Hello, and warm wishes for a good day. Let's pick up with Proverbs 3. For commentary on verses 1-8, search "Oct 03". We'll consider Proverbs 3:9-12 this time:

"9 Honor Jehovah with your valuable things, With the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 Then your storehouses will be completely filled, And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11 My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah, And do not loathe his reproof, 12 For those whom Jehovah loves he reproves, Just as a father does a son in whom he delights."

Prov 3:9,10 We want to have a good name with God. He rewards those who put His name ahead of their own. At John 7:18 Jesus says: "Whoever speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him, this one is true and there is no unrighteousness in him." Who is worthy of more honor--we ourselves? some superstar? or Jehovah the Creator? We may have talents and possessions, valuable things, material and spiritual. Let us seek to honor Jehovah with such things, by giving Him our best effort to obey Him, loving Him and our neighbor. We will thus receive the blessing of Jehovah on our efforts. Prov 10:22 says "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, and He adds no pain with it." It is fine to desire a good reputation. May we prosper, at least spiritually, by putting God's name ahead of our own, having His blessing, while we trust God to safeguard our own name with Him.

Prov 3:11,12 God's love is manifest in receiving His loving correction and guidance. Some often link discipline with punishment. Recall, however, the term "discipline" comes from the same root as "disciple". Did Jesus go around punishing his disciples? Or did he teach and train them? Yes, discipline primarily involves teaching and training out of love. Punishment may be included, at times, if it is clear that love is the motive, and the lesson(s) are made clear, as well as how to avoid such punishment in the future. Also, by studying God's word personally, we may discipline ourselves before ever needing it from others.

Psal 44 (Book 2, 3rd psalm) acknowledges God's power and blessing on the efforts of Israel, to enter the Promised Land. Psal 44:3 says "It was not by their own sword that they took possession of the land, and their own arm did not bring them victory. Rather, it was by your right hand and your arm and the light of your face, for you took pleasure in them." Likewise, may we not rely upon ourselves alone, but seek God's blessing on our efforts, making plans prayerfully at times, and act in harmony with God's direction and wisdom. Thus we may find true success in our activity. (Psal 1:1-3).

Revelation 3 contains three more letters to the seven congregations from Jesus, those of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Sardis received stern correction, Philadelphia words of commendation for their faith, and Laodicea words of correction as well. Jesus tells Sardis "you have the name that you are alive, but your are dead." We should not only be concerned with appearances, but rather be honest about ourselves before God, and humbly be willing to make changes to bring our lives in harmony with God's direction. Jesus counsels them: "Continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly, unless you wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you."

Philadelphia received commendation from Jesus, having remained alert spiritually. He says, at Reve 3:8, "I know your deeds--look! I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut. And I know that you have a little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name...Because you kept the word about my endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of test, which is to come upon the entire inhabited earth, to put to the test those dwelling on the earth." Such endurance involves holding to God's right standards in spite of trials and temptation, trusting God to "make the way out" for us to endure it, knowing He "will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1Cor 10:13).

Laodicea was neither hot nor cold, not zealous for fine deeds, nor refreshingly cool, as cold water on a hot day. They, like Sardis, were claiming to be rich, while really being "miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked." Jesus advised them to buy refined gold and white garments, looking to God's word of truth to right themselves, along with God's spirit to acquire spiritual garments, the true Christian personality. They also need spiritual "eye salve" that may might see--they needed humility before God (as pride can blind), devoting themselves to Him (putting God above any idol, Psal 115:5,8), seeking His guidance and correction. Jesus continues: "All those for whom I have affection, I reprove and discipline. So be zealous and repent." May we take to heart the lessons from Jesus to the seven congregations, and strive to hold to God's standards, especially as revealed through Christ, having God's blessing and approval.