ones tongue seem to be held in honor in these proverbs. You cannot sound foolish if you keep quite. Fools want to be heard. There are also many proverbs regarding right judgment, not showing partiality towards the wicked, nor to condemn the righteous. Whispering is done quietly but can really cause a great deal of trouble or it can be a good thing. Our words really matter. When not sure which path to take, run to the Lord, He is always safe. It is easy to trust in large bank accounts but these do nothing for your health, both the rich and the poor die. Do you ever think about your next argument rather than listen to your opponent, I know that I have and this is not good. Once you offended someone it is difficult to win them back; therefore, it is better not to offend at all. If you are to give advice, way out the consequences; ask, is it worth offending my neighbor over? The most powerful thing that we have is our words. We can build someone up with our words or we can crush them. It is prudent to use our words wisely. It is true that a wife is a good thing. My wife is the best thing in my life. 

Proverbs 10-15

Today, I will be reading Proverbs 10-15 and making comments on the text a chapter at a time. This section transitions to general proverbial sayings.

Proverbs 10 

These are general principles to live by and this chapter contrast the righteous and the wicked. Do you want to live a long life and do well before God and men? Then do what the righteous man does and not what wicked men do. These are general principles for life and not hard and fast laws but generally speaking what is said is what normally will occur. 

Proverbs 11

This chapter continues to contrast the righteous way of life and the wicked way of life; however, in this chapter the result is one of love rather than prospering physically as was the case in chapter 10. Live a life that honors the Lord and love ones neighbor is the righteous way. Live dishonorably and hating ones neighbor is the wicked way. Each will receive a just reward.

Proverbs 12

A man who daily reads these proverbs does well because this is the beginning of knowledge. These proverbs continue to contrast the righteous and the wicked; however, with regards to the mouth. Listen to righteous council and do not listen to the council of the wicked.

Proverbs 13

This chapter begins with a wise son receiving discipline from his father and concludes with a loving father disciplining his son. The righteous receive and give discipline but fools despise discipline. Discipline is not abuse. I think that some are confused. What they call discipline is actually abuse. If it is done in anger then it is likely not discipline but if done in love with an intent to teach, this is discipline. 

Proverbs 14

As I read these proverbs contrasting the righteous and the unrighteous social media comes to mind. The sayings of the righteous bring joy but the sayings of the wicked strife.

Proverbs 15

What our society needs is instruction for wisdom. Proverbs is very eastern; therefore, not used in western thinking. Our thinking is reactive rather than proactive. It would be good for a man to have these proverbial sayings in mind, so that he will think wisely before saying or doing anything at all.

Proverbs 7-9

Proverbs 7:1-5

The father loves his son and instructs his son to treasure his commandments and his teaching. He speaks to him of making wisdom his sister and understanding his close friend.

Proverbs 7:6-23

A scene is describe in which an adulterous woman entices a young man to her bed. She describes the situation being one where he could not be caught; however, it will cost him his life. Sin always leads to death.

Proverbs 7:24-27

The father tells his son to not let his heart be turned aside to lusts because the house of lust is the way of death.

 Proverbs 8:1-11

Wisdom speaks truth and hates wickedness. The good son should desire wisdom above all the treasures of the earth.

Proverbs 8:12-21

To live wisely is to live prudently, not making any hasty decisions. A good ruler will govern prudently. Keep in mind at all times to fear the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogance and the perverted tongue. Cursing is not to be in the mouth of those who fear the Lord.

Proverbs 8:22-31

Wisdom existed with God before anything was created and God created everything with wisdom. This sounds a great deal like the way John describes the Word in his prologue. (Jn.1:1-18)

Proverbs 8:32-36

We have transitioned from the father saying to the son, “Listen to me,” to wisdom saying to the sons, “Listen to me.” The man who listens to wisdom is blessed but the one who sins against wisdom injures himself. This sounds a great deal like we have transitioned from the old covenant to the new covenant. From observing and external law to being lead by the Spirit. So, a man can be lead by the Spirit or by the flesh.

