# 31 2023  Prov. 21:21.Righteousness and Love! Read all of chapter twenty one first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honer.

Proverbs 21 puts emphasis on personal conduct in God’s eyes. Up to now Proverbs are a series of  two line couplets mostly of opposing ways of living. But starting in chapter 15 some couplets begin to compliment each, one line reinforcing the other. In this chapter we start to see two couplets supporting one subject (see vs.25,26). 

Vs.1-3 The heart! “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart… A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Are our hearts in God’s hand?

Vs.4-8 Sin! “Haughty eyes and a proud heart…”. Haste compared to diligence. “A fortune made by a lying tongue… a deadly snare… for they refuse to do what is right. The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the  innocent is upright.” Are we leading innocent and upright lives?

Vs.9-15 Others! “Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” Or with a quarrelsome husband. “The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them”. Those punished gain wisdom and knowledge. “The righteous one” is the down fall of “the wicked… Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. A gift given in secret… a bribe concealed…” will not produce righteousness.  “Justice… joy to the righteous… terror to evildoers.” Do we treat others better than ourselves, Phil. 2:2-4?

Vs.16-24 Personal actions! “Whoever strays from the path of prudence…” is in danger of death. “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor… The wicked become a ransom for the righteous” in God’s time. “Better to live in a desert…” The burden of a quarrelsome wife or husband is repeated here for emphasis.  “The wise… and fools” are compared here, in relation to sustenance. “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” The main theme of this chapter.  “One who is wise can go up against…” what ever befalls them. “Those who guard their mouths…” avoid calamity. “The proud and arrogant person- ‘Mocker.’” How is our personal life and world view? 

Vs. 25,26 One of The sayings of the wise! “The craving of a sluggard… his hand refuse to work… he craves for more, but the righteous  give without sparing.”

Vs.27-31 Serving God! “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable… A false witness will perish… The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” How is our daily worship? 

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# 30 2023 Dev. Gen.31:3. God with us! Read all of chapter thirty one first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.31:3 “Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.’”

Gen.31 In spite of Laban’s schemes Jacob continued to acquire more and more livestock. It became a bone of contention between  them. Jacob had practiced divination with his pealed branches but an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream showing him that it was God controlling his well being. He also told him to go back to Canaan and that God would be with him. 

Vs.1-13 Jacob realizes that he has lost favor with Laban. In a dream Jacob is told to return the land of Canaan. Now he has to convince his wives that it is time to leave. He relays to them the dream when the angel of the Lord shows him that God is in control and that it was God who blesses them. 

Vs.14-21 “Then Rachel and Leah replied. ‘Not only has he sold us, but he used up what was paid for us (14 years of free labor by Jacob). Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belong to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.’” After all that it is surprising to see that “Rachel stole her father’s household gods.” I suppose she was struggling with what we sometimes struggle with when facing an uncertain situation, doubt. Since Laban was away Jacob took the opportunity  to leave and not telling Laban. Jacob was also struggling with doubt.

Vs. 22-35 After pursuing Jacob for a week here is little doubt that Laban intended to take back what he perceived to be his, probably the flock if not his daughters. But God intervened and warned him “not to say anything  good or bad” to Jacob. But Laban had an excuse to charge Jacob with theft, someone had taken his house hold gods. Jacob did not know Rachel had taken the gods, he made a foolish statement, the person who took the gods shall not live! Laban searched but Rachal deceived him and he did not find his gods.

Vs.36-42 “Jacob was angry and took Laban to task. ‘What  is my crime? How have I wronged you that you hunt me down?’” Jacob then reminded Laban of how he had tried to cheat him. “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty – handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.” 

This is what we see again and again in the experience of Jacob, God is with His people, God is with us in spite of our failures and our doubts. Praise be to God!

Vs.43-55 Laban responded “all you see is mine” But there is nothing I can do. “Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.” Finally, there is reconciliation between Laban and Jacob and now between two separate households.

Everything can be settled if both sided are humble and willing. Laban acknowledged God, “remember that God is a witness between you and me.”“So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear (God) of his father Isaac.  He offered a sacrifice there in the hill country  and invited his relatives to a meal…Early the next morning Laban kissed his grand children and his daughters and blessed them, Then he left and returned home.” A good ending to a bad situation, God is good!

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# 29 2023 Dev. Prov.20:24. A Productive and Peaceful Life! Read all of chapter twenty first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 20:24 “A persons’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?”

