Good morning; greetings and salutations on this most sacred day above ground. Today Christians around the globe stop to remember the ultimate Price which Jesus Christ paid in His Blood on the Cross at Golgotha.
The modern-day Christian Holy Bible includes an account of the Resurrection story in each of the four synoptic Gospels. Matthew 28
Here is a classic Resurrection Sunday song that I love to listen to, especially at this time of the year, every year. Dolly Parton does a very nice version of it, too, but Don Francisco did it first. Here you go:
And I'll leave you the lyrics here as well; honestly what more could I possibly have to add that would be of value?
The gates and doors were barred and all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness and rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow and half in fear, the day
Would find the soldiers breaking through to drag us all away
Then just before the sunrise, I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle, and a voice began to call
I hurried to the window and looked down to the street
Expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers feet
But there was no one there but Mary, so I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me as she told us where she'd been
She said, "They moved him in the night and none of us knows where
Oh, the stones been rolled away, and now his body isn't there"
So we both ran toward the garden, then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and the empty tomb just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped him in was just an empty shell
And how or where they'd taken him, it was more than I could tell
Perhaps something strange had happened there, just what I did not know
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify Him and then saw Him die
Back inside the house again, the guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices, I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive, it could never be the same
Then suddenly the air was filled with a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room
Then Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees and clung to Him and cried
Then He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes
Love was shining out from Him like sunlight from the sky
Guilt and my confusion disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had just melted into peace
'Cause He is (alive and alive, He's alive, alive, and alive, He's alive)
(Alive and alive, He's alive, He's alive)
He's alive, He's alive, He's alive, and I'm forgiven
Heavens gates are open wide
He's alive, He's alive, He's alive, and I'm forgiven
Good morning on this fine day above ground, dear Reader, and welcome. Right now it's about half past five o'clock in the morning, before Dawn. Here are our current conditions and forecast, in Fahrenheit:
That's 10C for international readers.
I've read Proverbs 30 and Ephesians 6 but before I post any Scripture, I want to open with this encouraging song of hope for you:
I've always found that song uplifting which is why I'm also going to share the lyrics for you here (highlighted):
They say pride will come before a fall, But how do I get close to You when I don't see You at all
All these clouds have kept me in the dark
I know I'm only human, but I slipped away so far
Oh, Lord, I know You haven't changed
Please take the pain away
I need once more to hear You say
There is no condemnation
For all who are in Christ
(Oh, whoa-oh-whoa...)
There is no condemnation, ooh...
Set my mind on things that are above
I only want to lose myself in Your undying love
Save me, Lord, from living just a lie
I don't want to live by my desire or surely I will die
Oh, Lord, You gave to me Your word
And when my cry was heard
You comforted my heart by saying
There is no condemnation
For all who are in Christ
(Oh, whoa-oh-whoa...)
There is no condemnation, ooh..
Just to be clear, let's reiterate the main point of that song:
The single best thing that I know to do for others is to share the blessed Hope that is found in Christ and Christ alone and use examples of mistakes/sins from my own life as practical examples for others (at least of how not to do it, haha). There is no other Source of Life as we have but One Creator. These things I've found to be true throughout the course of these fifty-two years. Don't take my word for it though, taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)
Here are the words of Life and Wisdom from the Book of Wisdom; Proverbs 30, NKJV full text (highlighted): The Wisdom of Agur
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And do not have the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom
Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
If you know?
5 Every word of God is [a]pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
7 Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
10 Do not malign a servant to his master,
Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.
11 There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are [b]lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.
15 The leech has two daughters—
Give and Give!
There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, “Enough!”:
16 The[c] grave,
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, “Enough!”
17 The eye that mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.
18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the [d]midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wickedness.”
21 For three things the earth is perturbed,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up:
22 For a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,
23 A [e]hateful woman when she is married,
And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.
24 There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The [f]rock badgers are a feeble folk,
Yet they make their homes in the crags;
27 The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;
28 The [g]spider skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.
29 There are three things which are majestic in pace,
Yes, four which are stately in walk:
30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;
31 A [h]greyhound,
A male goat also,
And [i]a king whose troops are with him.
32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter,
And wringing the nose produces blood,
So the forcing of wrath produces strife.
