Tag Archives: jesus

Seeing Through the Illusion of Success

Posted on by
Reply

Like many in Proverbs, chapter 24 is filled with various subjects emphasizing the necessity of utilizing the wisdom from above. In this chapter, readers are instructed to avoid envying the wicked (vv. 1-2, 19-20). It can surely be tempting to admire the lifestyles of some who seem to be doing well materially, but their paths are destructive, and their futures are unstable. God warns that the mere appearance of success does not equate to proper security! 

Our children desperately need to learn this lesson. When they see influential figures on social media, athletes, actors, and musicians seemingly living lives filled with luxury and excitement, it can be enticing to chase after such things. However, such experiences are fleeting! Adults also need to be aware of this lesson, and keep it at the forefront of their minds. Many in positions of power—such as politicians, employers, and successful businesspeople—might appear to be thriving outwardly, but inwardly, they may be lacking!! 

Reading the Proverbs helps maintain the proper focus. Verses 3-7 explain that wisdom builds and sustains life. A house (symbolizing life, family, or community) is established through wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Wise individuals possess strength, while fools lack the insight necessary for leadership and counsel. 

The chapter also warns against taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes (vv. 17-18). We need to be cautious not to celebrate the downfall of even our enemies, as God disapproves of a vengeful attitude. This highlights that emotional self-discipline is an essential aspect of wisdom. While popular media often portrays revenge as something virtuous, the Bible clearly instructs us to avoid harboring a vindictive spirit, even toward those who oppose us.

Further teachings in the chapter emphasize the importance of honoring God and authorities (verses 21-22). Rebellion brings severe penalties. In our country, it’s easy to take our rights as citizens for granted. However, if we are to honor God truly, we must honor those in positions of authority. Though some in power may not be spiritually aligned with God, we can still respect their office, pray for them, and speak of them with respect (ultimately submitting ourselves to God in every aspect of life). 

This chapter is so rich with wisdom; it also includes additional sayings on justice and work (verses 23-34). These concluding sayings highlight that partiality in judgment is wrong, and stress the importance of honesty in giving correction and/or blessings. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the consequences of laziness, illustrated by the sluggard’s overgrown field, where poverty creeps in gradually like a thief. God’s people should be among the most industrious and hard-working individuals we know!!

There is so much to gain from meditating on Scriptures like these. May our meditation on the book of Proverbs sink deep into our hearts. As we demonstrate diligence in all things about the Lord, let us avoid gloating over others’ misfortunes, trust in God as the righteous judge, and cherish wisdom that comes from above. May we be courageous in times of trouble, while ever finding contentment in what God provides. Amen.

Wisdom for Every Aspect of Life

Posted on by
Reply

With the book of Proverbs, we encounter various aspects of life that call for the seeking and treasuring of wisdom, especially when contrasted with foolishness. As I have been reading through this portion of Scripture, a consistent theme is emerging rather than just short, pithy statements addressing the seemingly unrelated aspects of life. I’m wondering if these various life aspects are presented to illustrate that every area of our lives should be guided by wisdom! 

We are certainly given information that emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from above, in everything we do. For instance, consider the warnings against gluttony and overindulgence, whether in food or drink (Prov. 23:1). Wisdom calls for restraint, reminding us that overindulgence leads to poverty and sorrow (vv. 2-3, 20-21). Could even the more mundane choices we make, such as how we respond even to the food set before us, be influenced by wisdom that comes from above?! 

Another subject that we revisit in Proverbs 23 deals with the deceptive nature of wealth. We are advised to caution against pursuing material wealth excessively, as riches are fleeting and unreliable (vv. 4-5). Isn’t it sad to observe how many people are distracted by the pursuit of earthly wealth, risking their very souls for a bigger boat, a larger house, and more possessions? 

Additionally, there is wisdom regarding how to discipline one’s children. A wise parent corrects their child to guide them toward righteousness and away from destruction (vv. 12-14). The chapter highlights the deep joy parents experience when their children walk in truth, reflecting the generational blessings of godly living (vv. 15-16, 24-25). There are also warnings against associating closely with sinners, along with instruction regarding the chaos that drunkenness leads to—confusion, pain, and moral decay that blinds one to reality (vv. 6-8, 17-18, 29-35). 

