Place any temptations at His feet!

July 31, 2012

Proverbs 31: 1-3  “ the words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.  What, my son?  And what, the son of my womb?  And what, the son of my vows?  Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth Kings.  “

            A mother’s teaching is sometimes different from a father’s . The father intends to teach the son the ways of success and how to reach the goals he seeks. The father speaks of the word, knowledge, wisdom, education, experiences, and training which are all very important for a leader—especially a Christian example.  But the mother is more concerned with what will bring a man down and make him of no further use to God, his followers, or even himself. 

            This mother speaks out for justice and reminds her son that some women are simply fortune hunters out to get what they want at any cost to the possessor.  She also warns that promiscuous women can shipwreck leaders who don’t show purity.  Solomon himself was ruined by marriages to two women of differing religions which led to his downfall. 

            Lord We love you today and pray for our leaders. It is so easy to be led by astray by pride, obliging, and unconcern. Help us Lord, to see our temptations and place them at your feet.  Help us Lord, not to think ourselves capable of overcoming temptation.  For Your service we live   Amen

Look for and proclaim Jesus until His second coming.

July 30,2012

Proverbs 30:4      “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists?  Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is his son’s name, it thou canst tell?”

            Old testament believers expected the Messiah to be the Son of the Blessed. (In Mark 14 the High Priest asked Jesus, Art thou the Son of the Blessed One?)  In Proverbs also he is spoken of as a distinct person thought not yet named. This particular verse spells out Jesus in all His majesty, power, and honor. No one has ascended into heaven prior to Jesus. Jesus gathered the wind in his fist on the lake when Peter showed temporary faith. The flood of tear water was bound up in the garments left behind at the resurrection.  The ends of the world have been established as the time when Jesus returns! We now know the names IAM and Jesus. The Wisdom of all times is shown in this verse—Jesus is proclaimed and promised here!

Lord, we love You today and know Your Word tells us to look for and proclaim Jesus until His second coming. Allow us, Father, to be faithful to the charge and proclaim Jesus and His work. Use us to spread Your words of promise and hope to the ends of the earth and time as we know it now. For Your service we live.     Amen.

Discipline is God's best learning tool.

July 29, 2012

Proverbs 29: 1   “ He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  “

            Some people simply cannot take discipline.  The Lord however has established discipline as the best learning tool.  If the Lord tells us that sparing the rod will ruin a child, how can anyone with any common sense at all not see that this is more true for all His children.  Even self discipline helps people train themselves to be punctual, consistent, trustworthy, dedicated, and dependable.  But typically wicked people are simply stubborn and refuse to take instruction, advice, or discipline from others. 

            The second clause in this proverb reminds us of the unforgiveable sin. If one continually refuses the suggestions of the Holy Spirit—instructions, guidance, advice, discipline, and partnership—this person is in danger of being forever lost and with no opportunity to be saved.  This is scary!  Think—1000 years before Jesus ascended to the Father, Solomon realized there would be a holy spirit sent to be the last of many people. 

            Lord, we love you today and worship your eternal presence.  We thank you, Lord, that you continue to show us in Your Word that provision has been made for our eternal life also.  We must not relax our efforts; there are many of our family, friends, coworkers, in Your earthly family that still have not met You, Lord, to carry your message of hope and salvation to them. 

For your service we live.                     A men

Have you made the decision above all decisions?

July 28, 2012

Proverbs 28: 1     “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.  “

Felix questioned Paul about Jesus and what salvation was, but he was so confused, he sent Paul away until a later time.  Felix was never persuaded and; as far as recorded, was never saved because he put it off.  We cannot be like Felix or Festus and just proceed along just like opportunities will always be available to consider Jesus’.  We must first and foremost accept Jesus as our Lord and savior.  After that single most important decision is made we can be free to plan our future as He leads. 

A guilty conscience will destroy a person’s health— physical and spiritual—as well as any relationship.  We fear any movement or responses and we are fearful of what can or may happen.  But, if the decision about Jesus has been made, we can rest assured and confidently proceed. 

Lord, we love you today and worship you for the security promised us.  As we take You as our personal Lord and savior, we know that our future is in your hands and obediently work for Your kingdom. 

For your service we live.        A men

Do you praise or are you proud?

