FRET NOT
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 24
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
"The White Tower" is a monument and museum on the waterfront of the city of Thessalonica, capital of the region of Macedonia in northern Greece and a symbol of Greek sovereignty over Macedonia. Our key verse speaks of building wisely. Jesus said, "Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost (Luke 14:28a). At the very least, the cost of building our households wisely is the daily practice of reading the Word of God and spending time in prayer.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 24:3-4
Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
The repetition of the word “lips” stands out in today’s reading. We may have heard the saying, “Loose lips sink ships.” The message is clear. Our words can make trouble (24:2), can deceive (24:28), or can provide a right answer (24:26). The word “evil” is also repeated several times. Firstly, there is a warning against making people who do evil our heroes (24:1). Our children need to be on guard against making people whose lives are a mess, such as some movie stars or some rock stars, their heroes. There are some great and godly people who work in making movies, music, or other areas of life, that we can present to the next generations. Secondly, “Do not fret because of evildoers” (24:19a)! Why not worry about it? Because, “The lamp of the wicked will be put out” (24:20b). When we pray fervently for others, we gain a long-term view of life and, as our key verses tell us, we build our household wisely and fill all the rooms with good things!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for wisdom along with the determination to fill my house with understanding and knowledge, so that I will surround my life and the lives of my family and friends who visit me with precious and pleasant riches. Riches of love, joy, peace, truth and all the characteristics of Jesus, in Whose Name I ask these blessings, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I must confess that this morning when I awoke and looked at the digital clock, which projects the time onto the ceiling, I rolled over and went back to sleep. I awoke 30 minutes later to discover it was 4:15 a.m. I jumped out of bed to do my reading, prayers, and write this blog. Then as I came to the end of Proverbs 24, I read, “A little sleep, a little slumber…” I enjoy and thrive on the discipline to which God has called me, and the older I get (77), I like change less and less (24:21b). Nevertheless, I am determined that I will “fret not!” I believe I will finish this blog by the 6 a.m. posting time.
Tomorrow morning, God willing, Norma-Jean and I will be in Nashville, Tennessee, where 4 a.m. Toronto time is 3 a.m. Nashville time. I’m not going to fret about that, and I believe God will help me finish the blog on time. I’m looking forward to spending tomorrow with Sam and Peggy Moore. Sam is the visionary that launched the great New King James translation of the Bible, which I read constantly. Dr. R. K. Harrison, who served as professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Wycliffe College of the University of Toronto for many years, was a primary translator for Sam’s great project (I believe it was 1993 when he went to Heaven). Here is an interview I did with this outstanding man of God and true scholar (click here).
Yours for building our households with wisdom and filling the rooms with precious and pleasant knowledge,
David
P.S. I become a little lonely for our old studio building at 100 Huntley Street, Toronto, where the interview with Professor Harrison took place. Truly this was a building where the rooms were “filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Below is a picture of the front of that special building.
That iconic building in Toronto continues to glow with the light of the Lord, and David you continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge and all Godly things. Give yourself a little extra rest in Nashville and prepare the blog the night before or send it out later. We won’t mind.
Amen! Praying fervently, for you, David Mainse, loved ones, and all the saints; enjoying the wisdom of the proverbs. God’s continued blessings to all, today.
Do not fret. Yet, rebuke the evil man. We should not let the evil plans of evil people be secret while they defraud people and seduce and corrupt children and plan all the evil things Solomon describes in Proverbs. People do more and more. of those things. On the past subject of the Philippines, I was thinking, if I only have ten or twenty-five dollars to donate, maybe I should wait until next month when I might have fifty. Then, I realized that if every person who did not donate ten dollars because it seemed like so little actually just did, it would be a windfall for the charities. I saw a picture on Google+ of a small boy carrying a slightly smaller girl through the mess after the typhoon. The girl looked very overwhelmed and pained. The description said that the boy had been looking after the girl all day saving her from bad people etc. The boy had not known the girl. What kind of nightmare is that when a child is living through that and does not even have her parents. Only a small boy to protect her. It is a witness of God that the boy is there but what a nightmare.
