Bragging On Jesus

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

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Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

How Will You Remember Me?

Robin Aylor

How will I be remembered? Some say they don’t care

I ponder now this late December cautiously I fair

Is it pride to think like that? Outside I hear a screaming cat

The skies are grey it’s cold today, I should pray lest I go astray

Will there be many at my funeral? Heat rushes to my cheek

My hand unconsciously cuffs my mouth although I did not speak

For every wrong there is a right, a context worthy of insight

A core foundation vein of truth, A taproot seldom seen by youth

So cautiously I proceed; will thoughts of me bring love or hate

How will they remember me? How will those reminisces rate?

People may laugh when they hear my name,

They may ask for a bag when they’re on the plane

When it’s spoken will they blurt out a dirty curse word?

Or will it blow in the wind never more to be heard…

Will I will be voted “best actor” in the story of my life?

Or will I be the one who shines the spotlight on Jesus Christ?

Will I block the camera and stand in his way?

To seek out his crown and take his bouquet?

Will I be seen as the star seeking photo bomb guy in the play?

Or the one who raises the curtain for him and sings his praise?

Look, I think my best context that others might smile would be…

When they remember my life they might see Christ in me

His righteousness, his works, his suffering, his hurts

His greatness, beauty, glory, his power from above,

But most of all in me… I hope they see… his love

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

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Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Eyes Of Deception

How do you think Hitler saw himself as he made the orders that ended so many innocent people’s lives? Or how about the people in the plains on September 11, 2001. Or Timothy McVeigh when he destroyed the murro building? Each one of these guys thought they were wise. They thought they were doing what was right. What needed to be done. They had made up their minds that there was a problem and they had the cure. The solution to every problem.

As I step back and think about these people and others like them, I do my best to get into their head. From outside perspective, it’s easy to ask, “ how can anyone do something like this? “ “ what kind of monster were they?” But once you understand the circumstances of each one, it becomes a little clearer.

(Hear the full transcript by listening to audio)

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 6:16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Hurricane of Hatred And Avalanche of Evil

Daniel Castor

You’ve heard it said that hate is a strong word... I believe this to be true and one should not use this word carelessly. People say that they hate lots of things; sports teams and movies, certain flavors of ice cream and seasons of the year. The word hate is used very loosely. Our the other hand our proverb today uses the word hate in its full strength. There are certain things that God truly detest, wicked things that he abhors; pride, dishonesty, murder and a scheming heart. It’s easy to see why the Lord hates such things because they are so completely against him. But then comes another sting word. A more serious word if you will. There is also something that is an abomination to the Lord... one who sows discord among brothers.

Why dose God single out the seventh above the rest? Because there is something particularly wicked about purposely trying to cause disunity among brothers. This is one of satan’s prime tools in destroying the Church. Wherever there is disunity there is a lack of love and there is a presence of pride. There is an abundance of selfishness and a heart filled with hate. It could be said that the seventh thing that the lord hates, the abomination of sowing discord among the brothers contains all the other six things listed before it. A hurricane of Hatred, a avalanche of evil that will bring catastrophe on the church faster than anything els. Sowing discord among the brothers is an abomination to God because it directly attacks what God has set out to do. That is to give his people one mind and one heart, a heart that seeks god’s will and glory! A person of this unity strictly opposes all of these things.

Take a moment this morning to check your heart. Do you see any of these things in yourself or even the beginning of any of these things that the Lord so despises? If so turn away from them today, instead of opposing the Lord and doing that what he hates , Set your mind on the things of God and make it your aim to do all that he loves!

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Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

The Great Pretenders

R Aylor

We dress like we’re rich and drive fancy cars

We critique last nights episode of dancing with the stars

We raise up our nose with an air of dissent

While our cable is canceled and we can’t pay the rent

Yet some live like Granny and ole Jed Clampett

They may own half the country while they live in a pit

They go to a garage sale wearing their old crumpled hat

Saying “Will ya take a quarter for that antique porcelain Australian wombat?”

