The Armory Daily Devotional

May
Thursday, May 17, 2012
What a wonderful group of teens we have here at FBC in Bluffton!  While they appreciate the weekly studies we have been doing, they have asked for daily devotionals.  They are truly seeking to grow in the Lord daily – what an outstanding testimony and example to all; including we adults.

As a result, we are challenging the teens to be a part of the process.  A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to.

I encourage you to prayerfully read a chapter in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by.  I then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.

I can think of no better time to begin than today because we are told to “redeem” or buy up the time given to us according to Scripture and not let it go to waste, and because the message of Proverbs chapter 1 dovetails so wonderfully with our lessons the last two weeks in youth group.

“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”  Proverb 1:2-5

Proverbs opens up with the purpose of the book, which is to “know, “perceive,” and “receive.”   To assist with this, let us view it in a chart format:

Purpose                                Subject                                

We are to “know”              “wisdom and instruction”

We are to “perceive”                    “words of understanding;”

We are to “receive”                       “the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity”

Through study of James 3:13 in youth, we understand that knowledge and wisdom are two different things.  Knowledge can most frequently be defined as a collection of facts, while wisdom is the understanding and the ability to apply knowledge.  The Lord does not just want us to read the Bible as a history book, collecting facts, but to gain an understanding of who He is, and be able to live out our lives in the way He desires for us – not necessarily for His glory does He desire this, but for our benefit; for if we live to bring glory to Him, the rewards are great.

We are to “perceive” or know with our mind “words of understanding” or in other words, to sift the intelligent and beneficial from the clutter and confusion of worldly counsel.  Then we are to “receive” or take hold of/seize with a permanency “the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity.”

Finally, verse 5 tells us that the wise will be open to instruction and continue to grow by having one’s mind continually framed and developed by the growing knowledge of the Lord and His wisdom.  We can never learn enough about our God, and must daily strive to live pleasing unto Him as we grow daily.

Finally, the last part of verse 5 tells us that if we are to perceive that understanding we are told to in verse 2, then we will do so through wise counsels, which are The Word by way of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of Godly men and women that The Lord has placed in our lives alongside us or in authority over us.

We hope this has been a blessing to you today, and pray that you will receive the greater blessing as you apply.

God Bless,

The Armory at FBC

Teens arming one another for daily battle for His Glory

Friday, May 18, 2012
A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to.
We encourage you to prayerfully read the chapter for the day in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by. We then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.

Proverbs 2
Verses 3-5: Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
This particular portion of chapter 2 is emphasizing how powerful and important wisdom is. It says we are to call out to God and ask him for knowledge and understanding, which is wisdom. We are to seek it out. As our flesh desires wealth, that is how we should desire wisdom. ‘Seekest’ there means a longing and desire, not just half-hearted searching. We should seek wisdom out in the Scripture and through seeking Godly counsel in mature believers. When we seek out wisdom, it says that we will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God; we will understand (as much as possible with our finite minds) how truly great and awesome our God is.
The Armory at FBC

Saturday, May 19, 2012
A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to.
We encourage you to prayerfully read the chapter for the day in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by. We then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.

Proverbs 3: 7: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
God doesn’t want us to be wise in our own eyes because it creates pride in ourselves.
In basketball, when someone makes a good play (whether it be a buzzer beater or a blocked shot), it is easy for them to start thinking, “Me, me, me, me, me!!!!!” In everything, we should acknowledge that it is God who gives us the abilities that we have. That is how to fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
The Armory at FBC

Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to.
We encourage you to prayerfully read the chapter for the day in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by. We then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.

Proverbs 5 teaches us we should listen to our parents when it comes to dating and marriage.  We should avoid temptations.  When we listen to our parents it will help keep us from regret.  We should also be faithful in our marriage.

The Armory at FBC

Thursday, May 24, 2012
A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to.
We encourage you to prayerfully read the chapter for the day in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by. We then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.

Proverbs 7 starts out with a man talking to his son about keeping his commandments. He goes beyond that and says, “keep my commandments, and live…” The father goes on to say in verse 7-8, “And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding. v.8. Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house.” In verse 21 it says, “With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.” Verse 26, “For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.”

