Proverbs 7:6-27: "Nothing good happens after midnight."

You can read Proverbs 7:6-27 here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+7%3A6-27&version=NKJV

Devoid: lacking, has less of, failing, in want of, in need of

Understanding: the inner man, indefinite, soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

"Nothing good happens after midnight." In this passage there is a young man, who is out wandering the streets late at night. He has no wisdom, for is he did, he would not be out wandering the streets. He is an easy target for trouble. 

He is void, empty of understanding. He is were he should not be. And what does he find? Temptation. 

Too often temptation finds us when we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, even if we are exactly where we are to be, doing what we are to be doing.... Satan still temps us. What should we do when we find ourselves being tempted to sin? Is there a way out? Is it really possible to "pass by the harlot, and ignore the temptation." 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God isfaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Pastor Nathan Osborne, III shared what to do when temptation comes.

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

• 1. Pray out loud. (Draw near, submit to God.) Talk to God. Tell Him what is happening. Tell Him you are being tempted and need His help. Cry out to God! 

• 2. Quote Scripture out loud. (Resist the devil.) Any Scripture. God's Word. (This is one reason why memorizing Bible verses is important!)

• 3. Change your position. (Devil will flee.) Leave the room. Turn off the computer, phone, tablet, TV, music, etc. Get up and MOVE. Get away from the area of temptation! 

Too often we place ourselves in the position to be tempted. We go searching for something to replace wisdom. We listen to the flattering words and smooth talking. We justify in our minds that we deserve to feel good. We have earned it. We have freedom to enjoy. 

Sadly, we learn too late that after giving into temptation we are still empty, and left searching for something to fill the void. The smooth talking just doesn't sound to good anymore, for we have learned the truth—no matter how good it sounds, it is sin. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." And nothing good happens when we ignore wisdom and go searching for something else. A heart is permeated with a deep sense reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), is the strongest foundation for resisting temptation. That's where the desire to submit to God and resist the devil begins. 

"Nothing good happens after midnight." Yet, even in the darkness of temptation, God is still there and willing to help you resist the temptation. 

The Great Calm

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 146. Here is what I learned.

He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it. He ·remains [keeps; observes; guards] ·loyal [faithfulness; truth] forever. Psalm 146:6 (EXB)

Who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that lives within them; Who stays true and remains faithful forever; Psalm 146:6 (VOICE)

"Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is." Wisely may we trust our Creator, justly may we expect to be happy in so doing. He who made heaven can make a heaven for us, and make us fit for heaven. He who made the earth can preserve us while we are on earth, and help us to make good use of it while we sojourn upon it. He who made the sea and all its mysteries can steer us across the pathless deeps of a troubled life, and make it a way for his redeemed to pass over. This God who still makes the world by keeping it in existence is assuredly able to keep us to his eternal kingdom and glory. The making of the worlds is the standing proof of the power and wisdom of that great God in whom we trust. It is our joy that he not only made heaven but the sea; not only things which are bright and blessed, but things which are deep and dark. Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above. "Which keepeth truth for ever." This is a second and most forcible justification of our trust the Lord will never permit his promise to fail. He is true to his own nature, true to the relationships which he has assumed, true to his covenant, true to his Word, true to his Son. He keeps true, and is the keeper of all that is true. Immutable fidelity is the character of Jehovah's procedure. None can charge him with falsehood or vacillation. The Treasury of David 

“Concerning all our circumstances, we may say the Lord is there. In storms and hurricanes the Lord reigneth as truly as in that great calm which rules the firmament above.” The Treasury of David 

God did not create and abandon. No matter how rough and severe the storms are, God is the great calm. Dealing with unknowns can cause storms to arise and the storms can become severe if I allow the fear of the unknown and the darkness of storm to overwhelm me. Or I can look to God, the great calm, and see the beauty of the storm. The power of the lightening strikes, the dark swirling clouds, the trees blowing in the strong winds.... they don’t have to create fear or dread, rather they can be displays of God’s power and assurance that the Great Calm, is watching over me. 

The Great Calm is known best in the midst of the storm, for that is when I see God’s power and that I realize I need Him most. To create a positive day, no matter if it’s a stormy day or peaceful day, I only need to take comfort and find rest in the Great Calm. 

All-inclusive Set

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The sixth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 43. Here's what Treasure I found today.

Send me your light and ·truth [faithfulness] to ·guide [lead] me. Let them ·lead [bring] me to your holy mountain [Zion, the location of the Temple], to ·where you live [your dwelling]. Psalm 43:3 (EXB)

Send your light and your truth.  Let them guide me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place. Psalm 43:3 (GW)

Light and Truth. An all inclusive set. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Who is there to fear? The Lord is my life’s fortress. Who is there to be afraid of? Psalm 27:1 (GW)

You are the lamp who lights my way; the Eternal, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28 (VOICE)

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions. Psalm 119: 105-106 (GNT)

"Light and Truth." Delightful and all-comprehensive words. They contain all the salvation and all the desire of a believing, confiding soul. But it is only when thus combined - separated they are no longer a ground of trust and joy. For what would favour avail without faithfulness? It would be no more than the uncertain friendship of men, who smile today and reproach tomorrow; who make large promises, but do not perform them. On the other hand, truth without light, faithfulness without grace, would be only the dreadful execution of terrible but just denunciations on the transgressors of the holy law. The promise of the Great Deliverer was given; then faithfulness was enlisted on the side of grace, and became engaged for its bestowment; "mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other." Since then, all humble and trusting souls have beheld them united, and have made their union the ground of their confidence and joy. Henry March

Light and Truth. An all-inclusive, all-comprehensive set. "Mercy and truth met together; righteousness and peace kissed each other."

Shine Jesus Shine

Don Moen

Lord, the light of your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth you now bring us

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence

From the shadows into your radiance

By the blood I may enter your brightness

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

Shine on me, shine on me

As we gaze on your kingly brightness

So our faces display your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory

Mirrored here may our lives tell your story

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine Jesus Shine

To create a positive day, I must accept God’s all inclusive set of  Light and Truth, and then act accordingly!