Proverbs 29
1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes
will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability,
but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.
5 Those who flatter their neighbors
are spreading nets for their feet.
6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin,
but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city,
but the wise turn away anger.
9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
and seek to kill the upright.
11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.
12 If a ruler listens to lies,
all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
his throne will be established forever.
15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
though they understand, they will not respond.
20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21 A servant pampered from youth
will turn out to be insolent.
22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
23 Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
they are put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,
but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
the wicked detest the upright.
My thoughts and take-aways:
Well its almost impossible today to not speak about the royal wedding but I find no place where it fits in with this scripture. Instead I see the following verse and it strikes me as so important:
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.
As parents its the part of the job I don't like. I don't particularly look forward to disciplining my children as it tends to be harder on the one who hands down the punishment. Its also hard with children of different ages and genders - according to James Dobson each child needs to be disciplined according to their needs. So I urge to you seek advice and look to the bible for direction and encouragement. We are told to discipline our children (in love, not anger).... just as we are to love them. What do you think?
Leave a comment....
Love to all!
M
Friday, April 29, 2011
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28
1 The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 A discerning son heeds instruction,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
will seek refuge in the grave;
let no one hold them back.
18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.[b]
19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—
yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 The stingy are eager to get rich
and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24 Whoever robs their father or mother
and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is partner to one who destroys.
25 The greedy stir up conflict,
but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I am most striken with verse 9, "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable." That is right in your face, no questions asked. It brings such emotion to think that I was given the gift of Christ and his knowledge and there are times when I make choices that go against his instructions. I know we are not perfect but we do tend to follow the rules, right? I mean we stray but always try to find our way back. Never do I want my LORD to detest my prayers because I have choosen to ignore his instructions. What do you think?
Leave a comment....
Love to all!
M
1 The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 A discerning son heeds instruction,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.
11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;
but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
will seek refuge in the grave;
let no one hold them back.
18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,
but the one whose ways are perverse will fall into the pit.[b]
19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good—
yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
22 The stingy are eager to get rich
and are unaware that poverty awaits them.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
24 Whoever robs their father or mother
and says, “It’s not wrong,”
is partner to one who destroys.
25 The greedy stir up conflict,
but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.
28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I am most striken with verse 9, "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable." That is right in your face, no questions asked. It brings such emotion to think that I was given the gift of Christ and his knowledge and there are times when I make choices that go against his instructions. I know we are not perfect but we do tend to follow the rules, right? I mean we stray but always try to find our way back. Never do I want my LORD to detest my prayers because I have choosen to ignore his instructions. What do you think?
Leave a comment....
Love to all!
M
Proverbs 27
<em>Proverbs 27
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
an outsider, and not your own lips.
3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
8 Like a bird that flees its nest
is anyone who flees from home.
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse.
15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
or grasping oil with the hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
19 As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart.[a]
20 Death and Destruction[b] are never satisfied,
and neither are human eyes.
21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but people are tested by their praise.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
grinding them like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove their folly from them.
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
My Thoughts and Take Aways:
Todays scriptures have three main groups that it speaks to and about - neighbors, friends and spouses. I love the important Proverbs places on neighbors and friends, especially since we are blessed in both regards. I grew up moving alot but we always had some great neighbors. We always made a point to meet and take the time to get to know our neighbors. My parents always bought a house based on the neighborhood and not the house alone. So when Jeff and I moved from Castle Hills to Stone Oak we naturally did the same thing. We were torn between two houses: House #1 was in a prestigious neighborhood, had all the features and was 400 sq ft bigger. HOuse #2 was in a very kid oriented neighborhood and the house had what we needed. We decided to drive by both houses at dark to see what the neighborhood looked like at night and it was the best advice we have ever taken. House #1 was in a gated community, we struggled to get in and at 8pm at night it was silent. Not a peep to be heard. HOuse #2 was easy to get to, and when we drove up the neighbors were all outside enjoying each other's company and the kids were all playing. We sat the end of the street for minutes watching them, truely speechless. Then we noticed that one of them was making his way to the car.... it was Greg! He is our now neighbor and the Hauglands are our rock! Jannine is awesome, she is my neighbor and sister in Christ. She is always there for me and is always willing to help. She is the best cook and can freeze anything! She always has what I forgot at the store and is just the neatest person! I love our neighbors! HOw about you.... Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
an outsider, and not your own lips.
3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
8 Like a bird that flees its nest
is anyone who flees from home.
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning,
it will be taken as a curse.
15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
or grasping oil with the hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
18 The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
19 As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart.[a]
20 Death and Destruction[b] are never satisfied,
and neither are human eyes.
21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but people are tested by their praise.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
grinding them like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove their folly from them.
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
My Thoughts and Take Aways:
Todays scriptures have three main groups that it speaks to and about - neighbors, friends and spouses. I love the important Proverbs places on neighbors and friends, especially since we are blessed in both regards. I grew up moving alot but we always had some great neighbors. We always made a point to meet and take the time to get to know our neighbors. My parents always bought a house based on the neighborhood and not the house alone. So when Jeff and I moved from Castle Hills to Stone Oak we naturally did the same thing. We were torn between two houses: House #1 was in a prestigious neighborhood, had all the features and was 400 sq ft bigger. HOuse #2 was in a very kid oriented neighborhood and the house had what we needed. We decided to drive by both houses at dark to see what the neighborhood looked like at night and it was the best advice we have ever taken. House #1 was in a gated community, we struggled to get in and at 8pm at night it was silent. Not a peep to be heard. HOuse #2 was easy to get to, and when we drove up the neighbors were all outside enjoying each other's company and the kids were all playing. We sat the end of the street for minutes watching them, truely speechless. Then we noticed that one of them was making his way to the car.... it was Greg! He is our now neighbor and the Hauglands are our rock! Jannine is awesome, she is my neighbor and sister in Christ. She is always there for me and is always willing to help. She is the best cook and can freeze anything! She always has what I forgot at the store and is just the neatest person! I love our neighbors! HOw about you.... Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Proverbs 26 and THE SONG
Hey There!
Good afternoon girlies! I am so excited for our time together tomorrow night and I look forward to seeing all of you there! Its Beth Moore's turn to speak and the video is 35 minutes long. I know we will all be captivated by her words!
So many of you have been trying to help me figure out the name of THE SONG that brought me to tears this past weekend at service. Phil Vega sang..... are you ready for it..... "Arms Wide Open" by Hillsong United. It was incredible and the amount of people who poured forward to be saved was incredible. Needless to say we were way off on our google searches.... I am listening to it now with goose bumps and a lump in my throat! I love how worship songs can move us in this way!
Quick note... my kids heard the music blaring and have come in to dance and have bible study! I love this moment.... can I freeze it??
My whole life is yours....Have your way....Have your way! Lord we cry out to you today with this petition!
Today we look at Proverbs 26.... let's read the scriptures!
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random
is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18 Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
are fervent[a] lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
My thoughts and take-aways!
