Proverbs 4 and 5

Reminded today how very important this thing of acquiring wisdom from God's Word is.  This is vital.  Because it doesn't matter what we think...it matters what His Word says!!!  That is where we find our answers to life!  His Word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light to guide our path! I am so thankful for God's Word!  We all need wisdom to navigate through this life.  I am grateful God loved us enough to leave us His wisdom.

Lessons from Proverbs 4 and 5...

Don't reject wisdom, for there is great protection in it.

Proverbs 4:6 "Don't turn your back on wisdom for she will protect you.  Love her, and she will guard you."

We were talking about this in Sunday School this morning - over and over in Proverbs it is clear that there is protection in wisdom.  We have to be on guard that pride or self-reliance don't take over and let us believe the lie that we don't need to live under the authority of God's Word. This verse is clear that we have a choice to make.  We can either turn our backs on wisdom, or love wisdom.

God's wisdom is the key to successful living.

Proverbs 4:13 "Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go.  Guard them, for they are the key to life."

Again, it's not our opinion or what we think that is the key to successful living - it is what God says, what God thinks!!  I want to take on the mind of Christ.  I want to live and act according to His instruction.

When it comes to the wicked and bad influences, don't go there.

Proverbs 4:14-15 "Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers. Don't even think about it; don't go that way.  Turn away and keep moving."

This is such important advice to heed.  It is so easy to slip into a pit or be thrown into a pit when we surround ourselves with ungodly influences.  We need to love people and share Christ with everyone, but the people that become our close friends and influencers need to be bringing us closer to God, not away from Him.  The Bible is clear - if it is evil, don't go that way.  Turn away and keep moving.

Righteousness helps us shine Jesus.

Proverbs 4:18 "The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."

One of the best ways to influence others and shine for Jesus is to live like Him!  I love the early morning sunlight.  Often when we leave for school, the morning sky is stunning over the orange groves.  You can't help but notice its beauty.  In the same way, if we live like Jesus, others can't help but notice His beauty.  It's not living more like the world that will draw the world to Jesus; it's living like Jesus that will help draw others to Him.  His beauty is undeniable!

Guard your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

The enemy of our souls would love to destroy us.  The Bible describes him as a roaring lion, on the prowl for those he can devour.  I truly don't think a lot of believers understand this.  Believer, listen carefully - Satan wants to destroy you.  What better way than through your heart, the innermost part of your being.  Guard your heart; let your heart be hidden in Christ and the things of Christ.

Immorality seems appealing, but it ends in destruction.

Proverbs 5:3-5, 8 "For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil.  But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave...Stay away from her! Don't go near the door of her house!"

Another issue Proverbs addresses over and over is the destructive consequences of immorality.  It may seem appealing, but it ends in destruction.  Don't go there!!  When you feel tempted, get as far away from the temptation as possible and get in God's Word!  There is power and victory there!

Sexual sin can bring devastating consequences.

Proverbs 5:11-14 "In the end you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body.  You will say, 'How I hated discipline!  If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn't I listen to my teachers?  Why didn't I pay attention to my instructors?  I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.'"

We warn the teenagers in our youth group of this all the time, but it's important for all of us to remember that sexual sin can have very specific and devastating physical and emotional consequences, some that last a lifetime.  The final pain is not worth the temporary pleasure.

And enduring, lifelong marriage is God's design for intimacy, and brings tremendous satisfaction.

Proverbs 5:15, 18 "Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife... Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.  Rejoice in the wife of your youth."

What a blessing God's design for sex and intimacy is!  It is our distortion of it that brings harm and heartache.  But His ways are higher!  His ways work!!  They are for our benefit, to give us the best life possible.

God sees what we do.

Proverbs 5:21 "For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes."

He sees where we go, what we do, what we think, our thoughts, our motives.  He sees it all.  Knowing that should change things.  Knowing that should motivate me to act and think and do according to what would honor Him.  Why?  Because I love Him.

