Proverbs Devotional

Day 31 - Proverbs 31: DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH

2010-08-31T00:00:00.020+08:00

Prov 31:29, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

She is every Christian woman's role model and secret rival. Every man's dream wife and helpmate. She's the oft quoted, highly praised "Proverbs 31 Woman" - virtuous wife, dutiful mother, shrewd businesswoman, fair employer, able homemaker, generous giver and avid social worker. And the wonder is, she seems to juggle these varied roles with such finesse! What is the secret to her perfect balance?

I, like many Christian women today, am often hard pressed to "keep it all together." Did the Proverbs Lady struggle with all her responsibilities, I wonder? Although it did not seem apparent in chapter 31, I believe she did, and so will you and I!

As I mull over this proverb, I realize that I may not always be perfectly balanced or 'together', but I do need to constantly be walking in the fear of the Lord, for "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that FEARS the LORD, she shall be praised." Prov 31:30.

Among all her admirable qualities (and there many!), the one that sums her up most aptly was not her housekeeping skill, nor was it her management or business acumen but her FEAR of God. When she is walking in her highest calling - that of a DAUGHTER and CHILD of God, she is at her best, and I believe, that gives her the strength and wisdom to be all that God has called her to be.

Ladies, do you, like me, struggle to be the best wife, mother, employee, cell leader, supervisor, daughter-in-law, and so on? Or have you, in your quest to balance your multiple roles, forgotten your highest calling as Daughters of God? Take some time to sit at your Father's side and enjoy Him today.

Sarah Lim
Ps Thomas' wife

Day 30 - Proverbs 30

2010-08-30T00:00:00.006+08:00

Proverbs 30:7-9 - "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

When I read these verses, what struck me was Agur’s love for God. Agur only asked for two things while he was still alive. The first was to keep falsehood and lies far from him. Most of us don’t outrightly plan to lie. But, in the heat of the moment, we sometimes exaggerate things or distort the facts just to save ourselves from unnecessary trouble, or to gain favour with others. How many times have you said – “I’ve done it” when you actually haven’t?. How about when you say - “I’ll do it” but don’t intend to actually...?.

Agur recognised how he (like us) was prone to this weakness, and asked God to keep him from it. What could prompt a man to ask this of God unless he truly loves Jesus? I mean, lying – white lies or otherwise – is so common it’s almost like a way of living in today’s world. Lie about your qualifications to get that job. Exaggerate your testimony a little to make it more ‘sensational’. All these may seem harmless, but a sin is still a sin. Sin grieves the heart of God, and keeps you from the much more life.

Consider his second request – “give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”. Agur was asking God to not make him poor or rich, but give him just enough for each day.

Having too little may make him dishonour God. Do you know that when you’re financially strapped, you can be tempted to steal? I’m sure we don’t set out to be thieves; but we sometimes ‘steal’ in these ways – not returning extra change, or under declaring our earnings to enjoy certain privileges. Agur knows how being poor can make him vulnerable to such a sin. Because Agur loves God, he prays -‘bless me with money, but not too much… I don’t want to dishonour Your name in any way.’

Having too much may make him disown God. Not love Him. Hence, Agur prays ‘protect me from too much wealth’. The pre-believing banker earning big bucks may have more money than he has time to spend. To this man, you might want to say, ‘You need Jesus’. However, they think they’re doing fine without Him. Even for us as believers, wealth can make us feel accomplished, empowered and self sufficient…

Therefore, Agur wisely prayed - ‘just give me what I need each day’. That way, it’ll keep him close to God and dependent on Him. It’ll keep him loving God for who He is and what He can do. George Mueller had some incredible stories of how God provided for his orphanages. One day they had no food for lunch, and so, he prayed for God to provide lunch. Soon, there was a knock on the door, and a guy said his bread truck broke down right in front of the orphanage, and that he’d like to unload all his bread there while the truck was getting fixed.

The much more life is not having more riches or none. It’s loving God the way Agur did!

Ps Tan Sok Hwee

Day 29 - Proverbs 29

2010-08-29T00:00:00.005+08:00

Prov 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

We fear people. We are afraid of their disapproval. We are afraid that they may not like us or that they may become angry with us. There are so many people who have no fear of God but who have a great fear of man. They break the laws of God without any fear of consequences but they are so afraid to lose favour with man.

The fear of man brings a snare. It traps us. We becomes slaves, prisoners to the people we fear. Fearing man causes us to lose out on the ‘much more’ life.

Are you living in such a fear? Is there a superior you are so afraid to offend that you will tell a lie for him? You will collaborate with him to sin against the Lord? Are you so afraid of losing your friends that you dare not make a stand for Christ before them? Are you breaking the laws of God just to find favour with man? It’s a snare.

‘But whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.’

When you truly trust in the Lord, you don’t fear man. Your cry will be “Whom shall I fear?” for you will feel that you have the strength of the Lord to back you up. Trusting in the Lord makes you one with God and that makes you strong. That strength breeds a certain courage and will enable you to ask, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” That courage will lead you to do that which is right in God’s eyes even if it is not approved by man.

That’s liberating. You find yourself living out your life for Christ and none other. That’s the ‘much more’ life. Seize it!

Senior Pastor

Day 28 - Proverbs 28: The Fear Of The LORD

2010-08-28T00:00:00.010+08:00

Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Proverbs 28:14

It is difficult to associate fear with happiness or being in the state of blessedness because fear has to do with scare, dread or torment. And when being tormented, how can I feel happy?

However, the Word of God says that there is a fear, the fear of the LORD, that makes a man truly happy. When I occupy my mind with holy awe and reverence of God, I am mindful of who He is and who I am.