I know we are reading through Proverbs and usually my take-aways are from the scripture but today I want to do something a little different. I know that worship is a sweet aroma to the Lord and I want to you to have the opportunity to stand in silence and pour out to God your desires. Stand with your arms opened wide, invite Him in, and let him know your are his and he is yours! Is there a worship song that you love or one that stirs your soul? Please share your story with us.... Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
Good afternoon girlies! I am so excited for our time together tomorrow night and I look forward to seeing all of you there! Its Beth Moore's turn to speak and the video is 35 minutes long. I know we will all be captivated by her words!
So many of you have been trying to help me figure out the name of THE SONG that brought me to tears this past weekend at service. Phil Vega sang..... are you ready for it..... "Arms Wide Open" by Hillsong United. It was incredible and the amount of people who poured forward to be saved was incredible. Needless to say we were way off on our google searches.... I am listening to it now with goose bumps and a lump in my throat! I love how worship songs can move us in this way!
Quick note... my kids heard the music blaring and have come in to dance and have bible study! I love this moment.... can I freeze it??
My whole life is yours....Have your way....Have your way! Lord we cry out to you today with this petition!
Today we look at Proverbs 26.... let's read the scriptures!
Proverbs 26
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
honor is not fitting for a fool.
2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse does not come to rest.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools!
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.
6 Sending a message by the hands of a fool
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
7 Like the useless legs of one who is lame
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.
9 Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 Like an archer who wounds at random
is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
13 A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
14 As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.
15 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
than seven people who answer discreetly.
17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
18 Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
19 is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware
are fervent[a] lips with an evil heart.
24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,
but in their hearts they harbor deceit.
25 Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,
for seven abominations fill their hearts.
26 Their malice may be concealed by deception,
but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;
if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.
My thoughts and take-aways!
I know we are reading through Proverbs and usually my take-aways are from the scripture but today I want to do something a little different. I know that worship is a sweet aroma to the Lord and I want to you to have the opportunity to stand in silence and pour out to God your desires. Stand with your arms opened wide, invite Him in, and let him know your are his and he is yours! Is there a worship song that you love or one that stirs your soul? Please share your story with us.... Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
Monday, April 25, 2011
Proverbs 25 - More Proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25
More Proverbs of Solomon
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you take your neighbor to court,
do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
and the charge against you will stand.
11 Like apples[b] of gold in settings of silver
is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
My Thoughts and Take-aways:
There are several things that stand out to me - only a few that I am going to choose to comment on. I have been staring at this book called "Made to Crave" for two months now. CBC is getting ready to launch several online bible studies surrounding this topic. As I read several verses about not eating too much 'honey' I am reminded of the premise of this study. You see it is about 'Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food'. I am probably more reminded of this right now since I have just choosen to eat 5 peanut butter cups for lunch rather than the yummy salad in my fridge. We are not to glutten ourselves with 'stuff' to fill our souls, we should be content and full with Jesus Christ within us.
More Proverbs of Solomon
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you take your neighbor to court,
do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
and the charge against you will stand.
11 Like apples[b] of gold in settings of silver
is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
My Thoughts and Take-aways:
There are several things that stand out to me - only a few that I am going to choose to comment on. I have been staring at this book called "Made to Crave" for two months now. CBC is getting ready to launch several online bible studies surrounding this topic. As I read several verses about not eating too much 'honey' I am reminded of the premise of this study. You see it is about 'Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food'. I am probably more reminded of this right now since I have just choosen to eat 5 peanut butter cups for lunch rather than the yummy salad in my fridge. We are not to glutten ourselves with 'stuff' to fill our souls, we should be content and full with Jesus Christ within us.
For more information on the "Made to Crave" online studies through CBC
email me
michellepbingham@yahoo.com
Also I am drawn to the verses about wives - in verse 24 we are reminded 'it is better to live alone in the corner of the attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home'. Yikes - I hope and pray that I am never this wife. I know I am not perfect but to think that my sweet and amazing husband would choose to live in a hot, stuffy, unfinished, stinky, attic instead of with me....well it makes me really want to show him my respect and love for him.
What are your thoughts about today's reading?
Can't wait to see all of you Wednesday at 7:30p at Wendy's!
Love to all!
M
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 24
Saying 20
1 Do not envy the wicked,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
Saying 21
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Saying 22
5 The wise prevail through great power,
and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
and victory is won through many advisers.
Saying 23
7 Wisdom is too high for fools;
in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.
Saying 24
8 Whoever plots evil
will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin,
and people detest a mocker.
Saying 25
10 If you falter in a time of trouble,
how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Saying 26
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 27
15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
do not plunder their dwelling place;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Saying 28
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
Saying 29
19 Do not fret because of evildoers
or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evildoer has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Saying 30
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with rebellious officials,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come on them.
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Put your outdoor work in order
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—
would you use your lips to mislead?
29 Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;
I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
30 I went past the field of a sluggard,
past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
Saying 20
1 Do not envy the wicked,
do not desire their company;
2 for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
Saying 21
3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.
Saying 22
5 The wise prevail through great power,
and those who have knowledge muster their strength.
6 Surely you need guidance to wage war,
and victory is won through many advisers.
Saying 23
7 Wisdom is too high for fools;
in the assembly at the gate they must not open their mouths.
Saying 24
8 Whoever plots evil
will be known as a schemer.
9 The schemes of folly are sin,
and people detest a mocker.
Saying 25
10 If you falter in a time of trouble,
how small is your strength!
11 Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
Saying 26
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 27
15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
do not plunder their dwelling place;
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
Saying 28
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
Saying 29
19 Do not fret because of evildoers
or be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evildoer has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
Saying 30
21 Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with rebellious officials,
22 for those two will send sudden destruction on them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise
23 These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”
will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.
25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come on them.
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Put your outdoor work in order
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause—
would you use your lips to mislead?
29 Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;
I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
30 I went past the field of a sluggard,
past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
31 thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.
32 I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 23
Proverbs 23
Saying 7
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what[a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
Saying 8
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Saying 9
6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of person
who is always thinking about the cost.[b]
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.
Saying 10
9 Do not speak to fools,
for they will scorn your prudent words.
Saying 11
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.
Saying 12
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
Saying 13
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
14 Punish them with the rod
and save them from death.
Saying 14
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Saying 15
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 16
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Saying 17
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes delight in my ways,
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
Saying 7
1 When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what[a] is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.
Saying 8
4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Saying 9
6 Do not eat the food of a begrudging host,
do not crave his delicacies;
7 for he is the kind of person
who is always thinking about the cost.[b]
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.
Saying 10
9 Do not speak to fools,
for they will scorn your prudent words.
Saying 11
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.
Saying 12
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
Saying 13
13 Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
14 Punish them with the rod
and save them from death.
Saying 14
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad indeed;
16 my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
Saying 15
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
18 There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Saying 16
19 Listen, my son, and be wise,
and set your heart on the right path:
20 Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Saying 17
22 Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
24 The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
25 May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Saying 18
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes delight in my ways,
27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit,
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.
28 Like a bandit she lies in wait
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Saying 19
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange sights,
and your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.
35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?”
Proverbs 22
Proverbs 22
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
4 Humility is the fear of the LORD;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,
and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
9 The generous will themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”
14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Saying 1
17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
Saying 2
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will exact life for life.
Saying 3
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
Saying 4
26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Saying 5
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.
