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²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. ²⁷ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship, ²⁸and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. ²⁹The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”  ³⁰Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.  ³¹“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.  ³²The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,  so he did not open his mouth. ³³In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants?      For his life was taken from the earth.”

³⁴The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ³⁵Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

Meditation

1. After Stephen was martyred, persecution of the Church increased and Christians scattered.  The Spirit led Philip to the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch.  The eunuch believed quickly and wanted to be baptized.
2. Philip’s experience reminds us that when we share the gospel with other, we come in the love of the Holy Spirit to those who honestly seek God, trusting that the Spirit began the work before we did and will carry it on after us.
3. Who, among your closely acquainted, can you begin to pray for his/her salvation?  Is there anyone around you who has been asking “spiritual” questions—questions about life’s meaning, belief, purpose, etc.?  Write the name down and pray regularly, taking note of the Holy Spirit’s work and asking for wisdom to share the gospel with him/her.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Philip was a missionary who went to different places to preach the gospel.  Who are the missionaries that our church is praying for and supporting?  What places are they in?  Pray for these missionaries.  Can you be a missionary?  Write in your Family Devotional Journal the missionaries and include their photos, too.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:25-28

²⁵ Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.  ²⁶ One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.  ²⁷ Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.  ²⁸ In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.

⁵¹“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵²Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”

⁵⁴When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  ⁵⁷At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  ⁵⁹While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

Meditation

1. Do you think that Stephen’s boldness was a mistake which cost his life?  In fact, just like the crucifixion of Jesus, Stephen’s martyrdom was part of God’s plan for saving His people. God usually would turn “bad” things into unexpected good outcome.
2. Have you had any experience that was terrible, disappointing, unfair…, but in the end, there was an unexpected good result?  How does this help you understand God’s will?
3. Are you willing to be like Stephen and, as Paul says in Philippians 1, have the attitude that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

What happened to Stephen?  Why?  Why didn’t God save Stephen?  Parents, recall one difficult incident you or the family experienced.  Share how God blessed the incident and caused beautiful consequences from it.  Ask a child to write to draw the incident in your Family Devotional Journal.

 

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:21-24

²¹ No ill befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.  ²² Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.  ²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.  ²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

¹In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ²So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. ³Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  ⁵This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. ⁶They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  ⁷So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

 

Meditation

1. The life of Early Church was full of miracles, sharing, and fellowship.  How wonderful it would have been to be a member of this “Perfect” church.  In fact, the Early Church also had problems just like today.  There is no perfect church until the coming of Christ in union with believers.
2. If you have been frustrated with your church, are you willing to spend the same amount of energy to pray for your church and pastors?
3. Spend a few minutes to pray for your church, pastors, ministries and other believers.

 

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Name all the deacons in your church.  Allow everyone a chance to introduce one deacon to the rest of the family.  End it by praying for each deacon.  You may ask children to write the names of each deacon in your Family Devotional Journal.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:17-20

¹⁷ Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.  ¹⁸ There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  ¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  ²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

 

¹Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ²With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.  ³Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”  ⁵When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.  ⁷About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”  ⁹Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”  ¹⁰At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Meditation

1. The sin that Ananias and Sapphira committed wasn’t that they’ve kept some money for themselves.  After all, the sale of the property and the amount to donate were their decisions.  They sinned in deceiving God and His people.  They were severely punished for deception for greed will corrupt the church and the work of the Holy Spirit.  It seems Ananias and Sapphira were bound by their desire for approval or acclaim.  They couldn’t give freely and honestly as led by the Holy Spirit, but rather needed to use their giving to increase their reputation.  God could not allow such motives to pollute the powerful work of his Spirit in this first body of Christians.
2. Satan will use your weaknesses to come into your heart and influence your decisions.  In what ways should you be alert in guarding your actions and thoughts?

