http://deeperdevotion.com Delivered Monday through Friday, our daily devotions are the perfect companion to your time in the Word. Biblical, consistent, and with over three years of back content, DEEPERDEVOTION.com is a great resource for everyone. Check us out on the web at www.deeperdevotion.com Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:22:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 en ©DEEPERDEVOTION.com office@deeperdevotion.com (DEEPERDEVOTION.com) office@deeperdevotion.com Devotions 1440 devotions, bible, devotion, god, youth, deeperdevotions, deeper devotions, church Daily Devotions from DEEPERDEVOTION.com Delivered Monday through Friday, our devotions are the perfect companion to your time in the Word. Biblical, consistent, and with over three years of back content, DEEPERDEVOTION.com is a great resource for everyone. Check us out on the web at www.deeperdevotion.com DEEPERDEVOTION.com DEEPERDEVOTION.com office@deeperdevotion.com No no http://deeperdevotion.com/wp-content/themes/dd/images/podcast_small.jpg http://deeperdevotion.com 144 144 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/249 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/249#comments Thu, 03 May 2007 07:00:18 +0000 Glenn Ansley godliness http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/249 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/249/feed/ 3:09 Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being. You can't breathe. The pressure begins ... Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being. You can't breathe. The pressure begins to build deep inside of your chest. You can feel your lungs desperately searching for oxygen. They try to pump but they can't; stagnant air fills their cavities. It's amazing what goes through your mind while stuck under six feet of water and deprived of its normal amounts of oxygen. It was exactly a time like this that I first understood a very basic law of nature. My body isn't so much concerned with the air I breathe as it is with the oxygen found within that air. My lungs had the same amount of air inside of them then as they did a couple of minutes beforehand, when I first took the plunge. Now, however, my body had used the full capacity of oxygen and left me with only a stagnant remain of that what once existed. "The spirit of the man" in ancient cultures was often associated with breath. It makes sense, too. Once a person stops breathing, he or she is considered dead. Both the Hebrew and the Greek languages of the Bible use the same word for breath and spirit. It is with this knowledge that I find Proverbs 20:27 so profound. The [breath] of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the innermost parts of his being. As a child of God, our Lord is continually searching our hearts and minds, convicting us of our sins and encouraging us in our needs. When I am involved in a compromising situation, it is the lamp of the Lord that reaches into my innermost being and instructs me to live a life of purity rather than sin. It is the lamp of the Lord that heals my broken heart and shows me the way in which to go. Just as my lungs are in need of fresh air, containing the life-giving presence of oxygen, it is essential to my spirit that the Lord's presence in my life never becomes stagnant, filling a void, yet serving no purpose. My relationship with the Father depends greatly on the process of growth. I am in continual need of fresh breath from the Word of God. Without it, both my convictions and my encouragement from God's Holy Spirit, His life giving breath, will greatly dim. In much the same way as I was in desperate want of oxygen under water, my spirit will begin to suffer. The consequences are amazingly similar. Spiritually, you can't breathe. The pressure begins to build deep inside of your soul. You can feel your spirit desperately searching for God. You try to pray, but you can't, a stagnant faith is all that fills the cavity of your soul. Have you allowed the lamp of the Lord to go stagnant in your own life? I ask you to pick up your Bible and bring the life-giving breath of God back into your innermost being. Do it today! devotions,,bible,,devotion,,god,,youth,,deeperdevotions,,deeper,devotions,,church DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/243 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/243#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:00:17 +0000 Glenn Ansley evangelism http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/243 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/243/feed/ 2:36 Proverbs 16:26 A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on. Lunch is possibly the single most coveted hour of the day. It doesn't ... Proverbs 16:26 A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on. Lunch is possibly the single most coveted hour of the day. It doesn't really matter what we're doing either. We could be in school, at work, or on a mission trip. Regardless of the circumstances, the promise of lunch will always accompany an hour of rest. It's funny though, when I read Proverbs 16:26, the Lord doesn't really convict me of my eating habits as much as He does of my walk with Him. I am reminded that Jesus refers to us as His workers in Matthew 9:37 when He says, "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." Suddenly, I am no longer envisioning my school cafeteria or the closest drive thru to my place of employment. Instead, I am rushed forward to a time where I will stand before