Saying 6
29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
4 Humility is the fear of the LORD;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,
and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.
9 The generous will themselves be blessed,
for they share their food with the poor.
10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!”
14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
a man who is under the LORD’s wrath falls into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.
Thirty Sayings of the Wise
Saying 1
17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve?
Saying 2
22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the LORD will take up their case
and will exact life for life.
Saying 3
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.
Saying 4
26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Saying 5
28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your ancestors.
Saying 6
29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.
Proverbs 21
Proverbs 21
1 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.
2 A person may think their own ways are right,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The wicked crave evil;
their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.
12 The Righteous One[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.
13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
will also cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity[c] and honor.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish,
but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put up a bold front,
but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
1 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.
2 A person may think their own ways are right,
but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.
6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[a]
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the guilty is devious,
but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The wicked crave evil;
their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.
12 The Righteous One[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
and brings the wicked to ruin.
13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
will also cry out and not be answered.
14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
but terror to evildoers.
16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
comes to rest in the company of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
and the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity[c] and honor.
22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.
24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.
25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
but the righteous give without sparing.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish,
but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put up a bold front,
but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Proverbs 20
Good Afternoon Girls!
Its almost Easter, one of my favorite times of the year. I love the little opportunities to share Jesus with everyone. This year we seem to be on Easter Egg Hunt overdrive. We have been to three and its only Wednesday, we have a few more to go before Easter even arrives. On the surface these "Egg Hunts" can be all about the egg and what's inside, candy - stickers - etc but what if for one minute we focus our attention on the reason for this holiday. What if we had a "Jesus Hunt" - what if we sought HIM out just as much as we sought out the bright colored plastic eggs we hid. What a difference that would make.... so I leave you with a quick opportunity to share Christ with others at Egg Hunts. Remember when you can plant a mustard seed for Christ someday it will bloom!
We use Resurrection Eggs here to teach the story of Easter and they are easy for little ones to understand. Here is a link to the story and how to make your own -
http://www.teachkidsthebible.com/biblelessons/resurrectioneggs.htm
Today we look at Proverbs 20 -
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
7 The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the LORD detests them both.
11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the LORD
that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
Proverbs is so great to read and there is so much good stuff! There were a few verses that jumped out to me and so I am going to just comment on those...
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
I love this verse because its right in your face! Gold and rubies are so openly beautiful. Rarely do they look ugly or unpleasing to the eye. Your lips however have a choice - they can be chapped and cracked, thus spilling out ugly speech, gossip and negative thoughts. They can be moisturized with God's word and speak thoughtfully, intelligently and from the heart. You see its just like the main principal in business 101 (here is my Baylor Eduction hard at work) GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out. This is also Christianity 101 - GIGO: God In, God Out. Whatever you pour in, pours out of your lips and your heart.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
This is one that I can be really guilty of... Most of you know that I like to run. I usually run 6 miles and its usually after I put my kids to bed. I love this time, its my quiet time, my God time, my alone time - all very important to me. Around mile 4 I start to get hungry (I usually don't eat dinner before hand) and so I start planning my feast. By mile 6 I have such a large meal planned that I need to probably run another 6 miles to break even. On really hungry nights I will make up an excuse to go to the store and then somehow my car ends up at Orange Leaf (usually Friday night). Just imagine if I went through all of that and the yummy Fro Yo tasted like gravel.... Ummmm way not cool!
Lastly - verse 23
The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
I think next time I grace the office at Northeast OBGYN I will share this verse. You see they have two scales, one to the right when you taken back and one all the way down the hall to the left. I always get weighed on the one to the right - WHICH IS ALWAYS 5 LBS HEAVIER! How unfair! This is all in jest and I love my OB and all of her colleagues, the office is amazing and her staff is the best! I just wonder if I think of this in terms of my God Scale - does my commitment to him sometimes differ depending on which way I go, Right or Left? And to know he detests that makes me cringe.... You?
Leave a comment and we can chat!
Love to all!
M
Its almost Easter, one of my favorite times of the year. I love the little opportunities to share Jesus with everyone. This year we seem to be on Easter Egg Hunt overdrive. We have been to three and its only Wednesday, we have a few more to go before Easter even arrives. On the surface these "Egg Hunts" can be all about the egg and what's inside, candy - stickers - etc but what if for one minute we focus our attention on the reason for this holiday. What if we had a "Jesus Hunt" - what if we sought HIM out just as much as we sought out the bright colored plastic eggs we hid. What a difference that would make.... so I leave you with a quick opportunity to share Christ with others at Egg Hunts. Remember when you can plant a mustard seed for Christ someday it will bloom!
We use Resurrection Eggs here to teach the story of Easter and they are easy for little ones to understand. Here is a link to the story and how to make your own -
http://www.teachkidsthebible.com/biblelessons/resurrectioneggs.htm
Today we look at Proverbs 20 -
1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2 A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;
those who anger him forfeit their lives.
3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 Sluggards do not plow in season;
so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
7 The righteous lead blameless lives;
blessed are their children after them.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge,
he winnows out all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin”?
10 Differing weights and differing measures—
the LORD detests them both.
11 Even small children are known by their actions,
so is their conduct really pure and upright?
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon
will not be blessed at the end.
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”
Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
23 The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
and only later to consider one’s vows.
26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
he drives the threshing wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is[a] the lamp of the LORD
that sheds light on one’s inmost being.
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
gray hair the splendor of the old.
30 Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
and beatings purge the inmost being.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
Proverbs is so great to read and there is so much good stuff! There were a few verses that jumped out to me and so I am going to just comment on those...
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
I love this verse because its right in your face! Gold and rubies are so openly beautiful. Rarely do they look ugly or unpleasing to the eye. Your lips however have a choice - they can be chapped and cracked, thus spilling out ugly speech, gossip and negative thoughts. They can be moisturized with God's word and speak thoughtfully, intelligently and from the heart. You see its just like the main principal in business 101 (here is my Baylor Eduction hard at work) GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out. This is also Christianity 101 - GIGO: God In, God Out. Whatever you pour in, pours out of your lips and your heart.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
This is one that I can be really guilty of... Most of you know that I like to run. I usually run 6 miles and its usually after I put my kids to bed. I love this time, its my quiet time, my God time, my alone time - all very important to me. Around mile 4 I start to get hungry (I usually don't eat dinner before hand) and so I start planning my feast. By mile 6 I have such a large meal planned that I need to probably run another 6 miles to break even. On really hungry nights I will make up an excuse to go to the store and then somehow my car ends up at Orange Leaf (usually Friday night). Just imagine if I went through all of that and the yummy Fro Yo tasted like gravel.... Ummmm way not cool!
Lastly - verse 23
The LORD detests differing weights,
and dishonest scales do not please him.
I think next time I grace the office at Northeast OBGYN I will share this verse. You see they have two scales, one to the right when you taken back and one all the way down the hall to the left. I always get weighed on the one to the right - WHICH IS ALWAYS 5 LBS HEAVIER! How unfair! This is all in jest and I love my OB and all of her colleagues, the office is amazing and her staff is the best! I just wonder if I think of this in terms of my God Scale - does my commitment to him sometimes differ depending on which way I go, Right or Left? And to know he detests that makes me cringe.... You?
