The Merchant's Cross Blog » closer to god http://merchantcross.com Prayers, Scriptures and Bible Lessons Sat, 13 Aug 2011 04:43:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Day 6: A 31 day journey into seeking God’s Wisdom http://merchantcross.com/408/day-6-a-31-day-journey-into-seeking-god%e2%80%99s-wisdom/ http://merchantcross.com/408/day-6-a-31-day-journey-into-seeking-god%e2%80%99s-wisdom/#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:32:07 +0000 editor http://merchantcross.com/?p=408 Welcome to Day 6 of a deeper, more meaningful relationship with your Creator God

Have you been following along on our daily meditation into Solomon's Book of Proverbs? If not, then click the link on the left column "A 31-Day Journey into Seeking God's Wisdom" and you will be taken to all the posts. Scroll down to the bottom and start at the beginning (if you do not see Day 1, click the link "Older Entries" on the bottom of the page.

If you have been following along, then feel free to share your stories of enlightenment with us thus far. There is no doubt in my mind that by now, God has not spoken to you in some way or showed you a sign. When I first started this daily meditation, I was unemployed. Today I am writing you declaring that I had an interview today and received a call within an 1 hour of returning home that I got the job!  Remember that God is good and faithful and He will hear us when we call out to him. Praise Him!

What has God spoken to your heart through these scriptures and prayers? The Bible encourages us to share our experiences with others, it is what's known as 'witnessing'. Please feel free to use the comments section below each of these daily posts, to share your thoughts and experiences with us, and witness to us. You don't even have to include your name. Just let us know you are out there, enjoying these daily lessons and meditations with us. Thank you. I look forward to reading your thoughts, prayers, and stories.

Reflection

Yesterday we read and reflected on Proverbs 5, and learned more, thought-provolking ways about embracing wisdom and God's protection on our lives. Solomon personifies temptation, and warns us to avoid 'her' (temptation) at all costs. This is so relevant in our day and age. More than ever before are we surrounded in temptations. One only has to turn on the tv to see explicit sex and freedom is falsely seen as the right to do whatever someone wants - I say falsely because this perception of 'freedom' is really only a guise to act out in deviant ways.  This hits home with me and is something I can relate to. I came to the realization many years ago when my children were younger, that defiance shown in our youth is often times a way for them to express their individuality. This is true for practically all teens and kids today.  They want to be unique, they want to make their own decisions, so they think (through their own innocence, ignorance and vulnerability) that in order for it to be 'their' idea, it must be different than ours. Freedom is so important, particuarly for this age group who so desperately need to be able to express themselves and know that their decisions are their own.  

A few years ago, I wanted to express to my young teenaged daughter that she could agree with me, and it would still be her idea to do so.  When my daughter was a pre-teen, we had a heart-to-heart talk. I asked her what she would do if she found an injured puppy on the street.. 'would you help it?' 'Of course' she said, 'yes'. 'I would too', I replied, and smiled. "Now that you know I would also help the puppy, would  you still help the puppy?"  "Of course I would' she said, almost surprised that I would question such a thing.  "Me too" I said.  'So you see, your decisions can be the same as mine and still be your decisions.. not because I told you so but because we both made our own decision and we happen to agree.  Does that make sense?' 'Yes', she replied (she was always a bright girl :) 'And when I agreed with you, it didn't make it any less of my decision. I didnt say I would help the puppy just b because you did, I would help the puppy regardless. So even though you said it first, my decision is my decision and your decision is your decision, we just happen to make the same decision. Right? "Right" she said.  I then went on to talk about rules. I said that rules; like curfew, computer use, and other stuff like that, were rules that I throught were fair and would keep her safe from harm, more focused on school, etc. I told her that if she ever did not agree with a particular rule, that I was open to talking about it. But I added, that it's ok for to agree with the rule, and that does not make it any less of your decision. She understood. You can agree with someone and it still be your choice to do so or not, right? "yes" she said. Whew! She got it! I wanted my daughter to know that it was ok for her to agree with the rules and boundaries I had set and that in doing so, she was still making her own choice. 

To avoid temptation is one of the best lessons in The Book.  If we all avoided temptation I'm sure it would still find us but I am certain that they would be fewer. God may even see us through them faster, maybe even with less strife, because we did not willingly allow them into our lives.  Ahhh temptation.. easier said than done, am I right? If Adam and Eve, who had everything their hearts could ever desire, including delicious foods at their disposal, a beautiful paradise home, and a close, intimate relationship with our creator God could be tempted, then what makes us think that each one of us can resist temptation in all its sexy, enticing, rich, exotic, inviting forms. We are human and thus, we will always be tempted by things we don't see coming. That why we need to make sure that  at the least, we avoid the temptations that we do see. 

