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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 7 May 2023:
1. Song of Solomon 5:9 — What is your beloved more than another beloved, O most beautiful among women?
Love causes you to see in someone what others might not see.
Psalm 53:1 — The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Foolish atheists are nothing new. Throughout history, there have been fools who said that there is no God. However, all sin is a moment of practical atheism, acting as if God isn’t God in the moment. This is not only foolish, it is cosmic treason.
Psalm 53:3 — Ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves.
Those who do not know God are capable of all sorts of evil. Some people are capable of terrible evil though they claim to know God but fail to “set God before themselves.” In other words, they place their desires ahead of God’s sovereign will. You do that every time you refuse to love your enemies the way God commands.
Psalm 53:4 — Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?
Those who refuse to acknowledge God become a God unto themselves and thereby justify their selfishness. They cannot be trusted. Their motto is, “It’s you and me until it is you or me.”
Psalm 54:4 – Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
God is your helper.
Proverbs 7:1, 2 – My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live.
God’s commands are intended for your very best, though the sinful heart views them and needlessly restricting. Throughout the Bible, you will see God passionately warn people to obey His word for their benefit; and throughout the Bible, you will see people reject God’s impassioned plea with devastating results. This pattern continues today.
Proverbs 7:6-7 — For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths.
God wants you to learn from the mistakes of others.
Proverbs 7:10 — And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
How you dress reveals much about your character.
Proverbs 7:16 – I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen….
The sinful crave luxuries and comfort rather than God’s presence in their lives.
Proverbs 7:18 – Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love.
Worldly love is really self-centered desire for personal satisfaction. Though, the worldly still call it love.
Proverbs 7:19 – For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey….
With worldly “love,” there is always a victim, someone being used by someone else. We may romanticize it, but it is still just selfishness.
Proverbs 7:22-27 – And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
Real sex education teaches that love waits for marriage, that sex is for marriage between one man and one woman, and that there are eternal dangers to illicit lust and sex. Most children in America are taught sex education in public institutions that start with the mandated premise that God is not part of the equation. Christians in America have allowed this to happen in general silence.
Proverbs 7:23 – …till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.
An arrow to the liver is an inevitable death, but it is slow and painful. So is sin. “Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 7 May 2023: “Behold, God is my helper…. I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.” (Psalm 54:4, 6) Today, act like God really is your helper by walking confidently, joyfully, and gratefully in loving obedience to Him, obeying Him in the moment (faith) and trusting Him with the future (hope).
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 