May 1, 2013 A Virtuous Woman

Read Proverbs 31 A Virtuous Woman Prov 31:10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. HEY guys, do you want to give your wife a great gift? Write out Prov 31:10-31 and tell her, “This is you, Sweetheart.” Ladies, do you want to feel good about yourself? Read these verses and consider the blessings of virtue. Apply them to your life. I know women of virtue. I’m married to one. My mother is one. My daughter is one. (I’m not bragging. I’m thankful and rejoicing.) I know women of virtue in our church. I see women of virtue in the community. They’re easy to spot. They have joy in their lives. They confess Christ in their lives. They praise the Holy Spirit in their thoughts. They love God, and that love extends to their family, their church, their friends, their work and their neighbors. Yes, virtue is easy to spot. Virtue shines. Virtue glows. Virtue gives a woman a reputation of love and peace in her life. Virtue is for you, man or woman. Take hold of God’s love for you. Grab onto God’s truths for you. Act in God’s righteousness. Celebrate and rejoice for the Good News of salvation. See Jesus come for you. Grab the virtue and live in the light of Jesus’ love. It’s True! Virtue is God’s desire for your life.

April 30, 2013 Just Right

Read Proverbs 30 Just Right Prov 30:7-8 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. MOM’S perplexed at the dinner table. Larry, the little one, picks at his food. Mom knows he’ll be hungry later, and she’ll have to help him find a snack. Tom, her oldest, eats too much. He’s overweight. Mom wonders how she’ll get him to eat less. He’s always after more. And Millie, in the middle, eats what she needs, no more, no less. Mom has no concerns about Millie. Life is that way. Some people think it’s fine to pick at life—never having the right job or right relationships, they are often poor. They rely on others to help them and are a burden on family, friends and society. And being rich is fine, but sometimes it makes us “fat”. We consume too much and focus our efforts on getting more, losing time for joy in our lives while we do what makes us rich. Others live a satisfied life. They do what they must to earn a good living. They have time for friends and family. They appreciate all they have. This is life, isn’t it? Yes, life is often about too little for some, too much for others, just right for many. The Wisdom Writer offers to you a great prayer to live “just right”. Pray it often and trust God to bless you with a “just right” life. It’s True! Life is just right when you have just enough to satisfy your needs.  

April 29, 2013 Use God's Rod

Read Proverbs 29 Use God's Rod Prov 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. WHAT are you thinking as you read the title of this devotion and the scripture “the rod of correction”? Perhaps you are thinking of “spare the rod and spoil the child”. I think through history, many children have received physical punishment because “rod” was associated with a strong stick or pole used for punishment. Perhaps most of those punishments were out of line. Look at the meaning of “rod” and you will indeed find it means a “stick used for punishment”. But you will also see it applies to so much more. For example, “rod” has a Hebrew origin that means “divine guidance and care”. (Psalms 23:4 … I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.) The rods of Moses and Aaron were the visible means God chose for the instrument of his wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness. Now, what does the “rod” have to do with discipline? Your first means of discipline as a parent and person of authority is to use the authority of God’s Word. Live by the Bible’s “rod-divine guidance”. Model correct behavior, and properly guide your children. Instill in them through your obedience what it looks like to live under God’s rod of authority. Teach them God’s true ways Yes, there may likely be times you will need to briefly use a rod as a stick to discipline, but never use it freely thinking that’s all a rod is. Too often we want to transfer authority by force. It never ever works. Yes, you will have peace for a time, but one day you will find your child gone, despising authority, despising God as you pretend to obey his Word with violence. The Lord’s rod is for wisdom. Use it wisely. It’s True! God’s rod is a powerful tool for parenting when wisely used.

April 28, 2013 Trust Factor

Read Proverbs 28 Trust Factor Prov 28:25-27 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. 26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. 27 He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. DO YOU trust God or do you trust money? Notice how “greed”-a love of money-is opposite of “he who trusts in the Lord”. Then see these two conflicts: a fool trusts in himself, but a wise person is safe; and one who is generous to the poor is blessed while the stingy person is cursed. How do you come to a point in your faith journey where you become a trusting, wise person who is generous with your money? Perhaps you could try this: find a particular spiritual cause to support with your money. Offer a little more than you are comfortable to give. Stretch yourself a bit. Show God you have enough faith to extend beyond your comfort zone. Then watch and see what God does. God’s Word promises you will “lack nothing” when you give to those in need. When you are generous, He will begin to show you how He fulfills His promises. When you see Him act, then stretch yourself some more. See God act, and you will begin to increasingly put your faith into action. Remember, for you to become a trusting, wise person who is generous with your money, you must walk in faith. Faith only comes when you act into God’s promises. God’s Word is clear. Trust Him, even with your money, and you will see how He provides for you. It’s True! The trust factor will replace the fear factor as you walk with God.