Proverbs 9:1-6

Wisdom sends out her maidens to evangelize. This is reminiscent of the disciples being sent to make disciples of all nations. Therefore, Jesus Christ is wisdom in human flesh and the apostles are his servants sent out into the world to make disciples. 

Proverbs 9:7-12

It is dishonoring to try an correct someone who mocks and is derisive. Trying to reprimand the wicked will only get insults. However, a wise man is willing to listen and will love you for it. If you have ever preached in the public square you will know that this is true.

Proverbs 9:13-18

It may seem like a good idea to steal but all sin results in death. It is foolish to take things that do not belong to you. 

Proverbs 4-6

Proverbs 4:1-9

A good father teaches his son wisdom and encourages him to acquire learning all the days of his life. My earthly father encouraged me and my Heavenly Father more so. 

Proverbs 4:10-19

Wisdom is to walk righteously and not walk the path of wicked. The wicked seek to harm men and want others to take part in their wickedness. Men like this should be avoided because to walk rightly, most times will lead to a long and prosperous life. 

Proverbs 4:20-27

He writes as a father to a son and encourages attention to his words. A man pen these words but under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; therefore, this should be understood as a letter from our heavenly Father. He says to watch-over our heart, do not lie to others and keep your eyes from lusts. If I had walked in this way during my youth I would not have the regrets that I now have but praise be to God for turning me to the way of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 5:1-6

Sin may look good to the eye and even feel good for a while but it always leads to death. It will crush you and hurt everyone around you. I thought that my secret sin (lust) hurt no one but it caused me to be angry.

Proverbs 5:7-14

Sin is not priceless. Sin cost money no matter what the sin is; whether it be drinking, drugs, pornography or adultery, etc.  Lusts are the cause of debt and sin the cause of bankruptcy. 

Proverbs 5:15-23

There are many advantages to marriage and there are several purpose for which God gave marriage but one of the advantages and purposes for marriage is sexual desire and satisfaction. Desiring ones wife and being satisfied with her is good and is a path of life. One of the purposes for the marriage bed is to keep us from sin, so be satisfied with your wife, all of the days of your life.

Proverbs 6:1-5

Men are not trustworthy! In fact, if you vow to pay if your friend defaults then your friend is less likely to pay. People that need surety to go into debt need such because the debtor did not believe that they would pay to being with. Unless you are prepared to pay the debt do not do it and if you already made the guarantee, get out of the deal as quickly as possible.

Proverbs 6:6-11

It is interesting that the Father begins to speak about the sluggard here. I have meet many a sluggard and they are always in poverty unless they find someone else to pledge surety. However, I am lazy in many ways. 

Proverbs 6:12-15

Do not trust the person who purposely causes trouble. In the world of nursing this often happens amongst coworkers.

Proverbs 6:16-19

Causing trouble is one of the seven things that God considers an abomination. Abomination: “Something that deeply offends. Often describes something that offends God and his standard of holiness.” (ESV Global SB Notes) 

Proverbs 6:20-35

Stealing a man’s wife is the worst thing that you can do. Marriage makes the two one. Adultery tears the one apart. Once a man has his spouse torn away from him irrigable damage occurs and there is great pain involved. Steal a man’s property, he will be angry and want compensation but sleeping with his wife is to take his heart. 

Proverbs 1-3

Proverbs 1

No matter your age, you can learn knowledge and discretion, and if you are wise you will listen and increase your learning. The fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge because it will keep you from being enticed by sin. Listen to wisdom because if you do, the Lord will bless you and keep you but if you do not, if you ignore good advice the Lord will forsake you. 

Proverbs 2

If you seek for wisdom, as you would a treasure, then you will recognize the reason for fearing the Lord and you will know God. The Lord gives wisdom to those who listen to Him; if your heart is upright, wisdom will be pleasant to your inner most being and will deliver you from the way of evil. Sin always leads to death but the path of wisdom is the upright path, the way of life.