God is holy, He is righteous. He is good and He is the truth. In Him, there is nothing that is unholy, unrighteous, evil or false. Whereas for me? I am sinful and imperfect. The good I want to do, I do not do. Instead I keep doing the bad things that I do not want to do.

Hence, when I who am sinful, come face to face with the holy God, it is only right that I am fearful! Fearful that with my sinful nature, it is so easy for me to sin against Him and causing Him much displeasure!

The only reason God accepts me is because of Jesus Christ. In Christ, God counts me righteous and justified before Him.

At the same time, I must be careful, lest I become presumptuous and think that I can come to God based on my own merits; My talents, My good works, My self-righteousness …Thinking that I am worthy of His love for me! When I harden my heart and depart from the grace of God, that's the time when I am dangerously in trouble!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Do I have this fear so that I live the much more life God so desires to give to me?

Jessica Ho

Day 27 - Proverbs 27

2010-08-27T00:00:00.002+08:00

v7 “A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”

Every bitter thing. How is that possible?

The word that comes to mind is this: Perspective.

To the poor and hungry, a mouldy loaf of bread is a feast! But to the well to do and well fed, that same loaf of bread holds no purpose other than to be disposed of.

In that same way I find that this translates to our spiritual lives as well.

Very often because of our pride and self-sufficient attitudes, the word becomes of no value to us;

But to the one who realizes that he is poor and hungry in spirit, the worst rebuke in the bible would still bring life to his soul!

That’s how we find ‘every bitter thing’ to be sweet. When we realize that we are poor and hungry in spirit indeed!

Have you eaten? ;)

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! – Ps 34:8

Joel Justin

Day 26 - Proverbs 26:18-19 – “I was only joking!”

2010-08-26T00:00:00.009+08:00

Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbour and says, "I was only joking!"

There is a sting to the humour, starkness in the contrast and seriousness in the consequences, which is what you get when you read Proverbs 26. Any way you cut it, the message in verses 18 & 19 is clear, deception is dangerously damaging.

Imagine a guy with a bazooka and an automatic rifle at Orchard Road shooting randomly into the crowd. Then he rushes to those he has shot and says, “Sorry, are you hurt? I didn’t mean it; please don’t take it personally.” You are right! That guy must be crazy. We will never do anything like that, right?

Let me be the first to say, “Guilty as charged”. There have been times when I was careless with my words, yet instead of making restitution for it, I have tried to cover it up with the phrase, “I was just joking”. The bible likens me to a madman, randomly shooting danger and pain into the people around me, and then trying to put a bandage on the wound with “humour”. Wouldn’t it be far better not to cause the wound in the first place? What do you think?

“He that sins in jest, must repent in earnest, or his sin will be his ruin.”

Matthew Henry

Ps Thomas Lim

Day 25 - Proverbs 25

2010-08-25T00:00:00.004+08:00

“Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need.

Lest you be filled with it and vomit.”

– Proverbs 25:16 –

I love to eat buah duku (a kind of tropical fruit). I can eat as much as 3kg all by myself in one sitting and I won’t get tired of eating them every day. However, too much of buah duku can be a bad thing. When I eat too much before bedtime, my stomach would hurt with cramps. Occasionally it gives me constipation. But I simply love buah duku so much that many times, I willingly endure the discomfort after my binge. I really like it!

Proverbs 25:16 indicates that too much of honey makes one vomit. There is a principle that applies here. Too much of the pleasures of life can make you sick. And we can have too much of a good thing.

There is nothing wrong with things that give us pleasure. In this verse, the thing that brings pleasure is honey. God intended for the things He created to bring us pleasure and enjoyment. The problem is not with the things, but our overindulgence in the things.

We live in a world of temptations and we are easily drawn to have more than what we need. It is important and wise for us to learn to be self-controlled and self-disciplined to pry ourselves from these dominating desires.

A greater life is one in which self-control and self-discipline is practiced; where we rule over our cravings and fleshy indulgences. We probably need to say ‘No’ to the number of hours we spend on Facebook and neglect other areas of importance in life. For some, you should have one piece of cake instead of three. For a handful, it is time to stop using your visa credit limit. For some ladies, before you pick up another pair of shoes or another handbag, ask if you really need it or just plainly want it.

Indeed! Contentment is an art to a much more life.

Proverbs 25:8 says: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control.”

What are those indulgent areas you need to say ‘NO’ to? They are road blocks to a much more life in Christ.

Ps Loh Li Li

Day 24 - Proverbs 24

2010-08-24T00:00:00.007+08:00

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. Proverbs 24:26

Like everyone else I grew up struggling with honesty over the smallest issues. I told the truth, but would exaggerate sometimes. It started with lies to my grandma about who left the tap running all night long, then where I was going on a Friday night as a teen. I would fudge the truth with friends on how well I did at hurdles and I’d lie to teachers when asked if I’d read the assignment they had given.

After I became an adult, honest answers weren’t consistent with my growing up. I’d lie to people I didn’t want to do dinner with and tell them I was busy. I’d tell people I didn’t get didn’t get any message from them about me having to call them back.

My wife wasn’t spared from my stretching of the truth. She would insist I brush my teeth before I slept and on days that I was too lazy to brush my teeth, I would just lie to her that I did. If she was to press me further, I would appear angry that she is questioning my integrity. Often I would overlook our calendar and forget to tell her we had a dinner and then blame it in on her that she was the one who forgot so that I didn’t have to take any responsibility.

Looking back, I was so stupid. Every lie I told was taking away from my life. It was reducing me. Yet, I rationalized my lies with “They aren’t really hurting anyone. No one will ever find out. They’re just exaggerations.” How wrong I was. The person I was hurting most was me. I was the one who was losing with every lie.

No one ever sets out to become a liar. No one ever sets out to not be trustworthy. No one ever dreams of having people question what they say because you have exaggerated so much.

