July 16, 2024 – Watch Out For The BEARS!

Watch Out For The BEARS!
July 16, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 17:9-12
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

 

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Let’s use our imaginations for a moment. What do you imagine would happen to a man or woman who, by chance, runs into a mother bear who has just had her cubs taken from her? You’re right; it’s not going to be a petting zoo experience. That person would most likely be torn to bits by the powerful claws and teeth of this angry mother bear.

 

    Just as the idea of breaking free from the wrath of an angry mother bear seems impossible and foolish, so is the idea that a person who indulges in sinful ways will someday be able to break free. That’s why the writers of this Proverb called people who think this way fools. The playful little sins they once believed to be fun will continually entangle and trap them until they are destroyed by them.

 

    The sad part is that they never see their sins trapping them until it’s too late. Their joy will turn to sorrow, and their playfulness becomes a controlling slave master. They are no longer free to do what they want but must serve the sin that has engulfed their life.

 

    How can they ever be free? Only through the grace of God can a person be saved and freed from sin’s grip. God calls you to freedom, safety, and His Son Jesus. Can you hear His call in your heart, or are the bears growling outside your door?

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    If it feels like the world has enslaved you and you want to be free, cry out to a Holy God and ask for forgiveness. He is willing to forgive and cleanse you. If you desire to be free and saved, there is also good news. It means He is calling you now. Do not put it off until it’s too late.

 

When have the “bears of sin” seemed overwhelming to you?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: July 16, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Ecclesiastes 1 – Ecclesiastes 6
  Proverbs 17:9 – 12

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Neh. 13
  Acts 16:1-24