July 27, 2012

Proverbs 27:2:  “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth,; a stranger and not thine own lips.”

            Pride is what makes humans tick and as long as that pride simply builds self-esteem, it is even Christ-centered. But boasting of what we have done, who we are, or how important we are comes directly from Satan’s lies.

            No one is, has done, or will be without the blessing of his maker. It is easy to tell the lost ones, because they take credit for doing everything. Encouragement comes when we praise others and envy comes when we praise ourselves. Even if we don’t consider ourselves prideful, it is using our bragging to tempt others to envy us.

Lord, we love you today and see our prideful selves. We are quick to tell all the great things we do but are slow to encourage others who are working so hard. Help us Lord to realize the importance of encouragement and the futileness of Pride. For Your service we live..                Amen.

If you are where the Lord wants, Proceed!

July 26, 2012

Proverbs 26:2   “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying,so the curse causeless shall not come.”

            Fear of what is next always worries people . We’re always afraid of the empty threats of bullies , bosses , or spouses and children. We are often worried about what may happen to us, but in most cases these ungrounded fears never materialize and we have been both worried and ineffective in our daily lives.

            Joseph’s brothers threatened him, Goliath threatened David , Nebuchadnezzar threatened Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendeo as well as Daniel , Pharoah threatened Moses, but none of them had fears that came to be . But the threatened ones did not fear because they knew that their steps were prepared. They were where the Lord let them be and were not afraid of causeless threats .

Lord , we love you today and trust where you have put us. We ask Your favor to guide us in what we say and do with no fear. Since we all are aware Who You are, we can know You have something for us to do. Help us to recognize the opportunities you present, the talents and gifts we have, and the nerve to respond per Your will. For your service we live.  Amen.

Even with wasted years, we can always have a chance to bless.

July 25, 2012

Proverbs 25:1  “ These are also proverbs of Solomon , which the men of Hezekiah King of Judah copied out .”

            This verse tells us that this is a later collection of Solomon’s proverbs  Even though this is a later copy, it makes it into the Bible. This reminds us that even if we may feel we have wasted a lot of good years or may have thrown away a lot of years, we still have an opportunity –through Jesus –to make the rest of the time a blessing to others.

            Isn’t it funny that Hezekiah’s servants are the ones copying these parables down for wisdom in God’s Bible? Hezekiah had neither wasted his life nor his time, but he realized there was much more to be done. He prayed for more time and the Lord gave him fifteen more years from his deathbed.  If you had fifteen more years and to your life, what could you do for Jesus. Hezekiah did a lot with his fifteen years and possibly the best he did was to allow his servants to copy from Solomon’s proverbs for God’s people.

Lord, we love you today and know that we have been allotted time here on earth to do Your Will. Help us to take every chance to tell someone about you. Help us to see how meaningful the time we have can be. For your service we live.    Amen

Knowledge,Wisdom, and Understanding effect transformation.

July 24, 2012

Proverbs 24:3-4   “Through wisdom is our house builded; and by understanding it is established:  And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

            Once again we see the message of Proverbs in these two verses. Knowledge, derived from the Word of God provides all the planning and preparation needed to face a situation. The wisdom earned from knowledgeable experiences will allow the believer to build a strong, fortified house and the understanding brought about will totally establish and uphold the household.

            In the same way we must use the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding given us to build the church He wants. Are you in the Word? Are you growing in the experiences? Are you using these talents and skills to lift up His bride?

Lord, we love you today and continue to see that Your Word, our experiences in the Word, and the shared understanding within Your church effect complete transformation in Your people. Keep us focused on You and Your Church. For Your service we live.       Amen.

What is your identity? Something of the Someone?

July 23, 2012

Proverbs 23:3      “Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are a deceitful meat.”

            Coveting just sneaks up on us. Before you know it the admiration you have for something someone has grows to jealousy (I wish) and pride (Why not me?). That is the way it is with many young people; they see things that others have and want it so badly they would do anything to have it.

            “Things” is one of Satan’s biggest tricks to turn our heads. As Shawn Saunders, director of Converting Hearts has said, our identity becomes the “thing” and we must have it. Once we have it or worse lose it, our identity is gone. We must then seek some other “thing” to be our identity. Chasing the wrong goal or god is not the answer. There is only one absolute and His name is Jesus.