Proverbs 20 puts emphasis on personal conduct in society, in business and in personal work. By now we know that Proverbs are a series of couplets about the way God wants us to live. Proverbs is about a way of being and a way of becoming. Christians acknowledge that we all fall short of God’s direction for our lives but those who strive to be faithful will have a productive peaceful life.

Vs.1-9 Wine and beer, all things in moderation, “a king’s wrath strikes terror… avoid strife”… do your work in season, know your heart, “unfailing love… who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. When a king sits on the throne to judge…Who can say. ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’”? No human being is able to say that but Jesus Christ, the God Man, is the one worthy, we believe on him for our acceptance before God.  Amen!

Vs.10-19 “Differing weights and differing measures the Lord detests… Small children… is their conduct really pure…?” The answer is no! “Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both. Love sleep… grow poor; stay awake…food to spare.” Deceiving buyers and sellers is not to boast about. “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Amen! Be careful to “put up security for a stranger… Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouthful of gravel. Plans are established by seeking advice… obtain guidance… avoid anyone who talks too much.” These verses cover much of life and is a word to the foolish and the wise. 

Vs.20-25 “Curses(ing) father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out… An inheritance claimed to soon will not be blessed… Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord… The Lord detests differing weights…” Repeated here for emphasis, truly a scourge to business and an abomination to God. “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way. It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to considers one’s vows.” Trusting God for your life is the beginning of understanding His ways.

Vs.26-30 “A wise king winnows out the wicked… The human spirit is (a person’s words are) the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” The Holy Spirit is the author of all life. “Love and faithfulness keeps a king safe…” Those who practice Love and faithfulness keeps us all safe. “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. Blows and wounds scrub away evil…” The lack of consequences has increased evil and misery in our land, let the voter be aware. Let Christians pray for God to bring a change of leadership and a change of direction in our land. Amen and amen!

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# 28 2023 Dev. Gen.30:2. A Dysfunctional Home Life! Read all of chapter thirty first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.30:2 “ Jacob became angry with her (Rachel) and said, ‘Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?’”

Gen.30 This chapter tells us where Laban’s deception has taken his family. God’s blessed Jacob’s work and Laban’s flock increased exponentially, he wanted to keep Jacob around. Tensions increased when God allowed Leah to bear children and Rachel did not bear any in the five years since the marriage. In those days barrenness was considered the worst curse on women. Jealously was not only on Leah’s part, because Jacob loved Rachel more but Rachel was jealous of her sister’s children. Jacob’s household was one in conflict.  

Vs.1-8 Rachel demanded children from Jacob, hence his reply, “am I in the place of God?” In Nigeria, where polygamy is common, the second wife and consequent wives are referred to as “mai Kishia”, one of jealousy. In desperation Rachel did what Sarah did, she gave her handmaid to Jacob, a common and legal arrangement in the day. She bore Jacob two sons, Rachel’s response, “I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” 

Vs.9-24 Leah, not to be outdone gave her maidservant to Jacob as well. She also bore two sons. Jacob seems to be ok with all this, but then, children, especially sons in that day were God’s gifts, “happy is the man whose quiver is full.” When Ruben, Leah’s eldest come home with mandrakes plants Rachal wanted them. Mandrakes were thought to increase fertility. She got them by allowing Jacob to sleep with Leah, Rachel, apparently dictated who would sleep with whom. “God  listened to Leah, and she became pregnant…” twice in a row and had two more sons. Leah’s response, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor…” Later she also bore a daughter, Dinah. But God did not forget Rachel. “She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, ‘God has taken away my disgrace.’”

Vs.25-36 Jacob had fulfilled his promise of fourteen years and wanted to return to his own land. But Laban, practiced divination and besides, what he had seen with his own eyes, wanted more of the blessings God bestowed on his family because of Jacob. “What shall I give you? He asked.” Jacob’s answer, “every speckled or spotted goat.” Laban, agreed but that day he removed all the speckled and colored  goats from his flock and sent them away in the care of his sons. 

Vs.37-43 but Jacob also practiced some kind of divination, or witchcraft in order to outsmart Laban. Jacob was not dependent on God, not yet. He thought to outwit Laban with his witchcraft using the pealed branches. It seemed to work for him but only because God was directing his path, the results would have been the same without the pealed  branches. That is what this chapter is about, God controls our lives in spite of us and blesses in his own way. Thanks be to God.   

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# 26 2023 Dev. Gen.29:19. True Love! Read all of chapter twenty nine first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.29:19 “Laban said, ‘It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.’ 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”

Gen.29 This chapter sets the stage for a love story. It goes on around a well. How many times doesn’t a major event in scripture happen at a well? Obviously it is love at first sight. It appears that Jacob in he eagerness to please Rachel, breaks the rules of watering the sheep. 

