Archive for August 2009

Proverbs 11:17

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

The word “kind” in our passages today translates the Hebrew word chesed. It is sometimes translated “love”, or “lovingkindness”, or even “loyal love.” Chesed shows up at home in the menial tasks of loading the dishwasher, doing the laundry, mowing the grass, running the sweeper or any other task that many let other people do. Chesed shows up in the neighborhood when one shovels a neighbor’s driveway, hauls away branches blown down by a storm, or watches a house while the owners travel. Chesed shows up at work with kind words, help with a project that is facing a deadline, and writing an encouraging note or e-mail.

While helping others, the biggest benefit of chesed is to oneself. A life lived bigger than ourselves is a life of true significance. So go out there today and live BIG! You’ll love the rewards.

Father, help us look for and find opportunities for chesed today. And by your Spirit may we enjoy the benefits. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I am in Nairobi, Kenya this week with Justin Bowers and Scott Boyd involved in some exciting ministry. Follow our journey on Twitter (Ron_Moore).

Proverbs 20:28

Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

The first line of this proverb uses two words to describe the basis of security. Chesed describes a “loyal love”, a love of commitment and dedication. Emeth describes what is trustworthy and true. While our passage today specifically addresses an earthly kingdom, these two words convey the strong meaning of a faithful love often used to describe the covenant between God and His people.
The faithful love between God and His people can never be severed. He brings us to Himself and keeps us there. Nothing can snatch us out of His hand. He promises to finish the work of salvation He started. Nothing can separate us from His love. When we trust in Christ, we will forever be a child of God. That’s loyal love!
It is the loyal love of God that keeps us safe and secure. People may fail us. Some may go back on their commitment. Some may break a promise. But God never does. As a Christian our life and eternity is settled. And that certainty gives us the freedom to respond to the Father in freedom and obedience.

Father, thank you for your loyal love. Thank you that, as a believer, your love for us is perfect and complete and secure. Thank you for that assurance. May we respond with a gratitude that causes us to follow hard after you. In Christ’s name. Amen.

In Nairobi this week with Justin Bowers and Scott Boyd to scope next spring’s college trip, meet with International Justice Mission, meet with Nairobi International School of Theology administration to determine if a “visiting professor” situation may be possible with members of our staff, and to meet with Wayne and Dee Johnson—missionaries supported by the Bible Chapel. We are also hooked up with a local pastor who has us speaking at a Bible study, to a group of church leaders, and at three churches on Sunday. Appreciate your prayers. Follow our journey on Twitter (Ron_Moore).

Proverbs 21:21

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Do you want to live a life with deep meaning? Do you want to be rich in the things that count? Do you desire to be respected by others? Today’s passage presents the formula—chase after right living and demonstrate kindness.

Some people run hard and run fast. They live life in Usain Bolt record setting speed. They climb to the top of their careers like Sir Edmund Hillary scaled Mt. Everest. Watch them go…running…running…running…but after the wrong things. As the old saying goes, many people climb the ladder of success only to find that it was leaning against the wrong building.

So here’s the question—are you chasing after the right things? If not, you’re going to be disappointed when you reach your destination.

Father, give us the desire to live life to the fullest and give us the wisdom to run hard after the things that count in your eyes.
In Christ’s name. Amen.

I am currently in Nairobi, Kenya with Justin Bowers and Scott Boyd. Follow our ministry trip on Twitter (Ron_Moore).

Proverbs 3:3-4

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Relationships are challenging—No two ways about it. The richness of friendship also has a rough side—sometimes friends rub us the wrong way, do or say hurtful things, do things that get on our nerves. The richness of marriage is not without its rough patches, as well. Communication breakdown (or shutdown), feeling isolated, being irritated and at times flat out angry are all included in the most intimate relationship between human beings. But beyond emotion and feelings there are two things that will win favor and maintain a good name with God and man…love and faithfulness.
“Love” translates the Hebrew word chesed and means “kindness and goodness.” Love prompts calmness within anger, reasoned, instead of reckless, words, expressions of care not in response to what another person has done but…just because. “Faithfulness” translates the Hebrew word emeth and means “firmness”.  Emeth stands firm when others retreat; remains loyal in challenging circumstances, and stays in the relationship when the temptation to bail out is strong.

Want to win favor with God? Want to have a good name with man? Develop a heart of love and faithfulness, then let it flow through your life. At the end of the day you will be welcomed home by God…and your memorial service will be packed!
Father, help us live and finish strong. May your Spirit produce godly love and faithfulness in our lives. May others see your work in our hearts. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Today Justin Bowers, Scott Boyd, and I leave for Nairobi. Our “planned” itinerary is packed! Never know exactly what will happen until you get there. Follow our journey on Twitter (Ron_Moore).