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Discuss the story: What did Ananias and Sapphira do wrong?  Why did God punish Ananias and Sapphira so harshly?  How did Satan cause them to sin?  How would Satan cause you to sin?  What should you do?  End with a prayer for each family member to obey God and not Satan. Jot down the prayer for each one in your Family Devotional Journal.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:14-16

¹⁴ From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back to him.  ¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.  ¹⁶ The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

 

⁵ On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, ⁶ with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”  ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, ¹⁰then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹He is   ”‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ ¹²Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

¹³When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

¹⁸Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. ²⁰For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

 

Meditation

1. Peter and John were arrested for healing a cripple in Jesus’ name at the gate of the temple.  They were interrogated by priests and officials, and threatened not to speak in Jesus’ name again.  Peter and John boldly replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”(vv19-20)
2. Do you have a message that you “cannot help but speaking” (v20)?  Is your message the same as Peter’s –that there is “no other name by which we must be saved”? (v12)
3. Pray that God will grant you the same zeal and passion to share with others what God has done in your life.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Sing “Because He Lives”.  Encourage each to share his/her salvation experience.  Help those who are not clear to understand v12 and make the decision if appropriate.  Close with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for Jesus Christ.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:11-13

¹¹ Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.  ¹² Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers, but the root of the righteous bears fruit.  ¹³ An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

 

¹One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ²Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.  ⁶Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  ¹¹While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹²When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

Meditation

1. The crippled man was begging for some change, but Peter gave him something much better – the full recovery of his legs.  Similarly, I may wish that God would solve some of my problems, but His plan is much bigger as he desires to give me new life and help resolve the real problem.  When I ask Him for help, He may say, “I’ve prepared something better for you.”
2. Have you ever prayed to God for certain things but the result was totally different?  What was your response?  Surprised or disappointed?
3. Tell God your feelings, and continue to listen to God’s words for you today.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Watch this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFZJFXvuv0A and sing the song together: “Peter and John”. Record the link in your Family Devotional Journal.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:8-10

⁸ A man is commended according to his good sense, but one of twisted mind is despised.  ⁹ Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.  ¹⁰ Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

³⁷When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

³⁸Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

³⁹The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁴⁰With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

Meditation

1. Those that heard Peter’s Spirit-filled message were moved.  They asked, “What shall we do?”  This is the basic question every new believer will ask.  It’s not enough to feel sorry for the sins we have committed; we need to ask for God’s forgiveness.  When we repent, God will not only wipe away our sins, He will renew us spiritually so that we may live out the forgiven new life.
2. Recall a time when God reminded you of your wrongs.  What was your response?  Are you living a new life now?  The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

What did the early church do when they get together?  What will be included in your gathering that will be just like the early church?  Discuss and make specific plan.  Record your plan in the Family Devotional Journal.  Hopefully your plan includes singing praises, praying, reading the Bible, fellowshipping and enjoying each other, having fun!

 

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:4-7

⁴ An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.  ⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.  ⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.

⁶So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  ⁷He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  ⁹After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  ¹⁰They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

¹²Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. ¹³When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

 

Meditation:

1. During the days between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus demonstrated and spoke truth about himself in order to prepare his disciples for a clearly defined task.  Jesus instructed His disciples to witness to the world, but they must first wait for the Holy Spirit.  Similarly, when God entrusts us with a task, we need to first depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Do you like to get ahead of God and try to depend on your own abilities and enthusiasm, not knowing that WAITING is also part of God’s plan?
3. Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you specific areas where you are “impatient to wait” and have gone ahead of God with your own ideas of what is good.

 

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)

Acts tells how the gospel gets spread.  Jesus wants us to share the gospel to others.  List ways you can share the gospel in your neighbourhood, your city, your province, your country and overseas.  Write the names of people who need to hear the gospel.