the throne of God and be held accountable for my time spent here on earth. I hesitate to imagine what my response will be if the Lord asks, "Why did you spend so little time telling others about My love for them?" It hurts me to envision millions of souls on their way to hell because "the workers were few." Will I be found a faithful servant that day, or one who did as little work as necessary to get into heaven? May I ask how deep your hunger for the lost runs? How great are your pains for those that are without a relationship with their Creator? When was the last time you shared the message of Jesus Christ with a friend or family member. Just as lunch becomes of no interest to me when I am sick and without an appetite, I caution you that the same can happen in your walk with the Lord. Those of us who fail to spend time with God on a daily basis will undoubtedly lose our hunger for those that do not yet know God. Once we have lost our hunger, we are no longer "urged on" in our work of spreading the Gospel. I challenge you to ask the Lord to restore that hunger in your soul today. Ask Him to place specific individuals on your heart. Make it a point to spend each day in anticipation of the moment you will share His love with them. If you are anything like me, you will find that the more you think about your hunger, the greater it becomes. Lord, I pray that my hunger for the lost will urge me on to spread the news of your Son. devotions,,bible,,devotion,,god,,youth,,deeperdevotions,,deeper,devotions,,church DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/241 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/241#comments Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:00:47 +0000 Glenn Ansley joy http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/241 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/241/feed/ 3:29 Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight. Why would anyone want to go to heaven when the ... Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight. Why would anyone want to go to heaven when the party's going to be in hell? Sounds a little bit ridiculous rolling off the tongue doesn't it? It may be ridiculous to you and me, logical to the guy who said it, but its nothing more than foolishness to the Lord. Surprised? Don't be. I Corinthians 1:18 proclaims, "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Although the cross may be "the power of God" to Christians dwelling on their future home in glory, I am fearful that far too many of us are straying dangerously close to foolishness when it comes to our daily walk with the Lord. Romans 7 and 8 teach us that there is a battle taking place in the mind of every believer. You and I each have the Holy Spirit (representing the good and perfect law of God) within us. He guides and counsels us with every decision we make. Although we have been set free from the bondage to slavery that once had complete and total control over our lives, until we leave this imperfect world, we will continually fight the temptations of our "flesh." This battle is taking place in our minds and therefore, those who allow their minds to be set on the things of the flesh, rather than the things of the Spirit of God, will become a prisoner to the law of sin (Romans 7:23). This is why Paul reminds us in Romans 8:15 that, "You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" Nonetheless, we continue to take pleasure in the works of our flesh, forsaking the will of our heavenly Father. To those of us who are guilty of this, we are just as "senseless" as the man who wants to go to hell for the party. We are allowing folly to guide our daily walk rather than the Word of our Lord. As Proverbs 15:21 so bluntly puts it, our folly has become our joy because we lack the sense to daily walk the straight path to understanding. May I ask who is winning the battle that continually wars within your mind? Has the Spirit of God established a firm and influential presence within you? Or has your flesh, convinced that foolishness is wise and sin is justifiable, deceived you? Hebrews 11:25 reminds us that the pleasures of sin will always be a passing sensation, never here for more than a short time. I pray that you would resist the temptation of a fleeting pleasure, and keep your eyes held fast to the straight path of understanding. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1, 2). I challenge you to press on towards the goal of Jesus Christ. You will find that He is our only true and lasting joy! Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/237 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/237#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:50 +0000 Glenn Ansley obediencescripture http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/237 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/237/feed/ 3:11 Proverbs 13:13 The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The potluck dinner... ... Proverbs 13:13 The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The potluck dinner... what Baptist church could even be considered Baptist if its children didn't grow up eating food prepared by complete strangers at least once a week? It was Wednesday night about an hour before youth group would start. Matt, my best friend, and I were being our usual showboats to the dismay of our parents. For reasons I'll never know Matt had a pile of big green peas sitting on one corner of his plate. He would pick one up with his spoon, hold it about