Day 252: Proverbs 13-14; 1 Corinthians 16
by Jonathan Merki on September 8th, 2023
The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker, but one who is kind to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31, CSB)I have heard it said that 'poor' may be true not only in material circumstances, but also personal capacities, much like the 'little ones' that Jesus talked about were not only children. The truth is that every person is created in the image of God and every person matters to ... Read More
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Day 251: Proverbs 11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58
by Jonathan Merki on September 7th, 2023
"It is really much easier to please God than to please people" writes E.M. Bounds. At first, that statement seems counter-experience. It raises a question instantaneously: Then why don't people just please God first? Paul answers that question: "The sting of death is sin..." (1 Corinthians 15:56). "Genuine righteousness leads to life, but pursuing evil leads to death" (Proverbs 11:19, CSB). So, fo... Read More
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Day 250: Proverbs 9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-34
by Jonathan Merki on September 6th, 2023
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)Perhaps Paul was reading Proverbs as well...certainly sounds that way. As it turns out, he is quoting a Greek playwrite by the name of Menander (footnotes of AMP, EXB, NIV). Who knew that wisdom could come from a secular source and make it into the inspired Word of God? Here is a simple reminder that true wisdom is ... Read More
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Day 249: Proverbs 7-8; 1 Corinthians 14
by Jonathan Merki on September 5th, 2023
Whatever spiritual gift we have, and we all have at least one (1 Corinthians 12:7), it is given by the Holy Spirit 'for the common good' (same verse) that 'the church may be built up' (1 Corinthians 14:5). This is the opposite of a world that is focused on 'individual rights' and 'personal freedom.' As has been said before, a world revolving around me is very tiny, but an outwardly focused, Kingdo... Read More
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Day 248: Proverbs 5-6; 1 Corinthians 13
by Jonathan Merki on September 4th, 2023
"My son, keep your father’s command, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching." (Proverbs 6:20, CSB). Today my E.M. Bounds devotions dovetailed with our Scripture readings. He relates obedience to God with obedience to parents and ponders: "Think about this thought for a moment. Do earthly parents require their children to perform duties they cannot do? What father would be so unjust and mean? Are ... Read More
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Day 247: Proverbs 3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:14-31
by Jonathan Merki on September 3rd, 2023
Wisdom is born not out of information-knowledge, but out of relationship-knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and true power for living comes from knowing God. The CSB is correct when it translates those familiar words: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6).... Read More
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