Harvest Happenings And Proverbs 27-30

Well, October flew out as quickly as it flew in.  We spent the last week enjoying Trunk or Treat fun, harvest style activities and spirit week at school, and celebrating Trevor's birthday.  It was a whirlwind of festivities!  These are busy years, but we are making so many wonderful family memories!

God gives us some of the most stunning sunsets in the autumn and winter months!

I bought the board game Battleship for Trevor for his birthday - it has been a huge hit!!

I am now 22 weeks pregnant and cannot believe how fast this pregnancy is flying by. We found out we are having a baby GIRL and let me tell you, she is very strong and active!  She is constantly kicking and elbowing me, and flipping around inside of me. Life is just amazing!  I spend a lot of time in prayer for this little girl.  We love her already.

I finished my Proverbs study, and it was such a great journey!  We have also been studying Proverbs in our SS class at church, and it has made for some great discussions.  I just love how practical Proverbs is for daily living!  It addresses finances, friendships, marriage, character, godly living ~ there is a little of everything and I can only imagine how much wisdom we could gain from reading it over and over again throughout our lifetimes.

Here are a few highlights from chapters 27-30...it is always so hard to choose.

Proverbs 27:1 "Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring."

*We are not guaranteed tomorrow, which should influence us in so many ways.  We never know what a day could hold.  I want to live each day for Jesus and trusting in Jesus.

Proverbs 27:4 "Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous."

*Wow, have I witnessed the destructive force of jealousy in recent years.  It's easy to give into the temptation to be jealous but it is not worth the misery, destruction, and broken relationships it causes.  No wonder God cautions us against it so often.

Proverbs 27:9 "The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." 

*A true friend will try to point you to God and the ways of God.  Godly counsel from a friend is truly sweet.

Proverbs 27:15 "A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day."

*Yeah.  So this verse actually made the message at church on Sunday morning.  None of us want to be as annoying as a constant drip!  Something to think about!

Proverbs 28:2 "Where there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.  But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."

*I'll be honest, this verse concerns me with many of our current leaders and the moral state of our country.  We really need to be in prayer for our leaders that they would seek God and His wisdom.  Our morality as a nation matters.

Proverbs 28:6 "Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich."

*Choose integrity over money every time.

Proverbs 28:14 "Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble."

*We should take sin very seriously.  Avoiding sin and doing things God's way makes life so much better!  Choosing sin and doing things our way can complicate our lives with many unnecessary problems.

Proverbs 28:22 "Greedy people try to get rich quick but don't realize they're heading for poverty."

*Over and over I have seen people fall into "get rich quick" schemes.  God's Word warns us to tread carefully...it may not be what it seems.

Proverbs 29:5 "To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet."

*It is all too easy to flatter.  It can seem so much easier to tell a friend what they want to hear rather than the truth from God's perspective.  But when we do that, we set a trap for them.  There may be times a friend gets angry when you don't flatter or validate, but we should always choose truth in love over empty flattery that could send them down a wrong path.

Proverbs 29:17 "Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad."

*I've said before that intentional, consistent, loving discipline can be exhausting and a huge challenge...but everything I read about discipline in God's Word reminds me that it is so worth it in the long run!!  It is for the benefit of everyone in the family!

Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God proves true.  He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection."

*God's Word is truth!!  Trust Him, obey Him, let Him be your shield!!

Glimpses From Birthday Celebrations And The Proverbs Journey

Wow, October is flying right by!  This month is always incredibly full for us ~ amidst lots of work and activities and responsibilities are several family birthdays.  We have already celebrated my mom (with a fun surprise party for her 60th) and Jimmy (with a date day for the two of us and date night with friends)... next up is Trevor!

I have been enjoying continuing on in my Proverbs study, and hope you have too!  I am always struck by so many verses in each chapter.  I have gotten behind on updating, but here are some of the Proverbs that have stood out to me lately...

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17:9 "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18:7 "The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips."

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe."

Proverbs 18:15 "Intelligent people are always ready to learn.  Their ears are open for knowledge."

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19:2 "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes."

Proverbs 19:18 "Discipline your children while there is hope.  Otherwise you will ruin their lives."

Proverbs 19:23 "Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm."

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20:1 "Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls.  Those led astray by drink cannot be wise."

Proverbs 20:7 "The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them."

Proverbs 20:11 "Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right."

Proverbs 20:23 "The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales."

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:2 "People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines the heart."

Proverbs 21:9 "It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home."

Proverbs 21:23 "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble."

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22:6 "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

Proverbs 22:15 "A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away."

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23:17-18 "Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed."

