A STIFF NECK
Suggested Reading: Proverbs 29-30
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Hyrax, also known as a rock badger, lives on rocks all around Israel. This one was photographed in the Ein Gedi reserve on the shore of the Dead Sea. It is described in today's reading as "little on the earth," but "exceedingly wise" (Proverbs 30:24, 26).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 29:1
He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Two kings of Israel, Saul and David, were both rebuked…Saul by Samuel and David by Nathan. Saul was as one who “hardens his neck,” becoming stubborn and unwilling to change. David’s reaction was not to try to justify himself as Saul did, but to repent and change his ways. Saul’s attitude resulted in the loss of his position and eventually his very life. David’s response, “I have sinned against the Lord,” resulted in forgiveness and restoration. We may want to read the words David wrote to describe his repentance. They are found in Psalm 51.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, when I’m made aware of sin in my life or am corrected in some way by one of Your servants, may I not make excuses and stubbornly continue going my own way, but may I receive the grace of repentance, turn around, and go Your way. I pray that I will keep a gentle spirit and always be ready to receive a rebuke from You or from someone You send to confront me. I ask for Your restoration in the Name of Jesus, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My first encounter with a rock badger was in company with my two sons, Reynold, my photographer for the blog, and Ron, who formats and posts the blog. We were back-packing in Israel in 1978, and as we climbed over the rocks descending Mt. Carmel, there was a little creature looking at us for a moment. He (or she), according to Scripture, is “exceedingly wise,” and darted under a large rock for protection from these three large creatures who were approaching. Proverbs says that they are “a feeble folk.” They are called “people” in the original King James Version. It occurs to me that when anything appears too big for me to handle, I need to scurry under the rock of God’s safety. Psalm 61:2b reminds me that “When my heart is overwhelmed,” I need to pray, “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”
Yours for “exceedingly wise” counsel from God’s Word,
David
P.S. The old hymn says, “Hiding in Thee. Hiding in Thee. O thou blest Rock of Ages I’m hiding in Thee” (click here for a recording of this great hymn).
Human nature is interesting in that we will either try to hide our sin or confess it, repent and move forward. I pray with you David that we might all seek out Jesus as the true answer to the complications and sin in our lives and may restoration be found in His name only. Amen.
Thank you David for these devotions each morning. I agree with you..may I run to Jesus when Holy Spirit convicts me of sin in my life. Thank you for your blog devotions..love the insight.
So much today about harnessing our spirit and listening with an open mind. So fallible can we be to jump to our defence, when words of help and understanding are offered. Is is ego? Is it pride? Is it fear? What harm is it to listen and digest. The truth is that even if we do not immediately respond to a comment, it does not mean we agree with it. It simply means, “I am listening.” Lots of time to think about what was said and respond accordingly. But, probably in most cases we are hearing a correction from which we can grow. Lord, help us to listen and embrace the love, care and concern others offer us when we need to hear. Have a great day, to all!
Amen Scott.
David.. I love that song..The Rock of Ages, the ONLY answer to sin.
~Have a blessed day~
Father God
Forgive me when I am stubborn and want speak act and think
my way is better than yours . Help me walk , listen and do what
you want me to do. I admit its not easy but I ask you to help me.
In Jesus name
Amen
Lianne
I love the song and the picture is cute
Enjoy your day everyone
Anyone who doesn’t take rebuke is stiff necked these are true for the world today , so many don t like to hear the truth from Gods word , they run from it and think that God will agree with their ways the only thing to remain in this world is God s Word Amen
Good morning Pastor David and fellow bloggers. We have just returned from a trip to South America, having sailed through The Magellan Straits and then around the Horn up to Santiago. To see The Andes in all their glory only proved how majestic and wonderful Our Lord and Creator is. Amazing will never seem good enough to describe it.
I did keep up with my reading and have caught up with your 100 Words Pastor David and how wonderful your trip and pictures of The Holy Land was. Welcome back and you look great!!
On Nov. 14th I requested prayer for the culmination of our family’s unspoken request. Thank you for those who prayed, and while the answer was not fully what we asked The Lord for, He is sovereign and we know He has a purpose in mind for not giving us everything we seek. He knows best. Praise His Name!
On Tuesday morning I will check into North York General hospital for what I pray will be my final surgery to complete the breast reconstruction after my double mastectomy last year. I covet your prayers for a full successful surgery and would you pray also for my family, as they are always a little apprehensive about “mom” going for surgery again (four) in the year!!!
Thank you for your prayer Pastor David and I make it mine also, that I will turn to THE ROCK when needing to confess and repent.
Blessings to all today. Love in Christ.
Catherine, may blessings from above shower both you and your family this week.
Praying for you, Catherine and may the Lord bring you through this last operation successfully. Prayed your prayer also, David and I pray God will be glorified through my neighbours and my calamity here. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Catherine,
I Pray for your successful surgery and family concerns in Jesus name.
Amen
Diane:)
Blessings to you and yours always, dear David!
I was listening to the media about Nelson Mandela.,( of course. one has to be careful what the media says) and I heard that Brian Mulroney ( then the PM of Canada) was not in agreement with Margaret Thatcher on her opinion of Mandela.
So I applaud Brian Mulroney on his stance. Later on, Margaret Thatcher reversed her opinion of Nelson Mandela so everyone has to be cautious of her/his opinion of others. I also believe that all the good Mandela had , was through his faith in the Lord Jesus and not the physical side!!
Margaret
Dear Rev David M,
Rock of Ages: what a marvellous song that we’re so blessed to sing and worship without persecution. I felt a very serious need to pray for all the christians in the world that are being killed or tortured as we share this wonderful blog. Lord Jesus, let all those brothers and sisters in Christ, who’s lives are being taken, know that You are right there in their turmoil and that yes, they can hang on to that one and only solid rock!
Until His coming back, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
P.S.: Dear Catherine, I’m keeping you and your family in prayer.
Have a blessed day everyone,
xxxxCarole
🙂
M.