Proverbs 9 - 01.09.25

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 9:10

The REVERENT FEAR of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom--its starting point and its essence--And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

OBSERVATION:

With over 300 references of “Fearing God” in the Bible, it’s CLEAR that THIS is an IMPORTANT Topic to GOD.

Scriptures are FULL of examples why FEARING GOD is a GOOD thing!

Abraham stands out as a Prime example willing to sacrifice his only son—putting his faith to the ultimate test.  “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your only son” (Genesis 22:12)

Joseph’s Fear of God led to his compassion and forgiveness of his brothers who had sold him into slavery. “Do this and live, for I Fear God.” (Genesis 42:18)

David proclaims his Fear of God in Psalms 86 “Unite my heart to Fear Your Name” (vs.11).

It was because the midwives Feared God that they obeyed God instead of the authorities by sparing the Hebrew Babies (Exodus 1:17). Moses chose leaders to help him on the basis that they Feared God and would not take bribes (Exodus 18:21). King Darius witnessed the power of God when Daniel was saved in the Lion’s Den and decreed that all people should FEAR GOD (Daniel 6:26).

APPLICATION:

Fear God—It’s a GOOD Thing

From the above examples here is a little of what we learn:

Abraham’s Fear of God caused him to Trust IN God even when circumstances looked impossible. Things don’t always happen on our “Time Table” OR in the manner we may expect, but as we put our Faith in God we learn HE has Provided that “Ram” and it’s already making its way up the Mountain to meet us.

From Joseph’s example Fearing God teaches us to remain faithful to God--even when we suffer setbacks that are unfair or harsh. God has a Good Plan in mind for us and is allowing us to go through a “refining” process. Trust and Obey.

From David we learn that Fearing God leads to deep and immediate repentance from sin and a communing worship with God that is naked and raw—desperate and passionate—joyful and unencumbered—without any thought or concern what others may think.  

Daniel’s Fear of God put him to the ultimate test when he chose to worship God over Idols with a Penalty of Death. But God stepped in and demonstrated HIS Sovereignty by Shielding Daniel in the Lion’s Den which resulted in the King’s heart turned for God and the whole nation worshipping God.

We Fear God because of His Love for us.

A young child may be intrigued to reach out and touch a hot stove. A loving Parent May slap the child’s hand away and pull them aside to explain the hot stove is very dangerous and cause serious harm. While the lesson will “sting” the child will not soon forget that the hot stove is not a friendly thing. And the discipline was given out of deep love for the child to keep them safe.

God wants us to understand in His deep deep love for us the discipline HE gives is meant to keep us from harm and on the right path. Having Fear of God keeps us on that right path— making wise choices EVEN when life gets tough.

Jesus said that IN this world we WOULD have Trouble. Jesus said this SO we wouldn’t be surprised WHEN Troubles happens!

But Like Abraham—we can Trust and Obey—Knowing—

The Ram is on the other side of the Mountain “On its Way”.

PRAYER:

LORD Jesus,

Teach me how to Fear YOU Lord with greater measure. SO that I will learn greater Trust when I don’t understand why things may be unfolding in certain ways. When I hear Your Voice, Help me to quickly Obey. Forgive me for the times I lag behind. Help me to experience the depth of awe that Your Power and Sovereignty warrant. Your Ways are Not my Ways and Your Thoughts are Far Beyond anything I can Imagine. Thank You for Your Goodness and Mercy and Love for me--that are never ending.

There is NO God like YOU. My heart is Yours. In Jesus Name. amen.

Tina L Kudelka

1 Timothy 4 - 1.8.25

Scripture

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Tim 4:7-8, NIV)

Observation

This is a letter written by Paul to Timothy, a young Pastor whom he personally mentored. He reminds Timothy that in the last days, there will be false teachers who will try to bring false doctrines (1 Tim 4:1). He advises Timothy to stay clear of the myths and stories, but rather train to be godly.

