Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene Publishing House [The Foundry Publishing House] in Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene "Don’t Be Hypocritical" by David Restrick for Friday, 7 July 2017 - Proverbs 11:1-12

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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene Publishing House [The Foundry Publishing House] in Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene "Don’t Be Hypocritical" by David Restrick for Friday, 7 July 2017 - Proverbs 11:1 False scales are an abomination to Adonai, but accurate weights please him. 2 First comes pride, then disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the duplicity of the treacherous destroys them. 4 On the day of wrath, wealth doesn’t help; but righteousness rescues from death. 5 The righteousness of the innocent levels their way, but wickedness of the wicked makes them fall. 6 The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; what he hopes for from evil comes to nothing. 8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked comes to take his place. 9 With his mouth the hypocrite can ruin his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is joy. 11 By the blessing of the upright, a city is raised up; but the words of the wicked tear it down. 12 He who belittles another lacks good sense, whereas a person of discernment stays silent.------- When reading the Ten Commandments we tend to interpret the ninth commandment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor,” as a commandment against telling lies about others (Exodus 20:16). However, as we observe the behavior of people, we see that this commandment’s meaning can be broader. It can include being silent and not speaking the truth when a neighbor is falsely accused. It can also include raising questions about another’s character, even when to do so is unwarranted. A simple question with implied meaning can cause as much damage as an outright lie. Proverbs 11 contrasts the righteous and the wicked. The wicked seek to undermine the righteous, and the righteous prevail by their goodness. Verse 9 speaks to both sides, “With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” It addresses the one who seeks to destroy the neighbor with words. It also addresses the one whose righteousness is known and is saved. Peter reminds us that we should live such exemplary lives that, even when others would speak against us, “they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12b). May both our words, and our lives, be righteous and true. "Grace Greater than Our Sins" by Julia J. Johnston 1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. Refrain:Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. 2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, Threaten the soul with infinite loss; Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold, Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.Refrain:Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. 3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide. What can avail to wash it away? Look! There is flowing a crimson tide, Brighter than snow you may be today.Refrain:Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. 4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive?Refrain:Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. Thought for Today: “‘Do not go around spreading slander among your people, but also don’t stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake; I am Adonai.[Leviticus 19:16]. Please pray: For the development Christian leaders in Liberia. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

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