April 23, 2013 Be Wise

Read Proverbs 23 Be Wise Proverbs 23: 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words…12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge…15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; 16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. 19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path…22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old…24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. WHY not speak to a fool? After all, doesn’t he need to hear the right way to live? Of course he does, but he’s labeled a fool because he won’t listen. He disdains helpful words designed to direct him to a good and safe life. So don’t bother. Speaking to him is a waste of time. Right now you’re probably thinking of a few people you know who seem to constantly ignore right advice. Their lives are often disrupted and in conflict. But they will not listen. But I want you to stop and consider your own response to good advice. Stop and think, do you “apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge”? Is your glad because your heart is wise? Do you rejoice when your lips speak what is right? Do you listen to advice from others to keep your heart on the wise path? Are your father and mother glad when they think of you? Do they delight in you? Oftentimes we’re quick to criticize people who “never listen”. Have a wise heart. Be sure you’re not a fool. It’s True! Listening is too often too easy not to do.

April 22, 2013 Life Training

Read Proverbs 22 Life Training Prov 22:1-7 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. 5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. VERSE 6 may be one of the most often quoted verses of Proverbs and of scripture. People remember this as a “formula” for raising children to live well. And many people also question it with, “My children grew up going to Sunday school and church. Where are they now?” Perhaps you can find some answers to that question in verses 1-5. Essentially, the wisdom here is this: Live your life in the image of God. The essential key of training your child “in the way he should go” is showing your child the way he should go. Training a child doesn’t mean you get him to do things at your command. It means you teach him valuable heart lessons to the reasons why living in God’s image is the best way to live. The best way to teach is to speak and then live out what you say. Do you want your child to honor you? Then honor him. Do you want your child to read the Bible? Then you read it. Do you want your child to be honest? Then you be honest. Do you want your child to affirm others? Then you affirm him. It’s true. Before you can “train” a child, you must submit to God’s training on your heart. Be humble. Submit to God and model a right life for your children. It’s True! Training works best when you do it first.

April 21, 2013 Who Has Your Heart?

Read Proverbs 21 Who Has Your Heart? Proverbs 21:1-30 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. 2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! 5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. WHEN a child is born, the first thing the mother wants to do is to hold her baby in her hands. She wants to feel the life that is now present before her. She looks into her child’s eyes. She examines the baby’s features, and she knows every decision she makes about the child’s new life will affect the baby’s growth and development. Have you ever thought that your heart is in God’s hands as a newborn child is in his mother’s hands? God has formed you in His image, forming you with a heart to know him, a mind to respond to him and a life to live with him. God knows how you need his care to form and shape your life. He gives to you all you need for a good life. And then the question is, “What will you do with his nurturing care?” With God’s knowledge to care for you, will your heart accept His truths and receive His care for you? Will your heart be humble and acknowledge God’s ways are far better and more satisfying than your own? Will you be diligent to seek the Lord and to live for Him? Will you give God your heart? It’s True! God’s hands will form your heart to His good ways.

April 20, 2013 A Right and Good Dad

Read Proverbs 20 A Right and Honest Dad Prov 20:7 Children are fortunate if they have a father who is honest and does what is right. FOR ALL you dads out there, for all who want to be a dad, here is the key to family security. Here’s the simple rule of fatherhood. Here’s the simple rule of being a good man and guiding your children to a secure and good life. How do you know what it is to be honest and to do what is right? There are many influences on a dad’s thoughts and actions. Unfortunately, too many of those take dad down the wrong path. Dads have spent too much time on the job. Dads have ignored their wife’s needs. Dads have been reluctant to lead their families to church (Why is it most church activities are run by women?). Dads have let their children do as they please. Dads have abandoned their families. Dads, you have a mission from God: Be honest, and do what is right. How do you do that? For one, get to know your children as people. See how much they love you and learn to love them more. Two, keep reading Proverbs. There is much wisdom here about family life. Three, read the rest if the Bible and trust what you read. See who God your Father is, and follow his “dad” example. Four, get with other dads to compare notes, pray for each other and strengthen each other. Five, love your wife. Show your children how you love her and honor her. It will make them happy. They will respect you for that. The great thing is, being honest and doing what is right will open the door to a great life for you, your family and generations to come. It’s True! Knowing God’s truth, you will be a great dad.