I love how the Message translation puts this verse: “An honest answer is like a warm hug.” Truth is inviting. Truth builds up. Truth is the foundation of relationship. Truth is the belt that holds up the rest of the armour of God. In that sense, truth protects. It adds to life. It holds up the ‘much more’ life.

I thank the Lord for putting painful checks in my spirit over the years to be truthful. It has not been an easy journey but it has been so very rewarding. I love it now when I speak and people feel the warmth of truth. I love the deep lasting friendships I have built because there is mutual truthfulness.

But I still need so much more grace because it is easier to lie; it appears sometimes more attractive to lie. But I desire the kiss of friendship more than the kiss of the enemy. At least now I go to sleep with a happy wife who knows that I am telling the truth about brushing my teeth!

Senior Pastor

Day 23 - Proverbs 23

2010-08-23T00:00:00.004+08:00

Prov 23:13-14 – “Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell.”

The other day when Aziel, my 2 yr old boy’s childcare teacher told me how he was ‘punished’ for misbehaving in class, I appreciated her for doing that. I went on to tell her that at times my husband and I had to cane him for throwing tantrums, or when he refused to take instructions. Of course, we always explain to him why we cane him. Judging from her expression, I could tell she was shocked. She muttered - ‘but he’s only 2 years old…’.

However, verse 13 tells us that we must not withhold correction from our children, and spare the rod when they are disobedient. If we do, we are only sending him or her to a ‘certain death’.

According to the bible, all children have foolishness in their hearts. Prov 22:15: Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. The biblical definition of a fool means one who is a rebel. This verse is saying that all children have rebellion in them and when it surfaces, it is our duty as parents to drive it out of them.

Discipline of children should begin at an early age; especially when the child understands what ‘yes’ and ‘no’ means. If not, we will only encourage rebellion… The point is that the small pain they feel now, will prevent them from feeling great pain in future or in some cases death...

I once read a tragic but true story of this 3 year old girl who was the darling of the family, as she was the only child and first grandchild in the family. She loved to ignore her parents’ instructions. When they told her to sit down, she would stand up. Her parents found her behaviour cute and would usually laugh at her antics.

One day, the gate in their front yard was left open. The parents saw the little girl escaping out of the yard and proceeding towards the road. To their horror, a speeding car raced down the street. The girl was running out between 2 parked cars into the traffic. They both screamed for her to turn back. She paused for a second to look back at her parents, then gleefully laughed as she turned and ran directly onto the path of the oncoming car. Needless to say, she died a violent death.

Parents should not fear that caning or spanking will hurt or kill their kids although they may scream and shout. On the contrary, it is a kindness to a child, as they will respect authority, if it is done properly and not out of anger. Godly discipline will keep children from being dysfunctional later in life. The real abuse to the child is not to cane or spank them when they need correction.

Ps Tan Sok Hwee

Day 22 - Proverbs 22: Children Are Gifts From God!

2010-08-22T00:00:00.004+08:00

Being single, I used to give little thoughts about raising children, impacting them and leaving behind a legacy for them. This will be something that I think about when I get married and have children of my own.

Then I came to work in the church and Children’s Church fell under my portfolio. Right from the start, I was mindful that every child is an assignment from God. But from time to time, I will also wonder … so what if they are? and what will happen if I reject the assignment?

As I read Proverbs 22 during this season, I kept coming back to verse 6, which reads, Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

No doubt the responsibility of training up a child is primarily the parents', yet there is a place where others can and must play in training these young lives. “Train up a child in the way he should go” implies that there is more than one way. The child can either take the wise or the foolish and shameful way. And I can influence him the way he goes!

Having accepted this assignment from God and doing all the right things including spending time with the child, loving her*, praying for her, disciplining her etc. Does it guarantee that she will turn out well and follow the way of the Lord all the days of her life? How can I be certain that my influence over her will always be good? What happens if my efforts do not produce godly children? [* her for girls and him for boys]

"... even when he is old he will not depart from it ..." At the end of the day, the question I need to ask is whether I can trust God that with all that I have invested, God will not let it to waste.

Children are gifts from God. While He entrusted them to me, He loves them and they first belong to Him. He graciously assigns them to me, knowing that through Him, I can be an influence to them. More importantly, He knows that through them, I will become the woman that God has intended me to be.

Jessica Ho

Day 21 - Proverbs 21: "Can You Hear Them?"

2010-08-21T00:00:00.006+08:00

Proverbs 21:13, “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”

This verse literally jumped up at me, and I thought about how being attentive to the cry of the poor leads to the “much more” life. Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.1 The bible also instructs us specifically to minister to the poor.2 All around the world, the poor are crying out for help − to educate their children, to feed their hungry, to break their cycle of poverty, to empower them to rise up and stand on their own feet, and eventually to put them on the giving side. That’s the vision for our work in Timor Leste – to raise up future leaders of the nation from Shallom School, who will be poised to give back to the society one day.

Take a pause now and reflect with me. When was the last time you went to bed hungry? Do you know how many people would go to bed hungry tonight? The United Nations estimates the number to be 850 million. During the recent trip to Timor, I was reminded that many people, including the children who attend school at Shallom, eat only one meal a day. As you can imagine, many in Timor would go to bed hungry tonight. What then is the answer? I believe that you and I are God’s answer to the cry of the poor in our generation. It is a cry we cannot ignore.

Last Christmas, my family decided to start an annual tradition to give 50% of the money we would spend on Christmas gifts to the poor or disadvantaged. This means that instead of a $100 gift intended for my son, he chooses something that is $50.00 and gives the other $50.00 away.

We can make a difference today. You can give generously when Agape Baptist takes up our annual missions offerings in a few weeks’ time, or even participate right here in Singapore via Share UR meal and feed the poor program at www.wix.com/shareurmealsg/home.