Lord, we love you today and know that our identity should only be in unchangeable, perfect, You.  We often chase wrong goals and desires, Lord, but we pray that you keep us focused on what really is the only thing that counts—our relationship to You. For Your service we live.      Amen.

Facing life's hailstorms? Come inside to Him.

July 22, 2012

Proverbs 22:3  “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple goes on and are punished.”

            The Lord has been warning people of His many judgments throughout eternity, but different people respond differently. Whether it be a direct warning from God or simply a cloud in the sky, a careful man will see the warning and take action to stay clear. In Moses’ day the people were warned of the hailstorms coming and the believers came inside with their servants and cattle, but the unbelievers took no steps of protection.

            The hailstorms come—still today—after the Lord’s warning. Are you properly protected or do you think your own strength will protect you?

Lord, we love you today and know that still today you send warnings to all people—both individually and collectively. Help us, Lord, to remember that You dictate times and seasons. We have to watch the signs and be prepared for earthly and heavenly hailstones.  For Your service we live.    Amen.

Are we building temples to God without God of the Temple?

July 21, 2012

Proverbs 21:1   “ The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord , as the rivers of water; he turneth withersoever He will .”

            Today’s verse reminds us of two important truths found throughout Proverbs. First, if the man is a Christian then, his heart belongs to God. No matter what the man has decided in his mind, the Lord’s plan, purpose, and will shall be done. Many men, like David, have wanted to build temples to God, but it is so easy to work on the temple of God, that we forget the God of the temple.

            Secondly, I wonder if the word God is really a verb rather than a noun. James tells us that faith in God is impossible without works. God has people who pray, minister, visit, and work diligently for Him. God is an action word; if we want His perfect will done, we have to do it.

Lord, We love you today and seek only to honor You in all we do . We realize how easily we can get caught up in doing until it becomes an end in itself. Help us to remember that You are the End and our responsibility is to meet you there. For Your service we live.    Amen

Satan mocks with addictions.The only recourse is Jesus.

July 20,2012

Proverbs 20:1  “ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging ; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise .”

            I am sure that most of you could give examples of what wine, strong drink , and drugs can do to a person . A couple of things I do know is that:

1) Beneath all addiction is a control issue

2) Addiction hides the true issue

3) Addictions-even soft addictions like TV viewing-try to avoid reality

4) Personal growth is often hindered by a soft addiction and is used as a tool to avoid or procrastinate

5) Even religious work can be used to cover personal reality; and covers the pain of one’s spiritual reality

            Think about this –God’s supreme creation –you and I are deceived by Satan into thinking these little trips away from reality are in time and --but I am telling you they line the road to hell.  Get real, folks, trust and depend on the person Jesus .

Lord, we love you today and want to remember that Satan mocks You with addictions. He throws us and our addictions into Your face. Praise Your name for sending Your Son to show us the way home . Help us to throw off anything that takes our eyes and minds off of You. For your service we live.     Amen

Focus on the foundation stones to wisdom today.

July 19,2012

Proverbs 19:1    “ Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity , then he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”

            What is the real difference between integrity and perverseness? Integrity, as in buildings, means complete our entire , but in humans it means moral soundness, To be perverse is to be stubborn or willfully erring.  One who is perverse knows he is wrong but refuses to accept any other alternative. To show integrity is to look at all other facts or possibilities, weigh them against a perfect standard – Jesus –and choose to accept His way.

            We have been looking at the qualities of Wisdom in Proverbs over and over ; I came across a Zig Zeigler quote on wisdom I would like to share for your consideration : “ There are six foundation stones to wisdom : honesty , character , integrity , faith , love, and loyalty .” Focus on these six today and see what the Lord shares with you .

Lord , we love you today and we choose to follow the path Jesus made out for us . Help us to maintain the six foundations of Christian living. Help us to strive for the target of wisdom and become Your disciples. For your service we live.   Amen

God does not need loners, but teammates.

July 18, 2012

Proverbs 18:1    “ Through desire a man , having separated himself , seeketh and intermeddleth with our own wisdom .”

            Pastor Ferrell counsels us all the time about being a Christian loner. Though sometimes a Christian must separate himself from others for inner reflection (as Jesus often had to do ), we should not regularly separate ourselves from our Christian community of believers .