 

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 12:1-3

¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.  ² A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.  ³ No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?”and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

²⁰ Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” ²¹ When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” ²² Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” ²³ So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Meditation

1. Silence – Read/Listen – Meditate – Pray – Contemplate
2. Read it slowly as if I were Peter and the Lord was asking me three times, “Do you love me? ”  Follow Peter’s answers and imagine his mood, emotion and thoughts going through his whole person.  Repeat it several times paying extra attention to what the Lord is saying to Peter.  Is He speaking to you, too?
3. Continue to be quiet before the Lord, listen, wait, listen, and wait…..
4. If you have heard what the Lord is telling you, thank Him.  If you haven’t, thank Him, too.  Continue to wait and listen to the whispering voice of the Holy Spirit after this time with God.

 

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: If you were asked the same question that Jesus asked Peter three times, how would you respond?  (1. yes, all the time;  2. yes, most of the time; 3. Yes, some of the time; d. huh?  e. ask me tomorrow.)  Ask each to explain his/her answers.  Lead a prayer of commitment to love God always.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:28-31

²⁸ Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.  ²⁹ Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.  ³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.  ³¹ If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

¹⁹ On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

²⁴ Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them,“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Meditation:

1. Thomas reminds us that skeptic is not rejected by God – that doubts and uncertainty do not disqualify us for a place in God’s kingdom.  He also reminds us that Jesus willingly comes to us, to show us His hands and side, that we might believe.
2. Read the passage once more.  Look around Jesus’ disciples, those believing ones; and then Thomas.  Judging from where you actually are in your relationship with Jesus right now, which group will you be?  As you hear Jesus speak to you, respond to him from your heart.  Let him engage you in conversation.
3. Thank God for the faith he has given you no matter if you were a Thomas or like the other disciple.

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Have you said, “Unless I see it, I will not believe it”?  If so, you were a “Doubting Thomas”.  Thomas would not believe Jesus was alive unless he saw and touched Him.  Encourage family members to share times when they doubted Jesus.  Acknowledge that we all have those times.  What can we do to strengthen our faith in Christ?  List some practical actions and decide when and how to accomplish the suggested actions.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:24-27

²⁴ One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.  ²⁵ Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.  ²⁶ The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.  ²⁷ Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.

¹ Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. ² And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. ³ They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. ⁴ Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” ⁵ So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” ⁶ When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” ⁷ The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” ⁸ When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. ⁹ He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” ¹¹ Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

¹² From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” ¹³ So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha.¹⁴ Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” ¹⁵ They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” ¹⁶ So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

Meditation:

1. Read this passage slowly.  If it’s possible, read the whole chapter.  Try to see and hear the story.
2. Sing or read this hymn.  What are your thought and your feeling?  Talk to God about it.  Wait for His response.  Were You There  By: Negro spiritual

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?(2X)
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Did Pilate believe Jesus was guilty or innocent?  Pilate had the authority to release Jesus.  Why did Pilate not let Jesus go?  Discuss some ways Jesus is put on trial today.  Encourage family members to share specific examples out of their day-to-day experiences.  How can we “defend” Jesus?

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:21-23

²¹ Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.  ²² Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.  ²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

⁴ Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,“Whom do you seek?” ⁵ They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. ⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.⁷ So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁸ Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” ⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” ¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) ¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

²⁵ Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” ²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” ²⁷ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

Meditation:

1. Peter seemed brave to take up a sword and attack the mob that approached Jesus.  He was rebuked by Jesus.   Have you also attempted at times to “help God out” in your own strength and wisdom?  Then later, when Pete was threatened, he realized his vulnerability and, in fear, disowned his Lord.
2. How does the story of Peter both humble and encourage you?  When have you felt competent and righteous but become weak and fallen like Peter?
3. Talk to God about this.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work to heal and to mold you slowly and surely.

 

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Ask family members to share a time when they denied being followers of Christ.  The denial may not have been as blatant as Peter’s denial in v25.  Nevertheless, either verbally or through actions, you denied knowing Jesus.  Discuss your feelings.  How did you get right with God again after your denial?  Be sensitive to confession needs during this time.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:18-20

¹⁸ The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.  ¹⁹ Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die.  ²⁰ Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight.

