Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, February 22, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-22-2018

This is devotional thought number 18 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it,” when you have it with you at the time.” (Proverbs 3:27–28, NET)

Today’s passage is a, “where the rubber meets the road” kind of passage. It is profound in its simplicity.

The language here intrigues me. Let me restate it in a way that more closely reflects the intent: “Do not be selfish and hold resources hostage when those who are needy, and by virtue of their neediness are owed your help, as God sees it, when you know good and well, you have what they need right now! Do not delay doing what Jesus would do and has modeled for you by telling folks to go away until some later time, pretending to be willing to help then, when really you’re just being selfish and proud at the moment.” Was that clear? This is what I got from reading it in the original language.

That was a mouthful, wasn’t it? God searches our hearts. He often sends people right to us after He has given us the very thing they need so we will have the opportunity to be unselfish. He has entrusted knowledge, time, advice, love, money, clothing, and other resources to us, simply for us to release our grip and give sacrificially. We are being trained for the kingdom where I, me, and mine, have no place.

Please don’t get it twisted; the Lord will guide us in our giving. We don’t need to feel guilty when we genuinely don’t have to give and cannot link persons to others who can help. This is about integrity. When you have it, and someone needs it, it is incumbent upon you to share. Freely you have received. Give freely. This is a classic opportunity to do unto others what you’d hope they’d do unto you. The Bible says, “The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.” (Proverbs 19:17, NET). “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, NET). And this goes for helping anyone, not just the poor. It is not only poor folks who need help. We all need help from time to time. Jesus said that the way we treat people who need help, is the same way we are treating Him. Today’s Word is good for all of us.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-21-2018

This is devotional thought number 17 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“My child, do not let them escape from your sight; safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. So they will give life to you, and grace to adorn your neck. Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble. When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.” (Proverbs 3:21–24, NET)

Keep your eyes on the prize! Stay focused because heaven is in view.

Since I live on the same planet you do, I realize there is much vying for our attention. Besides the mundane things of life like bills, doctor visits, family relationships, and whatever we choose to do in our spare time, there’s the foreboding reality of the news cycle. Whenever you turn on the news, the report is that someone got murdered, some place got destroyed by fire or strange disaster, some country is threatening to annihilate some other country, or some other historic thing happened that is far worse than what we’ve seen in the past. Solomon is saying that in the face of all this and more, we must fixate on sound wisdom and the purpose for which we were called. With God’s power and perspective in view at all times, we cannot be distracted by the multiplicity of challenges. We are guided by the same God who created all things, in whom all things consist, and who has all things under His control. He is never caught off guard; therefore, when we keep our eyes on Him, and await His guidance in all things, we will have life, security, and a sure footing. We will have confidence when we lay down to rest, knowing that God has our steps well ordered.

Lest you miss the point, I need to say the rest and peace of which I speak is not a detachment from reality; quite to the contrary. It recognizes the utter impossibility for human beings to solve the problems in the world, and in desperation finally concedes control to the King of the universe. When we have this kind of focus and submission, we can have peace, because we are awaiting every command, instruction, and word from God who cannot steer us wrong. Rivet your eyes and daily attention upon God and you will be safe when all is said and done.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-20-2018

This is devotional thought number 16 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; By understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, And the clouds drop down the dew.” (Proverbs 3:19–20)

When God founded (or created/laid the foundations of the earth), He did so by wisdom. All that He created and established, both visible and invisible, He did by His wisdom. Now, this would be mind boggling if it meant what it appears to mean; that God did all this by the power of His supernatural mind. The fact is, that is only part of the story. Before we share the best part of the story, let's take a peek at God’s discussion of Job as He answered some of the questions Job asked in human ignorance as he suffered under trial: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof;” (Job 38:4–6). These are monumental questions; wouldn’t you say? These questions cannot be answered by mere mortals. However, what if God were having the same conversation with wisdom and asked the same questions? Notice wisdom’s response from Scripture: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; When there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: When he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: When he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, That the waters should not pass his commandment: When he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: And I was daily his delight, Rejoicing always before him;” (Proverbs 8:22–30). This is getting good! Remember, when God founded (or created/laid the foundations of the earth), He did so by wisdom. All that He created and established, both visible and invisible, He did by His wisdom.

What or who is God’s wisdom? We are going somewhere with this. Don’t go away. Notice what the Bible says: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1:30). The Holy Spirit just revealed that Wisdom is not a what, but a whom! Who is Wisdom according to the text? Jesus. This is amazing. Now, to be sure we are getting the right impression from what we clearly read, we must find a text that says that by Jesus were the foundations of the world laid. That is to say, we must firmly establish Jesus as Creator for this discussion to transcend intellectual gymnastics, and become worship! Here we go: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, February 19, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-19-2018

This is devotional thought number 15 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold. She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are very pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her, and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13–18, NET)

Adam and Eve needed to be chastised by God after they sinned, and barred from the Tree of Life until they accepted His desired outcome of His discipline in them—holiness. Now, all who embrace God’s instructions, discipline, refinement under trials, and know He has only our good at heart, will have a right to the Tree of Life when Jesus comes.