The poor know you can’t squeeze money from a poverty stricken debtor

The rich know people want their money so they act like a penniless beggar

But God knows its not all about the way you’re perceived

He’s the greatest treasure in the Universe

He died for you, he took your curse

The more of him you give away, the bigger your purse

And you’ll want him riding with you in that long black hearse

It’s all about him who will lavish great riches on all who believe

Yes Jesus died then strangely after three days

The earth rumbled the stone rolled and he came out from the grave

He gives us that same strong power to conquer our own detestable sin

And one day he’ll raise us up with him when he comes again

Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Carry But Don't Conceal Jesus

R Aylor

In some states within the US there is a law called “Conceal and Carry" which allow people to carry fire arms out of sight on their person for protection. (Of course there has to be courses taken and background checks or whatever a particular state requires to make sure they know what they are doing and are not a criminal…

In everyday life a wicked man can conceal his inner motives with deceptive words… but he does not need a conceal and carry permit.

This person may smile and flatter; even brag on others. He knows people are self centered and so he uses that to his advantage. He may have a way with words.

He offers his delicacies, while at the same time concealing how he might use another for his own selfish gain. A self centered man has a goal where the end purpose is his own exaltation over the very ones he conceals his motives from.

With that being said, a wicked heart cannot be concealed forever; the violence it carries always finds its way to the surface.

The selfish well in his heart bubbles up and flows sometimes like a rushing river out of mouth with cutting words and they move into his feet taking him where he should not go and they flow out of his arms to do evil deeds.

In Luke 6:45 Jesus said this: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

The righteous man does not hide what is in his heart with deceptive words for personal gain.

He is blessed by God with forgiveness, acceptance and peace and love and out of that love he blesses others.
 

In Matthew 5 beginning with verse 14 Jesus also said this:

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Father may we not conceal the love you showed us in Jesus. May we delight in your forgivness and share the reason Jesus is good news for the world with great boldness, confidence, clarity, joy and love.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

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Proverbs 10:4 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.

Diligent Slacker

R Aylor

I am guessing that Americans are also one of the busiest of all people groups; many times both parents are working with much overtime and for the kids music lessons, soccer, dance, basketball football, wrestling or and debate every week. All this being said, I believe we are mostly a country and culture of slackers.



This is quite a convicting text to me because I need to be more diligent and steadfast in the right things. You see, even a lazy person is consistent and steadfast; only it is not in righteousness.



There's just not a lot of people I see that are willing to fully commit themselves to anything except from their own selfish drives. That sometimes involves greed (in work, toward money and more stuff), and pride (in always having the last word or wanting to be praised for being the best or even living unrealized dreams through our children etc).



Technology also pulls at our selfish strings through all kinds of social media outlets along with games and app’s a plenty to fill up every open spot in our day.


Another thing that goes with this lack of diligence is how so many people today do not keep their word and some hardly acknowledge it when their word is broken and all this in a time in history when communication technology is more efficient than ever before.



But, a slack hand is not the same as rest or valid relaxation. Laziness is not being responsible to to keep our commitments. Laziness is not standing up for the defenseless... it's not being willing to work for a living when we can... It's not joyfully trusting God when we wake up every morning… It's sleeping late when we should get up early.

When Jesus is our passion his Spirit gives us a kind of energy like nourishing food to our body. Maybe that's why Jesus said: John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.


We must trust God for the energy, the increase, and persevere on forward.


Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.



Father please open my eyes to your beauty; arouse, invigorate and propel me by your Spirit to your practical righteousness. Let your mission be my food. Open doors to share your good news and give me boldness and clarity in speaking your Gospel that others may delight in you. Be my joy and strength to the praise of your glorious grace through Jesus today.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

He Thwarts The Craving

R Aylor

I expect that back in Solomon’s day wicked men ate and were full, as did the righteous. Surly, Solomon, being the wisest of men had seen many evil men eat until they're belly's were plump. So what is Solomon getting at here?



The question that comes to my mind is whether the wicked man is truly ever satisfied? Does he ever have enough money? Does he ever have enough stuff? Does anything bring his life contentment?