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24:5 "The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger."

Proverbs 24:17-18 "Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble.  For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn His anger away from them."

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25:17 "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket."

Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:17 "Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears."

Proverbs 26:20 "Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops."

Proverbs 26:22 "Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart."

Only a few more days left in this wonderful month!  

Hope you will join me in reading the last chapters on this journey!

Proverbs 14-16

I was home for a bit yesterday morning, which was nice.  I was actually waiting on an internet service person to come.  The waiting allowed me to stop and rest in my chair for a bit.  Beside me was a glowing candle given to me by a friend.  In the room behind me, the washer churned. Outside my window were overcast skies, all the more reason to stop and sit awhile as I waited for the towels to be ready to put in the dryer and the repairman to come to my door.

I ended up getting called to sub the second half of the day, and dashed off to Aldi before I headed to school.  But during that brief but wonderful quiet time I drank a cup of chai and read my Proverb for the day.  This morning I am home again and that same candle burns.

 Here are some of the Proverbs that stood out to me the past few days....

~

Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."

~ This first verse really caught me as I read it.  The Bible has a lot to say about women and the home.  Oh, how I want to be a home builder! God, please help us in this!

Proverbs 14:2 "Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him."

Proverbs 14:7 "Stay away from fools, for you won't find knowledge on their lips."

~ We need to be especially careful whom we seek advice from.  We really need to be sure that we are seeking godly counsel, not just validation of our own desires or opinions, when dealing with the issues of life.

Proverbs 14:9 "Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation."

Proverbs 14:12 "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death."

~ Be careful which path you take.  Be wise as you discern the difference between what seems right, and what is right.

Proverbs 14:16 "The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence."

Proverbs 14:26 "Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children."

~ Our decisions affect generations.  I desire to make wise decisions that will pass down blessings, not harm, to our children and the generations to come.

~

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

~ Good to remember next time we are provoked.

Proverbs 15:3 "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good."

~ Both convicting and comforting.

Proverbs 15:7 "The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give."

Proverbs 15:9 "The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness."

Proverbs 15:16 "Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil."

~ How many of those in our culture who have the most treasure are consumed with turmoil?  It's a sad reality - but fear of the Lord brings joy, even without great earthly treasure!  He is our treasure!

~

Proverbs 16:2 "People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

~ God will have His way in us.  It's not wrong to plan, but we need have an open heart for what He wants to do in and through us.  Sometimes His plans surprise us - but they don't surprise Him!

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall."

Proverbs 16:20 "Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful."

~ Once again, here is a source for JOY - trusting in God and listening to His instruction!

Proverbs 16:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:28 "A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends."

~ Such practical truth.  Be careful not to be excited by strife and drama.  Be careful of relationships that center around gossip.

Got called in again, so with that I'm off to school!

Thank you for joining me on this journey!  

Proverbs 10-13

I hope you all have had a good weekend!  Ours was full of family, friends, worship, and teaching.  We were in Proverbs several times at church today - amazing how often this book is popping up!

If you have been reading on this journey, you have noticed that this portion of Proverbs is written in couplets, short sayings that drive home practical wisdom for daily living in every stage of life.  Though it is hard to choose, here are some that have stood out to me the past few days...

Proverbs 10:9 "People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall."

Proverbs 10:16 "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

Proverbs 10:17 "People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray."

~ Goes back to that teachable spirit we talked about the other day!

Proverbs 10:19 "Too much talk leads to sin.  Be sensible and keep your mouth shut."

~ Wow. There is a time for silence, for sure!

~

Proverbs 11:13 "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence."

Proverbs 11:18 "Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last."

Proverbs 11:20 "The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity."

Proverbs 11:22 "A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout."

~ Ladies, let's do better than this!!

~

Proverbs 12:1 "To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction."

Proverbs 12:3 "Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots."

~ This was our theme verse for camp this summer that we memorized with our students!

Proverbs 12:15 "Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others."

Proverbs 12:16 "A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted."

~ Great advice to recall the next time we have insults hurled at us.

Proverbs 12:25 "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."

~

Proverbs 13:3 "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."

Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time."

Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

~ Young or old, it matters whom we hang out with.

Proverbs 13:24 "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.  Those who love their children care enough to discipline them."

I love my children.  Which is why, as hard as it is sometimes, I need to be intentional about discipline and correction.  When I have to discipline my children, I often tell them that if I didn't care about them I would let them do whatever they wanted and suffer the consequences.  I wouldn't take the time or effort to teach them right from wrong.  I explain to them that it is because I love them so much that I want to teach them what is right and wrong from God's Word, and correct them when they are wrong so they will learn and hopefully not have to suffer certain consequences down the road.

