December 13, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 13
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Following Scripture Verses

1. A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8. The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10. Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21. Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Today's Pathway:
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"A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health." - Proverbs 13:17

In today's verse Solomon contrasts the faithful ambassador and the unfaithful messenger. Notice the two terms that are used: messenger and ambassador. A messenger is normally thought of as one who takes a report to someone else. An ambassador is one who represents his country to another country. It is important to see that these terms reflect the ministry that the believer has. Those of us who are saved have a message that we are to proclaim. We are to tell the world that the Bible is true, that God is in charge, that sin will be punished, and that the Lord has provided a means of salvation. The unsaved need to hear the message that Jesus has paid the price for their redemption, and that they need to repent and believe. Backslidden Christians need to hear the message that God holds them accountable and that they will stand before Him someday, so they need to repent and restore their relationship with Him. Hurting believers need to hear the message that God is sovereign and that He cares about every need that they have. If we fail to proclaim these messages, we will fail to accomplish the task that the Lord has given us.

However, our responsibility is not limited to proclaiming a message. We are representing Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. A faithful ambassador is on duty 24 hours a day. He is to do exactly what his Sovereign would want him to do in every situation of life. He normally has to deal with people who speak a different language, have different customs, and have different beliefs, yet he can not compromise the mission that he has been sent there to do. If he is faithful in discharging his duties, he will bring health to those who hear him as well as to the country that he represents.

God has called each of us to be ambassadors for Christ and to proclaim His Truth. How good a job are you doing?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery