I want to share some things that really stood out to me in today's Bible Reading Plan! First we'll look at Proverbs 13:9:
9 The light of the [uncompromisingly] righteous [is within him--it grows brighter and] rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked [furnishes only a derived, temporary light and] shall be put out shortly.
If you are wondering where they came up with this in the Amplified Bible, we'll do a little Word Study! look at this verse from the KJV:
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
KJV
"Light" is the Hebrew word "`owr". It means: illumination or luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.). It can also refer to: light of life, light of prosperity. Also to give light."Lamp" is the Hebrew word "niyr". It means: to glisten, a lamp. Do you see that the Light that is in us, as born again believers, is HIS Light (John 1:4-5)? Any light that we see in the lost is only temporary and will NOT last! We are doing no favors for "nice" unbelievers by assuming that they may be believers because they do nice things! I would rather lose a friend that is an unbeliever, if they would happen to be offended, knowing that the seed of the Word I share will NOT return void (Isaiah 55:11)! They will NOT be able to forget that Word and their choice WILL affect their eternity! Walk in love! Share the TRUTH! AMEN! Now look at Proverbs 13:13-14 and 20:
13 Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.
20 He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.
All of the evil that is happening in the world has it's root and source in sin! Jesus provided the way out of the curse that comes from sin! Those who will receive HIM as Lord and personal Savior are set free from the curse (Galatians 3:13) and from the law of sin and death! Look at Romans 8:2:
2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
AMP
We HAVE BEEN set free, but WE must appropriate it through His Word! That is what Proverbs 13:14 is saying! Get into the Word and make it your own! Get to a good local church that teaches the Word of God uncompromisingly! Fellowship with like-minded believers, as verse 20 says, and you will be wise! AMEN! One last Scripture I want to encourage you with today is found in Revelation 19:11-16:
11 After that I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse [appeared]! The One Who was riding it is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He passes judgment and wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness). 12 His eyes [blaze] like a flame of fire, and on His head are many kingly crowns (diadems); and He has a title (name) inscribed which He alone knows or can understand. 13 He is dressed in a robe dyed by dipping in blood, and the title by which He is called is The Word of God. 14 And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). 16 And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has a name (title) inscribed, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
As you face temptation to be discouraged with what you see taking place on the earth today, remember that THIS is a sure and certain event! He IS Lord and He WILL rule and reign! Right now, our responsibility is to see to it that we allow Him to reign NOW in OUR lives so that others will see and will be drawn to HIM! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "Yours Is The Kingdom":
Shalom in Him!
