January 21, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 21
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Following Scripture Verses

1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4. An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
5. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
6. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
7. The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
8. The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
10. The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
11. When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
12. The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
13. Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
15. It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
16. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
17. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
18. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20. There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
21. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
23. Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
24. Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
25. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
26. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
27. The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
28. A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
29. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Today's Pathway:
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To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. - Proverbs 21: 3

In this verse we see a principle that is repeated in several places throughout the Scriptures. The Lord is more concerned with our actions and attitudes than He is with our religious rituals. Please note that this does not mean that God is unconcerned about our worship. It simply means that going to church and putting money in the offering plate does not absolve us from the responsibility to make proper judgments and behave in a just manner.

In the Old Testament sacrifices were a part of worship. God expects worship, and is deserving of it. Yet He wants our worship to be such that it impacts our thinking and our daily lives and is not limited to a couple hours of Sunday church attendance. Many Christians ignore Biblical injunctions throughout the week, but assume that their relationship with the Lord is fine because they participated in their church services. Their attendance is appropriate, but living for God throughout the week would be more acceptable.

Sacrifices also were offered because of transgressions. Again, God is pleased with our confession, but He would be more pleased if we did right in the first place. As a parent I am happy when my child admits his sin and turns from it, but I would have been more joyful had they never committed the sin in the first place. God stands ready to forgive, but our thoughts ought to be towards obedience first, not towards sin followed by confession.

Worship is a necessary component of our relationship with the Lord. Proper thinking, speaking, and living is also necessary. May our reverence for God be a practical reality every moment of every day, not something that is confined to a specific building at a specific time.

Pastor Mark J Montgomery