an inch away from his mouth, and suddenly suck with all of his might. Amazingly, the pea would be vacuumed off of the spoon, fly through the air, and hit the back of his throat with outstanding force. Quite impressive to me, but "unnecessary" to his mother. She instructed him to eat his peas correctly before he choked to death. Although death was never an honest a fear, the choking became pretty intense after he sucked one more down just to prove her wrong. While the memory of Matt choking on a pea may now provide for a great story, the truth is timeless. Those who generally approach life with a sense of obedience will be rewarded for doing so, but the disobedient will often have to learn the hard way. I am reminded of the times that I thought I could get away with being disobedient because my parents were not around to enforce their rules. Strangely enough, their presence never really had any bearing on whether or not I learned the hard way. As I look back on my teenage years, I realize that the rules I had been given were not so much to control me as they were to protect me. Now older and somewhat more mature, I am learning the importance of applying this knowledge to what Scripture has commanded me. I wonder how you look at the Word of God? Do you resent it as a book of rules and regulations placed inconveniently into your life as a means of control? Or have you been able to step back and look at it for what it really is? I am grateful for my parents' rules now that I understand they existed for my protection. In the same manner, I am also able to understand that God's Word is not a book centered on rules and regulations but on hopes and promises. When Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, it wasnt because He simply enjoyed telling us what to do, but because He could promise peace and joy to those who followed His instruction. This is why King Solomon wrote, "The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded." If this statement is true with man's word and instruction, how much greater must the words and commandments of God be? I pray that your day would not be spent in resentment to the Word of God, but rather in the hopes of what it promises. devotions,,bible,,devotion,,god,,youth,,deeperdevotions,,deeper,devotions,,church DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/235 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/235#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:00:58 +0000 Glenn Ansley godlinessrighteousness 808054982 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/235/feed/ 3:09 by Glenn Ansley Proverbs 12:3 A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. The hooded shadows of men ... by Glenn Ansley Proverbs 12:3 A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. The hooded shadows of men dancing on the walls of a dimly lit room; low and dull chants echoing softly off trees in a midnight forest; the prideful smile of evil captured by the artist on a "Most Wanted" poster. While some behaviors and individuals are unmistakably wicked by our own terms, we often forget that God considers every unrighteous act as wicked and immoral. Psalm 50:16-21 identifies wickedness with those who hate discipline, rejoice with thieves, associate with adulterers, speak deceit, and slander their family. Galatians 5:19-21 counts impurity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, envying, and drunkenness, all among the works of the flesh, which is inherently wicked from birth (Romans 8:7). It is against these acts that Proverbs so wisely counsels us to make no part of our lives. The person who builds his or her foundation upon wickedness will soon find their house crashing down around them. In stark contrast, the one who lives by integrity and righteousness will establish for themselves roots extending so deeply into the hand of God that they will never be moved. Psalms 1:1-3 describes the life of a righteous person like that of a tree "planted firmly by streams of water." If we will seek to honor God in all we do, depending on Him alone for our strength and provision, nothing will wreck the foundation we are building our lives upon. The righteous will "yield much fruit in [their] season, and [their] leafs will not wither; whatever [they] do will prosper." The wicked, however, are blown away like chaff. From which pile do you take bricks while building your life? Is your foundation created with deceit and jealousy or truth and love? Do outbursts of anger control your day or does peace and patience rule your heart? It's difficult to make the decision in the middle of an argument or dispute. Many times the pile of "wicked bricks" is much closer and they are easier to lift than the righteous ones. Today, I encourage you to make the extra effort to take bricks from the "pile of righteousness." Get up and walk the extra mile if it is needed. A foundation built upon integrity and righteousness will become a blessing to you, not only here on earth, but also before the throne of God in heaven. The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand (Proverbs 12:7). Which brick will you pick up today, that of wickedness or righteousness? devotions,,bible,,devotion,,god,,youth,,deeperdevotions,,deeper,devotions,,church DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/232 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/232#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:00:20 +0000 Glenn Ansley faithtrust http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/232 