Vs.1-13 Is an introduction, we see God’s hand in the events that follow. Certainly, God’s hand is in all things, but some are more obvious than others. When something unusual happens or unexpected we often say: “It’s a  God thing!”

Vs.14-19 I think at this point Laban starts his deception. “Tell me what your wages should be.” After a month, I’m sure is was obvious who Jacob was in love with.  “Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’”  To Jacob, “ they seemed like only a few days.” Seven years, hard to imagine waiting in celibacy while in daily contact. Marriage  is sacred and it should be regarded as such, and still is by a few couples, but we live in a different world today to the detriment  of the institution of marriage. Amen!

Vs.21-25 “So Laban brought together the people of the place and gave a feast. But Laban exchanged Leah, his order daughter for Rachel.” It is not hard to imagine that such an exchange was possible. Brides were totally covered and vailed, and in the heat of the moment, in total darkness it was possible. But the sisters had to have been in agreement. Jacob the deceiver had met his match. 

Vs.26-28 the excuse was; “Laban replied, “it is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.” The whole thing was a scam, Laban knew very well that Jacob would work for an other seven years to also have Rachel. Fourteen years, no pay but room and board and two wives vying with each other. But God is in control, all this comes back to haunt Laban who was not the richer for all of his scheming. A word to the foolish and the wise!

Vs.31-36 “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.”  Leah had four sons in a row, the desired gender in those days but Rachel had none. Judah is the fourth child, it is of note that Judah is in the direct line of Jesus Christ. God is still in control, thanks be to God! 

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# 25 2023 Dev. Prov.18:24 Enduring Friends! Read all of chapter eighteen first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18 puts emphasis on communicating, our use of words. By now we know that Proverbs are a series of couplets about the way God wants us to live. In chapter 18, almost all couplets complement each other, one line reinforcing the other, both negative and positive statements. Proverbs is about a way of being and a way of becoming, either good and better or bad and worse. For Christians, our lives involve both good events and bad that God uses to shape us into who He wants us to be.

Vs.1-9 reminds us of foolish actions and foolish words, as well as wise words and actions. “An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels… The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream… The lips of fools bring them strife… The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” 

Words to pay attention to for today: Unfriendly, selfish, wisdom is a rushing stream, strife, a gossip, a slacker, one who destroys.  Words  for the wise and the foolish!

Vs.10-19 reminds us of wisdom: Compare v.10 with v.11. “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower… The wealth of the rich is their fortified city…” The difference here is simple; trust, to self-confidence and a fortified tower to imagined walls.  “The heart of the discerning  acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. A gift opens the way…” Does the author mean a gift or bribe? “Casting the lot settles disputes… A brother wronged  is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of s citadel.” A word to the wise and the foolish!

Vs.20-24 reminds us of what the author is telling us in this Proverb. “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled… The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Fruit: death or life. Choose life in Jesus! “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” Amen and Amen! “The poor” and  “the rich”  The poor reach for mercy, the rich reach for brutality. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” What does this ending mean for us today? We have Messianic Psalms, could this be a Messianic Proverb? I believe it is, Jesus sticks closer to us than a brother.  Amen! 

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# 24 2023 Dev. Gen.28. The Second Blessing! Read all of chapter twenty eight first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.28:1 “So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. Then he commanded him: “Do not marry a Canaanite woman. 2 Go at once to Paddan Aram,[a] to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel. Take a wife for yourself there, from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother.”

Gen.28  Isaac comes to his senses in that he realizes that Jacob is the one chosen by God to carry on in the legacy of Abraham. He is not to marry any of the local women as Esau had done, he was to go to Paddan Aram to Rebecca’s family and Isaac’s family. God appears to Jacob on the way and gives him the blessing of Abraham.

Vs.1-5 After Rebekah complains to Isaac about Esau’s Hittite wives, Isaac calls Jacob, nothing is said about the deception. Isaac blesses him again. The blessings is not recorded here but it may have been very much like the blessing given to Isaac and Abraham.

Vs.6-9 Esau comes to the realization that his wives are a source of grief to both Isaac and Rebekah. It is surprising that Isaac was not more proactive in Esau choices, we are not told one way or the other. Now Esau tries to correct his mistakes by marrying one of the daughters of Ishmael.

