Day 24 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 24  It's foolish to cheat, steal, or take advantage of others. You may get a short term gain, but it's not right and you will find yourself fighting against God. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 24:15-18 15-18 Listen you scoundrel: Don’t take advantage of a godly person or break into their home; because even if they fall seven times, they will still get back up again. But scoundrels like you are tripped up by their own evil. So don’t celebrate or be happy when your enemy stumbles or falls, because Jehovah will be angry with your cruelty and their troubles will be over. God watches over godly people who try to do the right thing. They may stumble from time to time or someone may catch them off guard with an evil scheme; but, no matter how many times they fall, they will get back up again because of their faith in God.  And God will punish those who knock them down and kick them on the ground. Prayer "Lord, forgive me for the times I've wronged others or taken advantage of them.  No matter how many times I stumble or fall, help me to trust You and get back up again.  Help me to trust You with justice and mercy.  Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 24
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 24 Precepts and Warnings 1 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their [a]minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. 3 By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4 And by knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is [b]strong, And a man of knowledge [c]increases power. 6 For by wise guidance you will [d]wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory. 7 Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate. 8 One who plans to do evil, Men will call a [e]schemer. 9 The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. 10 If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited. 11 Deliver those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. 12 If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not [f]render to man according to his work? 13 My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; 14 Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a [g]future, And your hope will not be cut off. 15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not destroy his resting place; 16 For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 18 Or the Lord will see it and [h]be displeased, And turn His anger away from him. 19 Do not fret because of evildoers Or be envious of the wicked; 20 For there will be no [i]future for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21 My son, [j]fear the Lord and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change, 22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin that comes from both of them? 23 These also are sayings of the wise. To [k]show partiality in judgment is not good. 24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; 25 But to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them. 26 He kisses the lips Who gives [l]a right answer. 27 Prepare your work outside And make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house. 28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips. 29 Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will [m]render to the man according to his work.” 30 I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man lacking [n]sense, 31 And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with [o]nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. 32 When I saw, I [p]reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. 33 “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” 34 Then your poverty will come as [q]a robber And your want like [r]an armed man. Footnotes: Proverbs 24:2 Lit hearts Proverbs 24:5 Lit in strength Proverbs 24:5 Lit strengthens power Proverbs 24:6 Lit make battle for yourself Proverbs 24:8 Or deviser of evil Proverbs 24:12 Lit bring back Proverbs 24:14 Lit latter end Proverbs 24:18 Lit it is evil in His eyes Proverbs 24:20 Lit latter end Proverbs 24:21 Or reverence Proverbs 24:23 Lit regard the face Proverbs 24:26 Or an honest Proverbs 24:29 Lit bring back Proverbs 24:30 Lit heart Proverbs 24:31 I.e. a kind of weed Proverbs 24:32 Lit set my heart Proverbs 24:34 Or a vagabond; lit one who walks Proverbs 24:34 Lit a man with a shield	Proverbs 24 Number 20 - 1-2 Don’t be jealous of evil people or long to join them, because all they want is to destroy and everything they say causes trouble.   Number 21 - 3-4 Wisdom turns a house into a home, understanding keeps it that way, and knowledge fills the rooms with treasures to enjoy. Number 22 - 5-6 Wisdom makes a warrior strong and those who learn have real power.  You need good advice when you go to war so seek the help of many aides. Number 23 - 7 Wisdom goes right over a fool’s head.  They have nothing important to say when leaders gather for council. Number 24 - 8-9 Someone who plans evil is called a troublemaker.  A foolish scheme is sin; and mockery is disgusting.  Number 25 - 10-12 You’re not strong enough if you fall apart when the going gets tough.  If you refuse to rescue someone innocent who’s condemned to die, if you just watch them go off to die and don’t do anything, don’t try to say, “Look, I didn’t know!”  God knows your heart and you can’t hide anything from Him.  Do you think the guardian of your soul won’t know?  He pays people back for how they act. Number 26 - 13-14 Listen sweety, honey is good.  Don’t you like the sweet taste that drizzles from the honeycomb?  You see, wisdom is the same for your soul.  If you find wisdom, you’ll discover a bright future and you’ll never run out of hope. Number 27 & 28 - 15-16 & 17-18 Listen you scoundrel: Don’t take advantage of a godly person or break into their home; because even if they fall seven times, they will still get back up again. But scoundrels like you are tripped up by their own evil. So don’t celebrate or be happy when your enemy stumbles or falls, because Jehovah will be angry with your cruelty and their troubles will be over. Number 29 - 19-20 Don’t get all worked up about evil and don’t be jealous of the ungodly.  There will be no evil in the end and the ungodly will be snuffed out. Number 30 - 21-22 Listen sweety, revere Jehovah and the king and don’t ever get mixed up with rebels, because they will be destroyed in an instant and no one knows when. More Words of Wisdom 23-25 Here’s some more words of wisdom: It’s not good to show favoritism when you make a judgement.  People will hate those who pronounce the guilty “innocent”; it will enrage the whole community.  However, everyone is pleased when the guilty are convicted; people who pass honest verdicts will be blessed. 26 A straightforward, honest answer is as sweet as a kiss on the lips. 27 Get your priorities straight: secure your livelihood first and then build your house. 28 Don’t testify against your neighbor unless you have a really good reason; and never mislead by what you say. 29 Don’t ever say, “I’m gonna do them like they did me.  I’ll get them back for what they’ve done.” 30-34 I walked passed a lazy person’s farm, and the vineyard of someone who has no sense.  