Paul compares cultivating godliness to physical training. Behind every physically fit man or woman with toned arms and legs, there is a consistent exercise and physical training regimen. To develop specific muscles, there are exercises specific to those muscles. For example, the exercises to develop your biceps are very different from the exercises to develop your triceps, though both are muscles in your upper arm. Consistency is key when you train.

Paul exhorts us to “train” our spiritual muscles to develop “godliness”. We will leave our physical bodies behind to rot, when we die. But we will carry our spiritual muscles we develop through intentional spiritual training and exercise, into eternity (1 Tim 4:8).

Application

What are some spiritual exercises that we can incorporate into our daily life to make sure that we develop spiritual muscles? 

The Bible talks about many spiritual disciplines. Let us look at three, taught by Jesus Himself - prayer, fasting and giving to the poor. The most important and fundamental spiritual exercise that we must train ourselves on is daily prayer combined with Bible reading. Jesus taught us that when we pray, we should go into our room, close the door and pray to the Father (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is talking to God, and reading the Bible is how we hear from God, as the Bible is God’s word. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3: 16). When we incorporate prayer and Bible reading into our daily life everyday, we start to learn how to stay connected with Jesus and abide in Him, as we can do nothing without Him. (John 15:4,5).

Jesus teaches about giving to the needy and fasting in the same chapter he teaches about praying (Matthew 6). Jesus taught us that when we give to the poor, we should give secretly that one hand does not know what the other hand is giving (Matthew 6:3). Similarly when we fast, we are to go about looking as we usually do, not trying to look religious for the people’s admiration. (Matthew 6:16).

It is interesting that Jesus used the adverb “when”, to talk about praying, fasting and giving. He did not say “if you pray” or “if you give to the poor” or “if you fast”. Jesus said “when you pray”, “when you fast” and “when you give to the poor”. This makes it clear that Jesus expects these spiritual exercises to be a regular part of our life, and not an optional activity.

Let us flex some spiritual muscles.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your plan for my life. Help me to be obedient to the call you have placed on my life. Help me to train to be godly as you desire. Please show me how to do that. Help me to pray, fast and give in a way that pleases you. As I join the church in fasting in this season, let my fasting be pleasing in your sight. Help me to draw close to you, knowing that you will draw close to me when I do so (James 4:8). Help me to live a life that pleases you. May my life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you (Romans 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George

2 Samuel 9 - 1.7.25

SCRIPTURE:  2 Samuel 9:1 “David asked, “Is there anyone left of the household of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathon’s sake?”

OBSERVATION:  David and Jonathon had become very good friends, so much so that David had agreed to make a vow to Jonathon that he would show unfailing kindness, like the Lord’s kindness, as long as Jonathon lived.  He also vowed that he would never cut off his kindness from his family.  

Years later David fulfilled his promise by inviting Jonathon’s son, Mephibosheth who had become crippled in both feet into his palace to live.  

UNDERSTANDING:  David showed extreme kindness to Mephibosheth even though his grandfather had been King Saul, who had shown extreme jealousy towards David, and wanted him dead!

David was a man of integrity, and he demonstrated it by keeping his vow, and showing such kindness to a descendant of one of his past rivals.  Mephibosheth feared for his life, and felt very unworthy to approach King David when he was summoned to appear before him.

Even though King Saul had gone against him, David had still pledged his loyalty to him as God’s anointed king while he was still alive.

David treated Mephibosheth with great kindness by giving him everything that had belonged to his grandfather and his family, and he was also given the great privilege of always being able to eat at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.

PRAYER:  Lord, As I look at the integrity and the kindness that David showed to someone that didn’t deserve it, I am reminded of the way You lavished me with Your kindness when I didn’t deserve it!

I want the kind of love in my heart for the ones You love, who the world sees as less deserving.  It’s Your unmerited love and grace that continually draws me close to You.  I pray my heart will reflect that kind of love toward others as You work through me, and help me to show kindness and be gracious to even the ones who don’t deserve it!  

- Robin Orefice