THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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One pastor always put an ad for the church in the newspaper on Friday, and with it, he would print the topic of his sermon for Sunday.
On Monday after the primary election he called to thank the newspaper.
He said, "My topic for the sermon was, "What Did Jesus See In A Publican." But you misprinted it and it read, "What Did Jesus See In A Republican." I just called to thank you because we had the largest crowd all year!"
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Prov 3:21-26
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
KJV
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The word "them" in verse 21 refers to the words or the teaching and instruction of God. The admonishment is to keep "them" in front of your eyes at all times. When the word of God is constantly in sight, it is a reminder to live by the teaching and instruction of the Lord. And if we live by God's Word there are certain results.
ADMONITION:
Most of us consider "life" (vs 22) as what we do each day. But REAL LIFE is being in constant communion with God. We were created for constant fellowship with God. Therefore, keeping His Word close to us reminds us of what REAL LIFE is all about.
"Grace" (vs 22) has been defined as: God's Riches At Christ's Expense, or, unmerited and undeserved favor from God. When we keep God's Word close, we are reminded of His "grace" through which He has treated us with kindness when we didn't deserve it.
RESULTS:
The word "safely" in verse 23 reflects sureness and confidence. God's Word assures us of what is RIGHT, and therefore we are not afraid we will "stumble" at making the right decisions.
Living by God's word yields peace in the heart. Knowing we have done according to His will during the day, allows us to sleep in peace (vs 24).
Living by God's word also takes away the fear of sudden death (vs 25). After all, God's Word assures us where we are going when we die.
And it is God Himself that is our "confidence" (vs 26). God has made sure that His Word is NEVER wrong! Living by the Word is living by Him!
Keep the Word of God close, not only to your eyes, but to your heart.
And walk in sureness, confidence and calmness.
Love ya,
Bruce