Proverbs 3

There is so, so much I could write about this chapter! But here are some observations from today's reading on the journey...

Be loyal and kind.

Proverbs 3:3-4 "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!  Tie them around your neck as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."

Without a doubt, loyalty is lacking in our culture today.  People leave in a blink.  There doesn't seem to be much consideration for how leaving affects those they leave behind.  We unfortunately see more unkindness than we ought, often displayed on social media for the world to see.  Want to give a reminder that angry, biting posts directed at an "anonymous" person are still unkind.  Let's be careful to choose kindness in a harsh world.  Let's think before we leave or walk out on someone or something.

Don't trust in yourself or your understanding - rather, trust in God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Probably one of the most well known passages in all the Bible!  I am thankful I can depend on God, not myself.  I need Him so.  God, help us trust you - show us the path you have for us!

Give to God, and give Him your best!

Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce."

Yes, giving to God first may keep us living paycheck to paycheck.  It may keep us driving that old car or not having that latest thing.  But it also keeps us dependent.  And it keeps us in awe because of the generous and creative ways God provides!  It is a joy to give to God - don't miss out on the blessing!

Once again, wisdom brings JOY!

Proverbs 3:13-14 "Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.  For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold." 

Amen and amen!

Help others now!

Proverbs 3:27-28 "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.  If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.'"

This is convicting - how many times have we had intentions to help someone, but waited until "tomorrow" and tomorrow never came?  It's so easy to be consumed with what we have going on and miss opportunities to help, or think we will do something about it someday soon but then forget.  We need to help others in their time of need! God, help us to be others-focused!  Help us not to get so easily distracted!

Wisdom and righteousness bring blessing.

Proverbs 3:33 "The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright."

I know we all want our homes to be blessed.  We need to be careful not to live expecting God to bless us without being willing to live by His standards and do what He asks of us.  If we live passionately and wholeheartedly for God, we can't help but be blessed.  He is just so good!  Knowing Him and serving Him is true delight!

Thank you for reading along with me.  I have heard from best friends and acquaintances and even people I have never met that they are coming along on this wisdom journey.  How exciting!  The body of Christ is so special!

P.S. I was reminiscing and looking back on some photos from October, 2007.  Such sweet, sweet memories found here!  

Proverbs 2

What a full week we are in the midst of!   I have been going completely nonstop, and am so thankful God has provided the energy and strength I need for each day. That has definitely been a prayer of mine this week.  I wanted to stop and settle in for a few moments though to share some thoughts from Proverbs 2.  It's interesting, one of my friends in Maryland who is joining me on this journey said her son told her they are studying Proverbs at youth group.  Tonight at youth group, several of the passages Jimmy used in his lesson on communication and words came from Proverbs.  And our adult Sunday School class is set to begin a study on Proverbs this Sunday. I think God is definitely drawing us to this book!

What stood out to me this morning from Proverbs 2....

We need to have a passion for wisdom.

Proverbs 2:3-4 "Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures."

Most of us have several passions we pursue, and that is not necessarily bad.  In fact, it can be healthy and good and profitable.  But we need to make sure that we keep a passion for increasing wisdom and the knowledge of God's Word, because that is great treasure!

God will grant us wisdom if we genuinely seek it.

Proverbs 2:5-6 "Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.  For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding!"

For quite a few years now, I have claimed God's promise from James 1:5  and asked God for wisdom. I have also tried to diligently seek wisdom from God's Word and wise counsel.  I can honestly testify that God has faithfully answered those prayers and revealed Himself and His wisdom to me in so many ways!  He will give you wisdom if you ask for it and seek it!

There is protection in wisdom.

Proverbs 2:7-8, 11 "He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.  He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him....Wise choices will watch over you.  Understanding will keep you safe."

We are always sharing with the teenagers in our youth group wisdom from God's Word that will help protect them from the consequences of sin.  All of us need to remember that God wants the best for us!!  His standards and ways are not meant to ruin our lives, but to give us the most abundant life possible!

There is joy in wisdom.