Ps Thomas Lim
___________________________________________________________________
1 Acts 20:25
2 Deut 15:11, proverbs 14:21, Proverbs 22:9 & Acts 10:4

Day 20 - Proverbs 20

2010-08-20T00:00:00.002+08:00

v1 "Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler,
      And whoever is led astray by it is not wise."

Wine is a mocker.

It deceives by its fragrance, intoxicates by its strength and renders the intoxicated ridiculous.

So do some of the things we pursue, for that matter, that bring us pleasure and a moment of gratification. As the indulgence continues, one becomes more dependant on it. And eventually what you were once the master of, has now mastered you.

On hindsight, doesn’t it seem so silly? What have these ‘pursuits of happiness’ brought us that has lasted till today? An empty wallet? A gaping hole in our hearts? An empty home?

The way that professionals are able to tell originals from counterfeits is not by ‘trying’ out all the different counterfeits there are but to spend all their energy and efforts studying the original so they will know for certain whatever else that appears similar is a worthless fake!

So let’s find our pleasure in Him instead. The One who brings all life and fullness of joy, of which every other ‘pleasure’ is a counterfeit of.


Joel Justin

Day 19 - Proverbs 19

2010-08-19T00:00:00.009+08:00

A person’s wisdom yields patience;  it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Prov 19:11

You can know glory today, because someone is likely offend you!

Many of us, when offended by others, choose to be hurt, plot our revenge, lash out in hostility and then bite back. This demonstrates a deficit of wisdom by yielding no patience, for only feelings rule our hearts in moments like these, not glory. It leads to living life at a level lower than what God intends for us.

Wisdom, on the hand chooses to resist the tempting urge to react revengefully when someone offends us. This is the mark of human maturity—only immature children quickly bite back, right? Wisdom leads to the greater life and making the premium choice to overlook an offence adds to life. It brings into life the ‘much more” we all are seeking in life.

When we become offended, anger can quickly escalate us to a “temporary insanity,” which can easily cause us to misjudge an offense and retaliate out of proportion. Patience is the wise choice to regain our sanity before reacting to an offense.

We must choose a spirit that finds glory in forgiving those who hurt us, by choosing the way of overlooking personal minor offenses.

We will all most likely have opportunities to be offended today by someone. We’ll also have numerous opportunities to practice wisdom, patience, love, grace and glory.

What will we do?

Will we yield patience, overlook an offense, and glory in an opportunity to show the grace of Christ in our lives? Or will we bite back out of hurt feelings and pride, to only discover that we are proud fools living life on a lower plain than what God has intended for us.

You choose.

Senior Pastor

Day 18 - Proverbs 18

2010-08-18T00:00:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing. And obtains favour from the Lord.’

I realized that many wives love quoting this verse to their husbands, including myself. Wives consider their husbands ‘fortunate’ to have them as their wives as the saying goes, “Man, you have found a good thing.”

A good thing! What exactly good has the men found? What is there to behold in this ‘good thing?’

There are many attributes that builds up a woman of inner beauty. The bible has enough scriptures to support that. The best example we can learn and draw from is none other than that found in Proverbs 31. As I ponder through the attributes of that ‘good thing’ a man could proudly behold in his wife, the following three outshines the rest:

Honour – Honouring others is not an option but a command based on Romans 12:10.
It simply means to value someone more than ourselves; to treat people as precious and with respect. Love and humility play an important part in someone who truly knows how to honour others. As a wife, honouring our husband is ‘non-negotiable’. It is given regardless of what he has done or not done; it is about honouring the person per se. The common mistake many wives tend to make is in degrading the man’s ego by refusing him his due respect. This is not only dishonoring but also damaging. Another reminder is that we bring honour to our husbands when we honour their parents. Learning to honour someone adds to that attribute of ‘a good thing’ in a woman.

Contentment – Learning the secret of being contented adds beauty to the woman. It is not about having little and being poor, but the state of mind and heart that overflows from a grateful soul, knowing that God is All-Sufficient (Philippians 4:12). Imagine a wife who carries with her a heart of contentment. She knows how to give praises in plenty and in scarcity. She learns the virtue of spending below her means. She complains little, praises much and stays joyful in all circumstances. She is the ‘good thing’ to behold indeed.

Giving – God has created women uniquely to be givers. Many of them have assignments in their home, workplace, congregation or community. Yet they have the amazing capacity to give sacrificially and even much more when the call arises. They give their time, their love and release life through child-bearing. Giving increases the heart of contentment. Giving and contentment go hand in hand. Have you been giving your love to someone underserving lately? What about giving your time to serve in the Children’s Church? Or investing into someone’s life besides your own children? Be a giver; a cheerful one.

While Proverbs 18:22 is obvious for the men, it is also applicable for us as women, single or married. If you are someone’s wife today, take time to really ask yourself the honest question, “How have I been that ‘good thing’ that my husband proudly beholds?
Singles or marrieds, we all have a legacy to live up to and pass on. We have a responsibility to teach and impart.

Ps Loh Li Li

Day 17 – Proverbs 17

2010-08-17T00:00:00.001+08:00

Proverbs 17:9 - He who covers an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

‘The quality of our life is dependant on the quality of our relationships’. This is one statement we know so well, and can easily repeat to others. Yet, many times, relationships can be a little tricky...

Just the other day, a staff commented that it’s not easy to speak the truth with grace at times. Even if we try to do it with the best of intentions, the other party may still be offended. It can happen both ways actually. But that should not stop us from building authentic relationships, for they are a true measure of our spiritual maturity.