Additionally, we are urged to maintain reverence for the Lord and not be swayed by the apparent success of those who sin (v. 18). Indeed, Proverbs 23 reminds us that this book is filled with wisdom applicable to every facet of life!! Being sober-minded and singularly focused on God helps us prioritize our motives for work, how we choose to entertain ourselves, and even how we fuel our bodies with food!!! Like other passages in Scripture, we often emphasize that the repetition of various principles is intended to capture our attention. With the teaching presented in this book, we see multiple subjects revisited over and over again. That should mean something to us!

Oh God Almighty, I give you my whole heart (v. 26)! I want to observe your ways in all phases of my existence. May you rule over me, and enable me, to be a good steward in EVERY ASPECT of my life!! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Contentment, Correction, and the Power of Words

Posted on by
Reply

Proverbs 15 continues to highlight contrasts between wisdom and folly, particularly through speech, attitudes, and responses to correction. The power of words is emphasized; they can either heal or harm, calm or provoke. A soft answer turns away wrath, while a harsh word stirs up anger. Wise people use their words to build up others, offering encouragement and speaking truthfully. The tongue of the wise is described as a tree of life, reflecting how life-giving speech originates from a heart filled with wisdom (vv. 1-4, 7, 23, 26, 28). 

Oh Lord, grant me the wisdom and the ability to speak in a more appropriate manner. I want to communicate truth in love and strive to be more like You in my interactions (Eph. 4:15, 29). 

Proverbs 15 is also rich in practical wisdom for daily life and relationships, particularly regarding receiving correction and instruction. The fool despises correction, but the wise recognize it as a path to growth. Listening to reproof leads to understanding and, ultimately, to life itself. This chapter portrays teachability as a hallmark of wisdom and underscores the importance of humility before instruction, which reflects a proper fear of the Lord (vv. 5, 10, 12, 31-33). 

Father, please have mercy on me and correct me as You see fit. Please do not rebuke me in Your anger (Psa. 38:1). I have an open heart that is willing to be molded (Isa. 64:8). Help me also to know when I should relent, versus standing firm in my convictions. 

There is also much said in Proverbs 15 about joy and contentment within the heart. A cheerful heart brings life, while a crushed spirit saps it away (vv. 13-15). True happiness flows from righteousness, peace, and godly relationships, rather than from material gain (vv. 16-17). 

Oh Father, please help my wife, my children, and me to be content with what You provide. May we be good stewards of the blessings You grant us. Grant me, also, wisdom and courage to utilize those blessings fully and to enjoy what is set before me here and now (Matt. 25:14-30; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; 1 Pet. 4:10). 

You are the great and awesome God of heaven and earth. I bow before You, asking that You would shape me, and refine me, through Your correction (Heb. 12:3-11). May I also be open to the counsel of others in my sphere of influence, that their words may provide sound guidance (Prov. 15:22). I pray through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and in His name, I give thanks for these things (Col. 3:17). Please bless us as we seek Your guidance. Amen.

When We Refuse to Learn

Posted on by
Reply

In Proverbs 14, the term “fool” is used to describe one who refuses to learn from the lessons right before them (vv. 6, 9, 16). A fool may fail to recognize the pitfalls that lie directly ahead, make the same mistakes repeatedly, and never learn the obvious lessons needed to avoid those paths. Moreover, one may deliberately choose to ignore the wise counsel given to them! By rejecting the guidance that God has set before them, they therefore decide to be foolish!! We must be cautious, as we may find ourselves on that path in certain aspects of our lives, even if we demonstrate wisdom in other areas. If that is the case, let us heed the advice and turn away from foolishness (vv. 7, 8). 

The book of Proverbs also addresses the simple-minded individual — one who has not yet learned life’s lessons (v. 18). This person may be ignorant due to youth, having had too few experiences to make wise decisions. The simple-minded individual may also be ignorant because they are not paying attention to their surroundings, failing to see the evident pitfalls. The simple-minded person tends to be too trusting or may not consider the long-term consequences of their actions (vv. 12, 15)! We are urged to wake up and be alert to the lessons around us.

Each of us has our areas of ignorance, so let us respond to the call for acquiring wisdom. The wise individual has learned the lessons of life, benefiting from both their own mistakes and those of others. The truly wise person discerns life’s priorities, basing their wisdom on a solid foundation rooted in the fear of the Lord (vv. 26, 27). The wisdom recommended is wisdom from above; it begins with reverence for God and sets our feet on the path toward true happiness, both in this life and in eternity (vv. 14, 32).