Leave a comment and we can chat!
Love to all!
M
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Proverbs 19
Good Afternoon Girls!
Well J is at school and when I called to check on him they said he was doing great - Praise the Lord. He woke up this morning and did not want to go, so not like him. He's real tired of the cast and I am hoping this will pass. I am praying for quick healing and hopefully a water proof cast at somepoint.
Let's read Proverbs 19 today:
1 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good—
how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,
yet their heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6 Many curry favor with a ruler,
and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
how much more do their friends avoid them!
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
they are nowhere to be found.[a]
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—
how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin,
and a quarrelsome wife is like
the constant dripping of a leaky roof.
14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless go hungry.
16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to their death.
19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
rescue them, and you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b];
better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother
is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
Instead of me posting my thoughts and take-aways I am curious about yours... leave a comment and we can share!
Much Love -
M
Well J is at school and when I called to check on him they said he was doing great - Praise the Lord. He woke up this morning and did not want to go, so not like him. He's real tired of the cast and I am hoping this will pass. I am praying for quick healing and hopefully a water proof cast at somepoint.
Let's read Proverbs 19 today:
1 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good—
how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,
yet their heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth attracts many friends,
but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6 Many curry favor with a ruler,
and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
7 The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
how much more do their friends avoid them!
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
they are nowhere to be found.[a]
8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and whoever pours out lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—
how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin,
and a quarrelsome wife is like
the constant dripping of a leaky roof.
14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless go hungry.
16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to their death.
19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
rescue them, and you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b];
better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother
is a child who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.
Instead of me posting my thoughts and take-aways I am curious about yours... leave a comment and we can share!
Much Love -
M
Monday, April 18, 2011
Proverbs 18 - Friends
Happy Monday to you ?!?!
Well this morning was overwhelming - we had the first of four Easter Egg hunts with some of J's school friends at the Park. J was all over the place and having so much UNRESTRICTED fun! My nerves were on edge and I had a hard time focusing on conversations and my other two kids. We left after about an hour and on the way home I called the Orthopedic Surgeon to get better guidelines on what he can and cannot participate in. Basically they informed me he is 100% physicial activirty restricted - specifically playgrounds. Then they started telling me how awful playgrounds are for him with the gravel, sand, mulch and not to mention the heat which creates more itching - ugh! I have been praying since then that we have not incurred any additional stress on the healing of his arm. We go Thursday for an xray and the permanent fiberglass cast.
Ok - well enough about my drama over here let's read - I know I can find comfort in the WORD!
Proverbs 18
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing,
and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
13 To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
My thoughts and take-aways:
So much good stuff for todays reading. We continue to be told to stay away from fools and what their characteristics look and sound like to us. We are strongly reminded of the importance and significance of our mouths, words and tongues. There is so great information of law suits, wives, and friends. Its the later that is so significant to me right now. You see I always knew that I had great friends and I always knew that they would be there for me. I am blessed to have friends as neighbors, friends as bible study companions, friends at church, truly friends all over the place. I was reminded of the blessing of friends last week, specifically Wednesday. J had broken his arm at 2:50pm, at 3:00pm I took the babies next door where my friends asked no questions and told me to go to the er, at 4pm my friend came to my house and watched my kids for me, at 5pm my friend brought us dinner, at 6pm my friend brought over some goodies for the patient.... you see our friends came out in crowds to help us. They fed us, watched our kids, sat with us during surgery, let us cry, helped us laugh, took over bible study, took over chores at the house, but most importantly they prayed! YOU PRAYED! I made one phone call and in minutes I had over 15 texts from people praying for my little man! As I sit here and write this I am so overcome with emotion. You don't realize how blessed you are until you need to be reminded of it. So thank you all for everything - you are amazing. We have no blood family here in San Antonio but we do have a wonderful family of friends that we adore. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Leave a comment...
Love to all!
M
Well this morning was overwhelming - we had the first of four Easter Egg hunts with some of J's school friends at the Park. J was all over the place and having so much UNRESTRICTED fun! My nerves were on edge and I had a hard time focusing on conversations and my other two kids. We left after about an hour and on the way home I called the Orthopedic Surgeon to get better guidelines on what he can and cannot participate in. Basically they informed me he is 100% physicial activirty restricted - specifically playgrounds. Then they started telling me how awful playgrounds are for him with the gravel, sand, mulch and not to mention the heat which creates more itching - ugh! I have been praying since then that we have not incurred any additional stress on the healing of his arm. We go Thursday for an xray and the permanent fiberglass cast.
Ok - well enough about my drama over here let's read - I know I can find comfort in the WORD!
Proverbs 18
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing,
and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
13 To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
My thoughts and take-aways:
So much good stuff for todays reading. We continue to be told to stay away from fools and what their characteristics look and sound like to us. We are strongly reminded of the importance and significance of our mouths, words and tongues. There is so great information of law suits, wives, and friends. Its the later that is so significant to me right now. You see I always knew that I had great friends and I always knew that they would be there for me. I am blessed to have friends as neighbors, friends as bible study companions, friends at church, truly friends all over the place. I was reminded of the blessing of friends last week, specifically Wednesday. J had broken his arm at 2:50pm, at 3:00pm I took the babies next door where my friends asked no questions and told me to go to the er, at 4pm my friend came to my house and watched my kids for me, at 5pm my friend brought us dinner, at 6pm my friend brought over some goodies for the patient.... you see our friends came out in crowds to help us. They fed us, watched our kids, sat with us during surgery, let us cry, helped us laugh, took over bible study, took over chores at the house, but most importantly they prayed! YOU PRAYED! I made one phone call and in minutes I had over 15 texts from people praying for my little man! As I sit here and write this I am so overcome with emotion. You don't realize how blessed you are until you need to be reminded of it. So thank you all for everything - you are amazing. We have no blood family here in San Antonio but we do have a wonderful family of friends that we adore. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Leave a comment...
Love to all!
M
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Proverbs 17
Happy Sunday!
Officially my favorite day of the week - a true all around family day. I am sitting here in the office while the crew naps smelling the yummy "Pulled Pork" cooking the crock pot. I love how the scent overtakes the whole house and everyone waits all day to eat. I think about GOD and how he overtakes our souls when we invite him in. Ahh what a sweet smell of salvation!
Let's read:
Proverbs 17
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but the LORD tests the heart.
4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;
whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
they think success will come at every turn.
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool bent on folly.
13 Evil will never leave the house
of one who pays back evil for good.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
the LORD detests them both.
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
and puts up security for a neighbor.
19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accept bribes in secret
to pervert the course of justice.
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,
surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
During the second year of this bible study we had the priveledge of having a sweet young single gal named Brittany join us. We quickly learned her gift was discernment and that it was a steadfast prayer of hers to have it and use it. She would pray that over people and was always a shining example for the Lord when she spoke and acted. So anytime I read a verse speaking about discernment my thoughts go to sweet Brittany. She has since gotten married, moved a few times and has enhanced her role on earth as God's true disciple.