Proverbs 2:10 "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy."

If you know me or have read my blog for awhile, you know joy is a subject I'm passionate about!  I love what God's Word has to say about joy, how it reveals where it is found.  I believe that of all people, those of us who know Christ should radiate joy! How awesome to read that wisdom and the knowledge of God's Word will fill us with joy!  I know even when times are tough, my heart is filled with joy when I spend time in God's Word.  It is unexplainable but so very real!

Proverbs 1

I was thrilled to hear from so many of you who will be joining me on the journey through Proverbs during the month of October!  I hope you who are will share with me something you learn along the way!

Today we looked at Proverbs 1.  A few things that stood out to me...

Wisdom brings honor.

Proverbs 1:8-9 "My child - listen when your father corrects you.  Don't neglect your mother's instruction.  What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck."

I was blessed to be raised by authentic, God-fearing, Jesus-loving, wisdom-seeking parents.  I am beyond grateful for their correction and instruction.  My mom's 60th birthday is today, and I am so thankful for the wisdom and discernment she has passed down to me!  I still learn from my parents all the time!  I also thought this would be a great verse for those of us who are parents to share with our children.  I know my heart's desire is to raise honorable children who walk in grace and wisdom.  Oh, God, help us!! We need you as we raise our little ones!

We should seek wisdom over money and worldly schemes.

Proverbs 1:17-19 "If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away.  But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed.  Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life."

It burdens my heart how many in our culture - even our Christian culture - think money will bring them happiness, satisfaction, and peace.  There is nothing wrong with money in and of itself, but so quickly greed can overtake us, and greed will take us down destructive paths.  Be careful not to let a longing for money rob you of life!

Some will reject wisdom, but will sadly pay for this choice.

Proverbs 1:24-31 [Wisdom Shouting] "I called you so often, but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.  You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered.  So I will laugh when you are in trouble!  I will mock you when disaster overtakes you - when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you.  When they cry for help, I will not answer.  Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge, and chose not to fear the Lord."

Yikes.  This passage makes me so sad.  But I can tell you from experience and the experience of many of my wise friends and family in ministry, often people will come to you in a crisis for advice.  They will ask you for advice and you will pour your soul into them and share wisdom from God's Word with them.  A few will heed the advice.  But most will walk away and do whatever they want.  This is a sad reality, and one that Proverbs records.  The consequences, as we read, are devastating.  Let's choose to fear the Lord!  Remember from yesterday, that is the foundation of true knowledge!

Wisdom brings peace.

Proverbs 1:33 "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm."

Don't you want to live a life of peace?  I know I do!  And I know it doesn't come in the ways the world tries to offer it.  But knowing God intimately, walking in His truth, living by His standards and within His will - oh, the peace that is found!  Makes me think of John 14:27.  Our hearts don't have to be troubled; we don't have to be afraid.

One last thought for tonight...with my mind on wisdom and all that is going on in our government, I feel burdened to pray for our nation's leaders, that they would be wise. That they would seek God for wisdom.  I don't pray that enough, and feel convicted that I need to.  Perhaps you could join me in that prayer tonight.

Blessings to you all!  Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Jennifer

On Wisdom And An Invitation For An October Journey

My husband and I talk a lot.  One thing that has been on our hearts lately is a desire to see people, both young people and adults, seek truth and wisdom over empty validation.  My conversations with my friend Allyson have often come back to this same passion.  A passion to see people seek wisdom from God's Word, not the earthly wisdom and advice that leaves them in the same cycles.

A piece of advice I was given many times growing up was to read the book of Proverbs regularly to gain God's wisdom for daily living.  Because it has 31 chapters, it is a perfect "one chapter a day for a month" read.  

Being that October has 31 days, I want to encourage you to try reading and meditating on a chapter of Proverbs a day starting tomorrow!  You will be amazed at the wisdom and insight you will gain from spending time in God's Word.  It sometimes seems "easier" to look to the world for advice or quick fixes, but the results are rarely easy. Doing things God's way can be challenging and seem the harder way, but in the end there is great reward and blessing.  As I have said many times, God's ways work!!!  Learn His ways, and do them!!  You will be astounded at what He will do in your life!

