Dave Satterlee

Tryin'

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

@KatTimpf We love you, Kat. God bless you.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

I’ve been unjustly treated in my life. Often, my enemy has ended up in a bad place, and I felt vindication in their “fall”. I have been treated with mercy by God, yet I could not find compassion in my heart to fully forgive. Lord, increase my love, even for those who oppose me!

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

When I am offended, and focus on the issues that motivated my offender rather than my hurt, God can use me to bring healing rather than division.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

I have an introverted streak, and I have been aware for some time how selfish this is. This proverb points out that others need our input and help, and we need theirs. Online church, while helpful to the ill and shut-in, is not normal. Church activity and involvement is expected.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Fearing God means many things; here Solomon reminds us that to fear God requires humility - not the least of which is the humility to repent before Him.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

At first glance, this seems false on its face. Everyone, rich and poor, have sorrows. But Solomon realizes there is a special sorrow for the wicked: the fear that wealth and contentment will not last.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

“Hebel” is translated “vanity” in the ESV, but other translations try “meaningless” or “futility”. Its conceptual opposite, however, is “weight”, or “glory”. The Preacher tells us that God’s glory is the ONLY reality - everything in the present world is temporary, and ephemeral.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Hard work can lead to prosperity in many cases. Tragedies do occur, however, denying hard workers the fruit of their labor. This is the basic idea of how to interpret Proverbs - they are true for the most part and over the long haul, but are not intended as universal promises.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Right here in my hands, I hold silver that overflows, and I know exactly where treasure is buried. Yet I foolishly seek treasure elsewhere, and refuse to put my silver in the bank so I can spend it.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Solomon’s loving description of his bride is poetic, and beautiful language to describe a beautiful bride. Despite all our unloveliness, Christ sees us as beautiful, and He longs to be with us like a bridegroom longs for his wife. How often we forget this!

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Perhaps the humility Solomon demonstrates here came as a result of this prayer, or perhaps Solomon, despite his great intelligence and dedication to investigative research, was self-aware enough to recognize his own inadequacy. Perhaps some of both.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Neither David nor Solomon obeyed God’s commands. However, they offered sacrifices, knowing that God forgives when people repent and believe. Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter will bring him riches and peace, but it will also bring much heartache and pain.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Old age brings weakening of physical strength and health, but no weakening of God’s power to help, save, and care.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Much of this psalm has focused on God’s judgment, yet the psalmist maintains God’s love and mercy.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Our culture is out of round - the rejection of childbearing is rejecting a blessing of God; not to mention the very survival of our culture.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Believers never receive the extent of punishment that our sins deserve; nor do we deserve the unlimited mercy and grace God lavishes on us.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

This reminds me of the resonse of the disciples to the Transfiguration. When good comes to us in this life, we long to make last forever. David thinks the Temple will mean that God’s presence will be permanent. But this is not our home, and Lasting peace must wait for heaven.

[David Asman @DavidAsmanfox]

If you’re pulling into a gas station this Memorial Weekend, complaining about the inconvenience of paying more at the pump…consider the sacrifice of the soldier, sailor, or Marine, making their sacrifices for our lives and our freedom. Exchange your complaint for a prayer.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

We can’t truly and fully understand God’s election; we can only rejoice in the fact He has chosen us.

[Dave Satterlee @dsatts]

Praising God, no matter what comes in life, is a faithful response to His goodness.