Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” – (2:11)

Observation: When we serve God, we should do so with the right heart. Here, David writes that we should serve the Lord with the reverence and honor due Him. With the right attitude, our service will please God and bring us great joy!

Application: There are many different verses in the Bible that describe how our hearts should be when we serve God. Here are a few of them.

• With Singing
  • “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” – Psalm 100:2
• With Sincerity
  • “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.” = Joshua 24:14
• With Truth
  • “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24
• With All Thy Heart and Soul
  • “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” – Deuteronomy 10:12
• With Reverence and Godly Fear
  • “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” – Hebrews 12:28

When we have an understanding of who God is and how much He loves us, our hearts rejoice with trembling as today’s verse states! Our spirit desires to serve Him as only He deserves… with singing, sincerity, truthfulness, and reverential fear with the entirety of our heart and soul!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Oh, how I love You, Lord. Help me to serve You with a heart that is Yours completely. Cleanse my heart from sin, so that I come to you in fear and trembling… fear of Your awesome greatness and holiness, and trembling from the incredible joy that only You can give! Thank You, O God, for Your precious gift of salvation and promise of eternal life with You in heaven. Until then, may I serve You with my whole heart and soul. In Jesus’ sweet name, I pray. Amen.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

(from "I Surrender All" by Judson W. Van DeVenter)

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“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;” – Romans 1:9

Scripture: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”  – (1:1)

Observation: “Go with the flow” refers to following the majority because it’s easier to follow than to fight against the nor. This is even more critical to heed when the majority stands for things that are ungodly! The Psalmist cautions that doing so is not the wise choice for one’s life, and it will most certainly not reap the blessings of God.

Application: It is never easy to be the “odd man out”. In fact, it never has been. Taking a stand for one’s beliefs can lead to alienation, loss of relationships, even acts of violence. It is very difficult to “agree to disagree”, but just because it is challenging to stand up for one’s beliefs doesn’t mean one must compromise. In fact, the Bible specifically instructs us to stand firm in what we know to be right and good in the sight of God regardless of how many stand with us. Titus 2:12 states, “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” and Colossians 3:23 reminds us to whom we should seek to please in our appearance, words, and actions. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”.

As Christians, we need to be very mindful of the counsel of God. Psalm 33:11 states, “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” His ways and thoughts are higher than ours could ever hope to be (Isaiah 55:9), and all wisdom and knowledge comes from God (Proverbs 2:6). If we desire wise counsel, there is no one who is the Lord’s equal. 

Once we receive God’s counsel and choose to live accordingly, we will be blessed. Psalm 128:1-2 tells us how God responds to those who follow His ways. “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”

Let us choose to walk in His paths of righteousness no matter what society dictates. This will lead to true joy and contentment in our lives!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, how wonderful to be able to have the counsel of the One who created all things and knows all things! Teach me, O God, to understand Your Word and apply it to my life. Help me to remember that it is You who are wisdom and truth, and my trust is to be placed solely in You. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty; hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore;
Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.

(from “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” by William Williams)

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“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:3

Scripture: “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” – (31:30)

Observation: This chapter is well known for its description of a virtuous woman. Today’s key verse teaches that the outward appearance of a woman does not necessarily portray the true essence of who she is. A teasing smile, a pretty face, a flattering outfit… all are fleeting. That which lasts is what is in the heart, and it is the woman whose heart revers God who is valued and praised by Him as well as those in her life.

Application: The world often places value in superficial things such as appearance, fame, riches, etc., but these things eventually fade. When it comes to the regard of women, the world emphasizes physical beauty, seductive charm, and even immodest dress as standards by which their value is measured. The Bible clearly tells us that these attributes are not long-lasting, and they are rooted in sin.