April 19, 2013 Not Me!

Read Proverbs 19 Not Me! Prov 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. YOU’VE probably noticed that our culture is good with the “blame game”. You know, it’s that game we play when we make a mistake. Something bad happens, and we blame someone or something else for our circumstance. Sometimes people blame credit card companies for charging too much interest on their balance. They forget they have chosen to borrow the money from the company to use as they desire. “Blame” thinking carries into our relationship with God. Time and again I see people struggling with some type of sin in their life. They wonder, “Where’s God? Why doesn’t he care for me?” They have taken his freedom and abused it for their own pleasure. Now they wonder why they have to pay for their errors. Let’s stop the “blame God game” and let’s become accountable for our actions. If we’re feeling out of touch with God, let’s ask, “What must I do?” If you’re feeling he doesn’t love you, open your Bible to John 1-3 and see how Jesus came to earth to teach and save you. If you’re feeling alone, read Scripture and see the ways God makes himself known through his creation, his people, his Son and his Spirit. God’s on his throne for you. The Bible says he wants to bless you, and he will do so when you say to him, “I’m wrong, Father. Forgive me for my sin. I trust you. I want to hear your voice, feel your touch and know you are my king.” It’s True! When Jesus is your King, you won’t be.

April 18, 2013 A Life Gift

Read Proverbs 18 A Life Gift Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great. ANOTHER way to say this is, “Do you want to meet an important person? Take him a gift and it will be easy.” How does this relate to biblical living? It seems to be affirming bribery to get you what you want, doesn’t it? In fact, that’s what many biblical commentaries say. But, let’s look at it another way. Who is the greatest of all? Of course, it is the Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, isn’t He? All of us are inferior to the Lord. How is it, then, that we who are inferior can enter into our superior God’s presence? We can return His life gift to us. In other words, God has given to you your physical life. What’s more, He has given to you a Savior, who opens the door to eternal life. Now give your life gift back to him. Go ahead. Tell him, “My life is yours Lord. I give you my life to do with as you desire. I give you my life so that I may feel you presence and know your love. I give you my life to mold and form to your desire. I am willing, Lord, to live under your discipline and truth. My life is dead to me; it is alive in you. Take me, Lord. I’m yours.” Go ahead. Give him your life. He gave you his. It’s True! Your life is God’s gift to you.

April 17, 2013 Peace and Quiet

Read Proverbs 17 Peace and Quiet Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. WHAT do you notice here about strife? If a dry crust is better than strife, then strife tastes pretty awful doesn’t it? You’ve likely been at a family meal when a disagreement erupts between two at the table. Suddenly the delicious food is tasteless. Your appetite goes away, and the argument hangs over the table as a dark cloud ready to burst forth its destructive winds. Or you’re having a great time out for the evening on a date or with your spouse. Then suddenly a disagreement over a minor thing becomes a major thing. The pleasant evening evaporates into gut-wrenching anger. Oh, yes, strife tastes awful. So how can you keep it off the table of your relationships? God has some strife-preventing advice for you. See in Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Humility, my friends, is an appetizing morsel that opens your life to peace and quiet. Often strife occurs because you or someone else pridefully insists on “my way”. Neither side was willing to say, “I’m sorry.” or “You could be right.” Certainly no one said, “I’m wrong.” Of course, the greatest humility example is the Lord Jesus Christ. Look in Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Remarkable, isn’t it? God personally confronted sin’s strife with his humility. Humility is a very tasty morsel, indeed. It’s True! Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

