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 the 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

I am standing in Bethlehem’s Manger Square as they prepare for the Christmas celebrations (2013). The Church of the Nativity is in the background. This is probably one of the tallest artificial Christmas trees in the world. They are just starting to decorate it.