Parenting 101 (Proverbs 22-23 / 2 Corinthians 8)

Today's section of reading contains many practical tips for parenting children. Proverbs 22:6 is a great principle for parents to hang their hat on. Though kids sometimes do seem to depart from the faith for a while, they rarely forget their parent's teachings. Proverbs 22:15 teaches the appropriateness of spanking a child. Disciplining a child in this manner is one of many God-given ways to drive away the "folly" found in children. Proverbs 23:13-14 continue along on these same lines. I can testify that when this type of discipline is implemented in the life of a child, it often pays off with good results in the grand scheme of things. Unfortunately, many parents today have an imbalance to their way of disciplining children and thus we rightly have laws in place concerning the abuse of children. What ways can you identify where discipline in your past had helped you to become a better person today?

2 Corinthians 8:10 is a thought-provoking verse. Paul says that the Corinthian church was "not only the first to give but also to have the desire to do so." We often give to God by giving our tithes to the local church. But how many of us can truly say that giving to our local church is one of our highest desires?

Sorry or Not? (Proverbs 19-21 / 2 Corinthians 7)

This morning's reading was Proverbs 19-21. I personally am not a huge fan of reading three chapters of Proverbs in one setting. This book of wisdom is so rich that it is often said one should read one chapter of Proverbs for every day of the month (since there are 31 chapters). I can write a commentary on one verse from Proverbs, yet I find it difficult to use this entry to explain one chapter, yet alone three. So I would like to concentrate on one verse in today's reading and that is Proverbs 20:24. I have read this verse many times but I do not believe I have fully grasped its meaning until today. God's sovereignty overrules even our decision-making. We can never fully understand where we are in life because without God, we are not even allowed to wake up, yet alone make decisions. We will never fully comprehend our "own way" because it is in God that we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Stop trying to figure it all out. Instead, put God first place in your life and watch where He will "direct your steps" (Matthew 6:33).

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 explains the difference between godly sorrow (repentance) and worldly sorrow (repentance). If you say I am sorry yet continue to walk in the dark, "you lie and do not practice the truth" (I John 1:6). The problem is not a dim light. The problem is there is no light. Godly sorrow on the other hand keeps with true repentance (7:10) and finds itself truly forgiven in God's sight (I John 1:9). Faith without works is dead (James 1:17).

Motives (Proverbs 6 - 7 / 2 Cortinthians 2)

Proverbs 6:1-5 can be summed up as "loving your neighbor." If you have done something wrong to your fellow-man, you should do your best to make it right. Verses 6-11 speak of the consequences of being a lazy person. Though an easy road to take, the path is troublesome and is not worth its trouble to take. Verses 12-19 gives us many characteristics which God hates that can often be found in people. Do you find these characteristics in some of your close friends? If so, you may need to seperate yourself somewhat from these "friends" so that you do not find yourself walking in their footsteps. Chapter 6 closes by noting the great cost of adultery (v. 32-35). In chapter 7, the father warns his son to stay away from the adulteress woman. What are you doing today to guard your heart from adultery (Proverbs 4:23)?

At the heart of Paul's letter to the church at Corinth was love and compassion (2 Corinthians 2:4). Paul also wanted to test the church's obedience (v. 9). Paul believed in forgiving and comforting others so that they would not experience excessive grief or sorrow (v. 7). Whether in written word or speech, what is the motive behind the words you use?

Wise in Heart (Proverbs 3-5 / 2 Corinthians 1)

A father's spiritual duty is to pass onto his children the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 3:1). It is our duty to faithfully trust God (3:5), honor Him with our tithe (3:9), and to find wisdom (3:12). We are to seek wisdom above all else (4:7) for wisdom's benefits are many (4:6). Those who do not find wisdom walk themselves on the broad way of destruction (4:15-19, Matthew 7:13) and their pain is much. Those who walk the narrow road (Matthew 7:14) are "wise in heart." The words "wise" and "heart" work together according to Scripture (4:23). Those who walk in God's discipline are loved by God (3:11-12) whereas those who walk not in God's discipline often endure a life of pain, remorse, and shame (5:11-14, 22-23). Which road do you find youself on today?

