As a pastor I want to move from foolish ways of living to wise ways of living and I want to help those who are part of church family to do the same. That is a very basic goal. I and the other leaders in my church have a responsibility to think and pray about discipling my church family to become more wise and when I think about learning and teaching wisdom one of the go to books has to be the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is a book given by God to help us know how to live wise … Continue reading Because I am concerned about wisdom…

Exodus 22:21-27 21 “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. 22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. 23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. 25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall … Continue reading Moses on Showing Mercy, Seeking Justice and Serving the Poor

Chapter 1 Speaking of the ungodly, 16 “They profess to know God but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed.” Chapter 2 7 “…in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds…” 14 “Christ Jesus…gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people, zealous for good deeds.” Chapter 3 1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be ready for every good deed…” 8 “This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want … Continue reading Paul to Titus on Doing Good

Proverbs Chapter 1 1o My son if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause…” 15 My son, do not walk with them, keep your feet from their path.” Chapter 2 6 “For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright, He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice, and he preserves the way of His godly ones. 9 Then you … Continue reading Solomon (And Lemuel’s Mom) on Showing Mercy, Seeking Justice and Helping the Poor

Chapter One 11 “For three transgressions of Edom and for four I will not revoke its punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword, while he stifled his compassion…” Chapter Two 6 “Thus says the Lord,’For three transgressions of Israel and for four I will not revoke its punishment, because they sell the righteous for money, and the needy for a pair of sandals, 7 these who pant after the very dust of the earth on the head of the helpless…” Chapter Four 1 “Hear this word, you cows of bashan who are on the mountain of Samaria, who … Continue reading Amos on Showing Mercy, Seeking Justice and Helping the Poor

Chapter 1 15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. 16 Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight.Give up your evil ways. 17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. 23 Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or … Continue reading Isaiah on Showing Mercy, Seeking Justice and Serving the Poor