A human being experiences various types of hunger at different times in his life. He may have a hunger for knowledge or a hunger for food; for money and fame… Look, nothing in the world truly satisfies man… but a wicked man will keep grasping at the things in the world for fulfillment.

All of our physical hungers point us to the most important craving that can only be satisfied by Jesus.

John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.



CS Lewis observed: “A man’s physical hunger does not prove that man will get any bread; he may die of starvation on a raft in the Atlantic. But surely a man’s hunger does prove that he comes of a race which repairs its body by eating and inhabits a world where eatable substances exist."



In the same way, a hunger for purpose and belonging and acceptance surly does prove that there is someone who can satisfy this inner need.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Our text says: "but he thwarts the craving of the wicked". To "thwart" means to prevent someone from obtaining something. God stops and prevents the wicked from satisfying they're craving through all the worthless things they take in. As long as he believes sin will satisfy he will not eat of the food that satisfies.


The good news is that wholesome food is readily available. 
We can be full and satisfied in Jesus.



John 7:37 says: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

Pray

How Rudolph & Joseph Saved Christmas / R Aylor

Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 10:2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Keep Your Treasures Without Profit!

Robin Aylor

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit...

This almost seems to contradict itself... I mean if you gained treasures didn’t you profit?

Let’s try to get a handle on what Solomon is saying...

First, if we save money by falsifying taxes; if we take advantage of the poor and unlearned; even if we accept a praise under false pretense or that we don’t deserve... we are accepting some kind of treasure by wickedness.

The truth is… wickedness is a non-profit organization... And that does not mean we should donate to it. But it is just a bad career choice... we probably have all know evil people who are rich and might disagree with this verse... but wickedness always ends in the worst kind of poverty.

So... what are the treasures of wickedness which do not profit? These are the treasures of the world that are not used to glorify God but rather they become a god to us. They will make us slaves to them.... they will become our passions... they will ruin our life.

For one thing this person who has used others to increase his riches will likely be hated and despised by not only those he used but many who see his ways. And toward others he will be bitter, greedy and envious. His stress level will possibly cause him health issues. Good and honest relationships will not come easy. He will be paranoid for good reason concerning others who want his money. I don't call that a profitable life.

Look, at these crossroads we are all tempted to think wicked dealings will help keep us secure. When our future looks grim or the present seems bleak we are enticed to cheat as our best alternative. That would be our worst choice possible. Wickedness does not give us stability or profitability in any way.


Did you ever consider that this very world is held together by Jesus? That includes our jobs, finances, family, our minds our health and everything we know including our future.

Here's what Colossians says: 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.


Actually there is a poverty much worse than any physical safety or stability or social ills we might encounter in life. And that is to be bankrupt by being separated from the greatest treasure in the Universe for eternity. That treasure is the person of Jesus Christ who died the death we deserve and defeated it for us as well… for all who will have faith to hope in him.


Yes, in him all things hold together my friend, including dominions and authorities both visible and invisible. Let us trust the Lord only and not our eyes or even our deceitful heart, but practically following after righteousness and knowing that it will be his righteousness in Jesus that profits you unto eternal life.

Proverbs in 365 Devotions

For more go to braggingonjesus.com

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
 

Glad Father

R Aylor

A truth such as this, is worth repetition

A Father will smile, when his children listen

His energy, vigor, countenance and eyes

Brighten with joy when his children are wise

If they love and adore, if they prize Jesus more

Than a roll of the dice, a million dollar heist

A Swiss Army knife, even more than their life

If they stand tall, bowed... humble yet proud

Give of their all, if they live out loud

If they laugh at the devil as they take up their cross

If they greet this worlds passion as rubble and loss

When they choose certain death, instead of ceasefire

They will go to their grave, having never retired

When free will gives in, to election and grace

It will put a big smile on their fathers face

But if you are selfish and stupid my son

If at every blast, you turn and you run

If you pay no attention to the words of your Dad

Then he and you're Mother will be downcast and sad