Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Wise Man or Mocker
(Proverbs 9:7-8 TLB)
If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more.
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One challenge is to not somehow "qualify" the rebuker when I'm the rebukee --- writing the person off as not knowing what they're talking about, or not understanding my situation. God tells us to make allowance for weaker brothers and sisters, and also not to use my freedoms to cause another to stumble.
Another challenge is to not recoil in defense if the rebuker's approach feels like an attack. There is much to be offended by in the world. If I consistently can't get past an "offense" and glean benefit from the rebuke, I will remain a legend in my own mind and a stubborn fool in the mind of others.
--> Lord God, help me allow you to be my defender. Help me allow you to make me better through correction. Help me remember that what others may intend for harm, you will use for good.
If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more.
----------
One challenge is to not somehow "qualify" the rebuker when I'm the rebukee --- writing the person off as not knowing what they're talking about, or not understanding my situation. God tells us to make allowance for weaker brothers and sisters, and also not to use my freedoms to cause another to stumble.
Another challenge is to not recoil in defense if the rebuker's approach feels like an attack. There is much to be offended by in the world. If I consistently can't get past an "offense" and glean benefit from the rebuke, I will remain a legend in my own mind and a stubborn fool in the mind of others.
--> Lord God, help me allow you to be my defender. Help me allow you to make me better through correction. Help me remember that what others may intend for harm, you will use for good.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
The Believer's Hope
"The believer's hope is more than escape from judgment; it's eternal glory. We're encouraged by knowing that God is working toward our future glorification, the goal of His eternal plan for us. Because God will make us like His glorious Son in body and soul, the most discouraging times in this fallen world cannot diminish the hope of our future glory. Our spiritual struggles will not continue forever. We will eventually be what God intends." - Dr. Rick Cornish, "5 Minute Theologian," p. 248
--> O Lord, help me know and rest in your eternal promises. Help me remain in You and true hope.
--> O Lord, help me know and rest in your eternal promises. Help me remain in You and true hope.
