Daily Devotional
               Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in the Bible.   

  The Wisdom of God

Verses for the Day:

Proverbs 19:28-29 (KJV):
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:28-29 (AMP):
28 A worthless witness scoffs at justice, and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and stripes for the back of (self-confident) fools.

Thoughts for the Day:

Throughout the Book of Proverbs the Bible speaks much about judgment and judgments.  In these verses, we are told that those who are ungodly witnesses will scorn judgment. Those who are law breakers themselves do not like to think about judgment of any kind.  They will continually feed upon and devour sinful and iniquitous ideas. The devil always lies to people when he tempts them. He tells them they will not have to face the results of their sins.  Most of the time he convinces them that they will escape the punishment that comes with the sin, while the Bible clearly tells us that we shall reap what we sow.

Galatians 6:7-8:
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

When we disobey God, there is a price to pay that brings sorrow and death to our lives. The Lord knew that all men would fall into sin; however, He made a way for men to escape the punishment of hell and death.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this world, who knew no sin and never did sin.  Jesus, an innocent man, went to the cross to die for our sins, so that we do not have to take the penalty for those sins.  He was crucified, died and rose from the dead. He took the penalty for your sins and my sins, therefore death and hell have no power over all who will repent of their sins and turn to Christ for cleansing and forgiveness. When we make Him Lord of our lives, we are then promised eternal life. 

Proverbs 19:29 tells us that judgments are prepared for scoffers, not believers. He took our judgments so we do not have to take them. We deserve hell because we are sinners, but because of our faith in Christ's shed blood on the cross, we are free. He has freed us to live for Him and tell others about His wonderful plan of redemption.

Someone asked me one time what I gave up to serve Christ. I replied,  "In Christ, I am promised heaven for hell, health for sickness, joy for sorrow, peace for torment, faith for fear, love for hate, release from addictions, and all blessings instead of evil curses. I did not give up anything that was not already killing me. What a wonderful exchange!"

Only prideful fools and scoffers will have stripes on their backs.  If we will just humble ourselves, and admit our sin and failures, and ask for forgiveness, and turn our lives to God, we can have peace and joy.  Daily, we can walk in the spirit of life and be free from the law of judgment that brings death and sorrow to us. We can experience heaven now, in this earth, where there is so much hell around us. When we have the creator of heaven and earth living in our hearts, we will have eyes that are opened to truth, and we can know the depths of His love for us. He loves us each and has a mighty plan for all who will allow Him to rule their lives.  After I made a total commitment to God, I have never looked back to the old life.  The old man is dead and I am a new creature in Christ.  Praise God!

Romans 8:2-6:
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that my name is written in the Book of Life, and I pray that all who read these words will allow You to write their name in that same book, if it is not already recorded there.  Lord, bless you for Your sacrifice on the cross.  I did not deserve it, but I am eternally grateful for Your love for me.  Lord, help me to daily be obedient to You and follow in Your will for my life.  Help me to overcome the desires of my flesh and to always choose the way of life in You. May I always have the courage to share with others what You have done for me. I ask this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.