Our theme text comes right after the passage that describes God’s loving chastisement. Just as a caring father must correct his own son, God corrects His children; except God’s correction transcends earthly rectitude, it works the peaceable fruits of righteousness that lead to eternal life with God. Once we learn to accept and embrace this fact, we will give thanks for God’s goodness. We will be happy that God’s correction made way for us to find the fullness of His wisdom. We will value it as we understand it more and will recognize that silver, gold, and precious jewels pale in comparison to God’s wisdom. Yachts, mansions, sportscars, millions of shares of highly valued stocks and bonds, vacations to the most exotic destinations in the world cannot compare with God’s wisdom to those who embrace it. For once we have acquired all of the world’s wealth, it just takes one seemingly random accident, end-stage diagnosis, strong-armed robbery, or heart attack to take it all away. But if we receive God’s correction, which leads to reception of His wisdom, no power on earth or under the earth can take it away, except our own decision. We must choose everyday to embrace wisdom and seek for her as we would earthly treasure. When we do this by faith, we will receive the reward. Here’s what the Bible says: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14). The payment for sin is eternal death. The payment for righteousness by faith is immortality and eternal life.

Truth is, God gave all of heaven’s treasury, in the person and work of Jesus Christ, so we can be restored and eat from the Tree of Life that bares 12 manner of fruit, and whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Embrace wisdom. Embrace Jesus. Embrace life.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, February 18, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-18-2018

This is devotional thought number 14 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; Neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:11–12).

Since God loves us, He needs to correct us sometimes. Why? Discipline is painful. Let’s see what the Bible says further and we will discuss it. “Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.” (Hebrews 12:7–10, NET).

We have said it many times before. God is not up in the sky looking at His naughty or nice list, trying to figure out whom to punish. He’s not storing up lightning bolts to strike those who make one false move. Were that the case, we all would have been destroyed by now. His essence is a consuming fire. Sin cannot exist in His presence, and yet we still are alive. He inhabits eternity. Heaven is His throne and earth is His footstool. If He did not shroud Himself in mystery and separate the fullness of His holiness just enough so we could have mercy, we would not make it any more that we would if the sun were just 100 feet closer or farther to or from the earth than it is. God loved us so much, that instead of condemning us as we deserve, He gave His Son to give us eternal life, if we keep faith in Him.

Therefore, especially when we are in a living relationship with God, we must accept His perspective on godly discipline. Think about it, if God did not love us, when we did wrong, He would simply allow us to continue down the path until we meet our certain demise. Think about someone who’s about to be taken out to sea or drowned in a heavy current. If a lifeguard were to rush out to rescue the near drowning victim, and that person began to fight in a panic, what would the lifeguard need to do? In order to save the person’s life, the lifeguard may need to knock the person unconscious so his or her body could go limp and be more susceptible to saving. One who fights the rescuer while the current is towing both under, will die. Full stop. Whatever method the lifeguard uses to create this effect may not feel wonderful at the moment, but for the greater good, it is necessary. Life is weighing in the balance.

Unlike our limited analogy, what’s weighing in the balance when our loving God uses discipline for our good, is our eternal life. If we continue to rush out into the sinful current of life and then avoid God’s correction, we will lose our souls. We will separate ourselves from God eternally, and drown in our sins. God’s correction is intended to save us from that so we can share in His holiness. Well corrected people learn to appreciate their loving heavenly Father, and their characters represent Him in all things.

God is not out to get you. Accept His refining chastisement if and when it comes, and give thanks for His willingness to do all He must to save you.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, February 17, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-17-2018

This is devotional thought number 13 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, And with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9–10).

A couple of months ago, we briefly examined this principle of honoring God with our increase from Malachi 3:10-12. Now we have the privilege to cover it again. Repetition deepens the impression.

I have a question. Do you trust God to turn human mathematics on its head to miraculously prosper you? Well, when you dedicate all the resources God has entrusted into your care to Him, and also return a tithe and offering portion for His specific use, the portion you have left will be more effective than 100% that is not dedicated to Him. I told you, God is able to miraculously turn human mathematics on its head.

If you live in an agricultural society, you certainly can appreciate the need to have your food crops survive, be fruitful, be well watered, and be impervious to pests and diseases. Supermarket and GMO crop societies heavily manufacture counterfeit (almost) foods from Frankenstein-like commodities created under a microscope, which makes those who live within them insensitive to our reliance upon God for bountiful harvests.