Footnotes
Proverbs 30:5 tested, refined, found pure
Proverbs 30:13 In arrogance
Proverbs 30:16 Or Sheol
Proverbs 30:19 Lit. heart
Proverbs 30:23 Or hated
Proverbs 30:26 rock hyraxes
Proverbs 30:28 Or lizard
Proverbs 30:31 Or perhaps strutting rooster, lit. girded of waist
Proverbs 30:31 A Jewish tradition a king against whom there is no uprising
And I will leave you with another song, this one is very worshipful. An old favorite of mine.
With the inspirational, touching lyrics for you here:
[Chorus] You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You You are the source of my strength You are the strength of my life I lift my hands in total praise to You
Good morning (et cetera) dear Reader! 💘 Welcome to yet another miracle: another day above ground. He makes His mercies new every day (see Lamentations 3:22-23):
This is a sacred promise He makes to all of us, every human; my prayer for you, dear Reader, is that you will choose to internalize this truth. Allow His loving forgiveness to wash over you like a tidal wave, consuming your pain, your fears, your doubts, your anger and any other baggage that you may be sick of bearing alone.
Without any further delay, let's get right into the Word, from today's chapter in the Book of Wisdom (Proverbs). I submit to you that even if you are not a Christian, I'm willing to bet that reading the Proverbs will give you insight and wisdom. Since today is the 29th and there is a Proverb for every day of the month, here it is, Proverbs 29 NKJV, full text (highlighted):
Happy Is He Who Keeps the Law
29 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous [a]are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared,
But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away wrath.
9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man,
Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,
But the upright seek his [b]well-being.
11 A fool vents all his feelings,[c]
But a wise man holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies,
All his servants become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases;
But the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no [d]revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words;
For though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood
Will have him as a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife,
And a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 A man’s pride will bring him low,
But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He [e]swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be [f]safe.
26 Many seek the ruler’s [g]favor,
But justice for man comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
Footnotes
Proverbs 29:2 become great
Proverbs 29:10 Lit. soul or life
Proverbs 29:11 Lit. spirit
Proverbs 29:18 prophetic vision
Proverbs 29:24 Lit. hears the adjuration or oath
Proverbs 29:25 secure, lit. set on high
Proverbs 29:26 Lit. face
Again today I bolded the font of a few that stand out to me this morning. I read these things over and over because repetition is crucial to me for really learning material, no matter what it is, including (maybe even especially) the Holy Scriptures. Even though I read a Proverb every day and have for a long time (on and off if I'm being honest, that is), I can't tell you how many times that amounts to over the years. And yet, I still find something new in His Word every day. (I think) that's because:
For most of my Christian life (which began in earnest upon my salvation in January of 1995) whenever I read something in the Word that I didn't agree with, I used to rationalize that "God didn't really mean for THAT to be in there" and do my own thing in that regard. BIG mistake. We are not supposed to cherry pick what we like and ignore the rest.He is God; His Word is Truth. When we struggle over what He says, instead of adopting an attitude of pride and rebellion, we are supposed to change our minds to align with the Word. That's how this works, or is supposed to. Consider this:
Now, regarding religion, anything beyond 1. Love God 2. Love all others, I just don't go there. I am non-denominational in the most literal sense of the word because I find that most doctrine is divisive. It seems to create division in the Body of Christ, with everyone thinking theirs in the one and only correct interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. How profoundly arrogant.
I will leave you with another song of praise.
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Steven Curtis Chapman / John Mark Hall
Good morning before Dawn on another day on this side of the Grave, dear Reader, and welcome! Today's Proverb is particularly special to me and I hope that it will bless you deeply as well. Y'all, I live to share Jesus with the lost, with my friends and loved ones, with my enemies, with everyone. This comes from today's Proverb as you'll see:
About a year ago, I went here and took their test to discern what my spiritual gifts are based on honestly answering a battery of different questions. It's free, and I found it informative as well. It would appear as bragging so I'm not going to post my full results here, but I'll just share with you what the test revealed my top three spiritual gifts to be, in order:
Coming from an Assemblies of God religious background (at least as a young adult), I am not surprised by these results. The categories that I scored the lowest in are the gifts of Prophecy and the gift of Administration (the last of which is strange to me because all of my professional life was spent in office management or administration in one form or another; then again, maybe that's not so strange - it was a professional, secular focus). I would be tickled to hear from others and discuss your results, too! 💙 Anyway I'm really digressing here. Without any further ado, behold: the Word of God! Proverbs 28 NKJV, full text:
The Righteous Are Bold as a Lion
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor
Is like a driving rain [a]which leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
But such as keep the law contend with them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord understand all.