The value of a woman is directly related to her fear of the Lord. This doesn’t mean she is afraid of God or His judgments upon her. It means she honors Him, respects Him, and worships Him with a pure heart. By this enduring relationship with God, a woman is respected and praised by her husband and children. Proverbs 31:28 states, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

More importantly, God declares, “…for them that honour me I will honour…” (1 Samuel 2:30). Jesus also said in John 12:26, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” A woman who honors God through her life has His eye upon her; He blesses her and the work of her hands! Psalm 90:17 records, “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” God highly values this woman and His Word states that she is virtuous and “…her price is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10). Let us strive to be a precious gem to the Lord each day!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how I long to be highly favored in your sight. Empty me of myself, O God, and fill me with Your sweet Spirit. Mold me and make me a vessel of honor to Your use, to serve You in this life to the best of my ability, leading others to Jesus. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame.
I'd rather be true to His holy name.

Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

(from "I'd Rather Have Jesus" by Rhea F. Miller)

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“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

Scripture: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” – (30:5)

Observation: This proverb is written by Agur, the son of Jakeh (v.1). He writes that God’s words are pure, and when we trust and obey those words, we find that God Himself becomes our shield; He is our divine Protector.

Application: In today’s world, truth is relative, and when you live in a world without absolutes, there are situations that can be very hazardous to experience. One person’s truth is not necessarily that of another’s, and that can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, destroyed relationships, and even physical harm.

However, the Word of God is absolute truth. There is no changing of its truths from one person to another, from one culture to another, from one location to another, or even from one time period to another. Psalm 119:160 states, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Additionally, in John 17:17, Jesus stated the following when praying to His heavenly Father, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

When our lives are founded on the unchanging truths of Scripture, we can depend on every promise in God’s Word. This assures us that when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save us from sin, guide us through life, and ultimately live with Him forever in heaven. Not only is He our shield, but He is our Saviour! All we have to do is ask Him to forgive us of our sins and accept Him as Lord of our lives! His precious gift of salvation protects us from sin’s bondage in our earthly lives, guides us on His paths of righteousness, and promises us a very wonderful eternity with Him!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your sacrifice on the cross. You died to pay for my sins; You rose from the grave to become my Saviour! Now, Your Spirit lives within me to teach me and guide me by the truths in Your Word. Thank You that the Bible has been trustworthy throughout the ages and will continue to be so for all eternity! What a blessing to have the words of God in my hand! Thank You! In Your name and with great thanksgiving, I pray. Amen.

Give me the Bible when my heart is broken,
When sin and grief have filled my soul with fear;
Give me the precious words by Jesus spoken,
Hold up faith's lamp to show my Savior near.

Give me the Bible, holy message shining,
Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way;
Precept and promise, law and love combining,
Till night shall vanish in eternal day.

(from “Give Me the Bible” by Priscilla J. Owens)

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“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16

“All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16

Scripture: “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” – (29:23)

Observation: Being a boastful individual does not elevate a person in the eyes of others, in fact, it does just the opposite. It is the humble person who is seen by others as honorable and respectable.

Application: We are told in Isaiah 14 that the reason Satan was cast out of heaven was because of his pride. He believed he was equal with God. Verse 13 records God’s words as He speaks to the devil. “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:” Because of his pride, Satan was ejected from the presence of God forever, and his judgment was declared from the throne room of the Almighty in Isaiah 14:15, “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

Here are a few reasons that God’s Word repeatedly warns about the sin of pride:

• Pride brings bondage.
  • “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.” – Psalm 73:6
• Pride brings shame.
  • “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
• Pride brings contention or discord.
  • “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10
• Pride destroys.
  • “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18

In contrast, the Bible tells us that God favors the humble man. He exalts those who lives reflect humility. James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” When we strive to be humble in spirit, God will honor us as it promises in Proverbs 22:4, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”

In truth, God is the only One who could boast about Himself, but He did not do so. Philippians 2:8 tells how Jesus came to us. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” God desires us to be like Jesus. Let us seek to follow in our Saviour’s footsteps each day… with a spirit of humility and a contrite heart.