²⁰ “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,²³ I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. ²⁴ Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Meditation:

1.  Read the passage slowly, knowing that this is Jesus praying for you (“those who will believe in me”). Read it again, substitute your name when it comes to them or they.  Read it one more time.
2. What are you most excited about Jesus praying for you or saying about you?  Why?
3. Thank Jesus for praying for you.  Talk to him about the prayer phrases you found most meaningful.  Pray Jesus’ prayer for his followers today in the world.
4. Walk around today with the sense that Jesus is in you and that this was always his plan – to be in you.

 

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Ask:  Who is in the life of each believer in v26?  Ask family members to pray thanking God the Father for Jesus.  Thank the Holy Spirit let you know God and experience God’s love.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:14-17

¹⁴ Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.  ¹⁵ Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.  ¹⁶ A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.  ¹⁷ A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

⁴ But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. ⁵ But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:⁹ concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; ¹¹ concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

¹² “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵ All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

 

Meditation

1. Jesus’ disciples were filled with grief at the thought of losing Jesus.  Jesus explained that His departure was for their benefit.  Christ left, but sent the Holy Spirit, who is a living presence within every believer.
2. The mission of the Holy Spirit is to guide believers into “all truth”.  His mission is to help us experience reality: to know Jesus as He is, to live a life in accord with true holiness, and to build relationships rooted in real love.  When we are eager to know Jesus and please Him, the Holy Spirit will surely guide us nearer and nearer to our Lord.  We will know God’s truth, and our experience of that truth will set us free.(8:32)
3. Prayer:  Thank the Holy Spirit for guiding you to live out the Christ-like life daily.

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Ask your family, why would Jesus say to His disciples, “It is for your good that I am going away?”  Who is coming after Jesus’ gone?  What do you know about the Holy Spirit?  Encourage everyone to share and discuss the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:11-13

¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.  ¹² Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.  ¹³ Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

¹“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that youbear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

Meditation

1. Jesus’ disciples are branches, He is the Vine.  As we remain in Him, we produce fruit.  A branch draws its nutrients from the vine.  In the same way we draw the spiritual vitality from Jesus in order for us to produce fruit.  Thus Jesus says clearly, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
2. For the branches to bear more fruits, the gardener needs to prune his vine regularly.  The great Gardener, our heavenly Father, works with extreme care to prune His vines.  We’re assured that God, the gardener, actively tending His vineyard, is fully committed to bring us to maximum fruitfulness.  God’s pruning work benefits us, it doesn’t threaten us.
3. Remain in the Lord and thank Him for the necessary pruning in order for you to be fruitful.

 

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: Have ready an indoor plant or go to the backyard to view a living plant/tree.  Discuss how a plant can grow and the importance for branches to be connected with the main trunk. In what ways are Christians like the branches?  What does Jesus teach about this?

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:8-10

⁸ The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.  ⁹ With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.  ¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.

 ¹“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that youbear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

Meditation

1.        Jesus’ disciples are branches, He is the Vine.  As we remain in Him, we produce fruit.  A branch draws its nutrients from the vine.  In the same way we draw the spiritual vitality from Jesus in order for us to produce fruit.  Thus Jesus says clearly, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

2.        For the branches to bear more fruits, the gardener needs to prune his vine regularly.  The great Gardener, our heavenly Father, works with extreme care to prune His vines.  We’re assured that God, the gardener, actively tending His vineyard, is fully committed to bring us to maximum fruitfulness.  God’s pruning work benefits us, it doesn’t threaten us.

3.        Remain in the Lord and thank Him for the necessary pruning in order for you to be fruitful.

 

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time:Have ready an indoor plant or go to the backyard to view a living plant/tree.  Discuss how a plant can grow and the importance for branches to be connected with the main trunk. In what ways are Christians like the branches?  What does Jesus teach about this?  

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:8-10

⁸ The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead.  ⁹ With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.  ¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.