In 2 Corinthians 1:23, Paul was giving the church at Corinth time to repent of their sins. He opted to take the high road and give the church time and patience rather than rush back and rip into them with the wrong spirit (1:24). Paul was in the habit of visiting churches (1:15-16) because of the care and compassion he felt for them (1:3-7). Do you possess a heart for your church and city?

God, My Refuge (Psalms 140-142 / I Corinthians 14)

Psalms 140 teaches us that there are evil men all around us, but that God is able to protect those that belong to Him (2 Timothy 1:12, John 10:29). In Psalms 141:5, David actually asks for reproof (2 Timothy 3:16) from wise men. This is one reason we know that David had a heart for God (I Samuel 13:14). In Psalms 142:4, David finds himself in a cave with no one to care for him. But read verses 5-7. As bad as the situation is, David knows that God cares so David cries out to his "Refuge" (v. 5) for help. Do you view God as a refuge, the One who is able to shield you from the enemy? "But I know whom I have believed, And am persuaded that He is able / To keep that which I've committed Unto Him against that day" (2008 Baptist Hymnal, p. 353).

In I Corinthians 14, Paul keeps the focus on church unity by again focusing on love. Paul is basically saying that preaching edifies the believer because the listener understands what is being said in his native language (14:6, 10-12). However, to hear one speak in tongues without an interpretation is not doing anyone any good and may even possibly be promoting division (14:14-20). Do you find yourself doing anything in the church setting that might be creating division?

One Life ( Psalms 139 / 1 Corinthians 13)

This morning, I was contacted by an old friend of mine who is a student sunday school teacher at his church. He shared a real life story with me about one of his girl students who was raped and may possibly be pregnant. What should she do in a situation such as the one she finds herself in? Many would opt for an immediate abortion. If you read Psalms 139 with me this morning, you should know what God would have this young lady do. Reread verses 14-16. Each life is precious to God and He does not make mistakes. Life itself comes from God and He would have a wonderful plan pre-ordained for this young soul. The wrong mindset in abortion takes root when we believe that life begins with us. When we view babies as coming from the Lord, we have an obligation to keep them alive despite the means at which they arrived to us. Are not you thankful that someone did not throw your life away in the wastebasket?

When reading the love chapter (I Corinthians 13), we often forget that Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth. We tend to individualize this chapter and love to use this passage at weddings. Perhaps we should re-title this chapter the unity chapter. Love is the means by which a church stays as one (John 17:21). With that being said, do you see love as the dominant operating principle in your church?

The Gift Giver ( Psalms 135 to 136 / 1 Corinthians 12)

Psalms 135 is a comparison of God's glory to the glory of idols. Whereas God's minister's praise Him for His mighty works (v. 2-14), idol worship falls upon deaf ears (v. 15-18). Psalms 136 simply identifies God as our Sustainer. God created the sun to provide constant light during the day (v. 8) and food for every creature (v. 25) so that the earth's daily activities can remain intact. Half of the Psalm is made up of the phrase, "His love endures forever." When we see that God's love will go into all of eternity, we can comprehend more fully the interpretation of this particular Psalm. Take some time today to turn off all of the noise and see God at work in the life of His creation.

Paul begins I Corinthians 12 by noting that his recipients were formerly wrapped up in idol-worship (v. 2). Then Paul speaks abundantly about spiritual gifts (v. 4-31). Paul concludes the chapter by leading into his next segment on the greatest spiritual gift, love (v. 31). Might Paul be hinting that love for God's gifts is in no comparison to love for God Himself? Check your soul and make sure you are more in love with the Gift-Giver than the gifts themselves. We should not long for God's bountiful hand more than we should long to see His beautiful face.