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing to humble Yourself and become the sacrifice for my sins. Thank You for the example You have provided in Your Word, showing me how to live with a humble attitude. Forgive me for my pride that so often creeps into my thoughts, words, and even actions. Help my heart to be shrouded in meekness so that I may be a better ambassador for You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.

Christ, only Christ! No idle words e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self important bearing;
Christ, only Christ, no trace of “I” be found.

(from “Not I But Christ” by Ada A. Whiddington))

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“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”  – 1 Peter 5:6

Scripture: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” – (28:26)

Observation: Such wisdom in today’s verse! Trusting in oneself can be quite dangerous! Why? Because we are so often led by emotions, and our feelings can be very unreliable. On the flip side, this proverb tells us that if we walk in wisdom, whatever we face, we can walk confidently.

Application: Jeremiah 17:9 explains why trusting our own heart (feelings and emotions) is hazardous. It states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” I know in my past, there have been times where I have been quick to reach conclusions because of how I felt, only to find out that my feelings were not accurate at all! It’s not easy to back pedal and do damage control! To have employed wisdom and taken the time to evaluate the situation before acting would have saved me a lot of trouble!

If we want to walk wisely, we need to search the Scriptures. God is the source of all wisdom, and He will liberally give it to all who ask Him for it. By acquiring godly wisdom, we will save ourselves a lot of heartache in life. Here are three verses that tell how we can have wisdom in our lives.

1. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10
2. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
3. “Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.” – Job 28:20,23

The wisdom of God is infallible. If we follow His Word, we can be assured that we will be walking in the path of His righteousness, and we will not be disappointed in the outcome. God wants what is best for us, and He gives us the direction we need to achieve the best in the Scriptures. Making time to read the Bible will help you grow in godly wisdom and enable you to make the wisest choices in your life for yourself, your family, and others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my impulsivity! So often I speak or act without prefacing either with prayer. I step out on my own, and that is so unwise. Help me to learn more of Your wisdom and internalize it, making it part of every word or action that comes from me. Guide me as I search Your Word for what I need to help me gain more of Your wisdom. Give me ears to hear Your Spirit as You speak to my heart, and the understanding to put what I read into practice. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father and I, Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

(from “Be Thou My Vision” by D. Forgaill, M. Byrne, E. Hull))

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“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5

Scripture: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” – (27:9)

Observation: Today’s verse provides a comparison that reminds us when a true friend shares helpful advice, it is as pleasant as the sweet-smelling fragrances of perfumes and oils.

Application: Studies have shown that pleasing fragrances positively influence the physiology of individuals. In fact, aromatherapy has long been accepted as treatment for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and many more health issues. The scented candle and essential oil industries are booming as more and more people realize the benefits of aromatherapy.

Likewise, when a trusted friend takes the time to listen to you, and then offers godly counsel, it is a healing balm to the soul. Those loving and caring words offered in times of need, refresh and encourage the heart and soul of the recipient. Even if the advice isn’t what one had hoped to hear, the fact that the truth was spoken in love can lessen anxiety, give direction, and offer needed support. The worries and fears are replaced by a calm and peace similar to that which one could experience when enveloped by soothing scents.

May we all be the sweet fragrance in the lives of those around us!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word. It truly is a comforting balm to my heart and soul when struggles and challenges arise in my life. Help me to share that same peace with others and be a a good listener, a respecter of their privacy, and a provider of godly advice when asked for it. Help me to know my limitations as well and never step out on my own. Help my words to be a sweet fragrance to those with whom I speak. In Your precious name I pray, amen.

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee,
Filled with messages from thee.

Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne,
It shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee,
Ever, only, all for thee.

(from "Take My Life and Let It Be" by Frances Ridley Havergal)

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“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”- Proverbs 19:20

Scripture: “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” – (26:20)

Observation: In today’s verse, we are reminded of the benefits of not gossiping about others.