            When I am separated for my own purposes –even if it is to write or visit –I often feel the inadequacy I have . Granted , it makes me depend more on the track from God , but  I really miss opportunities to share , be encouraged , or help someone.

            If God had wanted loners, he would have left Adam by himself . God and man me the opportunity is to praise , perform , pray , and worship together the !

Lord , we love you today and want to be a team for Your kingdom growth . Help us , Lord, to know that we can do so much more by relying on our brothers and sisters than just by ourselves . For your service we live .     Amen

Serve me the meal of the day--time with the Lord!

July 17, 2012

Proverbs 17:1         “ Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife .”

            I may be mistaken but I’m pretty sure that my son would tell you his favorite time of his growing up was around the dinner table. People today don’t spend enough time around the table. Everyone is sitting in front of the TV watching whatever is happening to other or imaginary people. After a relaxed meal –whether sandwiches or steak –was our family time. We have continued that tradition with our granddaughter.

            We talked about my work day experiences, people I interfaced with, Rose’s day and the people who came over to have sewing done, and finally about Carl’s day at school and later at work.   We only had two rules: first, every one gets to share without interruption, and second anyone can make comments or recommendations about the circumstance but no one can make fun of the teller or is allowed to give expert advice.

            It didn’t matter what we shared for dinner the dinner conversation was the meal of the day.

We love you today, Lord, and we are so thankful that we can come to you freely with our problems . We know that You will listen, empathize, and speak to our hearts, Lord, without condescending, irritated responses. We know your patience allows us to learn our lessons the best and easiest way if we give our problem up to You and listen for Your still, small voice telling us how to approach the problem and receive Your answer—yes , no , or wait a while. Thank you for such love to give us free will. For your service we live.     Amen  

Our planning dependson Your plan for us.

July 16, 2012

Proverbs 16:1   “The preparations of the heart is in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord .”

            We made our plans as we prepared to play the heavily favored team from Miami. We realized how much shorter than we they were but their outside shooting was a bomb. Miami would easily advance tonight and we would play them for the championship tomorrow morning. We chose not to watch the game; we knew enough about them that they could easily defeat us from every position but under the board. We worked hard to be able to check the shorter men from outside giving them a little freedom to drive or shoot. Defense was our key and our big guys concentrated on blocking out and covering man to man outside. We had an excellent game plan, were well practiced , and very confident to play at 11:00 the next morning .

            When we got to breakfast the next morning, the paper announced that the sharpshooting number one seed had lost the evening before to a much taller team . Our entire strategy was lost, our hope destroyed, and our loss guaranteed because we had made our plans based on our ideas rather than simply playing our game to our best and giving to God His will .

Lord, we love you today and realize that our planning may not count if we haven’t run it by You. No future plans we can make sure never exclude Your will. Help us, Lord, to realize just how dependent our future is on Your grace. Help us to depend solely on You for direction and insight, not on ourselves only. For your service we live.      Amen

Why do we respond agrily when corrected?

July 15, 2012

Proverbs 15:1   “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.”

            I have heard this quote a hundred times, but as I asked the Lord for insight this morning a new response came to me. Wrath and anger are synonymous to each other and both mean hurt - based retaliation. I checked on 25 occasions of anger in the Old Testament (excluding the anger of God) and found that 25 of 25 cases show the response to some one being corrected.

            Jesus advises us in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) that meekness is not a weakness but standing up with a silent witness. Mahatma Gandhi won India’s rights by passive resistance. Martin Luther King won black equality by passive resistance and not being moved. In this verse we see what they saw. To destroy anger and vengeance stand up for what you believe and quietly, no shame, state your position.

Lord, we love you today and realize how far your creation has gone from your intention. We know that rape, murder, lies, and stealing were not your design for our lifestyle. We also know the Savior You sent for our salvation and earnestly pray that we can meekly--with strength – speak up for Your position on how far we have slid then. For your service we live.        Amen

The spouse builds the home!

July 14,2012

Proverbs 14:1  “ Every wise woman buildeth her house : but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands .”

