GOOD MEDICINE
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16-17
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
These Israeli spices were once used for cooking and medicine. According to our key verse, not only does a merry heart spice up our lives, but it is the true health food!
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
In the synagogue at Nazareth Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:16-30). This was Jesus’ mission statement as He began three years of public ministry. He declares that “The Spirit of the Lord…has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…”
When reading this book, it’s difficult to choose which proverb to highlight. These words are dripping with wisdom! Examples — “Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established” (16:3) and “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18). Consider this, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (16:25). Then there are prescriptions for maintaining good health, our key verse, as well as, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (16:24). All grandparents need to listen up, particularly grandfathers: “Children’s children are the crown of old men” (17:6a). Who are our true friends? “A friend loves at all times” (17:17a). This works both ways. Each one of us needs to ask ourself, “Am I a true friend?”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I’m not capable of carrying out the wisdom of the Proverbs on my own. I ask for Your daily grace. (I’m singing as I type, the old hymn written by Joseph Scrivens of Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus!”…click here for a rendition of this classic song when Guy Penrod sang it on 100 Huntley Street). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
My reaction to the Proverbs is “WOW!” and “OUCH!” I have learned a little wisdom (very little I think sometimes), and I am learning more as I read, mark, remember, and inwardly digest what I’m reading. For example, I need to do better in sticking to my goal of 100 words in each section of this blog. The last verse of Proverbs says, “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips [keeps to 100 words in my case], he is considered perceptive.” That’s it! I’ll stop right now. My original idea in this blog was to be short, so busy people would find time to read the Scriptures daily and complete the entire Bible in two years.
Yours with the intention of dispensing the wisdom of the ages,
David
P.S. I found it hard to resist a few more words, given the topic of our key verse! Please check out this segment from 100 Huntley Street from a couple of years ago, when we featured a DVD offer of our made-for-TV seniors’ series called Really Good Medicine (click here). I’m not sure if any copies of the DVD are still available, but to find out you could call the Crossroads order line during business hours at 1-800-265-3100.
Hi David, I love reading your blog, every word of it!
Amen! Have a question. Jesus said in Matthew 5:22b”…but whosoever shall say,” Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” yet the word ,”fool” is used quite often in Proverbs and other places in the New Testament. Should we be repeating verses from Proverbs with fool in them now that we are under grace?
just ,my opinion but to me a fool is someone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour;
is someone who does realize that they are sinners saved by grace; is someone who goes on their merry way living in the world, doing wordly things, not sharing, not giving, no empathy, someone who always needs to be in the limelight….and so on…….
yesterday I saw the news and a man who was severly injured a year ago and in the accident his wife passed away, and he had a long journey of healing but when interviewed he talked about all his problems and he wants the driver of the other vehicle to pay dearly….and I understood this attitude but I thought to myself “you fool, you don’t seem to have experienced the forgiveness of God when we sin, or as it says in the Lord’s Prayer;;;;;;;FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US?;;;;
this man is very bitter and he wants the driver thrown in jail and he’s going to sue him etc etc etc….and as I said, I understand those feelings, but,,,,,,,,,,this was is a senior, yes, he lost his wife of 40 years…..but somewhere, in my opinion, there has to be forgiveness…..if he dies with this hard heart, he won’t be talking to Jesus!
in my opinion I felt he was a “fool”……..
David, I for one don’t mind in the least your going over 100 words: gracious words are a fountain of life! May God keep giving you the wisdom and grace to keep sharing his wonderful Word with us. God bless you!
Yes write a 1000 words. We love to hear your words of teaching & wisdom.
You are absolutely right Sah. That man is indeed a fool. You cannot mince with God’ word. Anyone who does is really a fool. And the are indeed in danger of the fires of hell.
I wish I could post and image quoting Will Rogers that I think David would like:
” Never miss a good chance to shut up.”lol
I often share portions of 100 Words on my FB and,like David today,I found it difficult to pick-and-choose so I pick some and left the 100 Words link for others to choose their own.God bless
What Do We Take
What do we take when we go
And leave this nursery here below,
Do we take a bank account
To what would that amount?