God encouraged His people to stop robbing Him by withholding tithe and offering. In exchange for their trust, He promised to pour out the richest deluge of heavenly blessings they could imagine. He promised to prosper their fields. He promised supernatural pest control (you do realize nature obeys her God, right?). He promised there would be no loss of crops due to premature spoilage, etc. He promised that these special favors would be so remarkable, all of the surrounding peoples of the world would call them blessed. This is spectacular! Are you being faithful to God with all He has entrusted to you? Are you benefitting from His bountiful blessings? I have literally never heard any preacher or elder go beyond verse 12 of Malachi 3. We need to read further.

The Bible says that there were some haters among God’s so-called people, who refused to believe He was worth following. I am almost ashamed to cite this, but I must. Here it is: “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord. Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?” You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”” (Malachi 3:13–15, HCSB). I am fearful to ask, but I must. Are you one of those lying witnesses against God who thinks because of your perception of your circumstances and that of those you consider wicked, that God will not keep His promises? Do you give up the faith when things don’t go as you suppose they should? God forbid.

Notice what the Bible says about those who keep the faith, against all odds: “At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:16–18, HCSB). You...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, February 16, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-16-2018

This is devotional thought number 12 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.” (Proverbs 3:7–8).

If you want to have a healthy mind, body, and spiritual life, respect God with a all your heart, accept His power to depart from all sorts of evil, and give thanks for His goodness. This is a great start.

One of the problems with which human beings must contend is our pride. We must be honest with ourselves about the “why” of all our actions. When we seek to provide excellent service at work, is it because we want our names in lights as the highest performer or employee of the month? When we go for higher academic studies, is it so people can put us on a pedestal and tell us how brilliant we are? When we help those who have less than we do at the moment, is it to accomplish our good deed for the day or be spotted by local news cameras, to be seen as the “Good Samaritan” with little actual regard for those we help? When we do spiritual things like preach, teach, baptize, etc., is it to rescue the perishing and give honor to God for His goodness, or to increase our persons saved stats? Everything we do must be under the scrutiny of God’s unerring standard of righteousness, which exposes our motives.

I realize this is a high standard, but it is written that we must be holy because God is holy. While an incorrect perspective on this thought would cause fear or self-defeating thoughts, the reality is that we are in prime position to glorify God more when the standard is so far out of range that we must rely on Him every step of the way. This is a blessing to us. When we choose to abandon our own wisdom, abilities, accomplishments, and aspirations in exchange for God’s we cannot fail. Instead of human success at work, we achieve God’s level of success, which transcends our highest hopes. When we apply ourselves to higher studies, instead of simply receiving another degree, we receive that and a calling into God’s service to change the world! When we help others with God’s will as our focus, instead of merely supplying a need and receiving personal satisfaction or a pat on the back from others, we are feeding, clothing, helping, serving, and loving the needy as if they were Jesus Himself. All of this and more, when done through the power of the Holy Spirit, and not by brute force of will or human ingenuity, brings more power from heaven than we can imagine and health in every area of our lives. Those who rely upon God in every area of life are staying connected to Him. Those who are connected to Him have His power flowing through our lives at all times. When His power is flowing through us, we cannot help but to be energized even when times are difficult.

Exchange your own wisdom and human motivations for God’s perfect will in all areas of your life, and experience a vigor of life that will amaze you.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, February 15, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-15-2018

This is devotional thought number 11 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Before I get into this wonderful passage, I want to share a secret with you. I find the Proverbs to be the most complex renderings of Scripture, with the most practical advice. I realize Paul taught things that Peter attested were hard to understand. I get that the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are full of symbols and keys for which we must mine for understanding. I totally get it. The Proverbs are ram packed with so much truth in few words, and then Solomon moves on to the next ram packed blessing. This happens hundreds of times within the little book. Anyway, I realize we all have our perspectives. I am simply saying that we must not rush through these words of wisdom, because there is always so much more than what meets the eye.

The wiseman said that if we want God to direct our paths, we must trust Him. Pause. To trust, in this passage is like physically leaning on someone or something with all our weight, with the faith to believe it will keep us secure. Now add to this concept, the next phrase, “with all thine heart.” This is like physically leaning on someone or something with all our weight, with the faith to believe it/that person will keep us secure no matter what happens and in all situations, 100% of the time. Are you getting the import of this? If you are minding your business and suddenly are diagnosed with the end stages of a terminal disease, will you lean on God with all of your weight, confident that He will not let you fall? What if your child dies suddenly; then what? What if your spouse gets incarcerated through no fault of his or her own and you have three small children at home, and the prison sentence is life without the possibility of parole? What if you’ve been praying for one thing for 23 years, and the answer you desire seems not to be coming? How’s your leaning and trusting ability look now? We have only barely scratched the surface of two phrases in the passage.