Briars had taken over everything and the ground was full of weeds. The stone wall was broken down.  So I reflected on this sad sight and learned an important lesson:  A little more sleep, a little extra snoozing, a little more time in the recliner with your hands folded across your chest, and poverty will sneak up on you like a bandit, and hardship will invade your life.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 23 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 23  The wise person knows it's meaningless to spend your life trying to get rich. You're never satisfied and you can lose it all in a heartbeat. A wise person wants more. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 23:4-5 4-5 Don’t slave your life away trying to accumulate more and more stuff. Know when enough is enough, because dreams of getting rich are like chasing birds in the park.  You run up and they flap their wings and fly away. Your life is precious. Don't waste it. Know what's really important. Most people slave away chasing after things that really don't matter. We want more and more; and the more we have, we find we never have enough. Fill your life with meaning and you will be fully satisfied. Prayer "Father, help me invest my life in things that matter and not be be infatuated with possessions and money, which don't really satisfy and are fleeting anyway. Amen." Read Proverbs 23
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 23 On Life and Conduct 1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully [a]what is before you, 2 And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, For it is deceptive food. 4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your [b]consideration of it. 5 [c]When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. 6 Do not eat the bread of [d]a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies; 7 For as he [e]thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you. 8 You will vomit up [f]the morsel you have eaten, And waste your [g]compliments. 9 Do not speak in the [h]hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless, 11 For their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you. 12 Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge. 13 Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you [i]strike him with the rod, he will not die. 14 You shall [j]strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; 16 And my [k]inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right. 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the [l]fear of the Lord [m]always. 18 Surely there is a [n]future, And your hope will not be cut off. 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way. 20 Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who sires a wise son will be glad in him. 25 Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her rejoice who gave birth to you. 26 Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes [o]delight in my ways. 27 For a harlot is a deep pit And an [p]adulterous woman is a narrow well. 28 Surely she lurks as a robber, And increases the [q]faithless among men. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to [r]taste mixed wine. 31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it [s]sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things And your [t]mind will utter perverse things. 34 And you will be like one who lies down in the [u]middle of the sea, Or like one who lies down on the top of a [v]mast. 35 “They struck me, but I did not become [w]ill; They beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will seek [x]another drink.” Footnotes: Proverbs 23:1 Or who Proverbs 23:4 Or understanding Proverbs 23:5 Lit Will your eyes fly upon it and it is not? Proverbs 23:6 Lit an evil eye Proverbs 23:7 Lit reckons in his soul Proverbs 23:8 Lit your Proverbs 23:8 Lit pleasant words Proverbs 23:9 Lit ears Proverbs 23:13 Lit smite Proverbs 23:14 Lit smite Proverbs 23:16 Lit kidneys Proverbs 23:17 Or reverence Proverbs 23:17 Lit all the day Proverbs 23:18 Lit latter end Proverbs 23:26 Another reading is observe Proverbs 23:27 Lit strange Proverbs 23:28 Lit treacherous Proverbs 23:30 Or search out Proverbs 23:31 Lit gives its eye Proverbs 23:33 Lit heart Proverbs 23:34 Lit heart Proverbs 23:34 Or lookout Proverbs 23:35 I.e. from the effect of wounds Proverbs 23:35 Lit it yet again	Proverbs 23 Number 6 - 1-3 Be careful what’s really happening when you meet with an influential person.  Don’t get distracted by the delicious food they serve, because they may use it to get what they want. Number 7 - 4-5 Don’t slave your life away trying to accumulate more and more stuff. Know when enough is enough, because dreams of getting rich are like chasing birds in the park.  You run up and they flap their wings and fly away. Number 8 - 6-8 Don’t eat food from an evil person or crave it because it smells so good.  He’s hiding his real motives.  He says, “Eat! Drink!” but he’s not thinking of you.  One way or another, it’ll make you sick to the stomach and you’ll be sorry you ever spoke to them. Number 9 - 9 Don’t waste your time giving advice to a fool; they’ll just walk all over it.   Number 10 - 10-11 Don’t tamper with established property lines or annex land that belongs to orphans, because their redeemer is strong and he’ll fight you. Number 11 - 12 Never stop listening and learning. Number 13 - 13-14 Don’t be soft on your kids.  A whipping won’t kill them, but it might save them from hell. Number 14 - 15-16 Dear child, I’ll be overjoyed if you have true inner wisdom.  I’ll smile on the inside every time you speak the truth. Number 15 - 17-18 Don’t be jealous of sinners; always live in reverent awe of Jehovah.  Your faith will pay off in the end. Number 16 - 19-21 Listen up, dear child, and be wise; follow the right path in life. Don’t hang out with heavy drinkers or people who always eat too much.  They’ll eventually lose everything and laze around in rags. Number 17 - 22-25 Your father gave you life so listen to him and respect your mother when she’s old.  Buy truth and never sell it.  Get all the wisdom, instruction, and knowledge you can.  A father celebrates when his children live right and he's overjoyed when they are wise.  So make your parents proud; make your mom glad she gave birth. Number 18 - 26-28 Commit your life to me, son, and keep your eyes fixed straight ahead on my path.  A prostitute will get you in big trouble and an adulteress in a tight spot.  She waits to ambush her prey and fills the community with unfaithful men. Number 19 - 29-35 Who cries out in despair? Who is full of sorrow?  Whose life is full of drama?  Who does nothing but complain? Who has wounds they could’ve avoided? Whose eyes are always red? Those who stay up late drinking and looking for comfort in a bottle.  Don’t get infatuated with the color of the wine or how it sparkles in the cup or how smoothly it goes down.  In the end, I’ll bite you like a snake and wound you like a viper.  You’ll see strange things and talk out of your head.  You’ll feel like you're seasick and staggering on top of a boat tossed by a rough sea.  You’ll say “Who smashed my head? I can’t remember. I didn’t even know they were beating me up.  But when I get my feet under me, I’ll go do it again.”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

