Thursday, January 21, 2020
SCRIPTURES TO PREPARE FOR SUNDAY Jan 24th
THURSDAY: Ezekiel 28:12-19 There are two O.T. passages that describe Satan’s Fall from Grace (Isaiah 14:12-15 also). In this passage the King of Tyre is so under the evil sway of Satan that these words are directed not only to the King but to the Evil One who stands behind the King and his actions. (The ESV translation captures this idea the best).
There are, of course, many passages that speak of the Devil’s ultimate defeat and judgment.
FRIDAY: Ephesians 6:11-17 We put on the armor of God because, daily, we battle against Satan, the demons, and spiritual forces of evil.
SATURDAY: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus battles Satan in the Wilderness
DEVOTION on PROVERBS 10:4
Here in this verse, taken from God’s book of Wisdom, we are reminded that we are to be diligent in working for our provisions. Certainly God promises to “give us this day our daily bread” but that does not mean we don’t have to work, sometimes very hard, to receive that provision. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says: “..If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Christians should not rely upon charity from either individuals or the government but “carry our own weight” so to speak. Through diligent labor this verse says we will be made “rich”(ie; self- sufficient, prosperous).
Well-renowned Bible scholar Matthew Henry applied this same principle to our Spiritual Life. He wrote, “Slothfulness and hypocrisy lead to spiritual poverty, but those who are fervent in spirit and serving the Lord are likely to be rich in faith and good works”. Spiritual growth, growing in the fruits of the Spirit does not happen when we are spiritually idle. God brings His Spirit to bless us WHENEVER we are in or about His Word.
What do you daily? Weekly? To be in His Word that you might become rich in His Spirit?