Monthly Archives: June 2013
neck exercise
Proverbs 29 A stiff neck is one that refuses to move, even when there is cause for it. This is how the sages described a person who was rebuked many times for engaging in destructive behavior, yet never changed. Perhaps … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, discipleship, friends, sanctification, submission
Tagged Proverbs 29
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gathering the assembly
Micah 4 This promise needs to be read in the context of the threat from the LORD in Micah 3. Mt. Zion must first be reduced to rubble in judgment, then the LORD will restore it and make it into … Continue reading
sharpening friends
Proverbs 27-28 One of the tests of real friendship is the courage to rebuke when your friend needs it. We are all fallible, and the LORD sometimes calls on us to point out the rough spots in the lives of … Continue reading
plowing Jerusalem
Micah 3 Micah spoke out against a corrupt leadership. The priests, prophets and political heads were stirring up the people to war against those who refused to give them tribute or bribes. As such, they were devouring their people. The … Continue reading
unequipped
Proverbs 25-26 Several of these proverbs explain that wise sayings are useless to an unwise person. It is as if these are warnings and instructions for those who might stumble upon some truth, and attempt to utilize it without having … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, sanctification, Solomon, wisdom
Tagged Proverbs 25, Proverbs 26
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destiny of drink
Micah 1-2 Micah prophesied to a people who were busy taking advantage of each other. They would devise ways of ruining their neighbors for their own profit – while still lying in bed in the morning. Then they would get … Continue reading
Posted in consideration of others, deliverance, discernment, judgment
Tagged Micah 1, Micah 2
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all consuming desires
Proverbs 23-24 These proverbs highlight a number of desires that might become all-consuming. The message is to seek wisdom so that your desires do not destroy you. Be passionate about doing the right thing, and let the LORD take care … Continue reading
gracious speech
Proverbs 21-22 Gracious speech is a quality that brings wise people good company. No matter who he is, a man with gracious speech will have the king as his friend. But ungracious speech (quarreling) is a curse upon those who … Continue reading
repairing the ruins
Amos 9 The good news that the LORD is going to rebuild Israel comes in the context of the bad news that it is the LORD who is orchestrating their destruction. The sinners among his people are so sure of … Continue reading
revelation famine
Amos 7-8 The people were fed up with Amos’ words of doom and Amaziah voiced their frustration. He told Amos to go back to Judah and prophesy there. They had had enough of his negative thoughts, and predictions of despair … Continue reading