Proverbs

April 14th – Proverbs 19:2

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Proverbs 19:2

Missionary Jim Elliot once said, “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” Even the best of us fall victim to making choices in haste and without first seeking God. And more times than not, these choices lead to mistakes which in turn lead to unpleasant consequences. That’s why Solomon warns that having strong desires or ambitions without having knowledge or understanding isn’t a good thing. This means that it’s not enough to just  want something. We also need the know how and understanding necessary to make good and wise decisions that line up with the will of God. Because rushing or acting too quickly can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. So to stay on the right path, and avoid the mistakes of life, we need to check everything with God first. Through prayer, reading His Word, and following the prompting of the Holy Spirt, we can rest assured we are making the right choices.

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March 14th – Proverbs 16:3

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Proverbs 16:3

We all make plans for our lives. Some work out better then we could have hoped, others leave us shaking our heads wondering what in the world we were thinking. But although we can try our best to see that our plans will come to fruition, God always has the final say. And it’s a blessing that He does. Because God knows us better than we know ourselves. And unlike us, can see from the beginning to the end. So instead of going it alone we need to give our plans to God. Praying for Him to guide and give us wisdom to proceed with them. And to accept if His answer is no. For God wants to save us from heartache and pain. So if our way isn’t the right way, He will show us a better way. Our heavenly Father only wants the best for us. So we can lay our plans at His feet. Believing in full faith that if it is His will, God will see it done.

March 14th – Proverbs 16:3 Read More »

February 27th – Romans 12:10

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Romans 12:10

I love the saying humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. And there’s no better example of this than Christ. From start to finish Jesus, in humility and obedience, always put the will of the Father before His own. Never once seeking His own glory, His joy was found in serving God and others. As His followers, it is our job to cultivate that same kind of humility in our own lives. Because no matter how bad our circumstance, there is always someone worse off. And nothing takes our mind off our own troubles than helping someone else with theirs. Proverbs 22:4 says, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” As Christians we are to put others before ourselves, and show love and respect to everyone we meet. And by doing so, not only are we bringing blessings into our own lives, we are reflecting the love of God and helping to make the world just a little more loving.

February 27th – Romans 12:10 Read More »

February 22nd – 1 Corinthians 16:14

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1 Corinthians 16:14

Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Nothing is hidden from God. As our Creator, He knows us better than we know ourselves. That includes the motive behind every thought and action. The Pharisees bragged about being righteous in the Lord’s sight. But their actions were based on pleasing their own egos, instead of pleasing God. And repeatedly, Jesus called them out as hypocrites. One of the greatest characteristics of the Lord is His unmerited and unconditional love for all. So true followers of His follow His example and base everything they do in love. This is only possible when we are willing to die to self, allow the Spirit to  work in our hearts, and let Christ’s love flow through us to others.

February 22nd – 1 Corinthians 16:14 Read More »

February 16th – Proverbs 11:17

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Proverbs 11:17

There’s no way around it. It hurts when someone mistreats us. Yet while the world tells us to hurt them back, God tells us, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5:44) Not an easy task on our own. But when our strength comes from God, there’s no limit to what we can do. For He is our Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer. And His grace will prevent us from saying or doing things that we will later regret. Such as wronging others, ruining relationships, and harming our own hearts. We serve a loving God who gives all who love Him unmerited mercy and forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. And He wants us to do the same. Not only for the benefit for others, but also for ourselves. Because revenge and retribution makes our hearts grow hard and bitter. And keeps us from experiencing God’s very best for our lives.

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February 13th – Proverbs 31:8-9

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Proverbs 31:8-9

Throughout the Bible we read how seriously the Lord takes the plight of the poor, the widowed, and the orphaned. And He let’s us know exactly what He expects our treatment of them to be. “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” (Is. 1:17) We are God’s mirror images here on earth, and as His representatives our lives and behavior should reflect His just and holy character. To follow the Lord means to practice justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. To be living testimonies of the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. (Gal. 5:22-23) One day soon Jesus will return. But until that time, it is up to us to demonstrate to the world what it means to act justly and to love mercy. To stand up against oppression and abuse of those who cannot stand up for themselves.

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January 22nd – Matthew 19:24

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Matthew 19:24

Some Biblical scholars believe there was an actual gate in Damascus called “The Eye Of The Needle” During the day the main gates to the city were left open. But at night, when the gates closed, the only way to enter was through a small side gate. This small “Eye Of The Needle Gate”, was narrow and only tall enough to let a person walk through. For a camel to enter, the cargo it carried had to be unloaded, and the camel had to crawl through on its knees. Whether true or not, it is the perfect analogy of the Christian life. For to truly follow Jesus and pass through the gates of heaven, we need to unload our earthly treasures and enter into His presence on our knees. Our Lord left His glorious throne along with all of the majesty and splendor of heaven, to come to earth and become the perfect fulfillment of the Law. He took on our poverty so that we in turn could receive the riches of His blessing. (Prov. 10:22) And that’s more than worth its weight in gold!

January 22nd – Matthew 19:24 Read More »

November 25th – Proverbs 17:17

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Proverbs 17:17

I’m thankful for the Friend we have in Jesus

Who doesn’t want a friend who loves you at all times? Not just through the good ones, but especially through the bad ones. Jesus is that friend. He accepts, shelters, loves, and died for us. Fully knowing the betrayal, brutality, and rejection He would face, Jesus willingly left His glorious throne in heaven to ransom His life. Matthew 26:53 tells us that with one word Jesus could have summoned more than twelve legions of angels for His rescue. Instead He bore our burdens and much more for the sake of our salvation. This sacrificial act of love and friendship demonstrated by Jesus is one which we do not deserve. We fail Him daily. We are selfish, self-centered, and bent on our own needs and wants. Yet despite all of this, God wants a close personal relationship with us. He asks nothing in return, and instead offers us His friendship and gift of eternal life!

November 25th – Proverbs 17:17 Read More »

Lipstick On A Pig – Proverbs 11

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Proverbs 11

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 with these many women, he came to this conclusion, “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful women who lacks discretion.” (Prov. 11:22) That’s quite a statement since pork was utterly detestable to the Jewish people! But unflattering as Solomon’s simile may be, it reiterates the message found throughout the Bible. God wants our beauty to radiate from within.  …

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Lipstick On A Pig – Proverbs 11 Read More »

September 7th – Proverbs 25:28

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Proverbs 25:28

God’s gift of emotions is a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds. Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy, that God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. (2 Timothy) The very same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies.

September 7th – Proverbs 25:28 Read More »