Discipline can be so draining on us parents, but don't give up!!  In love not anger, with clear boundaries and consequences, be willing to correct your children - remember, you are ultimately showing them that you love them and want the absolute best for them!

Proverbs 6-9

Beautiful October breezes are blowing in this evening!  Thankful for the refreshment they bring!

Here are some observations from the past few days in Proverbs...

Be careful what you get involved in financially.

Proverbs 6:1-4 "My child, if you have put up security for a friend's debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger - if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said - follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend's mercy.  Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased.  Don't put it off; do it now!  Don't rest until you do."

Before we co-sign, before we lend, before we borrow, we need to stop and seek God's guidance and wisdom.  Many have gotten themselves in financial disaster by trying to "help" someone, or by not examining the small print of an agreement.

Work hard!

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.  Learn from their ways and become wise!  Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter."

Whether our work is paid or unpaid, salaried or volunteered, in an office, classroom, home, or church, we need to be willing to work hard at what we do!  One summer on a missions trip to Mexico, our group memorized Romans 12:11 - "Never be lazy in doing your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically!"  I have thought of that verse many times since then.

Remember the advice and wisdom of your parents.

Proverbs 6:20-22 "My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's instruction.  Keep their words always in your heart.  Tie them around your neck.  When you walk, their counsel will lead you.  When you sleep, they will protect you.  When you wake up, they will advise you."

I have said before that I am so incredibly grateful for the wisdom and protection my parents gave me growing up.  Children need boundaries, advice, correction, instruction, and protection.  What my mom and dad taught me from God's Word truly protected me from so many devastating consequences, and set me up for success in life.  I pray I will intentionally and lovingly give my children that same instruction and protection.

If it is immoral, don't go near it.

Proverbs 7 is a warning to a son about the luring temptation of immoral women, and the ruin found in falling into their snare.  Verse 25 says, "Don't let your hearts stray toward her.  Don't wander down her wayward path."  That is excellent advice for us regarding anything immoral - don't wander down that path!  Don't even go near it.

Wisdom is far more valuable than money.

Proverbs 8:10-11 "Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.  For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.  Nothing you desire can compare with it."

In a world of many who falsely believe acquiring more wealth and possessions will solve their problems and satisfy their longings, we need to work on acquiring more wisdom. God's wisdom is of far more value than any possession!

Here it is again...wisdom brings JOY!  

Proverbs 8:32-35 "And so my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.  Listen to my instruction and be wise.  Don't ignore it.  Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!  For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord."

God's ways are good!  They bring such joy!

Don't be surprised if a foolish person rejects wise advice, and is even angered by it.

Proverbs 9:7-9 "Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.  Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.  So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.  But correct the wise, and they will love you.  Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.  Teach the righteous, and they will learn more."

A teachable spirit is an interesting thing.  Someone who possesses it and listens to wise counsel will grow in wisdom, as this passage says.  But those who don't possess it - those who think they know everything, think they don't need to pay attention to God's Word, those who continuously make rash or immoral decisions - will not follow wise advice.  They will even get angry at the giver of wise advice. Have you ever gotten angry when someone gave you counsel from God's Word?  Or have you ever given wise counsel from God's Word, only to get insulted and lashed out at in return?

Important lesson for all of us - we need to keep a teachable spirit, one that is sensitive to the Lord and His Word!  God, I pray you will teach us all something new during this study of Proverbs!

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.

Good Gifts

We have a surprise planned for our children this weekend.  An opportunity caught my eye, I looked into the details, and God provided.  Jimmy and I were talking earlier today about how excited we are to surprise them tomorrow.  Why?  Because they are our children and we love them!  And it's a joy to spend time with them and do something special for them, because they are special to us!

This morning's Bible study took me to Matthew 7:11 where Jesus says, 

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

The other afternoon I was driving to school to pick up Madi and Trev and my heart felt full to overflowing.  I was talking to God out loud in the van, just thanking Him for all the gifts He has blessed us with.  I was struck by so many little details that reflect His love and intimate concern for us.  When I read that passage from Matthew this morning, I realized that He delights in blessing us, just as we get so much joy from blessing our children.  Why?  Because we are His children and He loves us!

One of the passages I put around my relationship with Jimmy when we first started dating was James 1:17...

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

I am so thankful for the good and perfect gifts from my Father in heaven.  I am blessed to know He delights in giving good gifts to His children.  I delight in blessing my own children, hopefully being a reflection to them of His love and care.  I look forward to this weekend, knowing the surprise we have for them is ultimately from Him.  He is the giver of all good things.  And oh, how I thank Him!