Discernment is defined as (by Merriam Webster):
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2: an act of perceiving or discerning something
Synonyms: wisdom, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience
Do you have someone in your life who is a shining example of discernment? Leave a comment here to share....
Love to all!
M
Officially my favorite day of the week - a true all around family day. I am sitting here in the office while the crew naps smelling the yummy "Pulled Pork" cooking the crock pot. I love how the scent overtakes the whole house and everyone waits all day to eat. I think about GOD and how he overtakes our souls when we invite him in. Ahh what a sweet smell of salvation!
Let's read:
Proverbs 17
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but the LORD tests the heart.
4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;
whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
they think success will come at every turn.
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool bent on folly.
13 Evil will never leave the house
of one who pays back evil for good.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—
the LORD detests them both.
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
and puts up security for a neighbor.
19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accept bribes in secret
to pervert the course of justice.
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the mother who bore him.
26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,
surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
During the second year of this bible study we had the priveledge of having a sweet young single gal named Brittany join us. We quickly learned her gift was discernment and that it was a steadfast prayer of hers to have it and use it. She would pray that over people and was always a shining example for the Lord when she spoke and acted. So anytime I read a verse speaking about discernment my thoughts go to sweet Brittany. She has since gotten married, moved a few times and has enhanced her role on earth as God's true disciple.
Discernment is defined as (by Merriam Webster):
: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure : skill in discerning
2: an act of perceiving or discerning something
Synonyms: wisdom, insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience
Do you have someone in your life who is a shining example of discernment? Leave a comment here to share....
Love to all!
M
Proverbs 16: Soul Fast
Good Afternoon Girls -
Ahh Saturday! I love a day at home with the family. We have started going to church on Saturday night and then to dinner some friends! Its a great way to end the day. J is doing so much better and the cast does not seem to be holding him back anymore. I wish he was a little more cautious, but boys will be boys. I will be a little more laid back when the permanent cast is put on Thursday.
Let's get into the word:
Proverbs 16
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a]
and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.[b]
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.[c]
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
My sister attends North Point Church in Atlanta and they did a 24 hour "Soul Fast" a few weeks ago. Let me explain - it is not a tradition fast - there is plenty to eat and drink with this fast. The "Soul Fast" is a 24 hour fast from negative thought and words! They were truely challenged and she loved being challenged to grow in this are.
So my challege to you - will you do a "Soul Fast". I would love for us to do this as a group and encourage one another.
Our memory verse - Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Leave a comment if you are in!
Ahh Saturday! I love a day at home with the family. We have started going to church on Saturday night and then to dinner some friends! Its a great way to end the day. J is doing so much better and the cast does not seem to be holding him back anymore. I wish he was a little more cautious, but boys will be boys. I will be a little more laid back when the permanent cast is put on Thursday.
Let's get into the word:
Proverbs 16
1 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a]
and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.[b]
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.[c]
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
My Thoughts and Take-Aways:
My sister attends North Point Church in Atlanta and they did a 24 hour "Soul Fast" a few weeks ago. Let me explain - it is not a tradition fast - there is plenty to eat and drink with this fast. The "Soul Fast" is a 24 hour fast from negative thought and words! They were truely challenged and she loved being challenged to grow in this are.
So my challege to you - will you do a "Soul Fast". I would love for us to do this as a group and encourage one another.
Our memory verse - Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Leave a comment if you are in!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Proverbs 15
Good afternoon girls - Thank you all so much for the out-pouring of love for me and my family. We are beyond blessed with such wonderful friends who love us and take care of us. Its always a challenge when something unexpected comes up and you have no family in town. It means the world to us to have all of you in our lives! Let's get into the word:
Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction[a] lie open before the LORD— how much more do human hearts! 12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I am sure you are all wondering why the some of the above verses are bolded. I shared with all of you earlier last week that I have been in two bible studies (at the same time) learning about the Power of a Woman's Words. So the bolded verses above all have to do with our words, mouths and how we speak. We are the only creature that God created that have the gift of words. Its a powerful tool and I know I am not using my mouth, words or tone to glorify God all the time. If I just think back to this morning, I have already failed and need to ask forgiveness. I am working on it and I know its part of the onion that the Lord is peeling back.
I ask you to read the last verse again - WOW - Its such an amazing reminder from the Lord.
Have any thoughts on this topic?
Leave a comment!
Love to all! M
Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die.
11 Death and Destruction[a] lie open before the LORD— how much more do human hearts! 12 Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. 18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.
25 The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I am sure you are all wondering why the some of the above verses are bolded. I shared with all of you earlier last week that I have been in two bible studies (at the same time) learning about the Power of a Woman's Words. So the bolded verses above all have to do with our words, mouths and how we speak. We are the only creature that God created that have the gift of words. Its a powerful tool and I know I am not using my mouth, words or tone to glorify God all the time. If I just think back to this morning, I have already failed and need to ask forgiveness. I am working on it and I know its part of the onion that the Lord is peeling back.
I ask you to read the last verse again - WOW - Its such an amazing reminder from the Lord.
Have any thoughts on this topic?
Leave a comment!
Love to all! M
Proverbs 14
Good Afternoon Girls - I am sorry that this didn't get posted yesterday, the day just seemed to get away from me. J is recovering well but it will take some definate time to get used to the cast. He is already complaining that its itchy and that he can't do anything. I am still stressed that he will somehow re-injure it, so I need to probably calm down a bit. This is going to be quite a learning experiance.
Today we look at Proverbs 14 - let's read:
Proverbs 14
1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
My thoughts and take-aways:
This is one of my favorite chapters because as a Christian, Wife, and Mother I feel that the Lord is talking directly to me. I could go verse by verse but for the sake of time I am going to focus on three. This chapter starts with verse 1 stating, " The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." WOW - What an incredible statement. As I read that I ponder my position. I want to be the one who builds up my husband and my kids. I would never want to 'tear them down'. So my first thought goes to my words - did I choose the right words and tone to talk to them? Did I do everything in love or did I let my emotions control the conversation? My second thought goes to my actions - Do I always show them my love? Do I always put them first? I don't want to be a 'hold on for a minute' type wife or mom. I know that I need to be reminded of this everyday.
The next verse I love is verse 26, "Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." I have mentioned before that it took me a while to realize that we should not only love our Lord but we should fear Him as well. This verse tells me that if I fear the Lord (Which I do after studying Revelation at length) I am safe in Him and for my children it will be a refuge. How comforting this is as a mother. What are your thoughts?
The last verse that speaks to me is verse 29, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." Patience is something I understand that I have but it is a 'fruit' that I need work on. Sometimes I let my emotions determine my actions, and I need to be "Slow to anger, quick to listen and quick to resond."
Tell me your thoughts in the comments!
Love to all!
