In this verse, the book of Proverbs points out that corporate righteousness will exalt a nation, while corporate sin will bring reproach to a nation. Everything good that we have been blessed with in our societies around the world, comes directly or indirectly, from God’s grace and the Bible’s influence. One of the things that I am sure that grieves the heart of God, is the fact that instead of people being grateful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon mankind, many blame Him and His followers for the problems in the world. They do not understand that sin has created the problems.

When the Bible’s influence is strong in a society, it will affect all aspects of that culture in a positive way. The opposite is also true — when a society turns its back on God, it will begin to reflect evil in its cultural choices. We see this today as we watch our young and old people embrace things that are totally unbiblical. How we dress, what we eat, what music we listen to, and what we choose for entertainment, are all reflections of how strongly or weakly we embrace the Word of God.  Rebellious, anti-Christ music has become firmly established in our society today in spite of the dangerous influence it has had on our people. This music has encouraged lust, sex, suicide, rebellion against authority, etc. Even physically, it has damaged the hearing of a whole generation of people who listen to loud music and live bands constantly.  There are those who are deaf or going deaf from this exposure.

We must all return to righteousness so that our nation will be exalted, as the alternative will be our downfall.  Sin will always bring reproach to us individually, as well as corporately in our nations.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for this nation.  May I be one who is a righteous influence to those around me, thus affecting this society for good.  Forgive us for the sins in our nation.  Lord, bring revival to our land and turn sinners to the gospel so that they might be saved. Lord, deliver our children from the Satanic influences in today’s society. Protect them from the evil one. Show them the way of the Lord.  Help me to be a good example to young people and influence them to follow You.  Forgive us of our national sins of lust, materialism, pride, witchcraft, murder and sexual sins. Deliver us from evil.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen (BETTY MILLER)

When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.” – David Augsburger,  STICKING MY NECK OUT

When I read this quote, to be honest, I didn’t know who this man was. Afterwards I thought, “I would have loved to have been able to meet him and see what kind of man could inspire others to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.”  I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but reflect on my own life and wonder if what I’m doing inspires people to follow, disciple and ultimately surrender everything for Jesus Christ. Is what I’m doing today making a difference for the moment or for eternity?

James Calvert said, “We died before we came here.” How this follows the Scripture, “For I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, it’s not I who live but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). We are no longer our own. We’ve been bought by a very high price.

Where are we leading people today? Are we inspiring them to go to the ends of the earth for Christ? Are we advancing the Kingdom of God by bringing attention and opportunity to reach those who have never heard the Gospel? These are questions that matter in the Kingdom and therefore should matter to us.

Take a moment to ask God how you can impact today and tomorrow…for eternity.                                                                                    (MELISSA KING)

Most Middle Eastern cultures during the first century had the practice of a groom paying a Bride Price. The specific term Paul used in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “bought with a price” was part of a larger Jewish expression. As soon as the Bride Price was paid, the redeemed and now waiting bride was referred to as, “One Who is Bought With a Price.” This was the term that was used to designate a betrothed woman, prior to her wedding. It was applied to a waiting bride whose future husband had paid the Bride Price in full. The One Who Was Bought With a Price knew that her future wedding was assured.

From the time the actual Bride Price was paid in full, the young lady would be treated quite differently by the people in her community. She was no longer considered to be single or available. She was now recognized as a married woman and she was specifically called by the name of her betrothed husband. She would interact primarily with married women or others who had been Bought With a Price. Her days were spent in active preparation for the coming wedding.

In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul was telling us that we are no longer the same people we were before we entered into a Marriage Covenant with Jesus and He paid the Bride Price for us. From the time we are born again, we are not our own. Our lives should be different from those who HAVE NOT been bought with a price. The places we go, the people we associate with and the things we do should be different. We are not to forget our old friends, but those Who Have Been Bought With a Price should spend most of their free time with other Christians. (Heb 10:25). Jesus has paid the Bride Price for us and He expects us to bring Him honor.

The One Who is Bought With a Price would often take out the marriage contract and review the terms of her union with her beloved. In the same manner, I often read the New Testament and consider the terms of my union with Jesus. The entire Bible is my marriage contract. It clearly explains my duties and responsibilities, along with the Lord’s toward me. The Bible contains all instruction for how I am supposed to lead my life until the coming Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Rev 19:9) It also reveals His personality, His likes, His dislikes, etc. and in reading it, I come to know Him better. It reveals details about our relationship and our eternal future together. The Bible was given to those Who are Bought With a Price as a love letter. Its words were penned by the One we love.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for ever seeing your Word as a book of rules. Jesus, I ask you to reveal your honest desires toward me, every time I open my Bible. May I come to know you as you want to be known. May I see myself through your loving eyes, as you see me. Please help me to use my body and my life to bring you glory. May I never forget that my life is not my own, because I am One Who is Bought With a Price.

(SOURCE UNKNOWN)