We take happiness and love,
For that is all there is above
There will be no pain or hate
When we’re through Heaven’s gate.
There’ll be not one single tear,
Nor any danger or evil to fear,
And envy’s lies will not be near,
Nor sorrows cries will we hear.
All our hopes and dreams stay
With the things we give away,
For once we leave this place
We’ll gaze upon His holy face.
G W (Bill) Marshall /17,Oct,2011
Very beautiful, thanks Bill and God bless.
Thank you Bill Marshall…true words of wisdom!!!
Amen–such wonderful words of wisdom in today’s Proverbs. You always provide the right mix of scriptures, links, meaning and length of message, David. What a wonderful gift you have provided us with your blog! I so enjoyed listening to Guy Penrod sing ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’! God’s continued blessings, dear saints! Wishing all a day filled with merriment, magical memories and miracles ever present in the making!
“He said to me, ‘Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.’ Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.” Ezekiel 3:3 NASB
Having this daily blog has been uplifting and precious. Thank you Pastor David, your family and my fellow bloggers for all the postings and songs and links to other scriptures.
Blessings to all.
Amen.
Amen
WOW!
Thank you Rev. Mainse for all your stories. Wish you would be able to go over the 100 words more often. Love Guy Penrod hymns and songs.
A little Caribbean Praise, We have an Anchor that keeps the soul:
https://youtu.be/juIX-dMJUC4
God bless.
Amen! Lynda
David
I send out weekly a thought for the week and it was on my heart to share today’s with you.
Ohhhhhhhhh today so true.
Be a contributor
Leaders must go after being a contributor, making a significant difference in the lives of other people, in our churches, constituencies, organizations, family and our country. We must leave behind our greatness and goodness. We are capable of doing that and of all things and we must do it. I have said it before— JUST DO IT– Just go out and make a difference where ever you live, work or play. Go out where you see injustice and step between it. Don’t be afraid to put out the helping hand when you see someone hurting. Show them kindness and they can heal and have a better life. Where there is despair, give them hope. While we want to be happy — the end result of our goal setting– it can’t be accomplished by trying to impress people — you need to be impressed with yourself firstly. Inside you need to respect yourself and treat yourself with dignity. As you are authentic, progressive and effective you will become a great contributor.
LORD, HELP ME BE A GREAT CONTRIBUTOR EVERY DAY!
AMEN— AMEN— AMEN!!
A wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.
ECCLESIASTES 8:5
David,
Just wanted to let you know that yesterday I completed reading the Bible in two years on 100Words.ca. and started over again this morning. It has been a wonderfull journey and I feel very enriched by it. The two year time frame is perfect. I promote it whenever I have an opportunity as an enjoyable , meaningfull, life changing experience. I thank God for giving you the talent, self discipline, endurance, perserverance etc. and enabling this to happen through you. Incidentally, I turned 80 on June 15 this year, survived prostate cancer surgery 13 years ago, and like you, feel blessed that God is still keeping me around. But am ready if He calls. My wife Carolyn and I are pictured with the Wailing Wall group in your recent November 25th blog. Hope you are having a good and Godly day.
Thank you, God bless , Dave Todd
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS, Amen!
Hi David …I too love reading your blog…as you expound on the scripture of the day…the extra scripture you include…the videos, stories of your life and that of your family members, etc., etc. …
I watched 100Huntley Street the day Guy Penrod sang “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”:
Also I have a DVD of “Really Good Medicine” …thank you for sharing the one of “Walter Gretzky” …It is a special encouragement to me, as at this time my sister Ollie needs her mind to be restored…after the trauma of being the care-give to her husband for many years: who suffers from Alzeimers and now is in an extended care home.
Thank you again for this blog.
and thank you bloggers for you input and prayers.
I should have said “he her husband suffers from Alzeimers”
Hi Ger
I forgot I could have posted my comment here but put it under your blog!
blessings to all