            Behind every truly successful male minister stands the real reason –his coworker , his wife . My pastor is a Baptist icon ; his messages on faith , love , and commitment have their route to in his undying love and trust in his wife . She doesn’t stand in the pulpit, but she feels when he needs water and runs for it. Anything to encourage, support, and maintain his message she is willing to do. How could God not bless this union and this ministry?

            I have seen wives who are shopaholics or partiers and have destroyed both their lives and the lives of their husbands. A man’s convictions can so easily be swayed by his love for his partner. A selfish woman can destroy everything she and her husband have built.

Lord, we love you today and pray that our devotion and commitment to you remains strong and firm regardless of the pressure exerted by a spouse or family. Let us keep our eyes on the real goal. For your service we live.  Amen.

Stubborn people can not feel with others.Quit it!!

July 13, 2012

Proverbs 13”:1 “ A wise son heareth his father's instructions : but a scorner heareth not rebuke .”

            Our verse today indicates a much more serious problem than the first reading.  Initially, this appears to be a standard proverb consisting of two different ways to identify the same problem. There is much hope for those who listen to their parents and little hope for one who doesn’t listen to them.

            But this verse touches on two extra facts we should be aware of. First, this scorner is not simply one who refuses to listen –he despises or hates the adviser. He has no intention of listening or respecting their ideas. How can anyone fix a fault if he refuses to be told about it. This hate or disrespect simply holds back any future hope.

            Second, this doesn’t relate to children in the second clause. If the child will not listen to his parents, he will listen to no one. This guarantees problems in later life dealing with authority – especially God’s authority!

Lord, we love you today and pray that we are not stubborn when You correct us. We pray, Lord , that we are responsive to Your every tug on our heartstrings. We want to feel, Lord, what others feel and consider their position when we start to challenge. For Your service we live.     Amen

Pay attention to advice and criticism; it may be from the Lord.

July 12, 2012

Proverbs 12: 1     “Who loveth instruction loveth knowledge; but , he that hateth reproof is brutish .”

            In order to progress in our Christian walk, we must be willing to gracefully understand where we are coming from and where we want to go. As we have said earlier, wisdom is our goal –wisdom is the knowledge of how God would think in a given situation. We get there through His word or knowledge, so instruction must follow study of His Word.

            The council of an experienced Christian elder or brother must be carefully considered even if this instruction or advice was not requested; the person was prompted to call it to your attention. Pride and envy makes one disregard the advice totally and that will limit how far one can ever go in his Christian walk.

Lord, we love you today and know that you often send words of training or knowledge to us that we don’t want to hear. Help us, Lord, to accept this reproof or advise as if it came from you, because you certainly can guide our steps better than we regardless of the ad visor. For your service we live.  Amen

Honesty will be the only measure in the end!

July 11, 2012

Proverbs 11:1   “A false weight is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight

            Honesty is Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life “, but Satan is “the father of lies.” Lying within a family is unpardonable, whether blood related or not, and arguing between siblings and coworkers is just plain bad.

            Why should we condone businesses and people who indiscriminately trust in false weights? The butcher who adds a finger to the scale is no different from the manufacturer who repackages his product into a smaller container and amount but charges the same price. The way the gasoline is priced and sold is a total crime. The way Americans are expected to pay more each year for a product with less quality is a crime against good business practices.  The way our government spends money it doesn’t have is fiscally irresponsible. What can we do?

            We can know that the Lord has the final plan under control; just weight is not a recommendation from God but an expectation. We can only hope that the leaders in politics and business and learn this lesson and are compelled to share rather than hoard up for themselves.

            Lord, we love you today and pray for our leaders to realize that judgment will be on them for not being fair and honest with your people. We realize the impact of their daily decisions touches so many people but we know that you are the final judge of fairness and praying for their realization that this world is not all there is. For your service we live. Amen

Current treasures of wickedness pale next to future rewards of righteousness.

July 10, 2012

Proverbs 10:2 – “ Treasures of wickedness profits nothing ; but righteousness delivereth from death .”

            What are the treasures of wickedness? Riches, honor, and glory of one’s peers is great for a time. Then everyone wants and needs more –more riches, more honor, and more glory –but they don’t satisfy. In order to attain more riches, honor, and more glory, one must be a little more intense and to just a little more,

            What are the treasures of righteousness? Love , joy , peace , patience, and the other fruit of the spirit are a small guarantee of what is available to one seeking righteousness right here in the present. The blessed hope of an even better future certainly outweighs the promise of riches in the hereafter.

