The scriptures read are Proverbs 29-31, Psalm 18:21-50 and Philippians 3.
Proverbs 29. "The goodhearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea."
"If you let people treat you like a doormat, you'll be quite forgotten in the end."
"The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that."
Proverbs 30. Agur Ben Yakeh sure loves to make lists of 4.
"If you're dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, don't be surprised if someone bloodies your nose. Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights."
Proverbs 31. King Lemuel finishes up the book and what a finish. He records the advice his mother gave him.
"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
Proverbs concludes with a wonderful portrait of a confident, competent woman who not only is a great mom and homemaker but an astute businesswoman. A portrait of Lemuel's mom?
Psalm 18:21-50. Not many videos cover the second half of this psalm and those that do really get into the martial imagery. Unfortunately, updated military images confuse the struggle of David with modern political conflicts. Here is an excellent dramatic reading of the whole Psalm.
Philippians 3. Paul warns the church about the folks who are trying to get Gentile Christians to follow Jewish law. If that worked, Paul would be a shoo-in. He was the impeccable Pharisee. But he gave it all up when he realized that all he had to do was trust in Jesus. Now he calls for the Philippians to make their commitment to Christ total. He makes no pretense of having achieved perfection but has his eyes on the prize and is heading for it full tilt.
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