Daily Devotions – The Message for the World

Daily Devotions – The Message for the World

Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Al Campbell:

 

Proverbs 25 (NIV)
More Proverbs of Solomon
25 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings. 3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. 4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; 5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. 6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes 8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, 10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand. 11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. 12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. 13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. 14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given. 15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 16 If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. 17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you. 18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. 19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. 20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. 23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look. 24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. 25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. 26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. 27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. 28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

 

What ‘good news from a distant land’ (verse 25) would be refreshing to your soul right now?

 

Lord, the world seems to be shrinking. The actions of a country across the globe can directly impact our country, and we there’s. The news of events from countries all over the world is accessible. The leaders may speak in unity but their intentions and motives can be a mystery and their thoughts and intentions are unknown. Establish righteous leaders and remove wicked officials from their presence. Allow integrity, honesty, and respect for the other nations of the world to rise up in relationships between nations. The news that can bring nations together is what You have done to rescue all who put their trust in Him. Missionaries travel great distances to share Your good news. Since they come from far away, people are more open to listening to them because the trouble they went to in bringing the message adds to its importance. There are distant countries that are now sending missionaries to the United States to share the good news. Lord expand and grow the good news of Your gospel to all nations of the world, including the U.S.A. The Gospel brings the good news of grace favor and goodwill of God to all people no matter where they are located. It connects people of God from across the nations with a single purpose of love. You came all the way from heaven to give us this message of salvation, peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life through Jesus’ death on the cross. No one has traveled further to bring news. Help our hearts and lives be open to Your message because of the trouble that You went through to bring us salvation. Refresh our soul as we all listen, respond, and impact the world with Your Love. Amen