The temptations in Proverbs 5 relate mainly to being faithful. In you are in – or have ever been in a relationship, then you know that relationships take work; especially after the honeymoon has ended and the relationship develops into one consisting mainly of diapers, bills and balancing the check book. The worst thing a person can do during the tough times is to open themselves up to others of the opposite sex.  I have personally witnessed the online world destroying rocky relationships, interveining with tempting offers of affairs, dating and other social get aways.. aahhh yes, when you're knee deep in diapers and bills, the thought of escaping it all and having some fun with someone who will not bring up the unpaid bills can be very tempting indeed.  Is it the fault of the internet or do we blame the person?  It's not really about blame. It's more about opening up the temptation and then being too vulnerable (like Eve) to resist it's seduction. If you are in a relationship, keep Proverbs 5 in your back pocket and remember, perserverence in the tough times will strengthen the relationship and bring honour to God, who promises to reward and bless those who maintain faithful relationships.

Let us know if you experienced any revelations in yesterday's Proverbs.

Daily Devotional Scripture Reading

Now let's move on to Proverb 6.

Before you begin this short exercise each day that will radically change your life, find your quiet place where you can spend 15-30 minutes alone with God and His Word.  It is very important that you do not rush this or try to move through it as quickly as you can. Don't have the time? If you will spare this time for God to go through this exercise each day, you will soon find that God will open your days up to you, giving you even more time than you ever thought possible or had before. Your delays will be shorter, your days will run smoother with less waste. You will actually GAIN time. Remember, God is a loving and giving Father who promises to give back everything we give and offer to Him in love - in MULTITUDES, and that includes time.

Start with this simple prayer:

Our Father in Heaven and earth, Creator of all, Thank you Father God for this day and for the gift of your Son that I may live and walk in your love all the days of my life.  I ask Father that you open the eyes of my heart and soul to hear and understand what lesson it is that you want me to learn from your words today. Please show me the wisdom that is contained in your holy words and allow me to discern the message, so that I may apply it to my life today, to draw me closer to you and to enrich the lives of others.  As I read these words oh Lord, fill me with wisdom and understanding, compassion and love, so that I may be a blessing to others today. Thank you God.

Now let's begin reading Proverb 6, versus 1-35, and be sure to speak it out loud:

 Proverbs 6:1-35

  1MY SON, if you have become security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger or another,
    2You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth.

    3Do this now [at once and earnestly], my son, and deliver yourself when you have put yourself into the power of your neighbor; go, bestir and humble yourself, and beg your neighbor [to pay his debt and thereby release you].

    4Give not [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids;

    5Deliver yourself, as a roe or gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

    6Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!–

    7Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

    8Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest.

    9How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

    10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep–

    11So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless].

    12A worthless person, a wicked man, is he who goes about with a perverse (contrary, wayward) mouth.

    13He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers.

    14Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation, and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it.

    15Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken, and that without remedy.

    16These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:

    17A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

    18A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,

    19A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.

    20My son, keep your father's [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you].

    21Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.

    22When you go, they [the words of your parents' God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you.

    23For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

    24To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a loose woman.

    25Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her capture you with her eyelids.

    26For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress stalks and snares [as with a hook] the precious life [of a man].

    27Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?

    28Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?

    29So he who cohabits with his neighbor's wife [will be tortured with evil consequences and just retribution]; he who touches her shall not be innocent or go unpunished.

    30Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry;

    31But if he is found out, he must restore seven times [what he stole]; he must give the whole substance of his house [if necessary--to meet his fine].

    32But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks heart and understanding (moral principle and prudence); he who does it is destroying his own life.

    33Wounds and disgrace will he get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.

    34For jealousy makes [the wronged] man furious; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance [upon the detected one].

    35He will not consider any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment]; neither will he be satisfied, though you offer him many gifts and bribes.
 

Meditation:

After you have read through the daily Proverb, close your eyes and reflect on what you have just read. Ask God to reveal His message to you and be still and quiet for a few moments as you listen for His Voice. Go back and re-read verse 1 of the Proverbs a second time. Read it out loud and pause at the end of the first verse. Close your eyes to allow God to speak to you through His words. Focus on your connection to God Almighty and imagine that you are plugged into Him (like an electrical plug in a socket), receiving a charge of His power through this direct connection with Him. Open your mind and heart to hear His words. Pause for at least 10 seconds but more if you feel His words speaking to your heart.  Open your eyes and read the second verse. Again, close your eyes, focusing on God and repeating the words you just read in your mind. Be still and quiet as you draw on the charge of His power, through your connection with Him. Continue to pause as you read through each verse. The second reading through these Proverbs will take longer than the first but it is very important that you do not rush. Once you have completed reading the Proverbs for the second time, close your eyes and listen for God's voice to speak to you. 