As Christians, we have a wealth of good counsel in God's word that we can access in relating to our fellow Christians. We come together in our local congregations, bringing with us all our baggage from our individual lives and experiences. Some of us are weak, some are strong. All the situations that exist in life outside the church are also present within the Christian community. Some offend, and some are offended. What do we do with that?

Consider the word ‘cover over’ in Prov 17:9. Another word is ‘overlook’ in Prov 19:11- “A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offence.” This requires more grace than we naturally posses. But we can tap into grace and truth which comes from God. He has promised to supply that which we lack.

Covering over offences is necessary to any relationship. So learning to forgive the offender is key. It is tempting, especially in an argument to dig up all the past mistakes made by the other party. It is tempting in the heat of the moment to dig up past hurts. We say things like ‘You’re always like that. Remember when you did that? You hurt me badly…’ or ‘I told you before to be more sensitive but there you go again, you never change’.

Doing that only widens the rift and deepens the sense of mistrust between two persons. Love, however keeps its mouth shut – difficult though it may be. Love keeps no record of wrongs.

The best way forward really is to follow our Lord’s example. Show grace to others because He has shown us grace. Be merciful to those who betray us, even as Christ is merciful. Stay loyal to those who misunderstand us, because He is a faithful God. Forgive others because Christ has forgiven us. That’s what biblical relationship is all about.

Ps Tan Sok Hwee

Day 16 - Proverbs 16

2010-08-16T00:00:00.002+08:00

It’s funny how often we use the same quote as if they were the answers for all the questions in this world. Some of these being "Life is unfair”, “What goes around comes around” etc. Recently a young friend of mine teased me for attributing everything disharmonious as “living in this fallen world!”

She set me thinking... Have I resigned to accept bad things as a matter-of-fact because we live in a fallen world? And this phrase "this is a fallen world" has become the basis for the evil I see around me. While this phrase is true, it is incomplete!

Proverbs 16:4
The Lord works out everything for His own ends –
even the wicked for a day of disaster.

God is the Beginning. He is the Creator of all things and He is the One who appoints everyone his place.

Even the wicked! He is the One who gives the wicked the ability to make choices and He allows the wicked to execute those evil choices.

God is also the End. He created all things for His purpose and glory. While God is not glorified by the wicked, the wicked will nonetheless serve His purpose and result in bringing Him glory.

John Piper in “Has God Predetermined Everything? Even Sin?” said ‘Pilate's choices, the soldiers' cruel mockery, the piercing of his side, the cries, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" - these few hours in history were the climax of the worst wickedness that has ever been performed on the planet or ever will be. And God planned it so that we might be saved from those sins.’

Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.

There is nothing more random than casting a lot. Yet, God says that every decision is from Him. Nothing in life happens randomly. God allows both the good and the bad so that His purpose and will is achieved in and through my life. Indeed, the Lord works out everything for His own ends.

ps. I must say that I am not learnt enough to write anything about the existence of evil. Neither do I dare to give a simplified answer to the pain and injustice people suffer due to evil. But my hope is in the Word of God. One day, all of us, including the wicked, will each have to give an account to God.

Jessica Ho

Day 15 - Proverbs 15

2010-08-15T00:00:00.009+08:00

v1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Wow! How true is this?

How many times in our conversations with people from the different segments of our lives,(family, work, friends, etc), have we seen how one word or phrase sends the conversation south?

Walls go up, claxons go off internally and the person goes on the defensive. How does any conversation happen when one is defensive then?

But this verse tells us how to avoid all of this. And note how the writer doesn’t say “A gentle question”; instead it says “A gentle answer.”

Isn’t this so much like our saviour Jesus? In fact, this verse reminds me of a statement He made.

He said that it was the meek who would inherit the earth, and He was the embodiment of meekness till His death. And in the end, He inherited the name which is above all names!

So how are you inheriting your world?

In the office and in the home, how are you laying claim to that inheritance with meekness in speech and attitude?

Joel Justin

Day 14 – Proverbs 14

2010-08-14T00:00:00.004+08:00

¹² There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Human beings tend to be creatures of habit and convenience. We like to do things or make decisions that suit us, fit our schedules or guarantee us success in the shortest possible time. Often times, the ‘way that seems right…’ involve short-cuts, few sacrifices and very little risks. However, that leads to destruction in the end.

Think about it - have you ever said no to a new challenge at work or in ministry, because you feel it’s too much of a stretch and you are uncomfortable with it? Instead, you are content to remain where you are, and do the same things the same old way. You tell yourself – ‘Why get involved? It’s going to take up too much time, and besides, it’s just not my cup of tea’.

In the end, not only do you deny yourself the opportunity to grow, you also become ‘dead’ to God’s vision of a greater life for you. A greater life that glorifies Jesus, and is filled with purpose and depth. Not one that is routine, ordinary and devoid of faith.

Martin Luther King said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”.

How about when God spoke to you in our last church camp? Are you still seeking to do what He told you, or have you given up trying because there is too much sacrifice and too little results? Giving up is easy, but it causes you to be ‘dead’ to your sensitivity to God’s voice, His leading and what He wants to do in your life.

Hence, the way that seems right to a man is one that says ‘my way and not God’s way’. We stubbornly believe our opinions and practices are right, and reject the counsel of God and men. We act as if we know what’s best for ourselves; but that’s being self deluded. Tragically, self delusion leads to self destruction.

Is there a way that seems right to you? Do ensure that it’s not your way but God’s way. God will not accommodate His processes to the convenience of individuals. We can thank God for that, because only then can we truly experience the greater life in Christ!

Ps Tan Sok Hwee

Day 13 - Proverbs 13

2010-08-13T00:00:00.001+08:00

“He who walks with the wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20 (NKJ)

I appreciate it very much when people recommend me a good book or a good show. But I appreciate it even more when their lives recommend the good way to live. This happens only when we are in the right company of friends and intentionally engaging in providential relationships.

