HIGHLIGHTING PROVERBS

The wise in heart will be called prudent. And sweetness of the lips increases learning. [Proverbs 16:21] A wise person gets known for insight, and pleasant words will add to one’s reputation.

Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but the correction of fools is folly. [Proverbs 16:22] When you lose good sense, you end up in a bad way.

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. [Proverbs 16:23] As the wise speak, even their own understanding increases.

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul, and health to the bones. [Proverbs 16:24] When your words are as honey you bring encouragement and health to all who hear you.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. [Proverbs 16:25] The warning: There is a way that looks good enough; look again----it leads straight to hell. The principle: Thinking you are right and actually being right, are as opposite as day and night.

The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on. [Proverbs 16:26] Take away a man’s food and the worker in him will come out.

An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. [Proverbs 16:27] The digger of dirt is a devil in disguise.

GOD IS MY SHEPHERD

The LORD is my shepherd I shall not be in want. [Psalm 23:1]

God is a God of grace and compassion. He is always dependable, always faithful, always good and just. We can count on Him to always protect us, always guide us and always be with us no matter what (He will never leave us nor forsake us). With His rod He fights off our enemy and with His staff He gently leads us along the paths of righteousness. What a joy to know that He nurtures us, loves us and provides for us always.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [Hebrews 13:20-21]

The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever. [Henry Williams Baker]

REDEMPTION THROUGH THE BLOOD

"In [Christ] we have redemption through His blood" (Eph. 1:7)

Sin is not a serious issue to most people. Our culture flaunts and peddles it in countless forms. Even Christians who would never think of committing certain sins will often allow themselves to be entertained by them through television, movies, music, and other media.

We might flirt with sin but God hates it. The price He paid to redeem us from it speaks of the seriousness with which He views it. After all, we "were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold . . . but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18-19). In Scripture the shedding of blood refers to violent physical death--whether of a sacrificial animal or of Christ Himself. Sin is so serious that without bloodshed, there is no forgiveness of sin in God's sight (Heb. 9:22).

The sacrificial animals in the Old Testament pictured Christ's sacrifice on the cross. That's why John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Old Testament sacrifices were necessary but incomplete. Christ's sacrifice was perfect, complete, and once for all (Heb. 10:10). No further sacrifices are needed other than the "sacrifice of praise to God" for what He has done (Heb. 13:15) and our very lives in service to Him as "a living and holy sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1). By His sacrifice Christ demonstrated not only God's hatred for sin, but also His great love for sinners. You could never redeem yourself, but Christ willingly paid the price with His own precious blood. He "gave Himself up for [you], an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma" (Eph. 5:2). His sacrifice was acceptable to the Father, so your redemption was paid in full. What unconditional love and what amazing grace!