Month: July 2023

July 31st – Proverbs 25:4

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Proverbs 25:4

“Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel,”

During the process of refining and purifying precious metals, the waste materials that are separated through smelting are called dross. Intense heat causes the dross to separate from the ore and rise to the top. There it forms a froth and can be eliminated, leaving a pure metal base. That’s how it should be with our inner circle of friends. Friendship is a treasure given by God, and we should surround ourselves with only the cream of the crop. Those who have stood the test of time and proven themselves to be trustworthy, honest and loyal. Both to us and to God. Because such relationships are vital in a world of fake followers and friends. Like beacons of light, they guide us along the path of faith and righteousness. And in the company of such friends, we find solace, encouragement, and accountability rooted in the teachings of Christ. These precious, treasured, friendships inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. And they challenge us to grow in love, compassion, and forgiveness.

July 30th – Proverbs 20:29

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Proverbs 20:29

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

In todays society youth is worshipped, and people go to great lengths to attain it. But there’s something wonderful to be said about growing old gracefully. My grandmother died at 92. Her life revolved around her love for God and her desire to serve Him. And she did so faithfully. So when she developed dementia and couldn’t serve the way she used to, it broke her heart. It was in those times that I had to remind her that God still had a mighty purpose for her. And although she might not be physically able to serve the Lord, she could still serve. For nothing can stop the Spirit of God from working in and through us. And even in our old age, we can be powerful instruments of the Lord. Even at 92 my grandmother could serve not only by sharing her faith, but also her wisdom and experiences. Because after all, as she would jokingly agree, she earned every one of those grey hairs! No matter how old or young, each day God gives us is a gift. And until we draw our last breath, He wants us to use each one for the glory of His kingdom.

July 29th – Proverbs 28:1

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Proverbs 28:1

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks,” is a famous line from the Shakespeare play, Hamlet. And now it’s used when we think someone is excessive in defending themselves. For no one looks more guilty than when they are trying to convince us otherwise. Because those who are truly blameless don’t need to resort to such passionate protests. And as Christians, we needn’t defend ourselves at all. For we have the greatest Defender we will ever need in God. In times of adversity, when the world may question our intentions and actions, we can find peace knowing when we lives of obedience to His will, the Lord will wrap us in His love and protection. And when we place our trust in His divine plan, we can let go of our fears and insecurities. Instead allowing God to take the lead in our defense. So Instead of protesting and battling to prove our worth, we can surrender. Surrender to the guidance and mercy of the Lord. Recognizing that true strength lies in embracing humility and placing our faith in the divine Orchestrator of our lives.

July 28th – Proverbs 10:4

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Proverbs 10:4

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

God is not a genie in a lamp. He doesn’t sit around waiting to grant our every wish. Yet as our Heavenly Father, He does love to bless His children abundantly. Only He wants us to work hand in hand with Him to bring about those blessings. And that’s why we are counseled to apply diligence to our lives. That means approaching all we do earnestly, with care and watchfulness. Because it’s those who apply themselves with diligence and dedication who are more likely to reap the rewards of success and abundance. Success going beyond material wealth, to a spiritual wealth including fruits of the Spirit like patience, discipline, and perseverance. Such qualities shape our character and foster a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment. As we strive diligently, we also grow in wisdom, understanding, and empathy, nurturing our spiritual well-being. This inner richness enriches our relationships, fosters a sense of purpose, and brings joy and peace into our lives.

July 27th – Proverbs 8:32

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Proverbs 8:32

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.”

One of the most important things Solomon wanted to leave his children was a legacy of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom uses our life experiences and past consequences when making decisions. While discernment uses facts as we know them to judge whether something or someone is true and right. Both go hand in hand, and both are important in leading successful, victorious, Christian lives. Spiritual gifts given by God, when we follow the path of wisdom and discernment, we are more likely to avoid mistakes and make better choices. We save ourselves from a world of pain, heartache, and regret. Wisdom and discernment allow us to leads lives of integrity, love, and compassion. And they give us a testimony to share with others, so they too can avoid the pitfalls of wrong decisions. By following Solomon’s advice and walking in wisdom’s ways, we open ourselves to many blessings. Blessings including sound decision making, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

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Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

July 25th – Proverbs 11:22

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Proverbs 11:22

“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful women who lacks discretion.”

If there ever was a man who knew about women, it was Solomon. 1 Kings 11:3 tells us, “He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines”. Talk about a harem! And from his experiences he knew he had no use for a women lacking discretion. As unflattering as this proverb is, it reiterates the message found throughout the Bible. God wants our beauty to radiate from within. Physical beauty is overrated. And those who count on their looks to get through life will be sorely disappointed when those same looks are lost to old age. Better instead to develop the characteristics that time can not erase. Sharon Hodde Miller described it this way it, “A woman’s beauty might open some doors for her, but it is her character that will be her ultimate success. Beauty may attract a man, but faithfulness and respect is what will enable her dating relationships, and ultimately marriage, to last.”  Because no matter how you patch it, paint it, or plump it, a pretty face can never hide an ugly soul.

July 24th – Proverbs 24:11

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Proverbs 24:11

“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.”

The Bible is very clear in warning us that our noses are better off kept in our own business. Yet there are times when we are called as Christians to speak up and speak out. Times when we see an atrocity, injustice, or abuse. It is then, we are told, to take action, especially in protecting the innocent. Which is why God also commissions us to go out and share the Gospel. For just as important as pulling someone from the path of a speeding car, so is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Because it is a life saver to those walking the path of certain death and destruction. A transforming message, it brings hope to the hopeless, and delivers those trapped in darkness and despair. And although we aren’t responsible for another’s salvation, we are responsible to plant the seed of God’s saving grace. For we are His ambassadors on this earth. And as such should be dedicated to rescuing souls and leading them toward the light of salvation.

July 23rd – Proverbs 16:1

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Proverbs 16:1

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”

We’ve all heard the expression, “Man plans and God laughs.” But although a funny way to describe the unpredictability of life, it’s hardly the truth. Because nowhere in the Bible does God tells us not to plan ahead. In fact it would be rather foolish to live life by the seat of our pants. And if He didn’t want us to make plans, God wouldn’t have given us the gift of free will to make choices and decisions for ourselves. A free will which allows us to take responsibility for our actions, learn from our experiences, and grow on our spiritual journey. Our Father understands that we each have our own intentions and desires. But for our good, it’s essential to surrender them to the wisdom and will of the Lord. To be open to His guidance, and trust in the path He chooses. For He knows us better than we know ourselves, loves us beyond measure, and wants only the best for our lives. And in Jeremiah 29:11 God gives us His beautiful promise that the wonderful plans He has for us include, “a future and a hope.”

July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4

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Proverbs 11:4

“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

The one thing this world loves is wealth. And the more you have, the more you’re admired. But as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Jesus is returning soon. And on that glorious day, no amount of wealth can buy a place in the kingdom of heaven. For the admission was paid for by Jesus Christ, and only by accepting His free gift of salvation can we have eternal life. Our time on earth is running short. And the true measure of our worth lies not in what we possess, but what we leave behind. As Christians our legacy should one of love, kindness, and compassion towards others. The only true treasures worth having are those we store up in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-20) Treasures including loving others, sharing the gospel, good fruit, endurance, and faith. Better than gold, these treasures are imperishable and everlasting. And the greatest of them all, is the living hope we receive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-4)