PEACE LIKE A RIVER

I WILL NOT FORGET YOU

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Read Isaiah 48–49

“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 NIV

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God, through Isaiah’s prophesy of deliverance from Babylon, reminds the captives of His absolute sovereignty in their lives. He would soon raise up Cyrus, king of Persia to overthrow Babylon and help the Israelites return to their land. Of Cyrus He says, “I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.” (48:15)

The Lord reminds them that if they had been obedient, they would not have been carried off to Babylon in the first place. He says, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (48:18)

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Most Holy Father, You are the One in control of our lives. Above all, I want my children to know and obey God; for I know that You love them even more than I do. You have promised through Isaiah, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (49:15)

* * *

“See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 NIV
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6b NIV

BEAUTIFUL TREASURES

TRUE RICHES

Read Proverbs 24

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV

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Throughout the Proverbs of Solomon, he refers to wisdom as treasure to be eagerly sought out and cultivated. He said, “Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you…” (24:14)

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There is no better place for wisdom to grow than in our Christian homes. The beautiful home will be furnished with more than lovely possessions. True riches, if nurtured, will dwell in the hearts of our children. First, we must seek wisdom for ourselves as parents, cultivating our love for each other and the Lord; then we will have an abundance of treasure to share with our children. This is a lifelong process, but the time we have to invest in our children is all too short.

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Lord, help us to cultivate the fields of our own hearts so that we will have a harvest of treasures to bring into our home. Help us to remember that “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV) Give us love for each other and the wisdom we need to lead our children in the ways of the Lord.

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Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Proverbs 24:27 NIV

FAR ABOVE RUBIES

LESSONS FROM BATHSHEBA

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 Read Proverbs 31

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her… Proverbs 31:10–11a NIV

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 This chapter contains words of wisdom, probably from Solomon’s mother, though she calls him Lemuel, meaning, “Devoted to God.”

Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba, and she would have instructed him, knowing the painful consequences of promiscuity. She used this Hebrew acrostic poem as a tool to teach him how to choose a godly wife. As a king, he could seek out the most beautiful woman in the land, but Solomon’s mother reminds him that “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (31:30)

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 Lord, help us to be examples of the kind of woman You want our sons to choose. Bathsheba said, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies . . . She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”(31:10, 26)  Give us the right words in instructing our daughters to be loving, faithful wives. Protect our children from the temptations of this sexually charged culture, and may they become godly men and women, honoring to You.

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 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV

WARNINGS TO A SON

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

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Read Proverbs 23

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. Proverbs 23:22–23 NIV

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Proverbs 23 has a lengthy section warning of the consequences of substance abuse. Solomon counsels, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,” (Proverbs 23:19–20)

We live in a day when churches are no longer talking about the dangers of alcohol. As a result, even Christian homes are dealing with this problem. Drugs are illegal, yet easily accessible for many young people. Children are developing alcohol problems at an early age, as there is less and less supervision at home.

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Oh Father, this is a problem I wish we didn’t have to be concerned about, but even as Christians, we do. Help us to be an example of self control in these matters, realizing that “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (Romans 14:21) Help us to communicate our own convictions with clarity, so that our sons and daughters will want to live a pure and holy life.

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The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:24–25 NIV

HIDDEN TREASURE

THE SEARCH FOR WISDOM

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Read Proverbs 2; James 1

–and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure– then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:4–6 NIV

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Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon presents a very important principle echoed in the New Testament: We must seek and ask for wisdom from God, and when He gives it, we must act upon it. James said, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23–24) The beginning of wisdom is belief that God’s Word is true–but believing is not enough if we don’t carry through and apply it to our lives.

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Lord, as I open my Bible this morning, I am seeking for hidden treasure. Show me what I need to learn and then empower me to make any changes You require. I lift up my family, my husband and my children. Give me the ability to understand their needs and be ready with a wise and discerning answer. May my thoughts and actions reflect the wisdom mirrored in Your precious Word.

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If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV

THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON

WORDS OF WISDOM

Read Proverbs 1

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair– Proverbs 1:1-3 NIV

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When young King Solomon began to reign, God appeared to him in a dream saying, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon, citing his youth and lack of experience requested, “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”(1 Kings 3:9)

This humble request pleased God because Solomon placed wisdom above wealth and honor. God granted his request and told him, “I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” (1 Kings 3:13) Solomon’s wise sayings have been recorded in the book of Proverbs, benefiting generations of believers.

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Lord, I too acknowledge my need for wisdom. Sometimes the choices are large ones, needing extended prayer and insight–but most are the daily little choices that will add up to a significant direction for our family. I come to You this morning for fresh insight from Your Word.

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Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1:5,7a NIV

A JOYFUL HEART

TELL THE CHILDREN

Read Psalms 144–145

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. Psalms 145:3–4 NIV

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Most of his adult life, David was surrounded by enemies– first by Saul who was personally jealous of him, and then by armies who threatened Israel. David recognized that victory comes from the Lord, and he cried out to God for protection. Then in his prayers, he acknowledged God’s greater plan in it all, “… that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.”(145:12-13)

David concluded that his mission was to praise the works of the Lord to all who would listen: “One generation,” he declared, “will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” In the midst of all that was happening he said, “I will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” (145:4, 7)

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Lord, give me a joyful heart that sings like David, in every circumstance, “The LORD watches over all who love him, My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.” (145:20-21) Help us to remember to tell our children everything You have done for us.

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Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Psalm 144:12 NIV

FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS

THANKSGIVING

Read Psalm 102–103

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17

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In Psalm 102 David pours out his heart in anguish, sick and fearful for his life–but in Psalm 103 David praises God for all of the benefits to his soul. He has been healed from his sickness, with his youth renewed. The LORD, he says, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. …He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (103:8, 10)

David would never forget the love and mercy extended to him by his compassionate Heavenly Father. He praises God that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (103:12)

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Dear Heavenly Father, I too, want to praise you for all Your benefits. You have satisfied my desire with good things and put a new song in my mouth. Like David I can say, Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. (103:1) May I reflect, in my countenance and attitude this day, that I am a thankful woman in my inmost being.

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Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: Psalm 102:18 NIV

A TIME TO SPEAK

A NEW SONG IN MY HEART

Read Psalm 40

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. Psalm 40:10

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King David fell into grievous sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11–12) He repented, and God forgave him, but with a long road of consequences ahead of him. Referring to his great sin he said, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (40:2)

David recognized God’s gracious mercy and plan for his life when he said, “The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” (40:5b) God had given him a new song and for the rest of his life he would sing it to all who would listen.

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Dear Lord, I want tell others about Your love and mercy in my life. Forgive me for getting so busy that I sometimes go an entire day without mentioning your name. As David said, “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” (Psalm 40:16 NKJV)

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He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 NIV

HIDDEN FAULTS

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MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD

Read Psalm 19

            The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple… They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey…   Psalm 19:7b, 10

 

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            David praises the Scriptures as trustworthy, right, radiant, pure and altogether righteous. Then he asks the question, “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.”(19:12) Meditating on God’s Word gives us discernment. The voices of the world and the devil are ever with us and Satan often presents his ideas in a reasonable way. The only way to correctly sort out our own thoughts is by time spent in the Word. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)

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            Thank You Lord when the message is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. Thank You also, when it convicts me and motivates me to correct my sinful thoughts and misguided actions. What wisdom and riches we have in Your trustworthy Word! We need that wisdom as we seek to cultivate a love of Scripture in the hearts of our children.

 

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            May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.   Psalm 19:14 NIV