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/232/feed/ 3:09 Proverbs 11:4 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. Have you ever taken a walk through the ... Proverbs 11:4 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. Have you ever taken a walk through the woods on a crisp autumn afternoon? One cannot find many places to become closer to God than in the midst of His own creation. As I walk, the leaves crackle under my feet and I think about the cycle of seasons; how He has so ingeniously woven them together into perfect harmony. The wind blows and I imagine the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the earth, taking great joy in His creation. When I see a vine climbing high up into the trees, I think of you and me. I am reminded of the word of our Lord in John 15:5, "I am the vine and you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." Where would I be without the Lord? Through His strength and majesty I am able to climb the highest tree. Nothing is impossible for the one who puts their faith in Christ. Without a strong trust in the Lord, man will continually seek out alternative sources of faith and hope. King David, before Solomon, proclaimed that some boast in chariots and some put their faith in horses, but he will trust in the name of the Lord his God. In Proverbs we read as Solomon so wisely compares humanity's faith to the natural wonder of God. Those who put their faith in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf. As my mind is taken back once again to that walk through the forest, I remember the leaves under my feet in contrast to those holding so tightly and vibrant to the vines and trees. Which leaves do I resemble the most? Does my life remind you of the flourishing shade of green atop the canopy of trees, or do I appear brown and in decay, beneath the hoofs of wild animals? Do I place my faith in earthly riches or a heavenly treasure? I challenge you place your faith in no one but the Lord today. While your job and your finances are undoubtedly important, they should never be your reason for living. Trials and tribulations will abound in life, but persevere. Jesus speaks to the persecuted church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:10. He acknowledges their suffering and promises them life if they will faithfully trust in Him through it all. Proverbs 11:4 says, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." I pray that when the day of the Lord comes you will not be found decaying on the forest floor, but rather flourishing among the tops of the trees. Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7). Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/231 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/231#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:00:45 +0000 Glenn Ansley crucifixionhatelove http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/231 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/231/feed/ 4:22 Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions. Thousands of Jews, foreigners and Roman centurions were descending upon the city of Jerusalem at one ... Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions. Thousands of Jews, foreigners and Roman centurions were descending upon the city of Jerusalem at one time. The number of inhabitants was more than doubled as faithful Jews, hopeful businessmen, and anxious Romans slowly made their way across scorching deserts to the southeast and the rocky terrain to the north of the city. It was the week of Passover, the most anticipated feast of the Jewish religion. Jews celebrated the remembrance of their freedom from slavery to the Egyptians. Foreign businessmen took advantage of the large numbers of people gathered in such a confined space, and the Roman army prepared for the possibilities of riots. It was the perfect setting for joint worship, quick money, and social upheaval. It was the perfect setting for God's "fullness of time". Among the crowds that week was a small band of disciples who followed their faithful teacher into Jerusalem. For three years Jesus had been at the center of everything they knew and did. He was their teacher, their provider, and their future king. Little did they know that He was days away from becoming the center of the greatest hatred and love they would ever witness. He entered into Jerusalem that week on a donkey, praised by the people. They had heard of the many miraculous signs and wonders He had been doing outside of Jerusalem. The crowds were correct in believing that He was the promised Christ, but mistaken in their understanding of what that meant. Along with His disciples, the Jewish people believed the coming Christ would save them from their Roman occupation and oppression. He would be a mighty king, compared to the greatness David. Jesus, however, came not to deliver Israel from Rome, but rather, the entire world from the curse of sin. Everyone in the city was not a supporter of Jesus though. The Jewish leaders were extremely threatened by the influence of Jesus over the crowds. They believed He was a distraction and danger to their highly evolved religion; they were correct. Seizing the opportunity, they shifted the opinion of the crowds and turned them against Jesus. Social tension mounted and the Lord's plan for salvation was set in motion. Hatred and revenge began to rule the hearts of the people. They were no longer hailing Jesus as their savior and king, but rather, as an