Paper Houses and Strong Foundations

This morning after a blissful rest...well, make that a rest interrupted by the beeping of a dying smoke alarm battery that had to be dealt with in the middle of the night (bless my husband's heart)...I was up earlier than I was hoping because of this tickly cough that loves early mornings.  I made a delicious cup of coffee (promptly spilling a good portion of it on my shirt) and settled in with the new Bible study I've been working through.

I'm sitting here now with a second cup, my shirt still smelling like hazlenut, pondering a passage in Luke from this morning's study that my husband and I were just talking about a few days ago.

The passage starts with these words of Jesus...

But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? 
(Luke 6:46)

Wow.

Jesus goes on to compare a man who hears His words and does them to someone who builds a house by digging deep and laying his foundation on the rock.  When the heavy storms come through, they "could not shake" the house because of its firm foundation.

Then He compares a man who hears His words and does nothing to someone who builds a house right on the earth without a foundation.  When the storms came "immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

It is very easy for me to picture this scenario because we had our home built here in Florida a few years ago, and live in a newer neighborhood where homes are still going up.  We saw the very foundation of our home laid, and just this past week have been watching two more homes being built from the foundation up.  Florida's soil is very sandy, and in there is a stretch during the summer and early fall where thunderstorms come through nearly every afternoon.  Sometimes tropical storms and hurricanes can threaten.  I can't imagine building a home right on the sand without a strong, solid foundation.  Yet so many do this spiritually speaking.

My husband and I have been talking about a lot.  It's a genuine burden on our hearts. We see this epidemic where people want to "like God" as he says (call him Lord, Lord), but don't want to read and obey His Word or listen to godly counsel or wisdom. Life's storms come and they start sinking fast, then start grasping for the world's answers.  The world's answers don't work like they thought so they sink further.  God offers them all the wisdom they need but it will require some obedience.  On the other side of obedience there will be rich blessings, but often many are unwilling to even try things God's way. So they build what we call "paper houses" from what the world has to offer. They'll stand for a few minutes but the slightest breeze will knock them over. Without a strong foundation, those houses simply cannot stand. They will sadly experience great ruin when all the time there was another way.

Life is undoubtedly going to hold its storms.  The winds will surely blow.  We want our life and home to be built on the foundation of God and His Word, and we want that for everyone we know!  Because thanks to God we have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!!!  Makes me think of this old song...

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand.

This morning I am reminded of the importance of not just giving God lip service but building my whole life on Him. God, I pray this fervently for me and my family. 
Help us build our lives on you.  And friends, I encourage you to do the same!  It is a foundation like no other!  It is a foundation that offers peace and hope and joy and victory and a steadfast strength.

The rains came down and the floods came up
The rains came down and the floods came up
The rains came down and the floods came up
And the house on the rock stood firm!

Don't Let The Lights Go Down

Have you ever had a moment when God was so sweet to speak to you clearly about something just when you needed to hear His voice on the matter?

That happened to me this morning.

I've been doing a new Bible study and when I opened it up, the first passage it brought me to was Matthew 5:14-16.

You are the light of the world.  A city that is 

set on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven.

It was a word from God that I needed to hear, and He knew it.  I sat there in awe of how well my Savior knows me.  How intimately acquainted He is with the details of my life and the issues of my heart.

You see, my heart longs to shine for Jesus. 

But I have realized something along the way.

Darkness always wants to extinguish light.

And this world has more than its share of darkness.

And there will always be something or someone who doesn't want us to shine our light.

But our Creator, the Lover of our soul, the Redeemer of our life wants us to shine brightly for His glory!!  He doesn't want us to hide our light.  He wants us to be a city on a hill, a light that points others to the Light that can change their life!

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:4

...Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.

Exodus 34:29

You see, when you've experienced a glimpse of God's glory, it cannot help but radiate!  So don't give in to the darkness that threatens to overtake you.  Don't give up when the darkness feels big and you feel small.  Shine on.  In the midst of darkness, shine as brightly as you can!  You are going to have to be brave.  You are going to have to find your courage.  But when you do, Christ will cut through the darkness and shine through you!

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5

God blessed my heart this morning through His Word.  And He blessed my heart last week when I heard this song for the first time.

Don’t let the lights go down

Don’t let the fire burn out

Cause somewhere, somebody 

Needs a reason to believe.

Why don’t you rise up now?

Don’t be afraid to stand out

That’s how the lost get found.

Britt Nicole

Don't let the lights go down!

I know it's a dark world out there.

Let's find our courage.

Hold out our candles.

And let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.