Vs.10-15 Jacob starts his journey to Paddan Aram and spends the first night near Luz. During the night God appears to Jacob in a dream, the famous Jacob’s ladder most of us know about. God talked to Jacob directly; 

“I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.[d] 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 

God assured Jacob of His care, unconditional care. God gave him the same blessing He gave to Abraham. God also added, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring”, a  direct reference of the blessings of salvation in Christ Jesus. 

Vs.16-20 The next day Jacob anointed his stone pillow and called the place Bethel, the house of God. Jacob makes a vow that is completely conditional when compared to God’s blessing that is unconditional. Jacob does not follow God unconditionally until he wrestled the angel of God at Peniel when he realized he needed to depend on God and not on himself

That is what we need to realize as well. Only Jesus! Only Jesus and His work! Trust in Him alone! We live in a broken world, bad things happen to good people, there are no guarantees. Whatever happens, good or bad, by trusting in Jesus, God uses what happens to us to form us into who He want us to be and to become. Thanks be to God.  Amen!

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# 23 2023 Dev. Prov.17:3 Works of Silver, Gold and God! Read all of chapter seventeen first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

Proverbs 17 are series of couplets about the way God wants us to live. In this chapter of couplets almost all lines complement each other, one line reinforcing the other, both negative and positive statements. Proverbs is about a way of being and a way of becoming, either good and better or bad and worse. For Christians, our lives  are preparation for our work in heaven. 

Vs.1-5 Are negative couplets. “Peace and quiet” better than strife. “A prudent servant will rule… but the Lord tests the heart… a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue…  Whoever mocks the poor… who ever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.” Hate Loses!

Vs.6-10 are both positive and negative couplets. “Children’s children are a crown…and parents are the pride of their children.” Children are  God’s gifts. “Eloquent lips are unsuited to the godless fool – how much worse lying lips to a ruler!… Love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. A rebuke impresses a discerning person…” Love wins!

Vs.11-16 Are negative couplets. “Evildoers foster rebellion against God…a fool bent on folly…one who pays back evil for good.” Don’t Start a quarrel… drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. “Acquitting the  guilty and condemning the innocent – the Lord detests them both. Fools… are not able to understand it (wisdom).” This is a word for today.  Rebellion and injustice is all around us! 

Vs.17-25 are both positive and negative couplets. “A friend loves at all times… One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge… whoever builds a high gate invites destruction. One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper… there is no joy for the parents of a godless fool… A cheerful heart is good medicine… The wicked accept bribes in secret.. A discerning person keeps wisdom in view… A foolish son brings grief.”  A word to the wise and the foolish!

Vs.26-28 sums up the admonitions of this Proverb; “If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,surely to flog honest officials is not right.”

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”  We all need to think, twice, before we speak and allow the Spirit to guide our ways! 

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# 22 2023 Dev. Gen.27. The Blessing! Read all of chapter twenty seven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.

Gen.25:23 “The Lord said to her (Rebekah): ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.’”

Gen.27 is about the struggle between Esau and Jacob, There was a major flaw in Isaac and Rebekah’s family life; they each favored one of their sons, Isaac -Esau and Rebekah -Jacob. Rebekah had received the word of the Lord concerning Jacob; he would be stronger and Esau would serve him. It would seem that Isaac must have been aware of God’s words to her. Yet, he was determined to give Esau the blessing and Rebekah was determined to get a blessing for Jacob.

Vs.1-4 Isaac decided to bless Esau. The preparations were made but Rebekah overheard the arrangement.

Vs.5-29 Rebekah and Jacob colluded to get the blessing first. Jacob was reluctant, if they could not pull this off he would be cursed instead, but Rebekah took that curse upon herself. In her defense, she had the word of the Lord, but she acted to make it come true, even so, her faith wained and she was not willing to wait upon the Lord. Jacob and Rebekah were successful in their deception but at great cost. She would send Jacob away and she would not see him again nor his family. 

Vs.30-41 We have to wonder if Isaac suspected the deception and went ahead anyway based on the prophecy given to Rebekah. We also wonder why there was no blessing for the other son. Here also Esau had to face his own short comings, he did after all  despise his birthright. In any case, Isaac blessed him but it was a blessing that was the opposite of Jacob’s blessing, he would serve Jacob “but when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.” Esau held a grudge, and would have killed Jacob after Isaac’s death but Rebekah intervened.

Vs.42-46 Rebekah was grievously troubled with the Hittite women who Esau had married, she wanted Jacob to go back to her father’s house to find a wife. Abraham did that for Isaac and we wonder why Isaac was not more proactive in that regard. In any case, God used Rebekah to accomplish His purpose. As it is, God uses our short comings to advance His kingdom. Thanks be to God. 

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