Proverbs 3

Listen to wisdom all of the days of your life and do not lean on your own understanding but trust the Lord, for He is wisdom. You may think in your mind that it would be wise to hold on to funds but the Lord has said to give and has promised to bless the giver. God is our heavenly Father and He disciplines His children. There is nothing more valuable on the earth than wisdom and understanding. Everything that you see was created by wisdom; therefore, to live in this creation wisdom and discretion are needed to keep you from falling. It is wise to do good for your neighbor and it is unwise to do harm to your neighbor. Do you want to be blessed of the Lord, then follow the wise path and stay away from violence. 

It is by wisdom and understanding the God founded the earth; therefore, to live best in the world that God created we must seek wisdom and understanding. The Lord Jesus Christ is wisdom incarnate. Yesterday, I was thinking about what Jesus taught His disciples regarding greatness. The world measures greatness by whoever makes it to the top of the pile and lords it over the most people but greatest in the kingdom of God is measured from the bottom of the pile, whoever humbles himself and serves his neighbor. (Lk.22:24-27) Jesus Christ is Lord and He did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many. (Mk.10:45) The occupation that the Lord has given me is nursing. I believe that nurses, though we are highly educated, we are servants and this brings the most glory to Jesus Christ. Wisdom says, “whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.” (Mk.10:43)

Psalms 146-150

Psalm 146

Do not trust in the leaders of this world no matter how great they are; they will perish and their promises with them, but the promises of the Lord are forever. The way of the Lord is to love righteousness, protect strangers and support the fatherless but not the way of the wicked. 

Psalm 147

It is good to sing praises to the Lord our God because he is all powerful, all knowing and all good. The Lord sustains His creation and is not impressed by physical strength but He is favorable to those who fear Him and wait on His lovingkindness. Church, praise the Lord who is sovereign in heaven and on earth; the Lord has chosen You out of the nations and given You His word. 

Psalm 148

The Lord created the heavens and all that is in the universe; therefore, all that is in the universe should praise the Lord. The Lord God created the earth and all of the creatures on the earth; therefore, all of the kings of the earth and people should praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ) for His glory is above earth and heaven. 

Psalm 149

Praise the Lord who created You with dancing and music because the Lord (Jesus Christ) is your King. Praise the Lord with your mouth, with the word of God in your hand, warn of judgment on the nations. 

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord at church and praise Him outdoors; praise the Lord for all that He has done. Praise the Lord with instruments, with dancing and with your mouth. Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ!

Psalms 140-145

Psalms 140-145

Pray to the Lord for deliverance from evil people who stir up trouble through the use words. The wicked will set traps to try and catch the innocent. Therefore, pray to the Lord that the plans of the wicked will not prevail. Trust that the Lord will judge the wicked righteously and up hold justice for the afflicted. 

Pray to the Lord to keep you from temptation. The man who has righteous friends who rebuke him when he is headed into sin is truly blessed of the Lord. Sin is a trap but God will not leave His elect defenseless. 

Declare your troubles to the Lord and cry for help when in distress. Trust that the Lord hears your prayers and will deliver you from evil. 

Pray to the Lord to deliver you from judgment, for no man living is righteous in the eyes of God. Longingly pray for the Lord, desire the Lord as though you were extremely thirsty. Take refuge in the Lord and trust in His lovingkindness, ask Him to teach you His ways. Ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit, to lead you on the way, then serve the Lord all the days of your life.

A man’s life is very short, yet God takes note of our lives. Therefore, pray to the Lord to rescue you from lying words and deceitful works. Sing praises to the Lord for He delivers those who trust in Him from lying words and deceitful works. Pray for the kingdom of God to come to the earth.

Tell the next generation the good things that the Lord has done for you, giving blessing and praise to His name. Tell the sons of men about the mighty acts of God; about His slowness to anger and His lovingkindness; tell them about the everlasting kingdom of the Lord. Give the Lord credit for every good thing on the earth. The Lord is righteous, yet near to those who call on Him in faith; He will save those who call on Him in truth but the wicked He will destroy. 