M
Today we look at Proverbs 14 - let's read:
Proverbs 14
1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the LORD walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
3 A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.
16 The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
17 A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury.
My thoughts and take-aways:
This is one of my favorite chapters because as a Christian, Wife, and Mother I feel that the Lord is talking directly to me. I could go verse by verse but for the sake of time I am going to focus on three. This chapter starts with verse 1 stating, " The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." WOW - What an incredible statement. As I read that I ponder my position. I want to be the one who builds up my husband and my kids. I would never want to 'tear them down'. So my first thought goes to my words - did I choose the right words and tone to talk to them? Did I do everything in love or did I let my emotions control the conversation? My second thought goes to my actions - Do I always show them my love? Do I always put them first? I don't want to be a 'hold on for a minute' type wife or mom. I know that I need to be reminded of this everyday.
The next verse I love is verse 26, "Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." I have mentioned before that it took me a while to realize that we should not only love our Lord but we should fear Him as well. This verse tells me that if I fear the Lord (Which I do after studying Revelation at length) I am safe in Him and for my children it will be a refuge. How comforting this is as a mother. What are your thoughts?
The last verse that speaks to me is verse 29, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." Patience is something I understand that I have but it is a 'fruit' that I need work on. Sometimes I let my emotions determine my actions, and I need to be "Slow to anger, quick to listen and quick to resond."
Tell me your thoughts in the comments!
Love to all!
M
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
700...
I cannot believe that we have so many people visiting this site. My prayer is that it ministers to all of you in some way. My hope is that you will comment and make this a great community of believers! Pass it on to your girlfriends.... let's aim for 1000!
Proverbs 13
Well today was a good reminder that I cannot do this alone - I needed my God more than ever, my husband, my family, my neighbors and my friends. I am pretty exhausted but I know that they LORD will carry me through this. I know my LORD will give us the strength we need as parents and courage that J will need tomorrow. Let's get into the word: Proverbs 13 1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. 2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. 3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. 4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. 5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves. 6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. 8 A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. 9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. 10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. 11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. 13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. 14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. 15 Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a] 16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge, but fools expose their folly. 17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. 18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. 19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. 20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. 21 Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. 22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. 23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. 24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. 25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry. My thoughts and take-aways: This probably isn't going to be incredibly insightful since my constant thought is on the cute 4 year old in my life who broke his arm. I read this scripture and realize the daunting task of parenting has just begun. There is so much to teach him and so much to model for him. I wonder if I am doing an OK job? I mean - this wonderful child, actually three wonderful children were entrusted to me by the LORD. Are we as parents leading them on the right path? Are we teaching them principals that will mold them into the adults we yearn for them to be? What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PLEASE COME....
I'd like to personally invite you to the next Mug & Muffin event at Community Bible Church. It's live talk show for woman. It's fun and it's free! I'll be there and I hope you will be too! And be sure to bring the important women in your life, older and younger! Mug & Muffin presents God's View
(A LIVE TALK SHOW EVENT!)
Date: Saturday, May 7 Time: 9:00-11:00am with Coffee and Muffins (free!) Location: CBC Central
Reach forward, reach back, and impact one another! We will have a cross- generational message with special guests discussing how our lives intersect with one another.
So invite those important women in your life to join you (younger or older, middle school ages and up).
Kid's Club is available for those little ones for $5 per child with advance registration.
http://www.communitybible.com/ministries/adult/women/events.php
Proverbs 12
Hey Girls!
Well this is day two of spring cleaning. I am happy to report that I made my way through four rooms (the kids rooms, kids bathroom and laundry room) yesterday - I rid them of trash and clutter. I still need to do a deep clean but the junk is out. I have just the master left upstairs and then I am heading downstairs. I think the master may be where I camp for the next few days!
On a fun (and sometimes frustrating) note - K is now dictating what she wears. She is very into the 'princess' look - so I am constantly washing dresses. She also loves her Dora shirt (which I conveniently only have clean when I know we are staying home all day). Today she was sight - her purple princess dress, hot pink tights, and red/white polka dot shoes. WOW!
Also - J's school is having a fiesta parade and I am looking to borrow some fiesta wear. If anyone has anything for me or K (4t) to borrow I would really appreciate it. If not I can throw something together.
Tomorrow we start our next study and I would love for you to join us. Please email me if you are interested - it is not too late. If you asked me to get you a book I have it for you tomorrow.
Well today we look at Proverbs 12 - a collection of wise sayings:
Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
2 Good people obtain favor from the LORD,
but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
3 No one can be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped mind is despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
and so the innocent escape trouble.
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
16 Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No harm overtakes the righteous,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life;
along that path is immortality.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I love that we are embarking on reading a chapter a day together. There is so many good things to take away from this chapter but I am only going to write about a few. In reading this and preparing my mind immediately went to 'Good versus Evil'. I think you could replace 'Good' with 'Righteous' and get the same result. The LORD really detests evil and wicked - in all senses of the word. He detests evil thoughts, evil plots, evil action, wicked people, lazy people, wicked speech, those who mock, those who are not who they say they are, warped minds, and I could probably keep going.
In making that list I feel convicted. I am not perfect, no one is, but I try to follow the Lord's path. Each day I make the choice to walk in His path but each day I stray and make bad decisions. I may speak harshly to my children, think something ugly, or just plain be lazy. So why do I do this? Why am I being so tempted by evil to participate in his lies? Can anyone relate?
Leave a comment....
Love to all!
M
Love to all!
M
Well this is day two of spring cleaning. I am happy to report that I made my way through four rooms (the kids rooms, kids bathroom and laundry room) yesterday - I rid them of trash and clutter. I still need to do a deep clean but the junk is out. I have just the master left upstairs and then I am heading downstairs. I think the master may be where I camp for the next few days!
On a fun (and sometimes frustrating) note - K is now dictating what she wears. She is very into the 'princess' look - so I am constantly washing dresses. She also loves her Dora shirt (which I conveniently only have clean when I know we are staying home all day). Today she was sight - her purple princess dress, hot pink tights, and red/white polka dot shoes. WOW!
Also - J's school is having a fiesta parade and I am looking to borrow some fiesta wear. If anyone has anything for me or K (4t) to borrow I would really appreciate it. If not I can throw something together.
Tomorrow we start our next study and I would love for you to join us. Please email me if you are interested - it is not too late. If you asked me to get you a book I have it for you tomorrow.
Well today we look at Proverbs 12 - a collection of wise sayings:
Proverbs 12
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
2 Good people obtain favor from the LORD,
but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
3 No one can be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
4 A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped mind is despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,
and so the innocent escape trouble.
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward.
15 The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.
16 Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.
21 No harm overtakes the righteous,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy do not roast[a] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life;
along that path is immortality.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I love that we are embarking on reading a chapter a day together. There is so many good things to take away from this chapter but I am only going to write about a few. In reading this and preparing my mind immediately went to 'Good versus Evil'. I think you could replace 'Good' with 'Righteous' and get the same result. The LORD really detests evil and wicked - in all senses of the word. He detests evil thoughts, evil plots, evil action, wicked people, lazy people, wicked speech, those who mock, those who are not who they say they are, warped minds, and I could probably keep going.
In making that list I feel convicted. I am not perfect, no one is, but I try to follow the Lord's path. Each day I make the choice to walk in His path but each day I stray and make bad decisions. I may speak harshly to my children, think something ugly, or just plain be lazy. So why do I do this? Why am I being so tempted by evil to participate in his lies? Can anyone relate?