Application: Engaging in gossip, whether sharing or listening, is very tempting. When someone has something “juicy” to say about someone else, we have a tendency to lean in and listen. Why is that so? Some studies state that involvement with gossip leads to an increase in the pleasure centers of the brain, which happens to be the same feelings that can be achieved by eating sugar! Both activities begin with good feelings, but then they can lead to very negative consequences. Sugar’s impact is more physical, while gossip can lead to a host of psychological and social effects.

Here are a few consequences from being a “talebearer”.

1. Gossip boosts self-pride. It gives a person a sense of power in social standing, promoting an “I know something you don’t know” mentality.
2. Gossip can be untrue and lead to the spreading of malicious lies, which can be very harmful to a person’s reputations.
3. Gossip can destroy relationships.
4. Gossip can be addictive.

Here are three things the Bible teaches us about gossip.

1. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
   • God desires us to be an encouragement to others.
2. Proverbs 20:19 – “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
   • God warns us to not confide in those who gossip because they are untrustworthy and you may be the focus of their next conversation with others.
3. Psalm 34:13 – “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
   • God instructs us to refrain from speaking unrighteously about or to anyone.

While there are many more verses addressing this issue, the bottom line is God desires us to build others up, not tear them down. If you wouldn’t say something about someone with them standing right beside you, don’t say it at all!

Prayer: Dear Father, please set a guard around my lips, so that everything I say would be pleasing to You. Help me to encourage and support others by my actions and my words. Keep my tongue from evil at all times, so that I may “administer grace to others” by Your power and grace. In Jesus’ name, I ask this. Amen.

Be kind to each other; the night's coming on,
When friend and when brother perchance may be gone;
Then, 'midst our dejection, how sweet to have earn'd
The blest recollection of kindness return'd!

Happy children, blessed children,
Who are loving one another truly;
And the Saviour, blessed Saviour,
Loving more than all beside.

(from “Be Kind to Each Other” by Fanny Crosby)

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“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”  – Psalm 19:14

Scripture: “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” – (25:4)

Observation: Our verse today speaks to the purification process for silver. It is heated until it becomes molten. In this state, the impurities will float to the surface and then be skimmed off by the refiner. This will leave the silver without contamination, ready to be used, poured into its final form.

Application: Becoming “fit for the Master’s use” is a process in the life of the Christian. Like silver, we have impurities in our lives that must be removed in order for God to effectively use us for His purposes. These refining processes take for form of trials and tests that He allows in our lives. No one wants these types of situations to occur, but it is through these challenges that God makes us fit for His use. Here are three reasons why God allows the purification process to happen in our lives.

1. Sin
   • Our sin is an impurity that Jesus dealt with at the cross. On Calvary, He bore the sins of the world upon Himself, suffering and dying to satisfy God’s requirement for the payment of sin that you and I could never pay. 3 days later, Jesus rose to become our living Saviour, ready to forgive all who call upon His name. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
   • It is important to realize that even after salvation, we still sin. Seeking forgiveness from Jesus is not just a one-time event in our lives; whenever we sin, we must go to Him, confess our sin and ask for His forgiveness (which He gives freely!). 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Remember, we are a work in progress (Philippians 1:6) and God’s purification process continually refines us until He call us to our heavenly home.
2. Faith
   • Our faith often needs strengthening, and this comes through testing. All through the Bible, we read of individuals who faced unimaginable testing, growing their faith. Imagine how Noah’s faith must have grown when he experienced God’s deliverance from the flood, or Daniel’s faith when he sat in the lions’ den and not one beast roared! These are just two examples of godly individuals whose faith was tested and came forth as pure silver!
   • Sometimes we experience challenging times as well. We may ask God why something is happening to us. The answer may be that God is using the situation as a time of strengthening your faith in Him. 1 Peter 1:7 states, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” It is during these times that our faith is able to grow stronger as it is purified through the hardships.
3. Dependence
   • Sometimes we go through trials to learn to rely on God rather than ourselves. It is easy to want to “take the reins” and control the situations in which we often find ourselves. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 118:8, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man,” but sometimes we do the exact opposite. We turn to God only when our own resources have been depleted. That needs to be flipped! We need to run to Him first! When circumstances are overwhelming, God can use them to help us learn to depend upon Him rather than ourselves to meet our every need in every situation!
   • Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Who better to trust in than the One who created, sustains, and controls all things?

