religion

A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. Proverbs 17:2

This verse seems to fit in with the previous verse of “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” Parents the world over know the heartaches that their children can bring them. In the end, though, the children will get the inheritance if any exists.

While we may shake our heads at the unfairness of those types of children, think of our own spiritual lives. We do things regularly that must give God heartache, so to speak (and we have a Perfect Father). But in the end if we have trusted in Christ, we will share in the inheritance.

Unfair, you say? No, that’s God’s perfect grace.

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17:1

There is something great about peace, isn’t there? There are no worries, no cares, no stress. All is well.

On the other hand, strife can be very stressful and injurious to your spirit. It causes heartache, ulcers, and lots of gray hair.

Peace is definitely underrated.

Romans 12:18 guides us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33

Is there any thing as “chance?” In the Bible there are two instances I know of that involved “chance.” The first was when they cast lots for Jesus’ clothing while He was on the cross. The second is when the Apostles had to choose another Apostle.

What did the guard really win when he cast lots for Christ’s clothing? It’s an interesting detail in the Bible but we can’t conclude much from it.

The other incident is more instructive to us. They prayed, cast lots, and chose the man. Nobody doubts that it was God who chose Matthias. Yes, he can rig dice (or whatever they used) anyway He wants.

The overall take-away from this is that God is in control of everything. The dice. My life. Your life. Our decisions.

Everything.

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

There’s a scene in the movie ‘Winchester ’73’ that amplifies this verse. Jimmy Stewart is patient as his sons want to go to battle to defend honor and family. Several times they come to him and he doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. When one of his children is wounded, he remarks, “it’s time.” That’s all it took was for one of his own to be injured.

In our lives we see wars and rumors of war daily. Many believe the United States’ excursion into Libya is one of those impulsive actions, a time when impatience won out over patience.

Pray for your leaders today that they would make right and God-fearing decisions. Yes, it’s time.

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31

As our societies become faster paced and task oriented, one segment of society often gets overlooked: the elderly. Our nursing homes are filled with elderly who are forgotten and neglected. Relatives leave their parents in those homes to die.

As you start your day, thank God for the warriors of old, those who prayed you into the Kingdom, those who fought the good fight to pave our way. We are in desperate need of those who will stand up against the sin and degradation of the world. Our elderly showed us the way; it’s our turn to pick up the mantle.