As a young person, we have a tendency to think we know everything. That we have it right and everyone else has it all wrong. We think that if a situation came up that we could handle it, but we can’t. We don’t want to be that young man void of understanding, thinking if anything popped up we could handle it. We need to be seeking out wisdom and understanding so when those situations do come up we have the tools to get away. Now, this could go with adults too, “yea, many strong men have been slain by her.”
Seek out wisdom and understanding.

The Armory at FBC

Saturday, May 26, 2012
A member of our youth group, whether leader or teen, will be posting a devotional from each chapter of the book of Proverbs daily, Monday through Saturday, for all to participate in that would like to. We encourage you to prayerfully read the chapter for the day in Proverbs, asking the Lord to open your mind and heart to what He has for you today, and maybe even journal that which you learn or are challenged by. We then welcome you to consider the devotional thought posted and take that with you throughout your day, trying to apply as the Lord provides opportunities for you to glorify Him by doing so.
Prov 9
The thought that struck me in reading this chapter is the comparison between wisdom and foolishness. In vss 1-3, you find wisdom as intelligent, diligent, organized, & hard working. Wisdom paints a picture of one setting about preparing for what is ahead. Wisdom is active in doing. Vss 4-11, Wisdom is intent on leading others onto the right path through Godly counsel. In vs 11, wisdom makes a promise or guarantee; “For by me thy days shall be multiplied,and the years of thy life shall be increased.”
On the other hand, you find foolishness being described in vss 13-18. Vs 13 starts us off by telling us foolishness is clamorous (loud, demanding attention, one who creates confusion). Foolishness is also called simple, & knoweth nothing. Who, in their right mind, would want to be described that way? In vs 14, it continues by painting a picture that is in direct contrast to wisdom. Foolishness is found sitting! Foolishness (vss15-18) is also intent on gathering followers, but foolishness’ path ends in death.
As Christians, we need to model our lives after the picture of wisdom. We need to stop just sitting around & start becoming diligent about the things of God!
The Armory at FBC

 

June
Friday, June 8, 2012
Before the actual devotional, our apologies for the delay, we will try to make sure we are getting one up here daily from now on.  Many of the verses in chapter 10 stood out to me but the one I chose is verse 26: “As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.”  Vinegar is an acid that eats away at things so unless you wish to be toothless you probably should not use it on your teeth; and if you have ever been to a bonfire you probably know it’s not very fun to get smoke in your eyes. Well in this verse sending a sluggard (or procrastinator) is being compared to these painful things.  This points out 2 things, 1 that you should not send or count on a sluggard to do something for you, and 2 we should not be sluggish or we will be painful to someone.  So when someone asks you to do something (for teens perhaps a parent)do it quickly so you don’t become a pain.

The Armory at FBC

Saturday, June 9, 2012
Today’s Scripture reading is Proverbs Chapter 11 and the devotional thought for today comes from verse 11, “When wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of the unjust men perisheth.”

There are two thoughts to take away from this verse depending on your eternal residency status at this time today.
Thought 1 – for Christians who struggle with the reality that life is not always a bed of roses for themselves and it just seems to be unfair when those who are not God’s children seem to have it so good. Remember, your hope is not tied up in this present world… you are just passing through. Look to the eternal and maintain your hope for when your hope is in the Lord it shall never die. Let this put into perspective your present temporary thorns on your path through this world.
Thought 2 – for those who do not know if they would spend eternity in Heaven today if something happened to end their life on this earth… In not accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour by recognizing what He did for you on the cross and applying it to your life, you have chosen to put your hope in the things of this world which shall perish (II Peter 3:10). More importantly, when you die without Christ as Saviour, your hope dies. This world is not eternal, your soul is. One will move on and continue to live in judgment and torment in the eventual Lake of Fire (you according to Revelation 20:15) and one will be burnt up (the world according to II Peter 3:10) in preparation for all things new. The only way you can have something to look forward to beyond death – the only way you can have true hope – eternal hope… is to recognize your need for salvation and address that today. If this is you, please contact us or visit us so we can help you find your eternal hope.
The Armory at FBC