A third reading and meditation on the Proverbs is even more powerful than that first two. In the third reading, read each word even more slowly than before, out loud, really trying to understand what each word means and how it applies to you. Continue to pause at the end of each verse but you may find that in the third reading, you are pausing betweeen the verses or after only a few words are spoken when God will bring revelation to your heart and mind. Continue reading and meditating on His word until you have completed the third reading of the Proverbs. Once you have completed the third reading of the Proverbs, take another moment to close your eyes and ask God to open your heart of understanding so that you may be able to apply this lesson in your life.

Conclude the daily meditation with this prayer, again spoken out loud:

Dear Father in Heaven and earth, Creator of all, Thank you Father God for your words today. May they lift up my heart and spirit, and allow me to be everything you want me to be. May your teaching council me this day and allow me to walk in your love and live the life to be all that you have created me to be. You promise that if I give it all up to you, that you will make my paths straight, so today I choose to surrender it all to you, dear Lord. I Thank you Father for opening the eyes of my heart and soul to hear and understand what lesson it is that you want me to learn from your words today. Continue to speak to me and to show me the wisdom that is contained in your holy words so that I may apply them to my life today, to draw me closer to you and to enrich the lives of others.  Lord, fill me with your wisdom and understanding, compassion and love, so that I may be a blessing to others today. Thank you God for the gift of your Son so that I may walk in the light and live a righteous life. In the holy name of Jesus I pray and give thanks to you and all that is good. Amen.

Now go and have yourself a wonderful, blessed day. If you have experienced any revelations from God while reading this or any time throughout your day, you are welcome to share your experiences, your thoughts and your feelings below.

Shalom!

]]> http://merchantcross.com/408/day-6-a-31-day-journey-into-seeking-god%e2%80%99s-wisdom/feed/ 0 Day 5: A 31 day journey into seeking God’s Wisdom http://merchantcross.com/395/day-5-a-31-day-journey-into-seeking-god%e2%80%99s-wisdom/ http://merchantcross.com/395/day-5-a-31-day-journey-into-seeking-god%e2%80%99s-wisdom/#comments Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:16:23 +0000 editor http://merchantcross.com/?p=395 Welcome to Day 5 of a deeper, more meaningful relationship with your Creator God

jesus and mary magelaineHave you been following along on our daily meditation into Solomon's Book of Proverbs? If you have, then feel free to share your stories of enlightenment thus far. Has God spoken to your heart through these scriptures and prayers? The Bible tells us to share with others, so use the comments section below each of these daily posts, to share your thoughts and experiences with us. You don't even have to include your name. Just let us know you are out there, enjoying these daily lessons and meditations with us. Thank you. I look forward to reading your thoughts, prayers, and stories.

Reflection

Yesterday we read and reflected on Proverbs 4, and learned more, thought-provolking ways to avoid the enemy while embracing wisdom. I just love verse13 – "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life". Even as Christians, we are not expected to be perfect. We will never be perfect because there is, was and always will be only 1 who is perfect, and that is Jesus Christ. For the rest of us, if we are open to hearing God and allowing Him to lead us, God teaches and reveals new lessons to each one of us all the time. The lesson I learn today may be something you learned last year, and the lesson you learn today may be something God has already revealed to me.. or will in His time.  What I mean is that each one of us is at a different places in our walk. You are not expected to know it all or be perfect. What God asks of us is to learn the lessons He is teaching us as we go, and apply them to our lives, moving forward. So if forgiveness is something you have battled with in the past and God has taken you out of the chains that unforgiveness wrapped around you, then learn from it and do not allow yourself to ever be chained again. It is in the learning and growing that brings and develops our wisdom, allowing us to share and be an inspiration to others. Even long time Christians should realize that you can learn something from newer (baby) Christians, because we never know it all and the order in which our life lessons are brought to us from God are as unique are we are. Let us know if you experienced any revelations in yesterday's Proverbs.

Daily Devotional Scripture Reading

Now let's move on to Proverb 5.

Before you begin this short exercise each day that will radically change your life, find your quiet place where you can spend 15-30 minutes alone with God and His Word.  It is very important that you do not rush this or try to move through it as quickly as you can. Don't have the time? If you will spare this time for God to go through this exercise each day, you will soon find that God will open your days up to you, giving you even more time than you ever thought possible or had before. Your delays will be shorter, your days will run smoother with less waste. You will actually GAIN time. Remember, God is a loving and giving Father who promises to give back everything we give and offer to Him in love - in MULTITUDES, and that includes time.

Start with this simple prayer:

Our Father in Heaven and earth, Creator of all, Thank you Father God for this day and for the gift of your Son that I may live and walk in your love all the days of my life.  I ask Father that you open the eyes of my heart and soul to hear and understand what lesson it is that you want me to learn from your words today. Please show me the wisdom that is contained in your holy words and allow me to discern the message, so that I may apply it to my life today, to draw me closer to you and to enrich the lives of others.  As I read these words oh Lord, fill me with wisdom and understanding, compassion and love, so that I may be a blessing to others today. Thank you God.