unstable man who threatening the well being of Israel. Encouraged by the Jewish leaders, this hatred became a mounting snowball, rolling downhill with vicious momentum. It continued to grow as not only the Jewish people and the their leaders were added to its size, but the Roman officials became engulfed in the situation. The ball finally came to an abrupt stop at the foot of a cross on the top of a hill. It was here that hatred had run its full course, ending in strife, upheaval, and the death of a man. This was no ordinary man though. He was also the Son of God, divinity in the flesh. As the proverb says, "Hatred may stir up strife, but love covers a multitude of sins!" What Satan meant for evil, God meant for good. More important than our Savior's death was His resurrection from the dead three days later. His self-sacrificing love provided the power needed to cover a world of transgressions. As children of this God, it is our duty to imitate Him in all of His ways. I pray that you would follow the instruction of Proverbs 10:12 along with the example of Jesus Christ. Let love, rather than hatred, rule over your life. Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/229 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/229#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:00:51 +0000 Glenn Ansley foolishness http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/229 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/229/feed/ 3:42 Proverbs 9:16-18 Whoever is naive, let him turn in here, and to him who lacks understanding she says, Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in ... Proverbs 9:16-18 Whoever is naive, let him turn in here, and to him who lacks understanding she says, Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. It was a sticky Florida night and I sat alone in a group of ten other camp staffers. The room was hot, I was hungry, and we had been sitting in the same position for more than an hour. Talking was not permitted; if you spoke, you were as good as dead. It had been a meticulous and stressful process but we were down to the last two suspects. One claimed to be an undercover detective while the other insisted he was an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I suppose no one could have known for sure, but in the end we accused the detective of being a liar. You can imagine our surprise and disappointment when were later informed that the innocent bystander had gotten away with murder. If only every night were a game like this one. They are not though, and the stakes are much higher. In the midst of a life filled with uncertainties, one cannot risk the dangers of a foolish mentality. Proverbs describes a woman of folly, seated outside her house, boisterously calling out to those who pass by. (9:13-15). Like the innocent bystander on that Friday night, the woman of folly puts on an appearance of innocence with the intent to destroy. Wisdom personified calls from the tops of the heights of the city (9:3), the woman of folly sits on a seat by the high places of the city, calling to those who pass by (9:14, 15). Wisdom calls out, Whoever is naive, let him turn in here (9:4); folly echoes wisdoms every word (9:16). To the untrained ear and those who lack discipline, a great difficulty will be found in any attempt to make the distinction. A difference is discovered not in their appearance or beckoning, but only in their message and consequential outcome. The lady of wisdom offers food and drink of her own (9:5), while the woman of folly proclaims, Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (9:17). To those who lust after the deception of folly, they will find company with the dead in the depths of Sheol (9:18). To the one who forsakes folly and pursues wisdom, life and understanding will be their reward (9:6). II Corinthians 11:14 teaches us that, even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. It is for this reason that we must resist the urge to accept every word we hear from television, friends, parents, and even ministers of the word. It is for this reason that we must constantly measure everything we hear against the word of God. Only by doing this will we escape the deception of murderers who claim to be innocent bystanders, the woman of folly posed as the lady of wisdom, and even Satan disguised as an angel of light! See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ (Colossians 2:8). Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/228 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/228#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:00:22 +0000 Glenn Ansley wisdom http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/228 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/228/feed/ 3:29 Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. Wisdom personified, calls out in the streets, longing ... Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. Wisdom personified, calls out in the streets, longing for a listening ear. Like the tumbleweed blown from here to there are those who fail to stop and listen. I have heard that ignorance is bliss; we couldn't be any further from the truth. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord, the path to righteousness, and a treasure beyond silver or gold; it is not, however, bliss. Those who fail to gain wisdom and understanding will one day be found with no excuse. It was through His wisdom that the Lord fashioned the earth (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19). This same wisdom stands "at the gates of the city" where all pass by. No person is beyond the sound of its voice. