Wednesday, December 8, 2021

CHARACTER

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 31

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 in the Archaeological Museum in Pella, Greece, is a golden leaf crown. This was created to resemble the wreath of leaves placed on the head of Olympic champions. Of course the Emperor had to have one made of Gold. Today’s reading should help us all strive to be the best we can be with God’s Spirit working 24/7 within us.

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

 

Key Verses: Proverbs 31:10-11

Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;

So he will have no lack of gain.

 

Could it be that Solomon was describing his own mother and the wife of his father. David and Bathsheba’s first child died at birth, and Solomon was their #2 child. No doubt Bathsheba shared in the words of repentance found in Psalm 51. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that King Lemuel, whose name is mentioned in this chapter, was Solomon himself and that Lemuel was one of Solomon’s names which means, “One who comes from God.” Wesley notes, “Perhaps David and Bathsheba, as a pledge of their reconciliation with God, gave Solomon this name, along with others, to remind him of his obligation to God.” It’s very possible that in Solomon’s eyes, his mother Bathsheba became the “virtuous wife” he describes. We serve a God who redeems the fallen and who, by His Holy Spirit, develops character so that a person, made in God’s image, can change and grow into the “stature of the fulness of Christ.” For a New Testament reading check out Ephesians 4:12-16.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray with my whole being for Your help to fulfill all the potential that You desire to develop in me. Help me to be honest, virtuous and honourable. May the character of Jesus grow more and more in me, not by my own efforts alone, but by Your Spirit filling me, changing me, and growing me until I come into the “stature of the fulness of Christ.” Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Over the years I have read extensively about a man of character, Nelson Mandela, as well as reading his own writings.  Mandela said on one occasion, “One thing 27 years in prison taught me was to use the silence of solitude to realize how precious words are.” Reading this and thousands of Mandela’s other words has caused me to strive to do a better job of using words here on my blog. I’ve read that during his years in prison with just bread and water for breakfast, he would lift the bread to God and say, I receive this in remembrance of Your body, Lord Jesus, and with the water, “I receive this in remembrance of Your blood.” This would have been in keeping with his Wesleyan Methodist upbringing. Then he would be taken outside to the hard labour which they required of him. I saw a photo in a Toronto newspaper from just before Mandela was elected President. It was of Mandela, DeKlerk, President at the time of South Africa, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Zulu people, kneeling together during a prayer meeting. A bloody civil war was averted, and a week later Mandela was President. Could Mandela’s deep and mainly private relationship with God have been the secret of his amazing strength of character? I leave this for you to judge.

Yours for becoming all we can be with the great help of God’s Spirit dwelling within us,

David

8 thoughts on “Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  1. Dear Lord God, sometimes it seems like such a long way to go, but thank You for being with us each step of the way. Thank You for Your guidance, Your instruction, Your shepherds, and Your Spirit to help us. Strengthen all Your children today, Lord, and help us do the things You have prepared for us thankfully and diligently, in Jesus’s name, amen

  2. “We serve a God who redeems the fallen and who, by His Holy Spirit, develops character, so that a person, made in God’s image, can change and grow into the stature of the fullness of Christ”

    David’s writing this morning just brings hope and joy to my heart, and it also humbles me and I pray along with David, the prayer for today.

    I have been receiving the little Advent messages and prayers written by various Crossroads staff members to my inbox.
    Yesterday’s was written by Cheryl Weber, I believe, and in part it said… there can be hope and peace even in difficult and messy times….(paraphrased by me)

    May God Bless and keep all bloggers today in His wonderful peace..

  3. Anne: I also found hope in today”s blog and prayed David’s prayer as my own,Such a Blessing to read this first thing in the morning, it sets me up for the day ahead. I have made a note of Proverbs 31 verses 30&31.
    Blessings to everyone today. Eleanor M.

  4. Rob, Anne and Eleanor- thank you for your words and prayers.
    Eleanor- praying for you and Edward
    Praying for all those in prisons throughout this world. Mandala must have been a wonderful example for others.

  5. Jesus will never leave us – even to the ends of the earth! In solitude He can minister to us – get our attention more easily. I believe Mr Mandela grew so much closer to God during his long imprisonments. Thanks for the link, William. Blessings all.

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