April 16, 2013 Good Listening - God Living

Read Proverbs 16 Good Listening – God Living Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. “WILL you listen?” You’ve been asked that, haven’t you? Sometimes, I’m sure the question has been a gentle request to turn your ear to a friend in distress. Likely, too, the question has come from a frustrated parent who really needed you to focus on what you needed to hear. “Will you listen?” is a question from God that demands, “Yes, Lord. I certainly will.” I know. You really struggle to say that. I know I do. To say to God, “I’m listening.” means I must do such things as turn my other cheek, love my enemies, take up my cross, serve people in need, love my spouse (that’s easy), honor my children and above all, always love my God. There are more to add to the list, but you know where I’m going with this. You must say, “Yes, Lord. I’m listening to your words of truth for my life.” Yes, listening “for real” means you are attentive to hear from your Lord. It means you are willing to go into places emotionally and spiritually that require a new level of faith and obedience to your Lord. Listening to God means you turn a deaf ear to lies of evil. Listening to God’s wisdom means you’re learning and growing up in God’s good truths for your life. Listen well, my friend, and you will see how God’s goodness will surround you. It’s True! Listening to God is good for you.

April 15, 2013 Life List

Read Proverbs 15 Life List Proverbs 15:11 Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord — how much more the hearts of men & Prov 15:24 the path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. HOW are you doing with the daily Proverbs readings? Do you sometimes feel as if you’re reading a list? Proverbs is not a narrative as is much of the Bible, but Proverbs is a series of truths conveyed, not to tell a story, but to be as a list of life’s truths you can keep in your heart. The “list truths” will guide you in God’s truths for your life. These two verses today, though, speak to the same topic – God’s all-knowing power. Verse 11 tells you that God fully knows even the depths of Hell and all the spirits of Death and Destruction who live there. As he has such full knowledge of Hell, God certainly knows everything on your heart. Is that a scary truth or what? Do you really want God to see that your heart is dirty? Be careful, then, what enters your heart. Death and Destruction in the form of lies, depression, destructive addictions, disobedience and much more seek to fill your heart and destroy your love for God. Expel this evil from your heart, so God will see a clean heart in you. How do you do you expel Death and Destruction? Be wise to travel on the path of life. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you to pursue life with passion. Go after God each day of your life. Wake up to the reality that His Truth is the only way to life and start to live it. Turn away Death and Destruction. Turn to God. It’s True! Jesus died to save you from Death and Destruction.

April 14, 2013 Strong Body, Mind & Soul

Read Proverbs 14 Strong Body, Mind & Soul Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. ARE YOU strong enough to do good work? This proverb speaks of strong oxen as the source of a good harvest. The oxen pull the plow and other tools to plant and harvest. Without their strength there is no tilling and harvest. And thus it is with you. Without your God-given strength of mind and body, you have no tools to work, do you? I’d like to encourage you, then, to nurture and care for those working tools. Yes, your mind is a precious source of strength to guide you to care for yourself and your family. Nurture your mind with knowledge to work well at your job. Learn as much as you can about your work to grow strong in understanding of what you do. Your strength of mind will bring a good harvest to you and your family from your work. Take good care of your body, too. You need a strong body to work productively. Good health gives you strength to deal with each day’s challenges, and your good health increases your value to your employer and to your family. It’s easy, isn’t it, to let your body’s strength slip? You get too tired to exercise. You find little time to prepare good meals, and you sleep too little. Put a priority on your health and be strong of body. Of course, I have to close with the third element of strength, and that element is your soul. Your soul is the means of your eternal life. Care for your soul with the strength of God’s truth. It’s True! A strong body, mind and soul lead to a good “harvest” of life’s bounty.

April 13, 2013 Do Good

Read Proverbs 13 Do Good Proverbs 13:21 Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. AS I listen to people talk of their lives, it’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I wish I could have done better. I know I can do better. I know my parents’ discipline was good for me even when I rebelled. I was a difficult child or teen at times. I’m glad my parents stuck with me.” Certainly it is commendable that people realize they could have made better choices. But the question that often comes to my mind is, “Why didn’t you just do what was right? If you knew you were being rebellious and difficult, why didn’t you just be obedient and easy to be with?” As the scripture talks about misfortune pursuing the sinner, I think about the problems that exist in people’s lives and I wonder, “Why don’t we do what’s right?” Most people – I hope you’re included – know when they are acting wrong and causing conflict. Often those wrong actions lead to misfortune, circumstances that cause people to ask, “How did I get into this mess?” Usually the answer is, “You made some mistakes.” I know. Things happen outside your control. Sometimes you’re a victim of others’ wrong actions. But misfortune very often is your fault. You go somewhere you shouldn’t. You drink one more beer. You spend too much on the credit card. You ignore your kids. You eat too much. You lie around too much. You stay away from church. You choose anger when you could choose forgiveness. You delight in conflict when you should treasure peace. You drive too fast. I know. One day you’ll say, “I should have done better.” Make that day today. Your life will change. It’s True! Good actions open the door to a good life.