Then the Bible contrasts that leaning upon Him with leaning upon our own limited understanding. We must categorically reject all reliance upon all we can cook up, contrive, invent, remedy, plan, etc., in all situations, and at all times, so we can get out of God’s way. If we are to follow the wise man’s inspired counsel here, in all situations, and at all times we must consider the sovereignty of God, discover His will in our situations, and trust Him to the point of disciplined obedience no matter what. This is a call for total reliance, self-abnegation, commitment, and obedience to God. When this is our determination, God’s promise is that He will create a straight, even road, from which He has removed all obstacles; for the purpose of creating an environment for success. I know many are doubting this superlative view of God right now, even as you read this, because you are focusing on the many hindrances in your life. But, that is the purpose of the wise man’s counsel. If we give God total commitment, He will keep His promise, every single time. Just think parting of the Red Sea, defeat of Pharaoh, and all of God’s enemies as His children inherited the Promised Land. These folks weren’t even fully committed, and you see how good God was to them. It’s just a matter of trusting Him to do all that He promised at just the right time, when it will bring us the most success, and Him the most glory. And yes, all of this...

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-14-2018

This is devotional thought number 10 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding In the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3–4).

It is imperative that you set lifestyle reminders to embrace truth and mercy; to the point that those reminders penetrate your life practices and become your essence. It’s one thing to observe truth and mercy, and create habits that manifest the principle, but it’s another thing entirely to actively personify the principles of truth and mercy. When we practice and then become the principles, and deliberately search for favor and good understanding in the sight of God and people, we will find that which we seek. That was a mouthful. Let’s break it down.

The Bible defines truth in three principle ways: (1) Jesus (2) the Word in general (3) and the Ten Commandments. Here are the passages: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). “Thou art near, O Lord; And all thy commandments are truth.” (Psalm 119:151). “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is the truth.” (Psalm 119:142). It doesn’t get any clearer than that. If we claim to have, believe, or know the truth, all three elements must be present, then Jesus’ promise will be manifest in our lives. “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:29–32).

The Bible defines mercy as unmerited favor. It’s the principle of God withholding the eternal punishment we deserve in order to give us the reward that Jesus deserves when we keep faith in Him. And when we receive such favor, it is incumbent upon us to share it with those who need our mercy. Now mercy in our theme passage is a sort of covenantal love that God has for His children. It’s faithfulness to us, so we can have the strength to be faithful in return. It’s God giving us a chance to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; and if we stumble along the path to righteousness, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. It’s God’s promise to never leave us, nor forsake us. With this in mind, king David said, “Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.” (Psalm 40:11). Therefore, it is imperative that you set lifestyle reminders to embrace truth and mercy; to the point that those reminders penetrate your life practices and become your essence. When we practice and then become the principles, and deliberately search for favor and good understanding in the sight of God and people, we will find that which we seek.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-02-13-2018

This is devotional thought number 9 in our devotional series titled, “Wisdom for the Ages.”

“My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee.” (Proverbs 3:1–2)

Danger! Falling rocks. Steep curve ahead. Do not enter. Wrong way. Stop. Dead end. What would happen if you ignore very important street signs like these, or text and drive while speeding by them? Street signs are posted for a reason, and those who forget or disregard them will eventually meet catastrophe and potentially cause others a world of harm. Do not ignore or disregard street signs.

This is much like the counsel Solomon gives in our theme text. His instructions, which were based upon the Word of God, are like signposts on the pathways of life. Those who heed the signposts (or commandments), and embrace them from our hearts will experience a high quality of temporal life, and receive the promise of immortal life when Jesus returns.

Unfortunately, so few are interested in keeping God’s commandments, as though they are grievous or a bother to them. We often behave like strong willed children who detest instruction from their parents; nevermind the fact that parents are more mature, wiser, and have tons more experience than they. Nevermind the fact God calls children to honor their parents. Nevermind that God is watching and taking a faithful record of all things done in the flesh. My point is that just as the willful child speaks more than listens, feins knowledge more than being willing to listen, and postures to be right at all costs even when they are incorrect, human beings of all ages are prone to ignore God’s holy signposts.

The blessing is that God has been kind enough not to allow vandals to completely efface His signposts although they have spiritually spray painted, reworded, dug up and turned them. He has preserved His holy Word and given all of us access to His immutable truth, through the Holy Spirit so we can know which way to go. If you want long life with as much peace as possible, and the gift of immortality at the Second Coming, embrace all of God’s words. Do not forget His law. Keep His commandments from the deepest part of your soul. The Bible says, “Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines. They give insight to the untrained. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commands.” (Psalm 119:130–131, NET) Further, it says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105). Follow the signposts to eternal life.

A word to the foolish is wasteful. A word to the wise is sufficient.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)