I am sorry about this, for those who have been reading my daily posted devotions, this week I need to take a break (I’ve kept it up since January 2007). Its moving week. This is not an excuse for me to stop spending time with the Lord in the Bible, but just can’t write out my reflections. Hope to get started again on August 1.

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 15:18-33

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. [28] In this reading three references are made to how our words can heal or hurt, help or hinder our life [18,23,28]. If we respond from our sinful self, without processing our thoughts and feelings with the Lord, we will only make matters worse. Words filtered and carefully weighed with the Lord can actually make bad situations better, for two reasons: first, because we are not responding out of sin, and second, because the Lord Himself helps those who seek to honour and follow Him [25,25,29]. Continue reading ‘humble heart and mouth’ »

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 15:1-17

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [1] This is just common sense. But its not easy. I have sat through times when I was being ‘attacked’ (my perception), and I wanted to respond with my own harsh word. The truth is, all we do is add fuel to the fire. When people lash out at us in anger, our lack of anger will actually throw them off balance, and hopefully get them to rethink their own attitude. Jesus models this “gentle answer” approach, and although it got Him killed, it was also a part of what vindicated Him in the end. Continue reading ‘a wealthy heart’ »

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 14:19-35

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. [30] Jesus stresses again and again that what really matters is what is going on in the heart. What we call “life” is the overflow of the heart, so we need to pay careful attention to what is going on inside of us. Envy is dissatisfaction, which reveals an ungrateful heart. How much better to be content, whatever the circumstances, trusting that God will provide us with everything we need (our daily bread). Continue reading ‘change my heart’ »

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 14:1-18

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. [6] To seek wisdom is a good thing, but this proverb suggests that sin (like being a mocker) can hinder the discover of wisdom. A mocker is someone who speaks in a derogatory manner, which indicates a closed, uncaring heart. This kind of heart is not able to recognize wisdom. Contrast a mocking heart with a discerning heart. The one acts as if it already knows (ie critical, judging of others), while a discerning heart is open to listening, learning and growing. Its no wonder knowledge comes easily. Continue reading ‘an open, honest heart’ »

Special thanks to Jill Hamming from PEI who is writing the devotionals on the readings from Luke (with help from L.E.Porter’s commentary on Luke).

SCRIPTURE: Luke 17:1-10

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. Jesus is teaching the disciples here. The first charge is to be careful what you teach. Things that cause people to sin are bound to happen but whoever causes people to sin by their teaching is in big trouble! Continue reading ‘4 lessons’ »

Special thanks to Jill Hamming from PEI who is writing the devotionals on the readings from Luke (with help from L.E.Porter’s commentary on Luke).

SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:19-31

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION

1. In this parable two men die. A rich man, living in luxury and a poor man, Lazarus, who eats table scraps and has dogs licking his sores. The rich man ends up in hell, Lazarus, in heaven. Jesus is definitely saying that our lives will end on earth and what we choose on earth decides what happens afterward. Continue reading ‘heaven or hell?’ »