Pr. 7,8

Without Godly wisdom, true justice cannot be attained. In fact, corrupted justice reveals a sad lack of wisdom. When judicial rulings serve the corrupt and self-seeking interests of political agendas, an institution is on its way DOWN. Its a kangaroo court, one that has a goal of providing a ruling that does not have true justice as its goal. (In the U.S. early days, judges would “hop” from case to case desiring speed rather than justice)

Wisdom can be defined as “Insight into the true nature of things.” Achieving wisdom takes time. You must sort out all the facts to attain the necessary knowledge to make an accurate judgement.

There is ONE Who knows all the facts. That person is Jesus. He is God’s wisdom to us. [1 Cor. 1:24]

Insert the name Jesus into the Proverbs whenever you see the word wisdom. It makes sense.

Prov. 4-6

God hates hands that shed innocent blood. [Pr. 6:7] Who’s blood is more innocent than an unborn infant in the mother’s womb?

We are to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Here’s a big one. The abortion industry must be one of God’s greatest heartaches. Those little ones who have lost their chance to live a life fall into the hands of God. In His presence, they are loved and safe.

For me, the greatest litmus test of a politician is how they stand on abortion. If they support mercilessly taking the life of an innocent, helpless infant in the womb, you can’t trust them with ANY DECISION. I will forever be voting against them.

Proverbs 3

If you love your children, you will discipline them.

There needs to be a cutting away of the unwanted behavior. How do you know it’s still there? …. YOU’LL KNOW!

It’s very important to make sure a child knows you love them, but that you don’t love the unacceptable behavior they are displaying.

The best way to discipline a child is with the rod, a 3/8″ to 1/2″ wooden dowel. We used to use a wooden kitchen spoon. We also found a blue stick that was the right size … thick enough to bring pain without any injury. (Our children had a reverence for that stick) The “rear end” has plenty of nerve endings that can relay the message without injury.

Always make sure they know exactly what the offense is. Tell them God holds you responsible to correct them. Pray that they will “hear” the rod … clearly get the message why they are being punished. Make sure you land the rod ONLY on their rear end. Never use your hand. It’s a symbol of love and provision. Reaffirm your love for them with a warm hug. Look for brokenness and repentance.

It’s done. It’s over with. The happy life can resume. When they are disciplined immediately after an offense, they can more clearly associate the punishment with the undesired behavior.

These steps of discipline were taught to us when attending Bill Gothard’s seminars. We used them on our children. They were effective and our children have avoided some of life’s hard lessons.

Pr. 2

God sends His guards ahead of you on life’s path. Proverbs 2:8 says, “He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway.” (TLB)

When a football team gives the ball to a running back, they must send players ahead of the path where he intends to carry the ball. These players are instructed to block their opponents who will try to tackle the man with the ball. They are preparing a path so the ball can be advanced.

Several thoughts here:

• Be on the path planned by the coach, making sure you follow your blockers.
• Don’t drop the ball ie. make sure you have the authorized message.
• Be on the right team … Team Jesus.
• Keep your eyes on the prize, not on the obstacles.
• When you score a touchdown, don’t take all the credit.
• Block when it’s your turn to block.

Psalms 149, 150; Proverbs 1

The writer of Proverbs states, “They (those who reject God’s wisdom) will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.”

I think of elected officials who have proposed laws that so blatantly contradict God’s moral code. They often appear so callused and arrogant in their speech when viewed on TV. It is an illusion.

In reality, God is dealing with them deep inside their heart. If He didn’t, He would be untrue to His Word.

What do we do? We pray for them that they would SEE THE LIGHT.

Psalms 147, 148

Psalm 148 identifies multiple heavens and heights above. We abide in and on the earth. We are instructed to praise God here. Also, the angels and heavenly host (army) are instructed to praise Him.

The Bible generally speaks of the first heaven and the third heaven. We see the sky which is probably the first heaven. The third heaven, where Paul visited [2 Cor. 12:2] is where God lives. We can conclude that there is also a second heaven. This could be the spiritual realm where Satan and his fallen angels operate. He is called the prince of the air. He commands spiritual powers in high places. Both his fallen angels and God’s angels have access to the earth where we live.

GOD IS OVER IT ALL. We need not fear these realms but constantly pray, as Jesus taught us, “Thy will be done here on/in earth as it is in heaven.”

As the Psalmist was inspired to write, all realms are commanded to “Praise the Lord.”

Psalms 145

God takes great pleasure in uplifting the downcast.

The Lord upholds all who fall
    and lifts up all who are bowed down. [Ps. 145:14]

For a just man falleth seven times, and (with God’s help) riseth up again. [Pr. 24:16]

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. [James 4:10]

Whether you are a victim of unfortunate circumstances, or have voluntarily humbled yourself, God’s destination for your future is UP!

Psalms 142-144

Just how fortunate are we when living in God’s blessings? Psalm 144 reveals some specifics:

• He delivers and shields us from our enemies. v. 2,7
• He guards us from deception … we are not fooled by lies. v. 8, 11
• Our children grow up to their fullest potential. v. 12
• We have everything we really need in abundance. v. 13
• Our work resources are dependable. v. 14a
• Our neighborhoods are safe to live in. v. 14b

These benefits are ours because we serve God.

Psalms 137-141

We get a look at God’s mental capabilities when we consider Psalm 139.

You KNOW me. (You view my entire history when You see me)

You know when I sit down and when I get up. (You keep tabs on My daily schedule)

You know what I am thinking and You understand me. (My thought-life is NOT HIDDEN from You)

You discern my going out and my lying down. (You scrutinize my activities and know my habits)

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. (You already know what I am about to say before I say it)

Psalms 135,136

When Moses and the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, they were met with resistance from Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan. Both were superhuman men who struck fear in the heart of all opposition. The Amorites were probably descendants of the Nephilim, giants produced when angels reproduced with humans. Og’s bed was 14 ft. long. That’s nearly as long as a free throw in basketball. Think of when he stood up.

Like David, we too can be giant slayers. When you are going where God wants you to go, to do what God wants you to do, you can depend upon His power to protect you and deal with all opposition.

What is your Sihon or Og?