A Kingdom Not of This World

Introduction
Last week, I shared that everyone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is a king or queen in God's Kingdom.  I hope that knowledge gives all God's people great confidence.  We have dignity because God chose us to be His royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's very own possession.  It is a profound revelation that we are that important and loved by the God of the universe.  

Today, I want to share how we should live as royalty in God's Kingdom.  I thought I might get some insights by looking at how royal families on earth live.  So I did some research into the royal family of England.  I found some interesting facts about royal etiquette, but unfortunately, I don't think it will be very helpful in the Kingdom of God.  For instance:

1. The royal family of England cannot be touched by non-royals (bummer--no hugs).  
2. They are not supposed to eat shellfish  (apparently there is a fear of food poisoning).  
3. All Royals must enter a room and sit at tables in order of  their royal rank.
4. No one may eat after the Queen has finished eating.
5. Royals cannot sit with their legs crossed.
6. Royals must hold their eating utensils in the correct hands.
7. Royals must hold a tea cups properly.

England is a limited monarchy.  There role of the royal family is mostly ceremonial.  However, in the past, there were absolute monarchies.  In an absolute monarchy, the king or queen has absolute power over the people.  The monarch can issue decrees–the quick, unchallenged creation of a law.  They can also impose unchallenged punishments or pardons.  Regardless of whether the royal decree, punishment, or pardon is fair or even makes sense, it must be obeyed because the king or queen has absolute authority.  I'm glad America is a democracy and not an absolute monarchy.  It isn't wise to let a mortal and fallible king or queen have absolute power.  We know of several examples of absolute monarchies and we can see the trouble they get into.  Israel in the Old Testament started out as an absolute monarchy.  The Roman Empire in Jesus' day was an absolute monarchy.  Even today, Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy.  