I will be reading Proverbs with you, and trying to update regularly with highlights from what I'm learning or being reminded of.  Let's spend this month together seeking truth and wisdom.

Leaving you with the purpose of Proverbs...

Proverbs 1:2-7 (NLT)

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,

to help them understand the insights of the wise.

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,

to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

These proverbs will give insight to the simple, 

knowledge and discernment to the young.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

Let those with understanding receive guidance 

by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Friday Nights Around These Here Parts

A few weeks ago, I discovered a new Friday night hangout.  If you are ever looking for me on a Friday night and can't find me, just head over to the local Cracker Barrel.  I will be there with all the senior citizens, enjoying the Friday Fish Fry.  Because I am not exaggerating, that was the best fried catfish I have ever tasted.  I doused it in hot sauce (a favorite so far this pregnancy), ate it with a side of grits, savored every single bite, and seriously considered coming back every Friday for more.  So far it hasn't worked out that way but one day, I will be back!

Jimmy was out of town that particular Friday evening on a Men's Snorkeling Trip/Retreat in the Keys that he had planned.  I had worked all day and taken Madi to tumbling class after school and knew there was no way I was cooking.  My parents and uncle ended up meeting us for dinner, and after our feast the kids and I went home and had a family room campout!  I had decorated for fall that week and they had both mentioned wanting to sleep by the new decorations.  They were thrilled when I pulled out some mattresses and blankets and let them fall asleep on the family room floor watching "I Love Lucy" by the glow of candlelight!  Even though I didn't sleep too well on the couch, it sure was cozy and a fun memory made.

Last Friday night, some of our best friends in the world came into town and spent one night with us.  What a great time we had!

I have known Allyson since I was about three or four years old and from pigtails to church camp to marriage, motherhood, and ministry we have been dear friends.  We met Dave during our college years.  He and Jimmy interned together back then, and were on staff together for several years.  We have definitely been through many seasons of life together.  They have four boys, and our kids had an absolute blast playing together!  They swam and played games like Apples to Apples and made their own movies...the last time they were all together Trevor was a baby.  I knew they would enjoy each other and oh, how they did!  It was a short but blessed visit.  I can't wait until the next one!

Last night we got to share a fun dinner in the home of some friends with their beautiful new grandbaby.  Madi had been dying to hold this little girl, and finally got her chance! She was so excited!  Trevor held her too - it was his first time holding a baby, and boy was he taken with her.  He nuzzled her little face and couldn't get over how soft she was.  It gave me a sweet glimpse of what is to come, Lord willing.  I pray constantly over this baby growing inside of me, and the transition we will all be making as we welcome a newborn into our home again!

These have been our Friday nights.  Food, family, friends, fellowship, fall.

I am thankful.

Quick And Easy, Sweet and Salty Fall Treats!

Now that it's officially autumn, I had to take a few minutes to share with you a super easy fall treat I made the other day.  I know there are quite a few versions of these salty/sweet combinations out there, but for this seasonal version you need a bag of pretzel snaps, a bag of Hershey's Kisses, and some good, old-fashioned candy corn!

Heat your oven to 170 (this was the lowest setting on my oven).  Arrange the pretzel snaps on a baking sheet and place a Hershey's Kiss on top of each pretzel.  Bake in oven for 5 to 7 minutes, until the kiss is nice and soft.

Take out of oven and press a piece of candy corn onto each chocolate kiss.

Let cool on plate then enjoy!  

The day I made these I also baked my favorite pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, and with some loaf tins and fabric scraps made a bunch of treat baskets to deliver to friends and teachers.  There is something special about receiving a homemade gift, and it's also so much fun to give a homemade treat!  My kids were excited to help hand these out!

Autumn blessings to you and yours!  Soak up the celebration of this beautiful season!