6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son,
But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion
Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.
9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way,
He himself will fall into his own pit;
But the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding searches him out.
12 When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory;
But when the wicked arise, men [b]hide themselves.
13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
14 Happy is the man who is always reverent,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion and a charging bear
Is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor,
But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
17 A man burdened with bloodshed will flee into a pit;
Let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks blamelessly will be [c]saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To [d]show partiality is not good,
Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
22 A man with an evil eye hastens after riches,
And does not consider that poverty will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward
Than he who flatters with the tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother,
And says, “It is no transgression,”
The same is companion to a destroyer.
25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife,
But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.
26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not lack,
But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, men hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.
Footnotes
Proverbs 28:3 Lit. and there is no bread
Proverbs 28:12 Lit. will be searched for
Proverbs 28:18 delivered
Proverbs 28:21 Lit. recognize faces
I 'bolded' the font of a couple that really stood out to me today; did any really stand out to you today, dear Reader? If so, which ones?
Here is a beautiful song of love and hope by three pastors who, together, call themselves Philips, Craig, and Dean. As part of the ministry choir, I sang this one publicly many times in North Texas as we went from church to church:
And here are the lyrics, which I pray will refresh and encourage your souls:
He loves to hear the wind sing
As it whistles through the pines on mountain peaks
And He loves to hear the raindrops
As they splash to the ground in a magic melody
He smiles in sweet approval
As the waves crash through the rocks in harmony
And creation joins in unity
To sing to Him majestic symphonies
But His favorite song of all
Is the song of the Redeemed
When lost sinners, now made clean
Lift their voices, loud and strong
When those purchased by His blood
Lift to Him a song of love
There's nothin' more He'd rather hear
Nor so pleasin' to His ear
As His favorite song of all
And He loves to hear the angels
As they sing, "Holy, holy is the Lamb"
Heaven's choirs in harmony
Lift up praises to the Great I Am
But He lifts His hands for silence
When the weakest, saved by grace, begins to sing
And a million angels listen
As a newborn soul sings, "I've been redeemed"
Cause His favorite song of all
Is the song of the redeemed
When lost sinners, now made clean
Lift their voices, loud and strong
When those purchased by His blood
Lift to Him a song of love
There's nothin' more He'd rather hear
Nor so pleasin' to His ear
As His favorite song of all
It's not just melodies and harmonies
That catches His attention
It's not just clever lines and phrases
That causes Him to stop and listen
But when any heart set free
Washed and bought by Calvary, begins to sing
That's His favorite song of all
Is the song of the redeemed
When lost sinners, now made clean
Lift their voices, loud and strong
When those purchased by His blood
Lift to Him a song of love
There's nothin' more He'd rather hear
Nor so pleasin' to His ear
As His favorite song of all
Holy, holy, holy is the Lamb
Hallelujah, hallelujah
It is almost impossible for me to listen to Christian music without crying. I don't mind, tears are good for you. Anyway, years ago when Pastor Des was still alive (Desmond Evans, Bethesda Community Church in Fort Worth, Texas), he taught us the following. Citing John chapter 14, KJV:
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Pastor Des told the congregation that these were some of the last things Jesus said before ascending and that last words are often very important. A true Bible scholar, he'd done his homework and studied the text in the original language(either Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, I'm not sure which). From that, he learned that the root word for "Comforter" here translated also literally means "tears" or "to cry". That tells me that tears are a gift from God, designed to heal and soothe our souls. Knowing that it's a gift and (other than when I'm trying to avoid wrecking a made-up face) that's why I take no issue with crying, because knowing that, to me it is a positive thing. How do you feel about crying, dear Reader? I would never wish you pain, but I DO pray that you will experience tears of joy, tears of inexpressible love, and tears of cleansing power. Thank you for stopping by today. Be blessed, understand and know that God loves you and there is nothing you can ever do to change His mind. 💜