Nicely stated Brad, thank you.
Amazing, that this little boy would look after this little girl! Praise God!!!
David, thank you so much for bringing us this interview of Dr. R.K. Harrison. I remember years ago reading Dr. Harrison’s work on the Old Testament which I most thoroughly enjoyed in juxtaposition to other more liberal critical works available. It was nice to finally be able to put a face and personality via the taped interview done many years ago. I did note however, Dr. Harrison isn’t one for short, pithy, concise answers, haha! I’m glad the three of you in the interview were able to draw the questions posed to a satisfactory conclusion however. I have nothing but the deepest respect for Dr. R.K. Harrison and his scholarship, may he peacefully rest in the eternal love and security of our Lord Jesus Christ, forevermore.
I only visited the old building once but it was a memorable visit. Reynold Rutledge played FAIREST LORD on his “educated woodpile” (I believe that’s what he called i)! There was a heavy anointing and the Lord spoke to me – a few years later His message became “sight”. Years of great change came to our lives (a move, addition of family members (3 – adults), work, and volunteer work at the Crossroads Centre. We are truly blessed. More recently the Lord opened, miraculasly, the perfect place for my sister in His choice – a place in a “good” nursing home near us. She is pretty much helpless but enjoys life and friends here. Her roommate was chosen by God too. While typing this, I can truly see God’s hand in our lives. God is our ROCK and He is no respector of persons. Draw close, call upon Him, trust Him. PRAISE HIS NAME. THANK YOU LORD.
May all our homes be build with wisdom, and may the Lord grant us to make wise choices, following His direction.
Blessings to all.
Amen thank you!!!
What a report, Brad.
Trying to “Fret Not.” It’s true the older we get, the less we like change. Enjoyed the interview with Dr. Harrison and it was good to see Dr. Ratz there; didn’t know he went to Wycliffe College. Two verses from Proverbs today that intrigued me were 24:11, “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn to death, and those that are ready to be slain;” could refer to the baby in the womb to be slain by abortion. The other in 24:15, “Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place” spoke to me about my situation here. Anyway, God will be my refuge. God be with you on your trip, David and Norma-Jean.
It was an inspiration hearing this timeless interview with Dr. Harrison. I find there are certain historical readings in scripture difficult to understand, even when referenced, and so I leave these truths open to comprehension later with our Lord. The true measure of understanding is found in the change, love, hope and direction in our lives. It is sad how scripture can be distorted to build self guided precepts in arguments which some will try and advance. However, this is more a reflection of ones need for trust and faith in Christ. Daily scripture reading with an open mind and in reverence, has been a growing experience and true blessing. Thank you! Have a great day, to all!
Wow! Your interview was a real eye opener for me David. There is so much to learn . I am so greatful for all that you have done and are doing to further Gods
kingdom. That interview will be a powerful witness to my unsaved family members and any unsaved persons for that matter. I saved it on my home page
So I ‘l have instant access to it.
I love this blog!
All the best, safe travels under Gods protection to you and Norma-Jean David. Jerry and I miss you both so much!
Diddo to the wonderful comments above on this blog.
Love and prayers to all .” Merry CHRISTmas ” every one. 🙂
M.
Blessings to you and yours dear David!!
I am so glad that you spoke of the children needing to be on guard at what the consider their “heroes”! The only one to follow is the Lord Jesus! The children can admire the lifestyle of those who follow the Lord Jesus God, but not the other rock stars and others who are not following the Lord , those who conform to this world and its wrong culture. Amen!’
Thank you again,
Margaret
I am thoroughly enjoying the blog, David. It is equivalent to taking a Bible College course. I am open to the New King James translation, but to be honest, since I was raised on the King James Version since childhood, and have committed so many verses to memory, it really speaks to me.