Now let's begin reading Proverb 5, versus 1-23, and be sure to speak it out loud:

 Proverbs 5:1-23

  1MY SON, be attentive to my Wisdom [godly Wisdom learned by actual and costly experience], and incline your ear to my understanding [of what is becoming and prudent for you],
    2That you may exercise proper discrimination and discretion and your lips may guard and keep knowledge and the wise answer [to temptation].

    3For the lips of a loose woman drip honey as a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil;(A)

    4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged and devouring sword.

    5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead).

    6She loses sight of and walks not in the path of life; her ways wind about aimlessly, and you cannot know them.

    7Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

    8Let your way in life be far from her, and come not near the door of her house [avoid the very scenes of temptation],(B)

    9Lest you give your honor to others and your years to those without mercy,

    10Lest strangers [and false teachings] take their fill of your strength and wealth and your labors go to the house of an alien [from God]–

    11And you groan and mourn when your end comes, when your flesh and body are consumed,

    12And you say, How I hated instruction and discipline, and my heart despised reproof!

    13I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers nor submitted and consented to those who instructed me.

    14[The extent and boldness of] my sin involved almost all evil [in the estimation] of the congregation and the community.

    15[a]Drink waters out of your own cistern [of a pure marriage relationship], and fresh running waters out of your own well.

    16Should your offspring be dispersed abroad as water brooks in the streets?

    17[Confine yourself to your own wife] let your children be for you alone, and not the children of strangers with you.

    18Let your fountain [of human life] be blessed [with the rewards of fidelity], and rejoice in the wife of your youth.

    19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant doe [tender, gentle, attractive]–let her bosom satisfy you at all times, and always be transported with delight in her love.

    20Why should you, my son, be infatuated with a loose woman, embrace the bosom of an outsider, and go astray?

    21For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, and He [Who would have us live soberly, chastely, and godly] carefully weighs all man's goings.(C)

    22His own iniquities shall ensnare the wicked man, and he shall be held with the cords of his sin.

    23He will die for lack of discipline and instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray and be lost.
 

Meditation:

After you have read through the daily Proverb, close your eyes and reflect on what you have just read. Ask God to reveal His message to you and be still and quiet for a few moments as you listen for His Voice. Go back and re-read verse 1 of the Proverbs a second time. Read it out loud and pause at the end of the first verse. Close your eyes to allow God to speak to you through His words. Focus on your connection to God Almighty and imagine that you are plugged into Him (like an electrical plug in a socket), receiving a charge of His power through this direct connection with Him. Open your mind and heart to hear His words. Pause for at least 10 seconds but more if you feel His words speaking to your heart.  Open your eyes and read the second verse. Again, close your eyes, focusing on God and repeating the words you just read in your mind. Be still and quiet as you draw on the charge of His power, through your connection with Him. Continue to pause as you read through each verse. The second reading through these Proverbs will take longer than the first but it is very important that you do not rush. Once you have completed reading the Proverbs for the second time, close your eyes and listen for God's voice to speak to you. 

A third reading and meditation on the Proverbs is even more powerful than that first two. In the third reading, read each word even more slowly than before, out loud, really trying to understand what each word means and how it applies to you. Continue to pause at the end of each verse but you may find that in the third reading, you are pausing betweeen the verses or after only a few words are spoken when God will bring revelation to your heart and mind. Continue reading and meditating on His word until you have completed the third reading of the Proverbs. Once you have completed the third reading of the Proverbs, take another moment to close your eyes and ask God to open your heart of understanding so that you may be able to apply this lesson in your life.

Conclude the daily meditation with this prayer, again spoken out loud:

Dear Father in Heaven and earth, Creator of all, Thank you Father God for your words today. May they lift up my heart and spirit, and allow me to be everything you want me to be. May your teaching council me this day and allow me to walk in your love and live the life to be all that you have created me to be. You promise that if I give it all up to you, that you will make my paths straight, so today I choose to surrender it all to you, dear Lord. I Thank you Father for opening the eyes of my heart and soul to hear and understand what lesson it is that you want me to learn from your words today. Continue to speak to me and to show me the wisdom that is contained in your holy words so that I may apply them to my life today, to draw me closer to you and to enrich the lives of others.  Lord, fill me with your wisdom and understanding, compassion and love, so that I may be a blessing to others today. Thank you God for the gift of your Son so that I may walk in the light and live a righteous life. In the holy name of Jesus I pray and give thanks to you and all that is good. Amen.

Now go and have yourself a wonderful, blessed day. If you have experienced any revelations from God while reading this or any time throughout your day, you are welcome to share your experiences, your thoughts and your feelings below.

Shalom!

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