Monday, June 11, 2012
“12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” This verse is telling us that the foolish man thinks he is always right and will never listen to anybody, but the wise man listens to advice. Teenagers are especially bad at assuming themselves to be right…so this verse needs to be taken to heart with us. The question is, are you foolishly assuming you’re right or are you seeking Godly counsel and considering it?
The Armory at FBC
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
“13:3 He that keepeth his lips keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” This verse tells us that the person who pays no regard to what he is saying
comes to destruction, but he that keepeth his lips, or watches what he is
saying, keeps his life. This verse goes along with The Armory’s Challenge* we
need to stop and think before we speak, so we do less damage and more
encouraging.
*The Armory’s Challenge is to refrain from speaking negatively about anyone, regardless of their presence. We issued the challenge to the members, but we encourage everyone to try to take it.
The Armory at FBC
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Among the many proverbs contained within Proverbs 14, we have selected
verses 16-17. How often do we respond to others out of anger? When we are angry, it is not the time to respond to others because our anger is almost exclusively because we have had our feelings hurt. When blinded by our own emotions, we do not think and respond reasonably or give the Lord an opportunity to bring glory to Himself in the situation because we are too worried about our “rights.” We have no rights – all we are and all we have belong to Him who redeemed us, so next time we are angry, we must remove ourselves, prayerfully consider our response, and when we do respond, do so in the love of the Lord.
The Armory at FBC
Thursday, June, 14, 2012
In reading Proverbs chapter 15, there is one nugget of wisdom that is repeated
several times that we must draw our attention to today:
5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is
prudent. 10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth
reproof shall die. 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the
wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth
reproof getteth understanding.
It is easy to direct a teenager’s attention to these verses, but let’s be honest
and have the adults consider this wisdom. How do we recieve instruction and correction? Do we do so humbly, with grace? Or are we too worried about defending our wounded pride and miss the opportunity for growth and maturity? Let us be gracious in the Lord, and demonstrate a humble heart. Consider the instruction and correction, and apply when needful. If adults change their example, maybe it will become less frequently necessary to direct our children to these Scriptures as well because they will see Christ in us. How much better and impactful it is to see Christ live in someone than to only hear stories and lessons about Him.
The Armory at FBC
Friday, June 15, 2012
Today we are reading Proverbs chapter 16, and the thought selected for today comes from verses 25-26 as follows:
25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are
the ways of death. 26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
No matter how good we believe our intentions to be, unless they are thoroughly washed by prayer and The Word the end result of those intentions is death or literally a state of death. Isaiah 64:6 states in part that, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” In other words, all our attempts to vindicate ourselves as a good person, worthy of praise from God or man are equal to nothing more than dirty greasy shop towels. How frequently we parade around dressed in our pride, feeling good about something we have done when in reality if the intents of our heart were truly known and worn as our garments we would look like worn, ragged, hobos. Why do we devise these “good intentions” and plans? Verse 26 answers this, first telling us that when we do such – it is for ourselves, not the Lord. It is our pride that drives us, as noted by the end of the verse stating we want to be able to talk about ourselves. At birth we are birth selfish, manipulative creatures blinded by our own wills and sinful desires. Upon salvation, we are new creatures in Christ, but still struggle with the old selfish, manipulative sin nature until that day we see Him face to face.
To avoid wasting our time producing false righteousness, let us begin our days and our plans under the Lord’s direction which begins with time spent in prayer and study of His Word. May God bless you today as you align your heart with His heart.
The Armory at FBC
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
 “16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding

rather to be chosen than silver!”

Here is another point in Proverbs where wisdom is emphasized. We are to choose wisdom and understanding over silver and gold! Do you desire godly wisdom and understanding more than wealth? Do you pray for wisdom and understanding? Or do you desire to be prosperous over those things?

The Armory at FBC


One Response to “The Armory Daily Devotional”

  1. Noah says:

    trial