Psalms 133-139

Psalm 133-139

It is extremely good when brothers are united. Servants of the Lord who work even at night should worship the Lord who created heaven and earth. Praise the Lord for He is good for He choose you as His own. Whatever pleases the Lord He does. The Lord has done mighty things on the earth and He will judge His people and have compassion on His servants; all other supposed god’s are created by men. Have respect for the Lord, bless Him and praise Him. The Lord made the universe and all that is in it, we should give thanks to the Lord for His consideration for His elect is forever. The Lord has, the Lord is and the Lord will save us because His consideration for His elect is forever. The Lord gives to us all that we need because His consideration for His elect is forever. Going your own way takes you away from the Lord. Remember the Lord wherever you are. Those who are against the Lord’s elect will be repaid for their unkindness. Sing praises to the Lord for His grace and truth. Though the Lord is higher than any man He gives grace to the humble but He stays away from the proud. Trust that the Lord will come against the enemy on your behalf. The Lord knows every tiny detail about us, even our most secret thoughts are not hidden from the Lord. There is nowhere to hide from the Lord because He is present everywhere and at all times. You where created by the Lord and the days of your life were set by Him. That the Lord would think of us at all is wonderful. Pray to the Lord to search your heart and lead you to eternal life. 

The Lord God created heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. The Lord God is all powerful, all knowing, all present and all good. There is nothing that the Lord is not capable of doing. There is nothing that the Lord does not know. There is no where that man can hide from the Lord. The Lord does whatever He wants to do, however He wants to do it. The Lord is gracious to the humble but aloft from the proud. I shall walk humbly before the Lord and serve Him for He has compassion on is servants. I shall understand that I did not choose to be born of my mothers womb. It was the Lord who created me and knitted me together. The Lord knows everything about me; therefore, I shall walk humbly before the Lord, revere Him, bless Him and praise Him in whatever He has given me to do; for He is Lord and I am but His humble servant.

Psalms 120-132

Psalms 120-132

What does it mean?

There may be trouble in our lives caused by those around us, this should lead us to pray to the Lord. The Lord is above all our troubles. As one body, we should give thanks to the Lord. We cannot demand anything from God but hope in his lovingkindness. Look to what the Lord has done in the past for hope in the present. In the end we can trust that God will judge the world in righteousness. We should trust in the Lord’s deliverance. Whatever we do comes to nothing if the Lord is not behind it; however, our children are a gift from God. The truly blessed man has a family and lives to see his grandchildren. If we are persecuted now, trust that the enemy will be put down in days to come. We can trust the Lord’s promise of forgiveness of sins through redemption. We should have child like trust in the promises of the Lord and not try to understand things that are to difficult for us to comprehend. The Son of David (Jesus Christ) is on the thrown and his enemies will be put to shame.

What shall I do?

When I have trouble, regardless from where the trouble comes, I shall call on the name of the Lord for help. I shall look up because the Lord is above all of my troubles. The Lord is above all men on the earth no matter how great they think they are. I shall read the word of the Lord to know his character. I shall look to the past to know how he may act in my present situation. I have been struggling as of late on my place in life. I am a middle aged man entering the last stage of his career. You would think that I would be comfortable but I confess that I am not. I have a graduate degree in theological studies but I work at the beside as a Registered Nurse. My calling is two-fold: honor God and seek the best for my neighbor. As a child trust his mother I shall trust the Lord. Trust is the main thing! I had ideas of doing great things for the Lord but if the Lord is not in it, my work is vanity. I understand this. I trust that the Lord has something for me to do before I reach old age and I shall rest in the Lord until he reveals his will for this later stage of life.

Psalms 119

Psalms 119

The one who wrote Psalm 119 loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind. Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” (Jn.14:15, NASB) How are we to keep the commandments of the Lord? Is it even possible for a man? It is possible in Jesus Christ but not in our flesh. Jesus is the incarnate Word of God. (Jn.1:1-18) To be in Jesus Christ is to observe every statute of God. Jesus kept the Father’s commandments. Jesus is the embodiment of the perfect man who follows the word of God. 

