Tag: Honor

Happy Mother’s Day!

Proverbs 31:10, 27-28, 30 (NIV)

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Our Verses of the Day come from the well-known, often quoted, Proverb 31. It is usually a launching text for Mother’s Day messages or sermons; and it presents some lessons for our consideration. I thought that I would simply reprint the entire Proverb for your reference and reading pleasure. I can certainly relate to its message to honor and appreciate all godly women everywhere … and especially those who are our own wives, mothers, or grandmothers.  

     The sayings of King Lemuel—An inspired utterance his mother taught him.

2        Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!

3        Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

4        It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,

5        Lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

6        Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!

7        Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

8        Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

9        Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10   A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11     Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12     She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13     She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14     She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15     She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

16     She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17     She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18     She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19     In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20     She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21     When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22     She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23     Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24     She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25     She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26     She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27     She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28     Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29   “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

30     Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31     Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

My friends, it is my hope that you will have a wonderful time of remembrance, recognition, appreciation, and celebration of our mothers and the grace of motherhood. We are commanded by God to honor our mothers; and I am happy that we have a special day appointed for us to do so. It is my prayer that all mothers everywhere will be blessed for their faithfulness and devotion to their families.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. ~ Psalm 116:15-18

A Taxing Situation

Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

I’m pretty sure this verse comes around on Income Tax Day each year…. While none of us really like paying taxes (and there are too many to count); taxes are quite necessary for the functioning of our society.  And understanding the necessity of taxes to fund needs for the common good and welfare, probably none of resent taxation itself. Yet, I believe our disgruntlement and frustration stems from how our tax dollars are allocated or spent. My personal criticism is how I feel tax resources are wasted by our government. Nevertheless, let’s look at our verse in the surrounding context and similar passages with this theme in mind:

Romans 13:1-8 (NIV)

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Thus, we are to submit to the authorities over us. This has been a principle for the people of God since the time of judges and kings being appointed over the people of God … and different forms of government have been forged over the millennia of history:

Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 (NKJV)

2 I say, “Keep the king’s command for the sake of your oath to God. 3 Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.” 4 Where the word of the king is supreme; and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment, 6 because for every matter there is a time and judgment, although the misery of man is great upon him.

Titus 3:1-3 (NIV)

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 

Yet, we find that even kings and government authorities can abuse their roles and fail to fulfill their appointments by God:

Isaiah 10:1-4 (NASB)

Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, 2 so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of My people of their rights; so that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans. 3 Now what will you do in the day of punishment, and in the devastation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help?
And where will you leave your glory or wealth? 4 Nothing remains but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. In spite of all this, His anger does not turn away and His hand is still stretched out.

And there can be conflict when we disagree with those authorities.  Here is an example that illustrates that tension:

Acts 4:18-22 (NIV)

18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

So where does this leave us?  What is the application?

1 Peter 2:11-17 (NKJV)

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from sinful desires which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every human authority for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 Live as free people, yet not using liberty as a cover-up for evil, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

So, today, Father, I lift up and pray for all those in authority over us.  I pray that they will seek You, O God, for wisdom and understanding … to make laws and regulations that will conform to Your will for all people … that honor and protect widows and orphans … that will not oppress the poor … that will preserve the sanctity of life You have given … that will honor Your Word in all truth.  Protect and bless those in government who administrate your will for the peace and well-being of your people.  Rebuke, correct, and disciple those authorities who do evil in your sight and do not uphold Your Word.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven through those You have appointed to govern over us.  And, Father, in all things, may we conduct ourselves in a manner that honors and glorifies You and Your Name … that we might expose darkness and bring light and hope to those around us.  In Your Name I pray.  Amen.

So Now You Know!

Have a Blessed Day!

Verse of the Day – 02/06/19

Proverbs 21:21

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

I woke up earlier than usual this morning … prompted to pray for a friend who is undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumor.  I ask you all to join me in prayer for his life; his wife and children; and his family; as they surrender and trust in our Lord Jesus for a successful outcome and full healing.  Pray there will be no complications…. Pray there will be no infections…. Pray that all thanks and glory for complete healing is offered to the glory of our God and Savior….  This is how we love another as Christ has loved us – Pray!

Our verse today continues to focus on our conduct … how we interrelate with other people … how we love one another. But here we find another aspect … the benefits we receive for ourselves as we endeavor to demonstrate our love to God through love for others.  Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.  There you go!  When our hearts are turned toward righteousness in our conduct … when we love our neighbor as we would ourselves … there is great reward God has promised those who make it their aim to live with these qualities in heart.

Life:          Jesus said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Cf. Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24) When you and I pursue righteousness and love, we will lose our lives for the sake of Christ Jesus … only to find true life … eternal life in Him. (Cf. 1 John 5:20)

Prosperity          We need to be careful with our thoughts here.  Prosperity is defined as “a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.”  This could be, and is often applied to financial success or good fortune; however, the Apostle John afforded us some perspective here when he wrote: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (2 John 1:2) When you and I pursue righteousness and love in and through our lives, we will find ourselves flourishing and thriving in body and soul….

Honor          The word honor here is used as a noun.  It means to have high respect; great esteem.  So as we pursue righteousness, mercy, and love in our relationships with others, we will find and receive honor.  King Solomon commented on this issue a great deal in his proverbs:

The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility. (Proverbs 15:33)

By humility and the fear (reverence) of the Lord are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)

A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Proverbs 29:23)

I want to look at a few other translations of our verse to see the variation of words used:

He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. (NKJV)

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. (ESV)

Whoever tries to live right and be loyal finds life, success, and honor. (NCV)

He who earnestly seeks righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor. (AMP)

Here is what I believe Jesus wants us to discover in this verse:

John 12:25-26 (NKJV)

25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Do we want to find life, righteousness, and honor for our lives?  These are gifts that we receive from God when we pursue righteousness, mercy, and love for one another.  These are the benefits we receive when we serve Jesus and follow His command to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12) Jesus affirms that our responses to Him … our decisions to follow Him … will result in imputed righteousness … will result in eternal life …  and will result in honor that the Father will bestow.  Can you imagine?  God will honor us? The One who created all things will have high respect and great esteem for us? For sinners that He saved through His own mercy and grace? Yes!  If we pursue the fullness of Christ Jesus in our lives through the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit … we will receive His righteousness when we stand before God; we will receive eternal life in Him; and we will receive honor from God the Father.

So Now You Know….  

Have a Blessed Day!