April 12, 2013 Good Words Require Work

Read Proverbs 12 Good Words Require Work Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. I’M guilty of it, and I imagine you are, too. Being human and inheriting Adam’s sin nature, it’s a sure thing that you and I have spoken words that have been reckless and have cut like a sword. I’m thankful for people along the years in my life who have corrected me, and I hope you are, too. As we at First Reformed Church in Waupun have focused on the biblical blessing and will continue to do so, one great lesson that comes out of understanding God’s blessing is the power of the spoken word. As you speak to your spouse, your parents, your children, your friends and many more, you have the power to cut them down and destroy them. And you have the power to build them up into strength and affirmation. The spoken word can humiliate others or honor them. The spoken word can cause a child to wonder, “Does my dad love me?” and the spoken word can assure a wife, “My husband loves me.” Unfortunately, people—that’s you and me—born into sin, find it very difficult to speak affirming, building up words. But those affirming words are necessary to every single person around you. Stop being ashamed to speak good words to people. Instead be eager and willing to say, “You’ve done well. I think you’re really good at being a mom, a dad. I’m very glad you’re my son, my daughter.” Speak truth. Speak honor. Speak well. Y ou will know God’s blessing for you and those you love. It’s True! Good words require intentional effort. They are worth the work.

April 11, 2013 God's Precious Family

Read Proverbs 11 God’s Precious Family Prov 11:29 He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. THE FAMILY is a precious thing to God. He created the family with Adam and Eve’s union and the mandate to “be fruitful and increase in number” (Gen 1:28). He said it again to Noah and his family after the Great Flood in Genesis 9:1 “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.” To you parents, I’d like to ask, “How committed are you to caring for the family God has given to you?” Your first reply I would think is, “Very! I’d do anything for my family.” Good answer. But do you mean it? Do you, for example, work hard to make your marriage as good as it can be? A bad marriage will leave your children as empty as the wind. A great marriage will bring strength and affirmation to your children’s lives. They are secure when they know their mom and dad love each other. Another family question: Do you work hard at learning God’s Word for your life? A parent without the Bible in his/her heart creates a family without direction. A parent dedicated to God’s Word enriches the family with God’s wisdom. Third family question: Do you teach your children God’s Word? Children without God blow here and there. Lead your children to God, and they will know they are highly valued as a child of God. Be wise. Avoid the world’s language, “I do the best I can. I don’t’ know what to do.” And replace it with, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) It’s True! God formed your family. Treasure them with God’s riches.

April 10, 2013 Rich Blessing

Read Proverbs 10 Rich Blessing Prov 10:22 The blessing of the Lord gives wealth: hard work makes it no greater. YOU have likely been told, “Work hard. Get a good education. Apply yourself. Save your money.” That’s good advice. In fact, many of the proverbs offer this wisdom in some form or another. But has anyone ever told you, “Get God’s blessings.” Likely no one has because we just don’t think that way. We think material wealth, material goods and material success. “Strive for these things and live!” But wouldn’t you want to strive for the greatest wealth of all, God’s blessings? Yes, strive for and work hard for God’s blessings. Pursue God’s blessing as you (Ephesians 4:31) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Then you will (Deuteronomy 6:5) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. And know that (Colossians 3:17) whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. That is pursuing blessing. Live for God, live in God and live with God, and he will bless you. Feel then, his richness and his power in your life. Know you live in the wonder of the holy God who offers you eternal life. Yes, you can pursue earthly wealth, and you certainly can succeed in becoming rich in money. But you will never be truly wealthy until (Numbers 6:24-26) The Lord blesses you and keeps you; 25 the Lord makes his face shine upon you and is gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. It’s True! Blessing is God’s wealth statement.

