THE CROWN
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 12
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
In Rome stands a national monument known as the Altar of the Fatherland, honouring Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. On top you can see a work of art depicting the goddess Victoria riding in a chariot behind quadrigas (four horses abreast). In today’s key verse, God shows his care for animals. The horse is one of God’s magnificent creations.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Being a married man means that husbands need to appreciate Proverbs 12:4a. According to these words, men, our wives are our crowns! And they are “excellent,” as the proverb says! I have a small icon that Ron put on my computer screen that says “Dictionary.” When I look up “excellent” it means outstanding, exceptional, marvellous, wonderful, magnificent, etc. etc. Need I say more? Men, let’s make sure our wives read the blog today. If we notice that our wives are a little more romantic for the next while, this may be the reason!!
Proverbs 12 deals with contrasts between several opposites — e.g. in the first verse, “knowledge” and “stupid.” The final contrast is shown between the truthful dealings of a righteous man and the deceit and lies of a wicked man. These paths are going in opposite directions. One leads to life and the other to death. The choice is ours to make as we stand at the crossroads of decision. Let us choose life!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I thank You for my spouse, the one with whom You made me one flesh. May I bless this special person every day in every way. I pray that I will learn valuable life lessons from the book of Proverbs. I ask for wisdom and knowledge in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I think that I’ve been on the verge of depression from time to time. The reason is a big heavy word, “ANXIETY!” According to Proverbs 12:25 this was caused, in my case, by my failure to trust God 100%! While depression can be caused by a disorder in my brain which needs to be treated by a qualified professional, my near depression was lifted again and again by, as that verse says, “A good word which makes it, the heart, glad!”
Yours for learning every day more and more of the ways of God,
David
P.S. Here are nine more faithful enthusiastic pilgrims in front the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
I am standing in Bethlehem’s Manger Square as they prepare for the Christmas celebrations just over a month from now. The people of Bethlehem are helping me get into the Christmas spirit early this year. This is probably one of the tallest artificial Christmas trees in the world. They are just starting to decorate it.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth of the LORD.
The LORD JESUS made me whole and my wife made me complete.
Rev. Terry FELVUS, Grassie On. (God’s country)
Sorry- I inadvertantly left out one important word-
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth FAVOR of the LORD. Prov. 18:22
Rev.Terry Felvus
Amen
More great pics. Thank you Rev. Mainse.
Depression hits many of us especially as our daylight hours become shorter and shorter. Just noticed on the news that special lights being introduced to our eyes first thing in the morning for half an hour will lift depression to a good extent and with medication, to a greater extent. Praise the Lord for the knowledge He offers us mortals.
In The Garden:
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=1BMJ2JNU
Have a blessed day all saints.
Thank you Heavenly Father for “The Word” and for your Pastor David as you add your words if wisdom daily.
A belated Happy Birthday to you Beverlee, so glad this op seems to be working. You are an inspiration to all us bloggers. Looking forward to you next poem. Have a wonderful day everyone.
Thank you, Eleanor!!
Your are do welcome my friend.
I’m having difficulty facing Christmas this year. My husband passed away last Christmas. The family is feeling it too. Right now I can’t even think about it. I don’t have any interest in the activities at all. A co-worker of one of my children committed suicide this week. That one is now doubly hurt this season.
So sad to read your post, this morning, Doreen. Christmas is my hardest time of year, too. Lifting you, your family, and the family of your child’s co-worker, up in prayer. Hang onto His cloak, dear sister-in-Christ.
Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMZsA5wWHQM
thank you Beverlee. I have an Asian grandson and I will forward that piece to him and others. I have felt the Presence of God in Benny Hinn crusades that have been coming via e-mail and on FB. That is wonderful (to know God’s Presence in those crusades). Thanks again.
My heart goes out to you Doreen and your precious family. Praying you find solace in our heavenly Father.
Abide with Me: https://youtu.be/NLMbHttVbp4
Thank you. I will visit those in nursing home. Some have no one and others have just a few visitors.
Doreen, I pray the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand and give your heart His peace!!!
Thank you, Irene.
There is always this expectation at this time of year that real life should be put on hold and suddenly we should be happy and merry. But often circumstances in our lives are far being either.
The first thing we all have to do is give ourselves a break, because despite what holidays movies, malls, television ads and lifestyle magazine say Christmas isn’t about the well decorated house, or the perfect baked cookie or buying the coolest gift. Christmas is about God giving US a gift, Jesus Christ. All we need to do for Christmas is be grateful for that gift- that’s it.
In your case Doreen, may I humbly suggest you can celebrate Christmas by just remembering all the wonderful times God gave you with your husband. Yes, you can be sad he is not with you in the here and now yet balance that with gratitude for all the years you did have and contemplate the joy of spending eternity with him worshiping God in highest heaven. If that is all you do for Christmas this year, you would have honored God for His gift to you, who is Emmanuel.
Personally after a loss in my life I found it necessary to give up some Christmas traditions that were too sad to do without the loved one that is no longer here, but instead I did something different that honored that person. Also, like any day of the year, the best way to cope with sadness and stop bitterness or depression from taking over is to focus not on our pain, but the helping others with their. So maybe you can be a shoulder for your co worker this year, ask the Lord to help you to help her– that too is a way to honor God for His gift of Christ.
I hope that helps you or anyone else going through a difficult time. Christmas cannot always be merry, but it can always be peaceful when we allow God’s gift of Christ to live in our hearts.
Thank you Donna.
Amen Donna! Wonderful!
