July 13 - The Outstretched Hand.

Proverbs 1:24-27
“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.”
 
When we refuse the outstretched hand of God, we miss out on all He wants to give us by His grace. Most of all, we miss out on Him.
 
With Him, we have nothing to fear. Without Him, we have nothing but fear.
 
Proverbs 1:28
“Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:”
 
The time is soon coming when it will be too late to ask for wisdom. God is very patient with us, but He will only wait so long before He removes the opportunity. How long will we ignore His hand of grace?
 
Proverbs 1:29-30
“For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”
 
Our choice for wisdom today will determine our tomorrow. Neglecting the Word of God leads to disregarding the Truth, which breeds a hatred for the authority of the Scriptures. When we choose anything but the Word as our direction, we must be prepared for the consequences of our decision.
 
Proverbs 1:31-32
“Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.”
 
Rather than face destruction, we can find safety in the Word. Anyone can dwell safely, if they will harken unto the cry of wisdom.

Proverbs 1:33
“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 11-12  |  1 Timothy 3  |  Proverbs 13