I was led astray from birth. I did not know the Lord our his statutes. I was not taught the word of the Lord. I remember as a youth, believing that there is a God but did not know what he was like, nor did I know what he expected of me. I knew that their is a creator from seeing the natural revelation. I was given a Bible in my early teens but did not read it. I took this Bible with me when I was in the Army; stationed away from my family in the countries of Panama (1988-89) and in Korea (1991-92) but I did not read it. It wasn’t until 2003 that I was drawn by the Spirit of God to pick up and read the word of God. Once I began to read, I began to pray like the Psalmist:

Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness

And teach me Your statutes. (Ps.119:124, NASB)

It is through reading the word of God and observing his statutes that I have come to love God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ the Lord. The sum of the Lord’s word is truth, and his ordinances are everlasting. (Ps.119:160)  Jesus said, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Mt.5:18, NASB) 

Psalms 115-118

John 11:1-37 and Psalms 115-118.

The Lord is not an idol made by man’s hands. To make an idol, the image is first formed in the mind then carved into wood, stone or cast into metal. An idol gives the appearance of something that has life but is lifeless because it is not real. Some may say, “Where is your God? Your god is invisible!” Yes, our God is the invisible God but the Lord created heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. You can see with the eye the things God created. The Lord hears when we speak to him and he knows our thoughts. The Lord sees everything that happens on the earth. Though unseen by human eye, my God lives. It is the god of the human imagination that does not exist. The Lord made himself known to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Moses, and in these last days; God has made himself known in his Son. Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. Jesus Christ is the exact representation of his nature. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me will live, even if he dies, and he who lives and believes in me will never die.” This he said to Martha who was grieving the death of her brother Lazaruth. After saying this to her, Jesus asked her a question: “Do you believe this?” Martha answered: “Yes Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” The unseen God has come into the world that he created and he came in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God and he has promised eternal life to all who believe in him. 

Psalms 108-114

Psalms 108-114

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, (Mt 6:9-13) he told them to pray for these seven: God’s name, God’s kingdom, God’s will, our physical needs, our debts, our debtors, and our deliverance. Yet, some of the prayers in the psalms differ from what Jesus taught his disciples, so how should we understand them?  In psalm 108 David’s praises the Lord and asks the Lord to Give Victory. Psalm 109 David invokes vengeance on his adversaries. Psalm 110 is about God giving dominion to the King. Psalm 111 is about praising the Lord for his goodness. Psalm 112 is about the one who fears God prospering. Psalm 113 is about the Lord exalting the humble. And Psalm 114 is about the Lord delivering Israel from Egypt. Most of these psalms fit with what Jesus taught his disciples to do and how he taught them to pray; however, psalm 109 does not fit Jesus’ teachings regarding our prayers about enemies. 

Jesus taught his disciples: Matthew 5:43-45 (NASB)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Jesus is telling us to love our enemies both with action and prayer. This prayer  by David, which invokes vengeance on adversaries is different than what Jesus taught; therefore, it should not be modeled in the Christian life, so why is it in Scripture? I think it interesting that in the canon of Scripture, psalm 109 is placed just before psalm 110. 

While teaching in the Temple Jesus refers to psalm 110: Mark 12:35-36 (NASB)

And Jesus began to say, as He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit,

‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD,

“SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,

UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET.”’

I think that psalm 109 is placed just before psalm 110, so that we may know that the kings who descend from David are not like the King whom God will give all authority. The one whom the Father will give all authority to is the Son of God. He is a perfect King as our heavenly Father is perfect. (cf. Mt. 5:48)

Psalms 106-107

Psalms 106 and 107

These two psalms are about the lovingkindness and truth of God towards men who do not deserve it.

Psalms 107:1 (NASB)

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

The translators pericope: Israel’s Rebelliousness and the LORD’S Deliverances. The LORD Delivers Men from Manifold Troubles.

The Lord kept his promise to Israel despite their rebellion against his commandments. When the afflicted call on the name of the Lord, he saves them as A. W. Pink said; from the pleasure, penalty, power and presence of sin. The cause of everything that we need deliverance from is sin. Sin is the root of all of our troubles. Yes, there are times when my sin is not the cause of my present troubles; however, sin is the root cause of all my troubles. This morning, my back is aching and yesterday I had to work all the day long with an aching back. This reminds me that this present world is not my home. I am on a journey to the celestial city in which the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ is seated on the thrown of God. The Lord God has taken out my heart of stone and put in me a soft heart. He has given me the gift of faith in Jesus Christ who atoned for my sins. He has given me the gift of the Holy Spirit who uses the Scriptures to keep me on the narrow path. However, I am not yet home. I have not yet reached the destination of my travel. I still need to cross the river into the promise land in which there is no sin. Like Israel, I am rebellious but the Lord is faithful. The Lord has, the Lord is and the Lord will deliver me from sin and manifold my troubles. Therefore, I shall mediate on the lovingkindness of the Lord and not my manifold troubles.

