By Mavis M. duCille
Scripture reading: Proverbs 6:1-2
It is so clear in the scriptures, that God uses certain types of material in building His tabernacle. In so doing, God is not partial, because He through FOREKNOWLEDGE sees that such a person will fulfill His purpose. The gopher wood was the proper type of material for the ark. It had just the right consistency. The wood did not choose itself.
Another outstanding incident is Paul speaking to Timothy of his ability to respond to the call to the ministry, referring to Timothy’s grandmother and his mother as women of God, which was part of his qualification. This reference was basically directed towards his training and upbringing. Those devout parents diligently imparted to Timothy the things of God and of righteousness, which prepared him not only for the natural life, but for God’s purpose.
God laid down commandments, laws and statutes from the creation of the world as agents of education. God is not a dictator, but He knows that man has to be brought into discipline, so that he can have authority over his own being and creation. It takes discipline born of God to be able to resist temptation. God, therefore, gives man the tools to fight against the evils that beset humanity, yet man constantly rebels against discipline. Satan knows that if he gets man to rebel against principle and order, he has won a candidate for his purpose. No wonder the adversary has been working desperately to break down and destroy discipline in the world, in homes, schools and other institutions. Just think of any place where discipline is upheld one hundred percent! Even churches are attacked in the area of discipline. This breakdown in discipline answers for the chaos in the world. Parents must never forget that discipline at home helps the children to develop good character. Respect of authority is absolutely important for the building of character. For this reason, God commanded Israel against marrying strangers. It takes both parents together, walking in the fear of the Lord, receiving from the Spirit of God the law of righteousness written on their hearts, to impart the right balance to their children. These actions awaken in the children a sense to discern sin, and prepare them for life, both morally and spiritually.
WHERE THERE IS DIVISION between father and mother, the discord affects the whole family. A child who is brought up in love by father and mother, and taught to love and care for the other members of the family, is endowed with a nature of peace and security. That child, by natural experience, can understand very easily the love, care and concern of God the Father, thus he is no stranger to the ways of God. He has walked in the basic principles.
IN MANY CASES, ONE PARENT IS LEFT WITH THE BURDEN of doing the job, through faith in God. The Lord honors it, but God’s perfect plan for man is father and mother, together in Christ, bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of God – the father maintaining his position as head of the house, and mother as his helpmeet, respecting each other’s abilities in the Lord for the building of a family and the enriching of their home.
STRANGERS BREAK UP HOMES AND FAMILIES, wooing the unsuspecting victims into vanity and frowardness, because they are alien to unity and love in Christ Jesus. Instead of embracing and flowing with and becoming part of the family, the stranger becomes threatened (through jealousy) by this oneness or unity in Jesus Christ, and would do anything to separate the believer from the family.
There must have been that certain thing in Ruth that bound her to Naomi, to cleave to her; they were not strangers; they recognized that Spirit in each other. Ruth felt sure that her mother-in-law had much to offer her. God honored it and blessed her. Any person or thing that makes you less diligent for God is a stranger or strange thing – keep away from such a situation.
The Word says not to join hands with a stranger (Proverbs 6:1-2). How many times we have been cheated because of joining hands with strangers though they say they are Christians – no, they are strangers. Strangers cheat, rob, lie, deceive, hate, etc. Therefore, do not be surety for a stranger. God does not have the stranger under His complete command or control. God can speak to the conscience within him, but God will not force anyone to repent or become righteous.
The enemy uses the stranger to foil God’s plan, and rob us of our joy and blessings. Let us, therefore, keep our hearts and minds centered on Christ and not on the affairs of this life.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33.
These produce prosperity, joy and happiness.
(Excerpt from Nuggets for the Needy, 1997, pages 39-41)
Thought for today: The enemy uses the stranger to foil God’s plan, and rob us of our joy and blessings. Let us, therefore, keep our hearts and minds centered on Christ and not on the affairs of this life.
Sonlight Devotional 
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