Eternal Springtime
Proverbs 16:1-16
When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring."
(PROVERBS 16:15)
Born a country boy on a farm with no irrigation, I can appreciate the joy of a good spring rain. As I write today, I can look out at the new growth on the rose bushes and flowers beginning to appear on the heather plants near my home. This has been a good rainy season in Southern California. The hills are green; there are lots of blos-soms on the flowering trees. Springtime is a happy time. No matter where home is, we all look for signs of spring after we've passed through another winter.
When our King Jesus smiles on us, it is like that welcomed spring time joy. Just as the rain in the early spring points to coming life, so the life renewed by Jesus brings fresh growth in our spirits. We grow in His grace. We blossom under His love. A good spring brings wonderful fragrances from the blooms just as the fragrance of praise and worship that rises from us when we are conscious of the King smiling on us with favor. Rejoice in His eternal springtime that melts the sorrow of the deepest winters of life.
INSIGHT
For all who believe the gospel, there is eternal refreshment in Christ, our King.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Jeremiah 29-30
Psalm 118
1 Corinthians 10
Proverbs 16:1-16
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
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