In the Kingdom of God, Jesus is an absolute monarch.  He created everything and He owns it all.  He is supreme and the only one worthy and able to rule with justice.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  But if we who follow Jesus Christ are kings and queens, how then shall we live?  Well, let's study what Jesus said.

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

So to start with, we see that the Kingdom of God is not of this world and so it doesn't follow the pattern of this world's royal families.  (Thank goodness, because I really like to eat shellfish!)  But what are the rules for God's Kingdom?  Again, listen to Jesus.

Luke 22:25-27
25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

From Jesus' teaching, we can list 5 rules of Royal Etiquette in God's Kingdom.

Royal Etiquette in God’s Kingdom
Number 1 - The greatest kings and queens in God’s Kingdom are the servants of all.  
This first rule undergirds 
everything.  Jesus taught many different lessons throughout his ministry.  However, it was all founded on this one principle--servanthood.  Jesus was the greatest of all servants.  He left the glory of Heaven to come save us, even though we don't deserve it.  That is divine royalty and all the other rules of etiquette in God's Kingdom follow the first.

Number 2 - God’s kings and queens seek the glory of God.
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is the only one worthy of glory.  Yet, Jesus didn't come to toot his own horn.  Jesus came to glorify God, not himself.  A king or queen in God’s Kingdom is loyal to God and seeks God’s will above all else.  They're not trying to get their own way, not seeking public approval or popularity, not wanting financial security or prosperity, not after power or influence.  God’s kings and queens are willing to lay down their life and sacrifice all for the sake of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.

Number 3 - God’s kings and queens are willing to sacrifice so that others can find true joy.
What is true joy?  True joy is to know Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior of the world.  Those who follow Jesus know that incredible joy and want the whole world to know it too.  So we go into all the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  We preach the Gospel and share the Good News so that as many as possible will lay down their selfish pursuits and come to know the source of true Joy.  And guess what?  This also brings glory to God (which is number 2)!

Number 4 - God’s kings and queens are willing to give up their own rights rather than hurt the Good News about Jesus Christ.
One of the greatest evangelists in God's Kingdom is the Apostle Paul.  He wrote most of the New Testament and shaped the early Church.  Paul wrote Galatians, an epic declaration of Christians freedom in Christ.  Paul was the great herald who preached about our absolutely free from all the rules and regulations of the Old Testament.  Yet look at how Paul lived.  He was willing to set aside his freedom for the sake of the Gospel.  Sometimes Paul chose not to eat or drink certain foods (not because he had to, but because he didn’t want to do anything that would hinder others from listening to his message about Jesus Christ).  For the same reason, Paul often refused the financial support he deserved from those he served; instead made his own living as a tentmaker and preached for free.  Paul would rather go hungry or dress poorly than be a financial burden to the ones he was trying to convert to Jesus.  The greatest evangelist was often beaten or was homeless or endured disrespect inside and outside the church for the sake of the Gospel.  And Paul even decided not to get married so he could devote all of his time to spreading Gospel to as many people as possible.  In the end, Paul died as a martyr.  We have great freedom and privilege as kings and queens in God's Kingdom, but we should be ready to set that all aside for the sake of sharing the Good News about Jesus with a dying world.  

Number 5 - God’s kings and queens aren’t worried about being in the spotlight or receiving recognition.  
Perhaps a wedding is a good illustration.  In a wedding, the bride and the groom are the most important people, but the matron of honor and the best man are important too.  The best man and matron of honor are honored as being very special people in the bride and groom's life, but the wedding is not about them.  They are there to assist the bride and groom and help everyone focus on them.  They sometimes share the spotlight, but they gladly give it up so that everyone can focus on the bride and groom.

Well, God’s kings and queens realize this life is not about them.  It’s about what we can do to shine the spotlight on others and ultimately on Jesus Christ—the only one who truly deserves to be recognized and admired.  Sometimes, we may share the spotlight with Jesus for a time.  It can be addicting; it is an amazing rush to stand beside Jesus and share in His glory, but God’s kings and queens realize the spotlight is not for us.  We graciously step aside when it’s time for us to get out of the way so the King of kings and Lord of lords can be seen more fully and receive all the glory.

Conclusion
If you follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are royalty in God's Kingdom.  It is an amazing privilege and honor.  As the royal family of God, we can live with confidence and dignity as we serve others, seek the glory of God, sacrifice for others, set aside our rights for the sake of the Kingdom's mission, and stop worrying about getting recognition.  Let's follow Christ's example--for the greatest in the Kingdom will be the servant of all.