THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7-8
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Jewish men and women pray at the Western Wall, the retaining wall of the Temple platform from Jesus’ time in the Old City of Jerusalem. In yesterday’s and today’s reading, we find the words, “Bind them on your heart and your fingers,” referring to your father’s words and God’s commands. This Orthodox Jew in the photo takes this literally and wraps a binding around his arm and fingers to emphasize his commitment. Notice the paper under the man’s hand. He has a written prayer that he will leave in the cracks between the stones. I have placed written prayers given to me by blog readers there. This is not a shortcut to God, but it does emphasize the fervency of the prayers offered.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 7:1-3
My son, keep my words,
And treasure my commands within you.
Keep my commands and live,
And my law as the apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Think of just how we would react if we were about to get hit in the eye. Immediately, we must learn to put up our protective guard! The foolish young man described in our reading did not protect himself and the result is that he goes, “as an ox to the slaughter” (7:22a). What a graphic description of the end result of sin. A New Testament reading is James 1:14-16.
Proverbs 8 speaks to us of wisdom personified. The lens through which we see with insight is the Person of Jesus! Jesus referred to Himself as, “the Wisdom of God” (Luke 11:49). The Apostle Paul also refers to Jesus as “the Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Unlike the seductive voice in the darkness, Wisdom’s voice speaks out in the daylight in public places (for Crossroads it’s through various media outlets), because God does not want any to perish. God has given us the job of proclaiming Wisdom. He longs to fill our “treasuries.” The Word says that “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!” (Luke 12:34 – Jesus, our Treasure).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for the Crossroads Family of Ministries and all who take their stand on the top of the high hill (TV transmitters, satellite uplinks, and the worldwide web). Lord Jesus, they are representing You at the place where the paths meet, the “crossroads” (Proverbs 8:2). Help me to support them with my prayers, with my finances, and by my words of encouragement! In the Name of the One who is front and centre at “Crossroads,” the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
It was the Summer I turned 18. I was employed in the research lab at the Magnesium mine located at Haley’s Station, Ontario. A part of my job was to dispose of a red-hot core of thorium metal into the barrel marked for that purpose. As I did so the barrel exploded into my face. Someone had put titanium primary powder in the wrong barrel and it ignited. Parts of my face were burned to the extent that I had to spend several days in hospital having burned skin peeled off. Miraculously, my eyes were not damaged. The doctor said that my split second reaction to bring my gloved hands in front of my eyes saved them. To me it was obvious that God had a plan for my life and my time was not up yet! This experience comes to mind every time I read Proverbs 7:2. I also pray often to the Lord to “Keep me as the apple of Your eye” (Psalm 17:8a).
Yours for being as quick and careful to obey God’s Word as we are to protect the apple of our eyes,
David
Here are some of my friends at the ruins of Bet She’an (or Beth Shan), the city where King Saul’s body was hung on the wall by the Philistines after Israel’s defeat (1 Samuel 31:10). Saul was not careful to keep God’s commands and he brought disaster upon himself and his sons.
I’m SO THANKFUL that God is in control! I do pray for Wisdom to walk the path before us. He is so trustworthy. Amen? Thank You Lord. Bless our families and friends everywhere. Glorify Yourself in all the world and in every corner. Amen.
Amen
Amen Doreen.
Amen Dreen.
Lord I pray for Wisdom!!!
Amen, Doreen. I had to read Proverbs 8 again and again – even out loud. It is so powerful!
Father, all Your people cry out for the wisdom You so long to give us. I agree with David’s prayer too – bless and amplify the proclamation of Truth and Wisdom all over the world. Help all Your children take Your instruction to heart and live by it, with Your help every step of the way, in Jesus’s faithful name, amen
Amen
Sorry I meant to say Blessed’s granddaughter. 🙏
Amen
I ask for prayers for my granddaughter who lost her”significant other” in the mudslide . He has been identified.
How tragic Blessed. Father, in Jesus Name, comfort this lady in the way she needs it right now. Draw her mightily to Yourself, showing her, in the days ahead, that You have a different path for her to walk. May she feel Your Presence with her as You direct and comfort her. Amen.
Beautiful prayer Doreen for Blesseds granddaughter. I prayed it also.
Amen.
Agreeing with you in prayer Doreen,
for Blessed’s granddaughter.
My sincere condolences for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you that God would comfort you at this time of grief 🙏
I am so sorry to hear this tragic news Blessed. Praying to our Heavenly Father for your granddaughter, to give her strength and comfort during this difficult time of sudden loss.
Blessed, I am sorry to hear of your granddaughter’s loss. I pray for comfort for her and everyone affected by this loss. What a tragic situation! May God intervene and bring consolation to these precious people who have been experiencing the floods and its effects.
Agreeing with all the prayers for Doreen’s granddaughter . This is a terrible situation for that dear lady and for others who desperately need our prayers .
Dear Lord have mercy on each and everyone , they need you so much. By your Holy Spirit touch their hearts draw them to Yourself and comfort them as they go through this terrible crisis . In Jesus precious name Amen.
Eleanor M.
IN case you didn’t see my apology above I meant to say Blessed’s granddaughter . 🙏
Praise God that David’s eyes were saved in that accident!
Praying for Blessed Granddaughter.
God be with her give her peace during this time In Jesus Name
Amen