“A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.”

~ Proverbs 14:6-9, New King James Version

Use, Grow, Fulfill Your Potential

Posted on by
2
Pictured from left to right: Adam Willingham, Justin Lewis, Bob Waldron, Ian Rice, and Butch Morgan. Seated is the late Jimmy Johnson.

King Solomon wrote, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). Death became a significant part of Bob Waldron’s life, and one day, our own death will become part of our life story as well. It is wise for us to reflect on this!

I first met Brother Waldron at the funeral for Sister Rosa Lee Putnel in Ft Meade, FL, where he invited me to a Bible study. The following morning, I drove over two hours to meet him in Dade City. I had been preaching in my first full-time position for five months, but I felt a deep sense of inadequacy regarding my Bible knowledge. I had been fervently praying for God to provide me with what I needed to grow spiritually. During that first Bible study, I opened up to Brother Waldron about my feelings of inadequacy. To my surprise, he did not rebuke me! Instead, he offered to become my mentor and explained that he had some tools that could help me both immediately and in the long term, provided I committed to using them. Just as I began to feel immense gratitude, he admonished me to take our time and efforts together seriously. The tone was set, leading to seven of the most spiritually enriching years of my life! Through his teaching, example, encouragement, and nurturing, Brother Waldron challenged me to bring my best to the table consistently. I am eternally grateful for that! Moreover, he embraced my wife and children as family, enabling our collective growth in ways beyond measure.

Among the many things I cherish, I always knew I could rely on him for sound counsel during troubling circumstances. I was consistently amazed by his wisdom. On one occasion, after I remarked on how wise he was, he humbly responded that he was taking the information I shared and responding with spiritual principles from God’s Word that best fit the scenario. This revelation was an epiphany for me, and many similar moments left a profound impact.

After seven years of intense mentorship, Brother Waldron had to scale back due to health issues. By this time, he had become more than a mentor; he had become a father figure to me. I was still blessed to visit him for many years after, drawing on his wisdom and influence through close, personal contact. However, as his health declined, I felt a significant change in our dynamic and struggled mightily with this transition.

Among Remarkable Men
Moses was a remarkable man who influenced many in his generation, and his work continues to impact others. He had Joshua to assist him, and eventually, Joshua would lead God’s people into battle. Those years of working with Moses certainly prepared Joshua for such responsibility.

Elijah was another remarkable man whose influence remains significant. He prepared Elisha to carry on the prophetic work, and Elisha held Elijah in high esteem.

The Apostle Paul was yet another remarkable figure whose influence continues today. A large part of Paul’s work involved training Timothy to take care of what had been entrusted to him and to commit those teachings to faithful men who would, in turn, be able to teach others.

Bob Waldron is a remarkable man of our generation. His influence is deeply ingrained, and his work will continue to inspire many. He worked diligently to prepare others for battle, to take up the mantle, and to teach others!

Yet, there is another common thread among these examples that is paramount! Before Moses died, he commended the children of Israel, including Joshua, to the word of the LORD (Deut. 30:11-14). Before Elijah ascended to heaven, Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and Elijah guided Elisha to seek God’s will in the matter (2 Kings 2:9-11). Before his departure, Paul encouraged Timothy by directing him to the Lord and His Word (2 Tim. 1:6-7; 3:14-17).

In his efforts, Brother Waldron too pointed us to the Lord. Consider this quote from Bob and Sandra Waldron’s book, “Go Tell the Good News,” regarding 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “Here in Paul’s last letter, he makes one of the most inclusive, strongest affirmations of the inspiration of the scriptures to be found in the whole Bible. All scripture is inspired. Timothy, you have everything you need in order to be equipped for every good work. Paul would no longer be available to advise Timothy, but he had all the wisdom of God within his grasp. We, too, have that same word of God in our hands – with the same blessings it provided for Timothy. Let us remember to use it wisely.”

Before his passing, I had an opportunity to visit with Brother Waldron. And at that particular time, I was feeling very weak, grasping for more of his wisdom. Recognizing my situation, he shared words that I hold dear: “Don’t sell yourself short, nor underestimate your abilities. Use your knowledge. Grow your knowledge. Fulfill your potential!”

Brother Waldron, I will always cherish our friendship.

May God grant us all the strength to serve the Almighty, and our generation, to the best of our abilities (Acts 13:36).