Leave a comment....
Love to all!
M
Love to all!
M
Monday, April 11, 2011
Proverbs 11
Happy Monday???
Well today I start Spring Cleaning - I have decided to do a room a day... Praise the Lord I live in a house with 11 rooms (including laundry rooms and bathrooms). Today I have selected the laundry room.... setting myself up for success. We will see how much trash I can purge and how many bags I can get ready for Goodwill.
We are getting into the portion of Proverbs that I love. So in preparing for this email/post I have decided to comment only on a portion of scripture. I would love for you to weigh in your thoughts on Proverbs 11 in the comments... I would love to get to a point where this becomes conversational! Let's give it a try!
Proverbs 11
1 The LORD detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favor with him.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them;
all the promise of[a] their power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Truly the righteous attain life,
but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and the one who is wise saves lives.
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
My thoughts and take-aways:
What is the definition of righteous?
According to Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Definition of RIGHTEOUS
1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2a : morally right or justifiable
b : arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality
3slang : genuine, excellent
This portion of scripture speaks highly of righteousness. I have bolded the scritpures above that are commands, rewards and directions for the Christian seeking righteousness.
What does being righteous mean to you?
Leave a comment...
Love to all!
M
Well today I start Spring Cleaning - I have decided to do a room a day... Praise the Lord I live in a house with 11 rooms (including laundry rooms and bathrooms). Today I have selected the laundry room.... setting myself up for success. We will see how much trash I can purge and how many bags I can get ready for Goodwill.
We are getting into the portion of Proverbs that I love. So in preparing for this email/post I have decided to comment only on a portion of scripture. I would love for you to weigh in your thoughts on Proverbs 11 in the comments... I would love to get to a point where this becomes conversational! Let's give it a try!
Proverbs 11
1 The LORD detests dishonest scales,
but accurate weights find favor with him.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them;
all the promise of[a] their power comes to nothing.
8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
19 Truly the righteous attain life,
but whoever pursues evil finds death.
20 The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will go free.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and the one who is wise saves lives.
31 If the righteous receive their due on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
My thoughts and take-aways:
What is the definition of righteous?
According to Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Definition of RIGHTEOUS
1: acting in accord with divine or moral law : free from guilt or sin
2a : morally right or justifiable
b : arising from an outraged sense of justice or morality
3slang : genuine, excellent
This portion of scripture speaks highly of righteousness. I have bolded the scritpures above that are commands, rewards and directions for the Christian seeking righteousness.
What does being righteous mean to you?
Leave a comment...
Love to all!
M
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Proverbs 10 - Proverbs of Solomon
Happy Sunday to all!
I love Sundays! We started our day late - the babies slept until 8:45am! That is a true first - I really thought the monitor was off when I realized what time it. We then enjoyed some breakfast and headed to church. Robert spoke on Criticism and Judging - what a great message. He has a true gift of communicating the word. He also spoke about Easter services and mentioned that we are expecting 30,000! We are praying for the Lord to place people there that need to hear Him! It is always such an amazing service! After church the babies napped and I took sweet Jack on a date! I love Sundays!
Today we look at Proverbs 10 - this is the first chapter in the second portion of Proverbs. This sections is a collection of wise saying written from a Father to his son getting ready to embark on the world!
Proverbs 10
Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[a]
7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings,[b]
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous is life,
but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
without painful toil for it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,
but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dread will overtake them;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so are sluggards to those who send them.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I have to confess something to all of you - I am in another bible study. Well actually I am in three bible studies to be honest (1) Our regular Wednesdays (2) Pursuit at CBC on Thursday morning and (3) MOPS - which stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, not what I need to be doing immediately after I write this post. In two of the three we are studying "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon James. I am VERY CERTAIN the Lord is working on a certain area of my life since I am doing this study twice! So in reading and reflecting on Proverbs 10 I am being constantly reminded of the power in my words. My mouth is a powerful tool or weapon - dependant upon what may come out of it. We are the only creatures on this Earth that the Lord gave this trait to - no animal can speak, no plant can speak, etc. So my question today -
Are your lips speaking wisdon or should your tongue be silenced? What if that really happened?
Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
I love Sundays! We started our day late - the babies slept until 8:45am! That is a true first - I really thought the monitor was off when I realized what time it. We then enjoyed some breakfast and headed to church. Robert spoke on Criticism and Judging - what a great message. He has a true gift of communicating the word. He also spoke about Easter services and mentioned that we are expecting 30,000! We are praying for the Lord to place people there that need to hear Him! It is always such an amazing service! After church the babies napped and I took sweet Jack on a date! I love Sundays!
Today we look at Proverbs 10 - this is the first chapter in the second portion of Proverbs. This sections is a collection of wise saying written from a Father to his son getting ready to embark on the world!
Proverbs 10
Proverbs of Solomon
1 The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[a]
7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings,[b]
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
14 The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous is life,
but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
without painful toil for it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,
but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dread will overtake them;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so are sluggards to those who send them.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the blameless,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
My thoughts and take-aways:
I have to confess something to all of you - I am in another bible study. Well actually I am in three bible studies to be honest (1) Our regular Wednesdays (2) Pursuit at CBC on Thursday morning and (3) MOPS - which stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, not what I need to be doing immediately after I write this post. In two of the three we are studying "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon James. I am VERY CERTAIN the Lord is working on a certain area of my life since I am doing this study twice! So in reading and reflecting on Proverbs 10 I am being constantly reminded of the power in my words. My mouth is a powerful tool or weapon - dependant upon what may come out of it. We are the only creatures on this Earth that the Lord gave this trait to - no animal can speak, no plant can speak, etc. So my question today -
Are your lips speaking wisdon or should your tongue be silenced? What if that really happened?
Leave a comment!
Love to all!
M
Proverbs 9 - Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
Good Evening Girls!
This was supposed to go out last night but it just didn't happen. I will have to make sure that I keep up my end of the deal and keep the scriptures going out! I hope that you all enjoyed Saturday. We enjoyed a very WARM soccer game and then after we got home and got the crew down I decided to go for a run... I know a very not smart idea. (1) It was over 90 degrees yesterday (2) I had already been outside for 2 hours at soccer (3) I didn't wear sunblock (which is really no surprise to many of you). So I got a pretty intense sunburn - haven't had anything like this in a long time. Lesson learned and I went to walmart and loaded up on sunscreen for me and the crew.
Well let's get into the Word, I know I really need it!
Proverbs 9
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up[a] its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls
from the highest point of the city,
4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
5 “Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom[b] your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
13 Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
My thoughts and take-aways!
So we start with wisdom building her house with seven (number of perfection and completion) pillars (v1). Then we read about a great banquet which symbolizes a celebration of a committed relationship with God (v2). Then we are told a committment to wisdom involves a committment to the Lord (v3). Wisdom makes her appeal to the simple and those who lack good judgement because they have not yet decided between wisdom and folly (v4). In verses 7-9 we are given a warning about mockers and are told to stay away from mockers as well. In contrast we are told the wise appreciate corrective advice; they welcome it and benefit from it. In verse 13-18 the invitation from 'folly' is given also to the simple and those who lack good judgement. The woman named 'folly' is brash , a fool, and without shame (v13). Folly will mimic wisdom and prepared a banquet but hers will serve a meal that is perverse and dishonest (v17). Folly's dinner guests end up in the depths of the grave (v18).
