"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin; considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." (Hebrews 12:24-26).
Think about it. As a child of God, living in his kingdom, guided daily by the Holy Spirit and pursuing His will, why would you envy any sinner? As Moses rejected the pleasures of Pharaoh's kingdom, so should Christian children reject the promises of those who are living sinful lives in the world controlled by Satan. We should reject the athlete who does not live a moral life. We should reject the banker who steals from clients. We should reject the politician who uses fear mongering to control constituents. We should reject the media hound that is in it for money and power and not truth and facts. These are just a few examples of so called worldly successful people and there are many more in every walk of life.
Solomon teaches that we should not let our hearts envy sinners, but recognize that we live in the mighty kingdom of God given to us by His son, Jesus Christ. There are many today who are worried about material possessions and tough economic times. This is not the time to worry, but a time to pray. It is a time to take care of our neighbors. But most important, it is a time to return to God and to worship Him.
Proverbs 23 - Teaches us today?
Proverbs 23:17 "(17) Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always."
Psalm 46:8-11 (Theme: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God). "(8) Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. (9) He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. (10) "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (11) The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. "
Today's question. Is God always with His children?
Always. Jesus said: "Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world." (John 17:24).
Solomon was worried that his son would envy sinners and he was teaching him to live in respect of the Lord. Solomon was born about 970 years before Christ and did not have the pleasure of knowing Him as we do. Every Christian has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God and recognizing this fact as we approach the Easter holiday is a wonderful gift indeed. Think about it. The question we should ask: ‘What is God's plan for my life?'
I do not need to pursue the course of evil. I do not need to seek to be like and with sinners, when I am a child of God, given that status through the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for me. He suffered for me. There is no doubt that He loves me. Therefore my focus should always be toward the light of His kingdom and to continue to live in His Mighty Fortress.
Dear God, The words of all languages are inept to express the gratitude I feel in my heart for the wonderful gift of salvation given to me by Jesus Christ. I ask you to search my heart and receive the understanding, the appreciation and the love I cannot express. Amen.
The Newness Of Life Daily Bible Message is designed for those who like to take a short respite from the day's responsibilities to enjoy the contemplation of God's word. This daily message is based primarily upon the belief that to read some of Proverbs and some of Psalm everyday will provide us with great spiritual growth and development when done consistently with discipline. Phillip Saxton and contibute to Newness Of Life Ministries (NOL) Phillip Saxton, www.NewnessOfLife.com. Phillip can be reached at saxton AT MiTowne dot com
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