            When you look at the treasures, I think that this is the only choice anyone can make. Is your heart and mind dependent on His Word?

Lord, we love you today and realize that the treasures of wickedness pale back comparison to the rewards of righteousness both presently and in the future. Help us to resist the temptation to choose temporal treasures. For Your service we live.  Amen

Open your heart to receive His invitation; no regrets RSVP.

July 9, 2012

Proverbs 9:1-2

            “Wisdom has builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beast; she hath mingled her wine, she hath also furnished her table.”

            At first glance this seems to be the old adage of “she brings home the bacon and cooks it too”, this tells us a story of a loving master (Jesus to be exact), who has everything at his command, but has chosen to do everything personally necessary to pave the way and open the door for us.

            Wisdom, tied originally back to the Word, has not had all this prepared for His future meal from the saved.  He personally has taken all the steps, planned what to dine on, prepared the food, and even decorated the area pleasing to all.

            This truly symbolizes Jesus and His mission.  Next time we study Proverbs 9, we will see about those invited to the feast for the saved.

Lord, we love you today and praise Your Name for preparing the way for us.  Everything has been put in place and the only thing remaining is for us to accept your invitation.  Open our hearts to receive your invitation; No Regrets RSVP.

For your service we live.  Amen

True Wisdom counts!!!!!!!!!!!!

July 8, 2012

Proverbs 8:1-2        “Doth not wisdom cry?  And understanding put forth her voice?  She standeth in the top of high places; by the way in the places of the plans.”

            Today’s verses remind us of a heavenly truth—wisdom counts!  The Word of God stands up and cries out to us to come to all true wisdom—God.  He cries from Mt. Sinai telling Who He is.  He cries out from the wilderness (Ex. 31:3) What He is—spirit, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.  His very creation cries out from the center of our being (like the main crossroads of the world) How He works.  He shouts to all who will listen to Him from Eden (Gen 3:16) that He is not a shortcut.  Wisdom will never come as a result of accepting Satan’s ideas as our own shortcut. 

            Right now we need to recognize like Joyce Meyer says that the battle for our lives is being waged in the battlefields of our mind.  Satan is sneaky to us like he was two to Eve; he puts negative thoughts, depression, disappointment, and personal losses foremost in our minds.  In this way, he plans to reverse the promises of God to us—hope, truth, salvation, and eternal life.  But there is no shortcut.  Accept, Believe, and Come are the easy ABC’s of God.

Lord, we love you today and want to share your wisdom with our world.  So many people fall into Satan’s trap and look for an easier way to life.  We thank You, Lord, that You have made it so simple for us to have eternal life.  Help us, Lord, to share Your simple plan daily with ones we meet.  For Your service we live.  Amen

Keep His law as the apple of your eye, ring of your commitment, and table of your heart.

Proverbs 7:1-3   “My son, keep my words, and lay-up my commitments with thee.  Keep my commitments, and live; and my law as the apple of your eye.  Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.”

            Solomon continues to advise us and instruct us exactly how we should treat God’s Word and law. First we see that we should keep these commandments and to properly love and respect the ten commandments.  It is so easy to say we are doing well, when we are actually denying any commandment to any small degree, but we are in sin if we think He is not repulsed by any part of disobeying.

            Second, apple of your eye is the little image you can see in the beholder’s pupil of the eye when you look into his eyes.  Got wants His Word to always be the apple of your eye when you are tempted. 

            Third, bind His ten commandments to your finger and keep them as faithfully as a marriage ring keeps you to your spouse. 

            Fourth, write these commitments on the table of your heart’s love –just like friends and family are written there.—consider the hurt you cause them and God when you give in to temptation. 

Lord, we love You today and truly want Your Word, law, and commandments to be the apple of our eyes, the wedding ring of our commitment, and the table our heart and mind that help us make choices.  Help us, Lord, to realize the little things we do daily to break your solemn ten commandments.  Forgive us for these actions, and apply Your Word to our hearts and minds to reduce these actions.  For Your service we live.  Amen

Trust His Word in all decisions of life!

