PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 17)

1. Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,
And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests the hearts.

4. An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6. Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.

7. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.

8. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9. He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11. An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

13. Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.

14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

17. A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.

19. He who loves transgression loves strife,
And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.

22. A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.

24. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25. A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.

26. Also, to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27. He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Conflict and Courage.
Isaiah 6:1-10

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15.
In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord....

In beholding his God, the prophet ... had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness; there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He had seen his Lord. He had caught a glimpse of the loveliness of the divine character. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he was inspired with longing desire to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” the prophet inquired. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ... The God whom they had been claiming to serve, but whose character they had misunderstood, was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease....

The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. “Fear thou not,” He bids them; “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” ...

Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? ... Return to your Father's house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live.” 25Prophets and Kings, 314-320.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 17)

1. Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame,
And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

3. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the LORD tests the hearts.

4. An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6. Children’s children are the crown of old men,
And the glory of children is their father.

7. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool,
Much less lying lips to a prince.

8. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9. He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11. An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12. Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

13. Whoever rewards evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.

14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,
Since he has no heart for it?

17. A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,
And becomes surety for his friend.

19. He who loves transgression loves strife,
And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,
And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.

22. A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

23. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back
To pervert the ways of justice.

24. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25. A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her who bore him.

26. Also, to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

27. He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.

28. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.

Conflict and Courage.
Isaiah 6:1-10

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8.
It was under circumstances of difficulty and discouragement that Isaiah, while yet a young man, was called to the prophetic mission. Disaster was threatening his country. By their transgression of God's law the people of Judah had forfeited His protection, and the Assyrian forces were about to come against the kingdom of Judah. But the danger from their enemies was not the greatest trouble. It was the perversity of the people that brought upon the Lord's servant the deepest depression. By their apostasy and rebellion they were inviting the judgments of God. The youthful prophet had been called to bear to them a message of warning, and he knew that he would meet with obstinate resistance.... His task seemed to him almost hopeless....

Such thoughts as these were crowding upon his mind as he stood under the portico of the holy temple. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of holies, where even the prophet's feet might not enter. There rose up before him a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while His train filled the temple. On each side of the throne hovered the seraphim, two wings bearing them up, two veiling their faces in adoration, and two covering their feet....

Never before had Isaiah realized so fully the greatness of Jehovah or His perfect holiness; and he felt that in his human frailty and unworthiness he must perish in that divine presence. “Woe is me!” he cried; “for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” But a seraph came to him to fit him for his great mission. A living coal from the altar was laid upon his lips with the words: “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” And when the voice of God was heard saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah with holy confidence responded, “Here am I; send me.” ... The prophet was nerved for the work before him.19Testimonies for the Church 5:749-751.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 12)

1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.

2. A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3. A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5. The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7. The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8. A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10. A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11. He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12. The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.

14. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16. A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17. He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.

18. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19. The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23. A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24. The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.

26. The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28. In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

GOD'S MERCY TO NINEVEH
JONAH 1:2 NKJ2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me." Remembering what happened with Nineveh will give you a clearer picture of God's mercy. God told Jonah that Nineveh would be destroyed. But when the people of Nineveh changed and repented before God, things changed
.JONAH 3:3-10 NKJ 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent.4 And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.6 Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? 10 Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.
The people of Nineveh were very wicked, but when they heard God's Word of judgment they humbled themselves and turned toward God. Because of their response, God changed His judgment and their lives were spared. When people repent and turn toward God -- no matter how evil they have been -- God shows mercy.
God is still the same. He delights in mercy.
MICAH 7:18 NKJ18 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.
SAY THIS: My God delights in mercy! 
God bless you!

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 12)

1. Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.

2. A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

3. A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

4. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

5. The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

6. The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

7. The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.

8. A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

9. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.

10. A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11. He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

12. The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.

13. The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.

14. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.

15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.

16. A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.

17. He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.

18. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19. The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20. Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.

21. No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

23. A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.

24. The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

25. Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.

26. The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27. The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.

28. In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.

Ellen G. White
The world is a theater; the actors, its inhabitants, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama. With the great masses of mankind there is no unity, except as men confederate to accomplish their selfish purposes. God is looking on. His purposes in regard to His rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. The world has not been given into the hands of men, though God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama—Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation are working out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by the effect.

Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise....

Are we as a people asleep? Oh, if the young men and young women in our institutions who are now unready for the Lord’s appearing, unfitted to become members of the Lord’s family, could only discern the signs of the times, what a change would be seen in them! The Lord Jesus is calling for self-denying workers to follow in His footsteps, to walk and work for Him, to lift the cross, and to follow where He leads the way.

Many are readily satisfied with offering the Lord trifling acts of service. Their Christianity is feeble. Christ gave Himself for sinners. With what anxiety for the salvation of souls we should be filled as we see human beings perishing in sin! These souls have been bought at an infinite price. The death of the Son of God on Calvary’s cross is the measure of their value. Day by day they are deciding whether they will have eternal life or eternal death! T8.27-29

Sunday 9 August 2026
Portland Metro Church Assembly of God
Church Services Notes: Your view of God
By Pastor Jon H.
(KING JAMES VERSION)


Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

1. God's anger toward sin in the past.
Isaiah 9:19 Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

2. God's anger toward sin in the present.
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. God's anger toward sin in the future
Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

4. God has provided a way of escape from judgment.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

5. Believers must be involved in God's anger against sin.
Hebrews 2:1,2 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

6. God hates sin but He loves sinners more.
John 15:16,17- Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another.

WHEN FATE BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER AGAIN

Bible Text: “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” — Proverbs 17:9 (KJV)

When people who are meant to be bonded together in destiny, especially in the family, among friends, in marriages, in God ordained ministries, among relations, become separated, and they have concluded that they are irreconcilable, life has a way of bringing them together again.

In the long run, whether they like it or not, circumstances may bring them face-to-face again. What they thought they had escaped may return before their very eyes.

Then, they will look at their past and see it standing right before them.

The same people they once loved, offended, rejected, misunderstood, or walked away from may become the very people they must relate with again. Yet, because of what happened in the past, they may now find it difficult to relate as they once did.

And this is where the past becomes their correction.

What they refused to settle when they had the opportunity may become a lesson they must now confront. What they failed to appreciate may become what they now realize was valuable. What they destroyed through pride, anger, unforgiveness, or careless words may become something they wish they had handled differently.

This happens everywhere.

It happens in homes and families, among relatives and siblings, in marriages, between employers and employees, in ministries, organizations, friendships, partnerships, and in different spheres of life.

Not every separation is permanent, and not every relationship that ends today will remain ended forever.

This is why love is priceless. This is why forgiveness is priceless. This is why peace is priceless. And this is why we must be careful how we treat people, especially those God has placed within our lives.

Never be too quick to destroy a relationship because of a temporary disagreement.

Never allow pride to make you burn a bridge you may one day need to cross again.

Sometimes, the person you are walking away from today may be the very person life will bring you back to tomorrow.

Therefore, while you still have the opportunity, choose love. Choose forgiveness. Choose peace. Choose wisdom.

Because sometimes, the greatest correction is to see what you thought to be your past and never to be remembered again is standing right before your eyes—and realize that you could have handled it differently.

God's Loving Heart.