A LAMP AND A LIGHT

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 6

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

On display at the Convent of the Sisters of Zion in the Old City of Jerusalem on the Via Delarosa are several oil lamps from ancient times. During my last trip to Nazareth, every member of our group of 100 was given a lamp like the ones above by the people at the Nazareth Village. A wick came with the lamps, but we must fill the lamps with olive oil and light our lamps. Olive oil is the symbol of spiritual life! The Spirit of God is symbolized by fire. Let’s be energetic in shining our lights in the darkness of this world!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Proverbs 6:6, 9

Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise…
How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?

Solomon encourages industry and hard work! He mocks the “sluggard” and tells us to learn from the “ant.” Discipline, diligence, perseverance and co-operation are all evident in the energetic work of an ant. The next person Solomon describes is one who is not slothful, but even worse. He devises evil. He busies himself with stirring up dissension and deception. Everything he does with his mouth, eyes, feet, and fingers (possibly referring to rude gestures) reflect the perversity of his heart. He sows discord and will reap calamity upon himself. God loves the sinner but hates sinful ways. Solomon lists these ways in the form of a numerical proverb. The six that are listed are a background for the seventh which is: “He sows discord!” The opposite of this is the prayer of Jesus found in John 17:20-26.

The oil and fire are a “Lamp” and a “Light” (Proverbs 6:23a)! God’s Spirit and His Word will keep us from the totally destructive activities of the last twelve verses of Proverbs chapter 6! Amen!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that by Your Spirit and by Your Word I will learn to not be slothful in the way I use my brief time here on earth. Grant the grace to me sufficient to keep me trusting You and obeying your Word! I pray for these mercies in the Name of the One who always obeyed You throughout eternity past, during His earthly life, and who will continue to obey You, Father God, throughout all eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!! (Hebrews 5:7-9).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

[Note: This blog post was originally written November 19, 2015]

I’m at our daughter Elaine Stacey’s home just now. The spare room bed is exceptionally comfortable. It was a challenging decision this morning to “Rise from your [my] sleep.” The question is asked, “How long will you slumber?” In my final years as the daily host of the 100 Huntley Street daily live telecast, I would rise at 3:30 a.m. to prepare my heart and mind for the new day. It is said that it takes two weeks of constant repetition to form a habit, good or bad, and less than that to break a habit. I confess that now in my 80th year, I’m rising a little later. Nevertheless, the principles are the same. Discipline and regularity are vital to spiritual health.

In his autobiography, our new Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, tells the story of taking the Alpha Course at a church in his area. The 100 Huntley Street telecast introduced Alpha to Canada some years ago. Click here for a look back at an interview I did in 1995 with the Alpha Course Founder, Nicky Gumbel. Whether or not we voted for Mr. Trudeau’s political party, let’s remember to pray for him daily. “Pray for those in authority” is the clear instruction from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Yours to help us all “RISE and SHINE!”

David

P.S. The photo below is at the Nazareth Village in front of a 430 year old olive tree which we visited with friends. The Nazareth Village is an effort to recreate life as it may have been at the time when Jesus was a Child, a Teenager, and a working Man until He was 30 years old and began His public ministry.

In Nazareth Village with a shepherd.