Truly words to live by

: Prov 25-29. Solomon really puts forth timeless truths. He goes along covering several topics and really giving one cause to stop and think. Ch 26v11, learning from past mistakes. Ch27v6, accountability. Ch 28v22, greed. Ch29v23, pride. How many of these apply to us daily? Ch27v23, know your flocks. What is your wife or child's favorite color? What is their favorite meal? What is their love language? These are things a good shepherd knows. We study work, Bible (hopefully), but what about our flocks? If you were to stare into your wife/child's eyes, would a deep conversation start, or would it be weird? If weird, you need to start doing this more often. Solomon's Proverbs are timeless truths to live by. So get going!

What is our hope in?

Proverbs (22-24) are filled with wise sayings regarding character, humility, and personal responsibility. A good reputation is better than riches. Conduct yourself with integrity. That should really be what Christians are about. Too often we glamourize fame and fortune. People become obsessed with celebrity. What determines success? Teaching children is repeated in today's reading, so it must be important. As parents, we have a responsibility to build character in our children. While doing this, we build it in ourselves! Ch 23v17 is a key one to remember. Our future is not dictated by posessions, fame or power. Graves are full of these people! Don't forget where your hope is and live today like you know it is true!

Counting the cost

Today, in Prov ch 18-21, there are many a nugget of wisdom to follow. Overwhelmingly so! Ch 18v11-12 really sum up much of today's section. Our pride can lead to our destruction. Having pride in our kids, work done well, or from helping another is not wrong, as long as we realize that the ability to do these is from God. See ch19v21, another saying of making plans, but the Lord is really in control. Wanna make God laugh, tell him what you will do tomorrow. Ch 20, v14 is a good one for all of us yard sale revellers from yesterday's mile-long sale. Finally, ch20v25 is one to really think on. Jesus even reminded us to count the cost. We need to do this daily, hourly, every second. Check your actions! From my experience, it IS worth it!

Freedom and dependence!

Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the courage of the nation's founding fathers in declaring themselves free from England, take time to remember why they had that courage. It was their faith in God. We should be independent of man's absolute rule, but dependent on God. In Prov 14-17, we see wisdom in daily conduct. So many words and phrases of wisdom, it can become overwhelming. Ch 16 v3,7&9 are three that really hit home for me. Focus and reliance on God. V9 is crucial, "we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps". Keep in mind that the best laid plans begin in prayer. So today, celebrate your freedom, read the Declaration of Ind, and thank God for His guidance!

Wisdom vs. Folly

Wow, today's Proverbs (ch 10-13) come at you rapid fire. The overall theme is "when people rebel against God, they end destroying themselves". So true. Some seem to prosper for at least a time. But it doesn't last. Frustration, the constant craving for more, the emptiness. Without God, it is truly meaningless. Ever sense something inside that feels hollow? Perhaps that is where the joy of following God should be. I have sensed that on many an occassion when I began thinking about how successful or righteous I had become. It is hard to convince ourselves when we really know the truth. Trust inGod and He will set you free. Wisdom vs folly. How to get wisdom...pray and follow God's will and word!

Is it truly worth it?

today, we cruise through Prov 5-9. We are gonna fly through these to stay on the Bible 1 year reading plan. I recommend reading through the Prov with a friend, 1 per day. Thought for today's readings..."the invitation you choose to accept will determine whether you find virtue or vice". Ah, the outcome of not listening, see ch 5 v 12-13. We've all been there. And in v 22, evil man is captured by his own sins. Is the web of lies we need tell really worth it? In ch8,v8-9, Solomon declares that the instructions are clear and plain to anyone. Seems so simple. Then why do we veer off course? The icing always looks soooo good. But how much cake will make us happy? After eating, you feel full and probably say "I really didn't need that". Solomon simply puts forth, be disciplined, the outcome is so much better!

trust in the Lord!

Welcome to July, and the Proverbs! The purpose of Proverbs is spelled out in ch1, to teach wisdom and discipline. These were mostly written by King Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever live. Ch 1-4 really set the tone. Ch1v7 is a key verse to cut and paste somewhere that you might see it daily. Fear there does not mean fright, rather a healthy respect. Ch3v5-6 are another keepsake. We would be wise to follow. Anguish seems to take hold when we try to lead ourselves! Be careful while reading these to not start a mental checklist of all the things you are doing right. I have fallen into that trap. I start thinking more highly of myself than i ought. Ch4v23 is another key verse. Our heart is our passion and drive. It is what truly directs our actions. Be well to guard it!