Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Temperance - Honoring the body as the Temple of God
Proverbs 23:1-20
Today’s passage highlights the significance of temperance. Temperance in biblical terms refers to moderation in action, thought, and in the indulgence of the appetites or passions. Solomon warns the reader to guard themselves against the dangers of indulging in excessive drinking and eating. He asks the rich to refrain from harming the marginalized and voiceless. He also says that instructing children with gentle correction which will prevent them from destruction.
Verse 17 warns “Do not let your heart envy sinners…” Have you ever envied the prosperity of sinners, tempted to think that they are living an abundant life or found it difficult to watch them experiencing instant gratification for their sinning? Have you ever felt deflated and considered it all pointless? This is the exact scheme that Satan used in the Garden of Eden, in tempting Adam to delight in not what he was given but to frown upon what was withheld from him. The Bible tells us not to envy those who have no regard for God or see any need for Him.
If envy makes us think that what we have is not good enough, then the remedy is to “live in the fear of the Lord always”. Charles Spurgeon defines it as an inward awareness and indication of submission to our Heavenly Father. It is accomplished in reverence for God, a “childlike” trust in Him, through loving obedience, submission and adoration.
In order to help us abide by this healthy fear of the Lord, we must remember that “there is a future and your hope will not be cut off” (v 18). Remember to guard our hearts with the guarantee of salvation in Christ. Solomon through his profound wisdom instructs everyone to lead a life pleasing in the sight of the Lord, in fear and in knowledge of him. Let the Holy spirit guide us to lead a life of being holy, honoring the body and spirit in all aspects of life in this fallen world.
Prayer
Dear Lord, as partakers of your body and blood, help us to refrain from doing anything that destroys or relationship with You and follow a path of godly fear and wisdom. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The world and its pleasures are momentary.  A life centered in Christ  is everlasting.

Dr. Sherin Varghese, Baltimore MTC, Maryland
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more