Modern Temple Worship

Posted on by
1
While it's wise to take care of our bodies, we should not "worship" the "temple" itself.

During the reign of Josiah, the temple in Jerusalem required extensive repairs due to severe neglect (2 Chron. 34:10). Fast forward to the days of Jesus, when the Herodian temple stood in all its splendor. Many were proud of the temple’s presence, but they had not learned from past generations who believed that the temple alone would provide them with spiritual security (Matt. 24:1-2; Jer. 7:1-11). 

Christians are to abstain from actions that would defile our bodies, and that involves recognizing our bodies as temples of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). It’s essential to take care of our bodies. Yet, we must be cautious about the tendency to “worship” the “temple” God has given us. 

It is significant to remember that our bodies are to be used for God’s glory, and we should strive to use what He has entrusted to us as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:13). And it’s wise to consider the long-term use of our bodies; for instance, maintaining good health can help us keep up with our children, grandchildren, and beyond. Having strength and endurance enables us to care for ourselves and make the most of our time on earth. 

But, while I abstain from things that would defile, I wonder if some people have unhealthy obsessions with their bodies, to the extent that they almost worship them. For example, if I become hyper-focused on what I eat or constantly work out to achieve a certain appearance, could that be a result of pride or vanity? There’s nothing wrong with trying to look and feel our best. However, fixating on our physical health can become an unhealthy obsession. 

The fitness and entertainment industries are booming. While it’s wise to take care of our bodies, we should not “worship” the “temple” itself. Let us labor for the food that never perishes, concentrating our efforts on spiritual strengthening and endurance (Jn 6:27; Eph. 6:10; Heb. 10:36). If our focus is in the right place, we will care for our bodies in a way that brings glory to God (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 

7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 

8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

~ 1 Timothy 4:6-8

Memorial Day, the Cross, and the Call to Surrender

Posted on by
1

My fellow Americans, neighbors, and loved ones: Many are posting tributes on social media today to honor those who have lost their lives while serving their fellow man. I am very grateful to live in this country and for the freedoms that it provides. Moreover, I am thankful for my fellow citizens’ sacrifices so that I can enjoy the comforts of living in this land. I truly am proud to be an American. That said, while we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to consider something even more critical. Many fathers and mothers have sent their sons and daughters to die on the battlefield, but God sent his only begotten Son to die for the sins of humanity (John 3:16). Though I do not wish to diminish many Americans’ heavy sacrifices, I want to draw our attention to Jesus. Would you join me in praying to God after reading this reflection? Consider a few comparisons. 

Sacrifice for Others: Today, we seek to remember the soldiers who gave their lives to protect freedom, peace, and country. With much greater consequence, Jesus gave his life to save humanity from sin and death, offering the gift of eternal life! Christ told His disciples, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:13-14)

Freedom Through Death: On Memorial Day, we reflect on how the sacrifice of so many soldiers secured our earthly freedoms, such as religious liberty and safety. In contrast, Jesus’ death offers us spiritual freedom—freedom from the bondage of sin, from separation from God, and the ultimate fate of condemnation. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Remembering the Fallen: We honor and remember those who died on Memorial Day, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten. Christians also remember Jesus’ death regularly through practices like communion so that His sacrifice remains in our hearts and minds. Jesus instituted His memorial on the night in which he was betrayed, and 1st-century Christians observed that memorial every first day of the week (Matthew 26:26-30; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-33).

Inspiration to Live Better: Contemplating the sacrifices of soldiers may inspire us to live with gratitude, courage, and a commitment to service. In a much more profound sense, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice calls Christians to live sacrificially, loving and serving others with a higher sense of purpose and calling. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:16-17)

Hope Beyond Death: Many believe the sacrifices of soldiers contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future for our nation. However, Jesus’ death grants us the ultimate hope—eternal life and victory over sin and death, promising that we will reign with Him forever and escape every heartache (Revelation 21:1-22:21). 

I must note: While it may be inappropriate to compare secular holidays with Jesus’ death during our time of communion on the 1st day of the week, this Memorial Day, as we reflect on the tragedies of this world and the noble sacrifices made for goodness, it feels fitting to express gratitude. And while it is noble that our fellow man has been willing to die for us, OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRUE NOBILITY COMES FROM GOD, the creator and sustainer of all things. 

