Coffee With The Lord

Proverbs 3:1-12

LIFE LESSONS FROM A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER

Much of the book of Proverbs is presented as the instruction/exhortation of a parent to their child. This passage, part of my Bible reading today is like that – a personal favorite of mine! Imagine that scene – parent to child – as you read and reflect on this passage!

But is that all? Isn’t God, the “Heavenly Father – the Divine Parent – communicating to His children through “His word” in this passage? His concern is for the ultimate welfare and blessing of His children.

Look for this pattern as you move through the passage…

· The exhortation

· The assurance or promise

1. The exhortation/instruction (vs. 1):

Give high priority to Godly instruction. Remember it! Heed it!

The promise or assurance (vs. 2):

Doing so will lead to a long, fulfilling life! “Shalom!”

2. The exhortation/instruction (vs. 3:

Make “steadfast love” (“hesed”) and faithfulness the adorning and enduring characteristics of your life!

The promise or assurance (vs. 4):

If you do, you’ll enjoy the favor, benefits and blessing of both God and others!

3. The exhortation/instruction (vss. 5-6:

Trust God completely – be sure to acknowledge Him in everything – Don’t try to figure everything out on your own!

The promise or assurance (vs. 6b):

If you do this, He’ll help you, smooth out your path, and work out all the details!

4. The exhortation/instruction (vs. 7):

Don’t be a “know it all!” Reverence the Lord, turn away from what is evil, and live the way He wants you to live!

The promise or assurance (vs. 8):

This is the healthy way to live and you’ll discover fresh vitality in your life!

5. The exhortation/instruction (vs. 9:

Honor God with your money and possessions – don’t try to get rich and prosperous on your own – without God’s direction and help!

The promise or assurance (vs. 10):

If you will do this the Lord promises to bless and prosper you.

6. The exhortation/instruction (vs. 11:

Be willing to accept and respond positively to your Heavenly Father’s discipline – Don’t resent it! Remember He loves you!

The promise or assurance (vs. 12):

The Heavenly Father’s discipline is evidence of His love! His desire is to delight in your life! (Hebrews 12:5b-17)

Wow! What a way to live! What incredible loving guidance from a Heavenly Father!

Today’s “Coffee with the Lord” post is an edited and updated repost from a number of years ago (but it is from a passage in my Bible reading today)…

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I’m an older person now – 79 in fact. I jokingly used to tell my students, “You’re listening to an old dog!” But I remember vividly many of the “life lessons” taught to me by my father and mother as a child and a young man. Listen, I’m so glad for the decision I made early in life to listen to them and heed what they had to say – rather than resist them! Looking back, I’m so grateful for what they taught me, and their godly example!

I have other friends… I’ve observed other lives… who rebelled, who resisted what their elders tried to teach them – who rejected their advice and were determined to go their own way. They’re older now and many of them live with deep regrets and in their own words “wasted years.”

Thought of that this morning as I read these wise words from Proverbs 1…

“The fear (or reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge! Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son (or daughter), your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching! They are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

“If sinners entice you, do not consent! If they say, ‘Come with us, let us… let us… let us… we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— do not walk in the way with them! Hold back your foot from their paths! For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these individuals lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.” (From Proverbs 1:7–18 ESV)

Yes, looking back, I’m glad I listened – glad I heeded the wise words of my parents and other wise leaders and spiritual influences God sent my way! No regrets on that score! Like I said, I’m 79 now… And I want to keep listening… and heeding (and sharing what I’ve learned with a younger generation)!

Thought of all of my dear Christian friends today as I read these words in the Bible during my time of “Coffee with the Lord.” (I’ve adapted them a bit, but send them out you today with my sincerest thoughts, prayers and love…

“We give thanks to God for you, dear friends, beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you and saved you, setting you apart as His very own by the Holy Spirit as you have believed the truth of the gospel! May you obtain the glory that He has promised through our Lord Jesus Christ! Regardless of the trials you may face, stand firm and hold fast what you have been taught! Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and has given us eternal encouragement and good hope through His grace, continue to comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word! Amen!!!” (Adapted by “yours truly” from 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17)