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Our God is the source of all wisdom, to the one that searches it out, peace and mercy will be found (James 3:17). To the one who will not listen, only death will find that person out (Proverbs 8:36). Above all else, wisdom is perfect truth displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. It is through Him alone that we will find discernment and understanding. If we truly desire a closer walk with the Lord, we must give up the pursuit of happiness and money in exchange for the knowledge of Christ (Matthew 6:33). We have before us a wealth of wisdom and discernment. James 1:5 commands us to ask God for wisdom when we lack it. II Timothy 3:15 reminds us, "that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." The resources are right in front of us like the woman standing at the gate of the city. Yet, we pass up daily opportunities to take advantage of this wealth of knowledge. Christ Himself promises, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock" (Matthew 7:24). May I ask where you're building your house today? "Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries out." I pray that you would not pass her by any longer. I ask that you would find the time and commitment it takes to search out the wisdom of God; He so desperately wants to spend time with you. As Proverbs 8:34 and 35 promise, "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord." It's far more difficult to dedicate each day to seeking His wisdom than it is to dedicate a lifetime. Are you willing? Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/224 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/224#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:00:40 +0000 Glenn Ansley http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/224 http://deeperdevotion.com/devotions/224/feed/ 3:54 Proverbs 7:7, 8 And I saw among the naive, I discerned among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing through the street near her corner; ... Proverbs 7:7, 8 And I saw among the naive, I discerned among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing through the street near her corner; and he takes the way to her house. Sin is like a cup of coffee. You haven't always been attracted to it, but the longer you entertain it, the stronger it becomes. One year ago I hated the stuff, its alluring smells, the promise of a quick pick-me-up, the overwhelming popularity resulting in immense peer pressure; I was able to resist it all. Growing up it was easy; we didn't even own a coffee maker. When relatives visited for holiday's they had to bring a box of the instant stuff or their own traveling percolators. I even made it successfully through the college scene where late night trips to Denny's and the campus cafe served it like it was the source of life. Now, however, as I type these words I can still taste the lingering remains of an empty mug that sits in front of me. I drink it black with two sugars. The book of Proverbs warns us that sin, much like my coffee, doesn't overtake you in one uncontrollable blow. It's a slow and meticulous process, gaining a little ground each day. The writer describes a young man naive in his actions, which eventually leads him to the bed of an adulteress woman. The young man's mistake was no more than simply passing through the street "near her corner" (Proverbs 7:8). By doing so he left himself wide open for the temptress to approach him and eventually lead him back to her house like "an ox that goes to the slaughter" (Proverbs 7:22). With her enticing words she is able to convince him that all is okay. Not even the knowledge of a husband will now alter his actions. Her many persuasions and flattering lips lead to an unimaginable and irresistible compromise (Proverbs 7:21). When the smoke has cleared it feels as if "an arrow has pierced through his liver." He longs to escape like "a bird in a snare," but for him, it is too late (Proverbs 7:23). I never intended to be a coffee drinker when I started taking such a great pleasure in its aroma. My first cup was forty percent milk, forty percent sugar, and twenty percent coffee. I hated it. By the time I owned my own coffee maker I was using instant creamer and one scoop of coffee per mug. Now I use three scoops and have discarded the cream altogether. I wonder how long it will be until I give up the sugar as well. As the writer of Proverbs, I ask you to pay attention to my words (7:24). It is so important that we turn away from our temptations at the first scent of their presence. While coffee will only lead to a late night and many trips to the bathroom, our sin is no game. It causes a hindrance between our spirits and the Spirit of God. It draws us near and sucks the life away from us. As verse 26 says, "For many are the victims [it] has cast down, and numerous are all [its] slain." James 4:7 promises that if we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us. More importantly though, verse 8 proclaims, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." How true this is! The closer we walk to God, the further we will find ourselves from the "street near her corner." Are you walking dangerously close to an unwanted sin? I challenge you to call on the Lord and to draw close to Him before you become enticed by sin's persuasions. Devotions DEEPERDEVOTION.com no No