Right relationships can make a difference in our lives. Wrong relationships can bring us to ruin.

Proverbs 13:20 instructs us to ‘walk with the wise men’ for he who walks with the wise grows wise. Day 12 devotional explained extremely well who a wise man is and contrasted him with the foolish. It provided a mirror for us to square our lives against and ask if we belonged to the wise or the foolish.

Today’s Proverbs caution us to be careful and deliberate about the kind of friends we choose and mix with. Proverbs 12:26 says, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” We often become just like the people we hang around with. Apostle Paul picked up on this when he wrote, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

I remember those days when I was in the insurance industry. I was literally ‘sucked’ into and indulged in the company of friends whose talk only revolved around material gains, status and prestige; the kind of country clubs we joined and the expensive places we dined in. We spend our nights in pubs, drinking and convincing ourselves we deserved the fill for we worked hard for it. This was the good life according to my equation till I was proven wrong by God. We seemed to have gained much, yet possessed nothing. There was a void and a sense of emptiness within the soul, searching for the real worth in life.

There is a ‘much more’ life in Christ. I learned this through seeking and living the greater life, not without the walking with the wise. Wise men know how to find wise company while foolish men get lost in their folly. I attribute my spiritual growth to my walk with the wise.

"Enoch walked with God". (Genesis 5:22)
"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." (Genesis 6:9)
"May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked." (Genesis 48:15)
"I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people." (Leviticus 26:12)

The wise first walked with God and then invite others to walk with them.
Choose to walk with the wise today for they know wisdom begins by walking with God.

Are you in the company of the wise today? If not, take the next step now to join a cell group; AGM or AGF. They are the wise walking with the wise, knowing that walking in wisdom begins first with God.

Ps Loh Li Li

Day 12 - Proverbs 12

2010-08-12T00:00:00.001+08:00

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listen to advice.
Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

The way of a fool seems right to him...
What keeps a fool from being wise?

... but a wise man listen to advice.
And what keeps a wise man from being foolish?

A fool, in scriptural sense, is a wicked man. He is wicked because he has a high opinion of himself. He thinks he will never fail and his knowledge is superior that he has no need for counsel, whether it is counsel of men or God. He runs his life by trusting in his own knowledge. The decision to trust in self results in arrogance and rejection of authority. The foolish man will do anything and everything that is good in his sight. Hence, God calls him a wicked man because he is devoid of wisdom from above.

A wise man is one who knows that he is fallible. He knows that it is foolish to trust in his own human understanding. He knows that he lacks the experience of older men who have seen more of life than him. He appreciates the providential relationship God has placed in his life. He is unassuming with regards to his own knowledge. At all times, he welcomes instructions, advice and rebukes from those who love him. He is humble and willing to ask for godly counsel. Not only does he seek advice, he also purposes in his heart to do them. He is like the man who builds his house on rock, when the rain comes down and floods rise and the wind beats against his house, it will not fall! (Matthew 7:24-25)

Jessica Ho

Day 11 - Proverbs 11

2010-08-11T00:00:00.001+08:00

How often have we wondered why the wicked in the world prosper so effortlessly?

We have seen with our own eyes in our workplaces how the deceitful somehow gain merit over those who chose to walk in integrity and we wonder how can this be?

v3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

v5 “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.”

This proverb tells us that wicked will be brought down by their own wickedness. The very tools they use to achieve their success will be their downfall. The evil desires that drove them will now entrap them.

What are we seeking “success” in?

Material wealth or the lifeline of righteousness?

v4 “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

If you were drowning in the deep end of a pool, would you rather someone threw you a lifeline or throw your wallet/purse at you?

There will come a day when the wrath of God will be poured out in judgment.

What will you cling on to?

Joel Justin

Day 10 - Proverbs 10

2010-08-10T00:00:00.002+08:00

"There is a great difference between having to say something and having something worthwhile to say." These words caught my attention as Ps Edmund emphasized them at the IDMC Conference 2006. This statement has since stayed with me.

Wisdom calls for one to live wisely. One area of our orientation in life is the cultivation of words. Watch our words for they impact the listener. Careless and harsh words can easily kill one’s spirit.

It is sobering to note in Proverbs 10 that God measures wickedness and righteousness according to one’s spoken words. Words have the power to either hurt or heal.

Hence, it is important that one should start to re-orientate one’s life towards allowing gracious words to flow. Careless words are harsh and hasty. The bible calls careless words as ‘foolish talking’. Foolish talking can lead to negative impact and destructive consequences. How many times have relationships broken down because of careless and irresponsible foolish talking!

Verse 19 says “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking. But he who restrains his lips is wise.”

The fool is someone who multiples words. There is volume and quantity but lacking the quality within. There is also a right place where silence is golden. I believe Proverbs calls us to the ‘much more’ and greater life.

Proverbs calls us to practice moderate speaking. It is important to know when to speak; what to speak and how to speak. It is the wisdom of balance that one learns to speak with grace and truth at the appointed time.

We cannot re-orientate our words until we re-orientate our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 is hence, foundational - “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issue of life.”

Words are tied to pride or humility. So when God measures a righteous or wicked man, He measures us according to ‘our mouths’. (v 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32)

A person who learns to measure his words is a person who has learned humility.

Let’s continue to spur one another towards wise living today as a community. Practice all that you have heard and learned. The challenge I would like to pose to you today is, “Begin it at home.”
“How are your words to your loved ones today? Are they words of healing or words that hurt?”

Proverbs 24:3 says “Through wisdom a house is built. And by understanding it is established.”

