June 12, 2018
Patrick and Danielia Bostedo along with their children have been part of the MBC family for several years. Both have been discipled through the RU ministry and Faith Bible Institute and are testimony of God's grace, power and work in their lives through the local church. I think you will enjoy Ms. D's writing a great deal.
📷
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.” (Proverbs 12:11)
This verse is referring to a person working the land—farming—to get food for himself and for his family. This was, of course, before we had the luxury of grocery stores and on-line shopping where food can be delivered right to your home. A person had to put in effort, pay attention and give and take time to eat. When they did that, they were blessed—satisfied—filled. However, there is a contrast of one who follows vain people.
The Bible says that they are void of understanding. IN other words, when we choose to go after people who haven’t found a purpose, are deceitful or worthless, we show that we are lacking understanding, which is translated heart from the Hebrew word. We will be left hungry when we follow these people, willing to fill up on anything from anybody. Spiritually speaking, I know that if we are willing to dig into the Word of God, putting in that Effort, Attention and Time, we are sure to grow and be filled.
“Blessed is the man…his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. His leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-2) See also 1 Peter 2:2 and 2 Timothy 2:15. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Abraham heard and followed the Word of God, and he was blessed for it. Many are still blessed for Abraham’s faith which grew by hearing and obeying God’s Word. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” (Hebrews 11:8) What a contrast we see in the life of his nephew, Lot! Lot followed after vain persons. “Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” (Genesis 13:12) We know that city was so wicked that God destroyed it. Yet, Lot chose to look that way and showed his lack of understanding—his lack of heart toward God. Unfortunately, as you read on about Lot, you see he had no influence with his family, his daughters became wicked, and both gave birth to children who became the enemies of God.
The Bible says “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12) God only has children—not grandchildren, not nieces and nephews. So, no other person’s relationship with Him will make one for you. Abraham’s walk was not Lot’s walk. Lot had to work out his own salvation—let God do a work in him by faith. We must individually choose the Savior over vain persons and things. Then, like any other relationship, we must give Effort, Attention and Time to see that relationship grow, and we will be filled. (Mathew 5:6) Otherwise, idol after idol will attempt to fill our hearts (money, lust, relationships, drugs, alcohol, tv, video games, cars…), but we will remain empty. We will affect the next generation. The question is for better or for worse? Will be an Abraham, or will we be a Lot? We must E.A.T. daily to grow. May you be blessed with Truth today!