If this resonates with you, I pray you will look to Jesus and thank Him for dying for you, providing hope for a better life beyond this world. We will each give an account to God for our deeds, and all of us have sinned! Let us demonstrate our thankfulness by surrendering our lives to Him (Matthew 7:21-23), putting our belief in Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 10:31-39), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3), confessing our faith (Matthew 10:32-33), and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38). In doing so, the Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47), the one He purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)! 

Just as one day each year is not enough to honor what our fellow man has done for us, a single moment or day is insufficient to commemorate what Jesus has done for me. Let us strive to devote our lives more fully to Him. Amen.

Seize the Day—Seek the Lord

Posted on by
1

Isaiah chapters fifty-five through fifty-seven contain profound principles. God, through Isaiah, has just foretold the coming of the Suffering Servant, through whose sacrifice Israel will be saved (Isa. 49-54). Thus, Israel is encouraged to seek the LORD (Isa. 55:1-13). By keeping His justice and practicing righteousness, the LORD will bless them (Isa. 56:1). Even the eunuch who feels like “a dry tree” and the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD will be blessed and find mercy (Isa. 56:3-6). The LORD’s patience is remarkable, considering that His people have become “sons of the sorceress, the offspring of the adulterer and the harlot” (Isa. 57:3). They have sinned in various ways, sought other gods, and sent ambassadors everywhere but have not turned to God (Isa. 57:4-13). Nevertheless, the LORD will forgive those with a contrite heart (Isa. 57:14-21)! 

Amid this discourse, we learn how irresponsible Israel’s leaders had been. One says, “Come, I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant” (Isa. 56:12). It is a tragic folly that many take for granted the opportunities afforded to us today, as if material blessings will continue to increase despite ungodliness. There are no guarantees concerning tomorrow, which should serve as a sober warning. May it also inspire us to accept the LORD’s pardon, His ways, His healing, and His guidance today! 

Consider the angels of Heaven, who dwell in the very presence of God Almighty. They often instill fear in men when sent to minister to those who will inherit salvation. Yet, despite their magnificence, they do not rival the wondrous power of the Lord Jesus (Heb. 1:1-14). Our Lord, who took on human form, is not ashamed to call mankind His brethren and died so that we may receive help during temptation and power over death. Thus, we must pay more earnest attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away (Heb. 2:1-18). 

The phrase “raise the ante” means to increase the cost or price, which reflects the entire book of Hebrews concerning the Law of Christ compared to the Law of Moses. Sobering lessons can be learned from the faith of Moses and the unfaithful generation that fell in the wilderness (Heb. 3:1-11; Psa. 95:7-11). Believers are warned to beware, lest there be in any of you “an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). “But exhort one another while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). We become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast until the end: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Heb. 3:15). 

The Hebrew readers were encouraged to heed the lessons from their forefathers who died in the wilderness because they sinned, did not obey, and could not enter the promised rest due to unbelief (Heb. 3:16-19). This message was directed to Jewish Christians who may have been tempted to revert to a form of Judaism out of fear of the persecution that afflicted Christians. It was very appealing for some to return to worshiping Jehovah as prescribed in the Law, which could shield them from suffering. However, this was impossible, as the Law of Christ replaced the Old Covenant. 

The spiritual depth in this text is remarkable. It is fascinating to consider how David wrote of “Today” by the Spirit (Psa. 95:7; Heb. 3:7; 4:7) and how God spoke of “His rest” during David’s lifetime, foreshadowing the work of Christ. Additionally, the Hebrew writer reveals that Joshua did not provide the final rest for the people. Therefore, a Sabbath of rest remains for the people of God! Let us strive (TODAY) to enter that rest (Heb. 4:1-16)!

If You Will Hear, Here We Are, Today

Posted on by
1

God presents many valuable lessons to learn from the past. He also teaches us the value of preparing for the future. A future in heaven, yes, but also preparing for the various stages of life on this earth. But what of the present? What about for “today?” What can we take care of “today” in these moments set before us?  