I think the portion of scripture that stirs my soul is verses 10-12:
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom[b] your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
I know speaking from personal experiance that having a loving Lord is easy to wrap my mind around. It was truly when I started studying the word and asking questions that I began to truly FEAR the LORD. It was only then that I could barely imagine the depths of his power and greatness. So to me this scripture is so honest and valuable in life. The Lord commands us repeatidly to seek wisdom and that we will be rewarded - here he states time will be added to our live. In contrast he also throws in a warning to 'mockers' - you ALONE will suffer!
In pondering today's reading -
Are you a wise-seeker or a mocker?
Love to all!
M
This was supposed to go out last night but it just didn't happen. I will have to make sure that I keep up my end of the deal and keep the scriptures going out! I hope that you all enjoyed Saturday. We enjoyed a very WARM soccer game and then after we got home and got the crew down I decided to go for a run... I know a very not smart idea. (1) It was over 90 degrees yesterday (2) I had already been outside for 2 hours at soccer (3) I didn't wear sunblock (which is really no surprise to many of you). So I got a pretty intense sunburn - haven't had anything like this in a long time. Lesson learned and I went to walmart and loaded up on sunscreen for me and the crew.
Well let's get into the Word, I know I really need it!
Proverbs 9
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up[a] its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls
from the highest point of the city,
4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
5 “Come, eat my food
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom[b] your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
13 Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
My thoughts and take-aways!
So we start with wisdom building her house with seven (number of perfection and completion) pillars (v1). Then we read about a great banquet which symbolizes a celebration of a committed relationship with God (v2). Then we are told a committment to wisdom involves a committment to the Lord (v3). Wisdom makes her appeal to the simple and those who lack good judgement because they have not yet decided between wisdom and folly (v4). In verses 7-9 we are given a warning about mockers and are told to stay away from mockers as well. In contrast we are told the wise appreciate corrective advice; they welcome it and benefit from it. In verse 13-18 the invitation from 'folly' is given also to the simple and those who lack good judgement. The woman named 'folly' is brash , a fool, and without shame (v13). Folly will mimic wisdom and prepared a banquet but hers will serve a meal that is perverse and dishonest (v17). Folly's dinner guests end up in the depths of the grave (v18).
I think the portion of scripture that stirs my soul is verses 10-12:
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom[b] your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
I know speaking from personal experiance that having a loving Lord is easy to wrap my mind around. It was truly when I started studying the word and asking questions that I began to truly FEAR the LORD. It was only then that I could barely imagine the depths of his power and greatness. So to me this scripture is so honest and valuable in life. The Lord commands us repeatidly to seek wisdom and that we will be rewarded - here he states time will be added to our live. In contrast he also throws in a warning to 'mockers' - you ALONE will suffer!
In pondering today's reading -
Are you a wise-seeker or a mocker?
Love to all!
M
Friday, April 8, 2011
Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call
Hey Girls!
I hope that you had a wonderful day today! The weather has been amazing and we are loving being outdoors. I am getting nervous about the summer heat already though - 100 degree weather for months does not sound like fun right now.
Today we look at Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call.
Proverbs 8
Wisdom’s Call
1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[a]
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.[b]
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,[c][d]
before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
when there were no springs overflowing with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place,
before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the world or its fields
or any of the dust of the earth.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,
when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary
so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was constantly[e] at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.
32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the LORD.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
My thoughts and take-aways:
Wow - what a great scripture reading. It has so many important points for us to hear and read. We start by reading that wisdom calls out (v1-2) for all to hear and acknowledge. Wisdom is waiting and hoping we respond/answer. Wisdom is associated with truth, understanding, and knowledge which are right, wholesome, plain and clear. Wisdom detests deception and evil (v6-9). We are told to choose wisdom over money or things as it is more valuable (v10-11). Those who have wisdom also have good judgement, knowledge, and discernment. According to verse 13 those who have/seek wisdom they will not speak ill of others (gossip, bend the truth, or harm others with their words). The best rulers choose wisdom and rule with that principle in mind (v15-16). IN verse 22-25 we read that God's wisdom has always existed. Wisdom cannot exist outside of God and it is an expression of his character and nature. God uses wisdom to establish the created order, so wisdom can tell us how the world works and speaks of God's greatness (v27-29). God's wisdom guided the creation of the world becoming the ultimate architect (v30)! Those who listen to and follow wisdom will be rewarding according to God (v32-36). Life is the ultimate reward for the wise, while rejecting wisdom results in death, speaking to eternal life and death (v35-36).
I am sensing an important theme - God wants us to seek his wisdom. Wisdom is important to HIM and to those who seek his wisdom they will be greatly rewarded.... so are you seeking wisdom? Will you share how.....
Please leave a comment!
Enjoy the weekend!
Love to all!
M
I hope that you had a wonderful day today! The weather has been amazing and we are loving being outdoors. I am getting nervous about the summer heat already though - 100 degree weather for months does not sound like fun right now.
Today we look at Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call.
Proverbs 8
Wisdom’s Call
1 Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[a]
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
9 To the discerning all of them are right;
they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
15 By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth.[b]
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,[c][d]
before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
when there were no springs overflowing with water;
25 before the mountains were settled in place,
before the hills, I was given birth,
26 before he made the world or its fields
or any of the dust of the earth.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,
when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above
and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,
29 when he gave the sea its boundary
so the waters would not overstep his command,
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
30 Then I was constantly[e] at his side.
I was filled with delight day after day,
rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
and delighting in mankind.
32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the LORD.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
My thoughts and take-aways:
Wow - what a great scripture reading. It has so many important points for us to hear and read. We start by reading that wisdom calls out (v1-2) for all to hear and acknowledge. Wisdom is waiting and hoping we respond/answer. Wisdom is associated with truth, understanding, and knowledge which are right, wholesome, plain and clear. Wisdom detests deception and evil (v6-9). We are told to choose wisdom over money or things as it is more valuable (v10-11). Those who have wisdom also have good judgement, knowledge, and discernment. According to verse 13 those who have/seek wisdom they will not speak ill of others (gossip, bend the truth, or harm others with their words). The best rulers choose wisdom and rule with that principle in mind (v15-16). IN verse 22-25 we read that God's wisdom has always existed. Wisdom cannot exist outside of God and it is an expression of his character and nature. God uses wisdom to establish the created order, so wisdom can tell us how the world works and speaks of God's greatness (v27-29). God's wisdom guided the creation of the world becoming the ultimate architect (v30)! Those who listen to and follow wisdom will be rewarding according to God (v32-36). Life is the ultimate reward for the wise, while rejecting wisdom results in death, speaking to eternal life and death (v35-36).
I am sensing an important theme - God wants us to seek his wisdom. Wisdom is important to HIM and to those who seek his wisdom they will be greatly rewarded.... so are you seeking wisdom? Will you share how.....
Please leave a comment!
Enjoy the weekend!
Love to all!
M
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