Ps Loh Li Li

Day 9 - Proverbs 9

2010-08-09T00:00:00.002+08:00

In chapter 9, the house of wisdom and the house of folly both issue an invitation. It’s a choice we all have to make, which invitation will we accept. The woman of folly’s invitation is to feast on a meal of secret self-indulgences that provide no lasting nutrients, leaving a person spiritually and emotionally malnourished.

vs. 17-18

17 “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!”

18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave.

It is stupid to spend time in her house.

The woman of wisdom, on the other hand, has prepared a spread of instruction, knowledge and wisdom that can nourish a person’s character throughout life. Wisdom is what everyone desires, but it is only those that are willing to digest personal instruction that will gain it.

vs. 9

9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Wisdom is given life through an attitude of teachability and will thrive and grow from instruction. Wise people are opened to be taught. Sometimes the teaching comes through criticism. It’s worth noting that no mention is made of the quality of the criticism or the critic in this chapter. Wise people hear what comes, even if it’s presented poorly. They realize that the only way to grow is to listen to others, and they appreciate those who care enough to correct them. Hearing others and allowing truth spoken into their lives add to their lives. They grow in more wisdom.

vs. 10-11

10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through me your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.

It’s so easy to try to chase wisdom in a million different ways… study, reading, conferences, chats with other wise leaders, etc, but… wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord. Better still, wisdom starts with God. Through Him, years are added to our lives.

Let’s get that clarity for the “much more” life!

Senior Pastor

Day 8 – Proverbs 8

2010-08-08T00:00:00.001+08:00

Have you ever made a life and death decision before? It’s like the movie Aftershock where the mother had to make the heart wrenching decision between saving her daughter or her son who were both pinned under the opposite ends of a concrete slab. Pulling one out would result in the other being crushed…

That’s one kind of life and death decision I’d rather not make. But in Proverbs 8, we are called to make another kind of life and death decision…

Over here, we see how wisdom, like a virtuous woman, is seen crying in the streets offering services to all who will receive them :

Where she cries - in “high places”, at the gates and the doors (v1-3).
To whom she cries - to “the sons of men" (v4-5).
What she cries - that which is “excellent,” “right” and “the truth” (v6-9).
Why she cries - because what she has to offer is far more valuable than silver, gold or rubies (v10-11). She possesses discernment, prudence, counsel and so much more… (v12-21)

Wisdom fervently cries out in the hopes that men will choose to embrace her. In so doing, they choose life! V35 states “For whoever finds me find life, and obtains favour from God.”

She loudly implies that we can’t go wrong if we choose her. After all, she’s God’s delight and been there since time immemorial – “I have been established from everlasting…”.

However, to reject Wisdom is to choose death. V36 – “All those who hate me love death.” My friend, a fellow believer experienced a painful demise of his marriage when he rejected godly counsel and indulged in wild excesses… Another experienced the ‘loss’ of her son (not literally), as she rejected God’s principles in raising him...

The deal is simply this : Choose life – the greater life - by embracing wisdom. If you don’t, you are just courting death.

There’s no short cut to gaining wisdom. You need to gain it by walking closely with God. Read the word daily. Grow your prayer life. Surround yourself with godly counsel. Do life in community where you are encouraged and are accountable to grow in God. When you gain God, you gain wisdom.

So what’s your choice?

Ps Sok Hwee

Day 7 - Proverbs 7 : “Direction, Not Intention Determines Destination”

2010-08-07T00:00:00.007+08:00

“All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.”

By the time the young man realised he was in the wrong place, with the wrong person and doing the wrong thing, it was too late! No doubt sin had disguised itself to appear sweet, pleasurable and risk-free; however, the outcome was sealed when the young man chose the wrong path. [8-9, “He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.]

The path you choose determines where you will end up, or as Andy Stanley puts it: “It’s your direction, not intention that determines your destination”. It does not matter where your intended journey’s end is; it is the path you have embarked on that eventually determines where you will end up. This truth applies to every arena of life: your finances, parenting, relationships, career, and so on.

It is my intention to be the most loving dad to my children; however, when I go down the path of prejudgement, it usually leads to explosive exchanges, and I end up hurting them instead. Think about the path you are on today and ask if it leads to your desired destination.

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16a

Ps Thomas Lim

Day 6 - Proverbs 6

2010-08-06T00:00:00.008+08:00

“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. (v5)”

Imagine the aforementioned scenario with me. A gazelle or a bird, either enticed or just plain blind, caught in a net.

Imagine the struggle that ensues to rid itself of its bonds. Twisting and turning, fluttering, kicking and biting just to find a way out!

So too does this proverb instruct us to do when we realize that we are either in or heading into folly. Struggle to get out and don’t resign yourself to an unfortunate chain of events!

Flee from the net of lust (v25), sluggishness (v9) and foolishness (v32)! Flee from the net of dissension (v14), deceit (v17) and a corrupt mouth (v12)!

How are you dealing with your words, thoughts and actions that may not be pleasing to God? Don’t resign yourself to these things or patterns, rise up and fight!

May you be blessed with wisdom and foresight to evade the little snares and nets that come your way this day. Seek out the Father of truth and let Him light the way.

Joel Justin

Day 5 – Proverbs 5

2010-08-05T00:00:00.001+08:00

If every man and woman took seriously the warning of today’s chapter, Proverbs 5, the experience of marriage and perhaps all other relationships that flow out of it would certainly look and be vastly different than they are today.

In fact, not “paying attention” (v.1) to the wisdom and “words of insight” (v.1) written in this chapter arguably may have contributed to some of the most damaging consequences we face in our homes, families, and culture today.

Solomon has taken this entire chapter to emphasize that marriage and sexuality are so sacred and pure, that two people coming together and giving ALL of themselves to each other, is not to be messed or interfered with, so that it might last forever. In essence, adultery can never truly satisfy, because it can’t—it’s living outside of how God created us to live.