The saying “trust the process” means that we should be patient and persevere because refinement takes time and effort. In the life of a Christian, we need to “trust the Saviour” as Job did. He experienced events in which we cannot even fathom the depth of despair he must have felt. However, the Bible records his words of faith when he spoke of the Redeemer in Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

May we have the faith of Job when we face challenges and struggles that God uses to mold us into a vessel for His use!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, Your ways are so much higher than mine, and I praise You for Your wisdom and power. Thank You for continuing the work in me as You promised in Your Word. Thank You for even the hard times because I know You allowed them for a purpose as I know You will always be with me as I go through them. Give me the strength to trust You with my whole heart and to come forth as purified silver, ready to be used by You. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus, Thine all-victorious love shed in my heart abroad;
Then shall my feet no longer rove, rooted and fixed in God.

O that in me the sacred fire might now begin to glow;
Burn up the dross of base desire, and make the mountains flow!

Refining fire, go through my heart, illuminate my soul;
Scatter Thy life through ev'ry part, and sanctify the whole.

(from “Jesus, Thine All-Victorious Love” by Charles Wesley)

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“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:21

Scripture: “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” – (24:27)

Observation: Our key verse today stresses the importance of doing everything in the proper order. In Biblical times, the society was agrarian. They raised livestock and grew crops. This verse speaks to the wisdom of having food and resources for one’s future before spending time on less critical things.

Application: The old saying, “Don’t put the cart before the horse” really aligns with today’s verse. Prioritizing is so important in determining what we should do and when, otherwise, we may be in for a very unsuccessful outcome for our efforts. Without proper planning and preparation, plans rarely come to fruition. It takes wisdom and patience to have the proper foundation for success.

Preparation sometimes means we have to postpone something we really want to do until we have done the necessary groundwork. For example, if I want to play the violin, I should not rush out to purchase a genuine Stradivarius before learning to play the instrument. Taking lessons and determining if I have the interest and skills needed to play would be the foundation necessary prior to purchasing an expensive violin.

It is the same in our spiritual lives. Our hearts must be right in the sight of God before we can serve Him. Preparing the foundation for our work for the Lord begins with our salvation, that is, accepting Christ’s forgiveness of sins and making Him Lord of our lives. Once we have done that, we then begin to learn more about Him from the Bible through church and Sunday school attendance, as well as our own personal times of study. As we grow in our faith, God begins to show us areas that need more work in our lives to better equip us to serve Him. In Luke 14:28, Jesus teaches, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”

Once the foundation has been laid, through prayer and godly counsel, we seek the Lord’s direction in what to do. Serving Christ is a joy, but it is not to be taken lightly. Without the proper foundation, our work is less effective and can even mislead others. With Jesus leading us, we can confidently go out and be builders of the faith!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word that gives me all I need to have a strong foundation in You. Thank You for those You have placed in my life to teach me and help me learn more about You. Strengthen my foundation in You that I might serve You better and reach others for the cause of Christ. Thank You for the opportunities You have provided for me to serve You. In Your precious  name and with thanksgiving, I pray. Amen.

The wise man built his house upon the rock. The wise man built his house upon the rock.
The wise man built his house upon the rock. And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down, and the floods came up. The rains came down, and the floods came up. The rains came down, and the floods came up, and the house on the rock stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The foolish man built his house upon the sand.
The foolish man built his house upon the sand. And the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down, and the floods came up. The rains came down, and the floods came up.
The rains came down, and the floods came up, and the house on the sand fell down.

So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ. Build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ,
Build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, and the blessings will come down.
The blessings come down as your prayers go up, the blessings come down as your prayers go up,
The blessings come down as your prayers go up, so build your life on the Lord.

(from “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” by Ann Omley)

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“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”. – Psalm 127:1