Here We Are, Servants Today

In Nehemiah chapters nine and ten, the generation that returned from captivity held a great assembly. On the 24th day of the month, many expressed great remorse for their sins and the iniquities of their fathers (Neh. 9:1-2). While standing in their place, the Book of the Law was read for a fourth of the day, and another fourth, they worshiped the LORD their God (Neh. 9:3-4). Moreover, leaders among them cried out with a loud voice to God. The Levites also commanded the assembly to stand up and bless the LORD. That is when the children of Israel were reminded of their spiritual history: of blessings, opportunities, abilities, responsibilities, failures, and God’s faithfulness (Neh. 9:5-35). The people renewed their Covenant with the LORD (Neh. 9:36-10:39), declaring, “Here we are, servants today! And the land you gave to our father, to eat its fruit and its bounty, here we are, servants in it! And it yields much increase to the kings You have set over us, because of our sins; Also, they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle at their pleasure; and we are in great distress. And because of all this, we make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” (Neh. 9:36-38) Taking the time to approach God with reverence, humility, and mindfulness of our spiritual heritage with Him, along with rededicating ourselves to Him and His terms of the Covenant – we may do just that TODAY! We may also call upon God to take note of our resolve to serve Him TODAY!! 

Today, If You Will Hear His Voice

The call to worship God and obey Him is inspiring but also necessitates responsibility and accountability. Psalm ninety-five implores readers to sing to the LORD, shout joyfully to the Rock of salvation, and come before His presence with thanksgiving! There are excellent reminders of God creating the hills, the sea, dry land, and mankind (Psa. 95:1-5). There is even an extolling of God’s special relationship with His people (Psa. 95:7). But His people were also warned to learn from their spiritual forefathers. “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work.” (Psa. 95:6-9) The warning continues by telling how God grieved the generation that wandered in the wilderness because they went astray in their hearts. As a result, many of God’s covenant people did not enter His rest (Psa. 95:10-11). So, along with the grand call to worship the Almighty comes a warning against going astray within our hearts. Moreover, “Today, if you will hear His voice: Do not harden your hearts…” We can hear the LORD’s voice TODAY! With blessing and opportunity, accept the responsibility of sober thinking TODAY!!

God presents many valuable lessons to learn from the past. He also teaches us the value of preparing for the future. A future in heaven, yes, but also preparing for the various stages of life on this earth. But what of the present? What about for “today?” What can we take care of “today” in these moments set before us?  

Waking Up Early

Posted on by
Reply
Notably, figures such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Gideon, Hezekiah, and Jesus made the most of the early hours.

Rising early is a habit that many significant figures throughout history have embraced. Whether it’s to seize the quiet moments of dawn, to embark on essential tasks, or to dedicate time for personal reflection, waking up early sets a powerful tone for the rest of the day. Even the most minor step forward, taken in the early hours, can set the stage for significant progress. Let the examples from historical and biblical figures inspire you:

  • Genesis 21:14, So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. (Regarding the monumental occasion of Abraham sending away Hagar and Ishmael) 
  • Genesis 22:3, So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. (When God tested Abraham’s faith concerning Isaac)  
  • Genesis 28:18, Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. (After Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, with the angels of God ascending and descending on it)
  • Exodus 24:4, And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. (When the children of Israel affirmed their covenant with the LORD) 
  • Exodus 34:4, So he cut two tablets of stone like the first ones. Then Moses rose early in the morning and went up Mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him; and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone. (When Moses made two new tablets and presented himself to God on Mount Sinai)
  • Joshua 3:1, Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. (As Joshua set out to cross the Jordan River and to invade & conquer the land of Canaan)
  • Joshua 6:12, And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. (In preparation for Joshua, the priests, and the men of war to march around the city of Jericho)
  • Joshua 7:16, So Joshua rose early in the morning and brought Israel by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken. (To investigate/discover where sin was being committed/hidden from within the camp)
  • Judges 6:38, And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. (When Gideon sought assurances from God)
  • 1 Samuel 15:12, So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” (When Samuel confronted Saul for transgressing the LORD’s command)
  • 1 Samuel 17:20, So David rose early in the morning, left the sheep with a keeper, and took the things and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. (The day on which David slew Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior)
  • 2 Chronicles 29:20, Then King Hezekiah rose early, gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord. (When Hezekiah brought about spiritual reforms in the southern kingdom of Judah)
  • Mark 1:35, Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. (Jesus started the morning in communion with the Father before preaching throughout Galilee and casting out demons)

Some individuals are naturally more inclined to be “morning people” than others. While I don’t intend to insist that everyone should rise earlier, there is value in waking up early, particularly when facing significant responsibilities or tasks. Notably, figures such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Gideon, Hezekiah, and Jesus made the most of the early hours. It’s interesting to observe that these leaders from different times all recognized the benefits of a head start on their days. Regardless of personal preferences and routines, it’s worth considering the advantages of rising early!