In one word, sex outside of marriage is stupidity. It takes much away from your life. What does it take way? Solomon mentions four. It takes away your honour (v.9); your years (v.9); your wealth (v.10) and your health (v.11)

Playing with sexual sin is costly. Verse 20 in the Message Bible says it with this question: “Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills?” We should pause long enough to consider that question.

One verse that stood out to me was verse 15:

“Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.”

Poetic for sure, but also amazingly clear, isn’t it?

Senior Pastor

Day 4 – Proverbs 4: Diligence is Wisdom

2010-08-04T00:00:00.005+08:00

The pursuit of His wisdom and living it out adds much more to life. The opposite is also true. The lack of wisdom takes away something in our life. We live below our potentials and sin easily invades an unguarded heart.

Verse 23 stood out for me as I studied Proverbs 4.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issue of life.”

The state of a person’s spiritual life depends on the good or evil condition of his heart. The heart is a critical centre of life which touches and impacts all we are and do. Therefore, it is only reasonable that it should be guarded ‘with all diligence’.

It is interesting to note that the scripture calls us not only to guard our hearts, but to guard it with all diligence. It must be intentional. Why is it so? I cannot agree more that without diligence, one easily falls prey into compromise.

While most of us are mindful and careful not to fall into sin, not many of us are intentional enough to take note of the compromises that we so easily make. Little compromises here and there will eventually lead us into sin. The reality is most compromises appear harmless and most of the time, noble and reasonable.

Recently I was confronted with the issues of punctuality and integrity. Do I deliver as what was stated in a flyer and video? Do I honour time even in meetings and be early for work? These seem insignificant and harmless but nonetheless are issues of compromise. And compromises, if not dealt with will eventually open doors to sin.

That explains the need for us to be diligent, especially in guarding our heart. It is an added value of life. It will lead us to a much more life in Christ. Something never to overlook and be taken lightly. Beware of the little foxes that will ruin and destroy our vineyards. (Song of Solomon 2:15)

Let us remind one another to be diligent in whatever we do and in reading the Word. Most importantly, guarding our hearts with all diligence.

Ps Loh Li Li

Day 3 - Proverbs 3:13-18 “Gaining Wisdom – the True Wealth”

2010-08-03T00:00:00.004+08:00

My devotional thought today is on wisdom, specifically how to gain wisdom. Perhaps like me that was the question that crossed your mind after reading the chapter. We live in a world that pursues prestige, power, position and possession as the principal thing but God says, “Get wisdom”. That is the principal thing.

There are 2 things scripture teaches concerning gaining wisdom. Firstly, God is the source of all wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)

Secondly, wisdom is inseparably linked to fearing God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalms 111:10 (NKJV)

Therefore true wisdom comes only from God and it comes only to those who fear Him. During my recent visit to Perth, I had several opportunities to dine with Pastor Benny Ho, senior pastor of Faith community Church, Perth. At one particular meal, he asked “What is the fear of God?” He said that the fear of God is both a reverence of God and taking reference from God for all of life’s decisions and circumstances.

Would you take time today to consider what you are seeking to gain- wisdom or other things? Read through passages both in the New and Old Testament* about the fear of God. Remember when we gain wisdom we gain the true wealth reflected in Proverbs 3:13-18.

Ps Thomas Lim

* Ecclesiastes 12:13, Proverbs 9:10, Deuteronomy 4:10, Jeremiah 32:40, Hebrews 12:28-29,

2 Corinthians 7:1

Day 2 - Proverbs 2: Actively Seek Wisdom!

2010-08-02T00:00:00.002+08:00

All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding.

God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys Him

and protects all of those who live as they should.

Proverbs 2:6-7

What is the key to wisdom? What will you do to get wisdom? What is the value of wisdom?

Proverbs 2 tells us that the Lord is the One who gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He is the One who gives victory and helpful advice. He is a shield who protects His faithful ones.

Yet we are not supposed to be passive, waiting for wisdom to befall us. Instead, the Word of God exhorts us to accept His Word, store up His commands, turn our ears, apply, call out, cry aloud, look and search for wisdom. (Proverbs 2:1-4)

We should not take for granted this gift of wisdom instead we should actively seek this wisdom from the Word of God. The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise saying. It consists of short sentences which are deep in meaning. And each of these is still applicable to our everyday life.

Let us be diligent in plowing through this book daily so that we will understand the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5) In so doing, we will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. (Proverbs 2:20)

Jessica Ho

Day 1 - Proverbs Chapter 1

2010-08-01T00:01:00.018+08:00

Thank you so much for joining us for the 31 Day Proverbs Challenge.

Over the next 31 days different pastoral staff will be sharing their observations and thoughts about the daily readings. Our prayer is that these thoughts will serve as a catalyst to stir our thinking together. We would love to hear what you’re learning and how God is speaking to you during this time.

Proverbs 1:8-9 really stood out to me this morning.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. There will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

I remember when I was a teen I felt God’s Word existed to somewhat “imprison” me. I thought it primarily was about all the things I wouldn’t be allowed to do. And I approached the Word with a certain fear and doubt.

But I was so far from the truth then. God’s Word and these Proverbs actually exist to set me free so that I can experience more of life and all of life. God wants to give us His wisdom and it will be a “garland to grace your neck.” It’s a gift.

The 31 chapters of the book of Proverbs paint a picture, a vision, of what life could be like in all of its fullness and abundance if we were to only trust Him. If we were to listen to His voice, His instructions. If only we’ll pursue His wisdom. Find it and get it, we will know that there is so much more to this life.

Is there a cry in your heart that says ‘There must be more’?

What grabbed your attention in Proverbs 1?

Senior Pastor