July 6, 2012

Proverbs 6:1 “My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou has stricken thy hand with a stranger, thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.”

            The Bible is the guide to salvation and is the inerrant Word of God. Should we not also look to the Bible to aid us in our human life—financially, physically, and emotionally?  Of course we should!  Herein, Solomon tells people not to be surety for a friend with a stranger. If we co-sign a loan, even today, on credit reports the co-signer is shown as the responsible party (not as a co-signer). We automatically become the guarantor. Without fail, it seems, something can go wrong. I co-signed fifteen years earlier so my son could establish credit, which was necessary for a young man. Over the next fifteen years, the loaner had arbitrarily raised his credit limit to $25,000.00 without my knowledge. When he could not make payments, I was responsible for the $15,000 owed. Luckily, I was able to work out a deal (greatly in their favor) and pay it, but if I had not, I could be taken to court for restitution.

            Good business sense is taught by the Bible and we should look for help in the Bible before making any decision.

Lord, we love you today and thank You that Your Word can be applied and trusted on any of life’s decisions. When we give our word on anything or about anyone, Lord, let us research your Word and apply it to our choices. For your service we live.. Amen.

Words of 3000 years ago were written for us today.

Proverbs 5:1-2      “ My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding. That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.”

            His lectures are not intended to provide speculation nor doubt, but to guide in our goals and choices.  To make free choice decisions that are unconstrained by external circumstances, one must have the training that Solomon offers: the Word, knowledge, insight, and finally wisdom.  These lectures make us stop to consider whether these teachings are limiting the free will of Christians,  All Christians are guaranteed the free will whether to follow God’s teachings or their own leanings.  God intended it that way and he does not change His mind. 

            Solomon recognizes that there are opportunities to do that which is wrong, chances that the wrong things may be done, and freedom for everyone to decide for himself.  He also knows that God has bestowed tremendous wisdom up on him,; and, Solomon feels the responsibility to teach everything he has learned. 

            Solomon is not “blowing his own horn”!  He knows that if we listen attentively to what he says, totally respect his teachings, memorize the meanings within our hearts, and consider these teachings in each decision, we will make much better choices and know the way back if we make a mistake. 

Lord, we love you today and realize the teachings that Solomon gave 3000 years ago were intended for us today.  We know, Lord, that You have all future mapped out for us—if we pay attention to Your teachings.  Help us, Lord, to retain and apply your individual messages to us as we study Your teachings daily.  For your service we live.    Amen

Freedom from the world's cares comes at the final victory.

July 4, 2012

Proverbs 4:2   “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.”

            Speaking to children in Christ here Solomon continues explaining why wisdom and understanding God’s Word is so important. He tells them to come like children in order to learn about these things of the kingdom. Regardless of age he tells them to attend closely in these early years in Christ so as to get His wisdom and understanding.

            Many of the laws today are predicated on human history and experience rather than attending to the wisdom and understanding of God. Abortion, Christian education, banking deceit, health care reform, gay rights, entitlements, taxes, Social Security, exporting work overseas, and many other agendas dictate how we must live our lives day by day.

            But, Praise the Lord, we can no that all of God’s laws are built on good doctrine. We can be assured that His way –the final victory –is already determined. We can live our personal lives divorced from bad laws simply by our response to them.

We love you today, Lord, and look forward to the time when all corrections are complete. Help us, Lord, to respect the ones you have put in charge but to stand up individually where your laws are violated. For your service we live.   Amen.

Love God and remember His Word!

July 3, 2012

Proverbs 3:1-2      “ My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

            In the new covenant between God and the Israelites (Deut. 8:16) the same promise was made of God that is here made by Solomon.  Love me and remember what I have told you in your minds, but more importantly in your heart.  By choosing heart over mind the son is told to hear the Word rather than logic.  If the son makes his choices based on God’s word in his heart, he is guaranteed that a longer, more peaceful life will result. 

            All the logical, reasonable technology steps taken in the past twenty years should have made for so much more leisure, satisfaction, and time for family and God, but the opposite seems true.  This seems to be another case where logic/ reason has not brought us what is needed, but the few people who step back are much better off physically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

            Lord, we love you today and want to experience longer, more complete life, with opportunities to serve.  We accept your Word as our benchmark and compare ourselves not to one another but to Jesus .  Everyone then falls short, Lord, and needs to spend more time in prayer and Bible study.  Help us, Lord, to use the guide you gave us for a longer, satisfied life. 