Psalms 103-105

Psalms 103, 104 and 105

The psalmist writes, Psalms 103:1 (NASB)

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

All three of these Psalms have as their theme to bless the Lord. After saying this, the psalmist describes the wonderful things that God has done; creation, provision for the created things, and fulfilling his promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord should be blessed but what is a blessing? The word can be used as an adjective or a verb. You can say that someone is blessed or you can invoke a blessing. It seems that in these psalms, David who is attributed with Psalm 103 (Psalms 104 and 105 have no attribution) is using the word bless as a verb. He is saying that we should bless the Lord. The Lord created everything. The Lord sustains everything. The Lord fulfills his promises in ways that go beyond human understanding. Yet, the psalmists writes that we should bless the Lord. Does God need our blessing? No! He needs nothing from his creation, yet we should bless his holy name because he deserves our blessing. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, in the first stanza, he said: Matthew 6:9 (NASB)

“Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Jesus agrees, that we should bless the Lord. In fact, when asked: Matthew 22:36-37 (NASB)

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 

Jesus is teaching the universal principle that comes from these psalms, which is to bless the Lord with all that we have. Does the Lord need our blessing like a son who asks a father for his daughters hand in marriage?  No, but the Lord deserves our blessing because he is holy. Therefore,  I shall bless the holy name of the Lord our God (Father and Son and Holy Spirit) with all that is within me.

Psalms 96-102

What does it say?

Psalm 96: The Lord should be praised and feared above all gods, for all other gods are idols. The people should ascribe to the Lord glory and strength in His name. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice because the Lord is coming to judge the world in righteousness and the people with His faithfulness. 

Psalm 97: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of the Lord’s thrown. The Lord is exalted overall gods. If you love the Lord you should hate evil.

Psalm 98: The Lord has made known his salvation and has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the people. All of the earth should shout joyfully to the Lord, singing with joy and praise. The Lord is coming to judge the wold with righteousness and the peoples with uprightness. 

Psalm 99: The Lord reigns and the people should tremble before Him, worshiping the Lord at His footstool for His is holy. The Lord forgives those who call out to Him, yet He is an avenger of evil deeds. 

Psalm 100: The Lord has made us, we did not make ourselves; therefore, serve the Lord with gladness and know that the Lord is God. Give thanks to the Lord and praise His name because His lovingkindness and faithfulness is everlasting to all generations.

Psalm 101: David sings of lovingkindness and justice to the Lord His God. The king is counseled by the blameless but will not listen to those who practice deceit. 

Psalm 102: The psalmist is afflicted and calls on the name of the Lord while in distress. He ascribes to the Lord being the one who lifted him up and casted him away. He trust, however, that the Lord will have compassion on Zion. He trusts that people not yet created will praise the Lord in Zion. The creation is temporal but the Lord is eternal and He will establish His people before Him. 

What does it mean?

We should know that the Lord is God. He created the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. We did not create ourselves, we were created by the Lord. Idols are gods created by human minds and with human hands; yet men bow down and worship the thing created by man, rather than the one who created man. All of the earth should rejoice because the Lord is God. The Lord is abounding with lovingkindness and truth. The Lord has made His salvation and righteousness known to all people through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is coming to judge the world with righteousness and this is good news. The earth is the Lord’s footstool and the Lord should be worshiped on the earth. The Lord is abounding with lovingkindness and faithfulness. The word of the Lord is trustworthy. 

What shall I do?

God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (Jesus Christ); having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31) I shall preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen because God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:26) I shall give thanks and worship the Lord while on the earth because the earth is His footstool and He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and the people of the earth with uprightness.