Hi Doreen
The death of a loved one – and especially a spouse – on any ‘special day’ or ‘special holiday’ is that much more traumatic. My father died on December 18 and buried on Dec. 23. I was only 13 but the loss was substantial – and now that I am 72, there still is a big hole – as I experience what I lost never to regain But God allows us to grieve in our own individual way however long it takes and ‘whatever’ emotions we feel. Often people expect us to get over it quickly but I remember how I felt one year after my daughter died. I was actually angry as the year when so fast and I was still in deep grief. The good news is that whether we feel his presence or not, God is often closer to us in our pain and grief and in our joy and happiness. Be encouraged, be strengthens and be yourself and God’s. He is with you. See Isaiah 41:10 also Isaiah 43:1-3.. God says, “I have redeemed thee, I have called you by name; YOU ARE MINE”., He is loving you by his Holy Spirit who is our Comforter and Strengthener – and through the many people who love and care about you and will uphold you in prayer and encouragement. The Good news of Christ, “His Name shall be called Immanuel meaning “God WITH us”. Kind regards and every blessing. 2 Cor. 1:1-4 Samuel
Hi Doreen
Just a clarification on my earlier comments to you. I didn’t mean to say that it has taken me 72 years of grieving. But I meant to say, is that even after all these years, whenever the special Christmas Time comes around, I still miss my father. Right now, it is only a year for you and the loss is still huge – especially when it is linked to the Christmas Season. Our prayers are with you.
Doreen I will keep you in my prayers I have found when my father passed away
never keep your feelings inside share them with a close friend you trust it
really helps.
Lianne Hogg
Doreen my heart is with you. I find holidays hard as well. I lost my only child on Nov 29th. It has been 26 years and I still find the holidays hard. I just concentrate of the birth of our dear Jesus. That and prayer help. Praying for you my friend in Christ.
Thank you. My husband of 57 years went to his reward. It’s just that – His Reward! I know where he is. Thanks again.
This is the Day the Lord has made, and I CHOOSE TO REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!
Took note of your needs, Catherine, Gisela, Mary Stewart and husband, Doreen and Donna and pray now that the Lord will meet your every need as He knows all about them and He is able. God bless you sisters. He loves you.
Thank you so much Ger! God Bless you!!!
Thank you
Love & prayers to all who are having a difficult time with the approaching Christmas celebration remembering lost loved ones years past. Put your hand in the hand of JESUS. HE will see you thru’ this time.
Thank you all for your comments everyone is precious to me
my husband died 2 years ago in December And Oh it seems like yesterday
I hold onto Jesus hand , I read in the scriptures His promise He will
be the husband of the widow…God loves you……R….
well, if you could see me I am dancing a celebration dance! I am so thankful that I am not the only one who feels YUK at this time of the year! I once asked God why couldn`t Christmas be in July, the weather is warm, and people are in different attitude but……
I try and attend as many concerts after September, i attend a play put on by the high school or some band concerts, i do what I can to stay out of my home as much as I am able,
right now because it`s full moon and colder I am not swimming, I don`t wish to catch a cold BUT I do go to 7-11 and hang out there every other evening and the people I meet are fantastic, everyone seems lonely, so a kind word or even just saying `hello`can change a mood!
Someone told me years ago that when family gets together be prepared for fighting, and be prepared for someone to gossip about someone else in the family, that was such good advice for me and after that I didn`t care who said what about whom!
I start on December 1st writing on anything even a newspaper in BIG LETTERS one thing every day I am thankful for AND I ALSO WRITE IN BIG LETTERS MY DREAMS FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR! I don`t buy newspaper but my wonderful neighbour gives hers to me after she has read them and I write on them!
I`ve also realized that it`s not just because it is Christmas that we feel a bit blue but the weather and shorter days less sunlight contribute to this factor also!
My body feels as if there is 1 million tons on my back, as we get closer to the 21st of December (winter equinox) it will get heavier BUT THEN ON OR ABOUT THE 29th of DECEMBER, IT BEGINS TO CHANGE BECAUSE THE EARTH IS TURNING BACK TOWARDS THE SUN!
I am so thankful for everyone sharing their feelings! THIS IS GREAT! the devil is fleeing, he can`t keep a Christian down! Remember Jesus had great depression also just prior to Him going to the Cross! Can you IMAGINE OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR SWEATING BLOOD! I am going to begin to cry now which also is a very good thing!
again I say THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ON THIS BLOG! Let us continue to share our feelings, continue to uplift each other in prayer, and many will learn about having these kind of feelings before Christmas,;.and realize it`s normal……GOD BLESS EVERYONE TODAY.
.
please pray for Barbara (senioir) she met a man on Christian Mingle, fell in love and ended up being scammed $300,000.
The man preyed on her loneliness!
Please pray the Lord will reimburse her the money and she will not have to sell her home! Pray the Lord will convict the man and that he would feel obligated to return the money and wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if the man repented and received Jesus Christ as His Lord and Saviour!
Barbara was on TV, feels horrible at being scammed but told her story so others can be aware of these scams! Lord I pray You will reimbuse this gal all her money, thank you in Jesus Name We Pray AMEN
Thank you for your prayers.
Rob I know that hymn. I was thinking of
” Face to Face with Christ, my Saviour,
Face to Face what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ, who died for me.”
Both beautiful and meaningful hymns.
Catherine, I know your pain, I have 3 torn rotator cuff ligaments on my left shoulder, and have just had 2 more diagnosed on my right shoulder. I have recieved some relief from cortisone injections given by my surgeon. Today, at physio, I had a good cry, my therapist is a believer, and she encouraged me with her comments, and verses of Scripture. God is so good. I did feel better!! May God richly bless all who participate in this blog, David and his family especially. Thank you all again for your prayers.