For your service we live.     Amen.

July 2, 2012

Proverbs 2:6  “ For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of His mouth, knowledge and understanding .”

            Knowledge is the first step to wisdom; we are told over and over in school to seek knowledge –for some the human knowledge and for others spiritual knowledge. Human knowledge is considered so important by some that lotteries are helping pay for it (Right).

            Solomon teaches us also to seek knowledge of Him and His word so as to gain understanding. Wisdom is not historically given to students or the human knowledge proponents. Wisdom is a gift from God; He personally speaks to the person through His Word.

            What kind of knowledge do you seek? What kind of knowledge do you support? What is your responsibility to God and His human brothers and sisters? Are you learning what you should and applying it to your life?

Lord, we love you today and realize that many false gods of knowledge , understanding, and wisdom. Help us, Lord, to speak out where we should so as to influence one person positively. For your service we live.   Amen.

Attend to the Word, Pray in the Word, Experience the Word.

July 2, 2012

Proverbs 2:1-5    “ my son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart two understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up by voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hidden treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.”

            And these verses for today we have both a plan of action and a guaranteed result to understanding the reverence of the Lord, and the full knowledge of God.  First, once again the wisdom of Solomon shows us two entities of the holy trinity.  Before Jesus came as savior, Solomon advised us we could learn about both the Lord and God.  

            How can this be? 

1)      Attend to the Word ( Bible) and cherish the teachings and wisdom of it,

2)      Be much in prayer; we must cry out for knowledge and beg for understanding. 

3)      We must take pains to learn the lessons that the Bible and experience gives us. 

These verses are made clear by verse 5.  If we take this assignment seriously, our work will not be in vain.  Reverence and knowledge will teach us not only what it is but we’ll show us how to practice righteousness, justice, charity, and fairness. 

            Lord, we love you today and thank you that you have not only made provisions for our salvation thru Jesus Christ, but you have provided the one tool we need to live properly—the Bible.  As we do our part and study the Bible every day, Lord, make the Bible alive to us so we can live as we should and share Your message with others.  For your service we live.        Amen

What better way to learn than through God's Word?

July 1, 2012

Proverbs 1:1-4” The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, King of Israel: to know wisdom , instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtly to the simple, to the young man’s knowledge and discretion.”

Proverbs were an ancient way of teaching easily understood by any hearer. Solomon had specific reasons for using this method.  First, to know the Word of God and the instruction available is of prime importance.  Second, to build understanding from this knowledge gained is next.  Third, it was done through repetition and comparison to entrench this insight into the daily life of every one—rich or poor.

            The Jesus took this masterful method of teaching and added a story to make sure that no hidden meaning was kept back.  The proverbs were the best teaching tool of the Greeks, the Chinese, and finally perfected through Jesus. 

Lord, we love you today and pray that we can understand the simple, timeless messages in the Proverbs  Open our hearts and minds to understand how to use Your Word to defeat any concern that Satan may place in our way, and to develop the insight to act on our learning.  For your service we live.          Amen. 

With study and focus, see His plan for you.

For the month of July let's move on to the next set of verses in Proverbs lessons.

July 1, 2012

Proverbs 1:5-6   “ a wise man will hear , and will increase learning ; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsel : to understand a proverb , and the interpretation ; the words of the wise and their dark sayings .”

            Plato had his school at the same time that Solomon was teaching by Proverbs, but one important detail separated these two schools. Plato’s school was only open to the learned and ones who showed great potential for success. Solomon’s school was based on a different premise; anyone who God has blessed with wisdom—regardless of station—can grow and learn. The primary gifts of these are counseling and interpretation.

            God is like that; He may not bless all with riches, but He blesses all with gifts from which richness may come. If your gift is wisdom God calls on you to share, counsel, and interpret His word to others.

Lord, we love You today and with study and focus, we can see Your plan for us throughtout life. Help us to accept Your plan and act accordingly. In His service, Amen.

our plans for us. Help us, Lord, to accept your Will for our lives and to share our love and gifts with everyone—regardless of station. For Your service we live.    Amen