April 9, 2013 Be Wise

Read Proverbs 9 Be Wise Proverbs 9:10-12 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” THE FORMULA for good living is pretty simple, isn’t it? When I talk to people who are struggling in life, it very often comes to this reason for their struggles: they have made some very unwise decisions in their lives. I know from personal experience, certainly, that when I’ve found life difficult to deal with, I had to recognize the difficulty came from my foolish decisions. When I realized I could admit to my errors and listen to good counsel, my life began to improve. My difficult days have greatly diminished. What’s happening in your life? Are you caught up in some drama, some financial issues, some circumstance threatening to spin your life out of control? Do you feel even God is against you? Here, then, is a good thing to do. Say to yourself, “I need God’s wisdom.” Yes, you do. You need God’s wisdom. Here’s why. Wisdom from God brings your mind to the place you know God has total control of your life. His control includes your eternal destination. When you know in your heart that he has that power, then you will turn your heart to listen to his wisdom. You will know his wisdom leads you the right way—always. God has birthed you. Your life is his. Give up your own thoughts. Turn to God’s thoughts. When do, your difficult days will greatly diminish, too. It’s True! The sovereign God is wise in all ways. Listen to him.

April 8, 2013 Trust, Tell, Live Wisdom

Read Proverbs 8 Trust, Tell, Live Wisdom Prov 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. WISDOM. Who can say that you on earth have wisdom? Compare your wisdom to the One, who has created all with His spoken Word and promises to restore all with his Truth of salvation. Who can say what wisdom is without God’s Wisdom? There is no such thing. No wisdom exists separate from God’s wisdom. What does wisdom do? Wisdom opens the door to understanding God’s great, eternal gift: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” When we have the wisdom to receive God’s gift, we have eternal life. Second, wisdom gives your life eternal purpose: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The infinite God’s wisdom gives you purpose to tell his story. Third wisdom shows you how to respond to that purpose: Matt 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Wisdom illuminates your life’s purpose. Trust God’s wisdom gift, tell of his wisdom gift and live the wisdom gift—forever. It’s True! God’s wisdom is life.

April 7, 2013 Resist with God's Love

Read Proverbs 7 Resist with God’s Love Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. DO YOU ever think about the “stupid” things you’ve done in life? Occasionally a moment, a word, a person or a circumstance will remind me of a mistake I’ve made, and I’ll say to myself, “I should have known better.” In those thoughts, I am embarrassed with myself and regret how I may have hurt someone. The Wisdom Writer knows (through his own experiences, I’m sure) what happens when we put wisdom aside and rely on our feelings. We submit to temptations. In this case he refers to adultery. But let’s expand his caution to consider all sin as an adultery of unfaithfulness to God. Sin comes when we don’t know any better, and sin comes when we know better but let feelings override our knowledge. Sin also occurs when we put our wants before God’s commands. To resist sin, we must first know God’s Word. Yes, read his words each day—not just these verses—and you will have more knowledge to resist “adultery”. Read God’s Word and your feelings will be stronger for what is right in his sight. Feelings closer to God are feelings farther from sin. Second, understand that God’s commands are his words of love to guide you to a good life with him. His commands lead you to have a right heart that bows before Jesus and says to him, “You are my Lord and Savior.” Knowing and understanding God’s Word, you can trust God’s pathway of wisdom to guide you away from sin’s deadly temptations and into a secure, wholesome life. It’s True: God’s commands lovingly protect you from sin.

April 6, 2013 God Everpresent

Read Proverbs 6 God Everpresent Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. “BIND THEM” – bind the words of God to your heart. You’ll see this phrase in Proverbs 3, 6 and 7. You’ll see it, too, in Deuteronomy chapters 11 and 6. “Bind them”, bind the words of God to your heart is a key picture of the Shema (sh ma’) of Deuteronomy 6. “Shema” means “hear” or “Hear O Israel”, and it is Moses’ urgent plea that his people hear God’s words and his commands to constantly guide their lives. In the Shema and here, you see the urgent call to hear God’s words and keep them when you lie down, when you rise, when you walk along the road and when you sit at home. God’s words are to be everpresent around you. When God’s words are everpresent, God is everpresent. He will be there in the power of his words to strengthen you against evil as he forms your heart and mind more and more into his very essence. The Proverbs writer knows full well how evil, instead of Gods’ words, bind and imprison people’s hearts. He urges you to think, say and do God’s words as you resist evil and rejoice in being likeminded with God. As Jesus came to “proclaim freedom for the captives” (Luke 4:18) he did so through the preaching of the holy God’s words. God’s words are your key to freedom from evil. Read, speak and know God’s words. Put them into action. Why wouldn’t you? God is everpresent when you do. It’s True! God’s words are written for you.

April 5, 2013 Speak Wise Words

Read Proverbs 5 Speak Wise Words Proverbs 5:1-2 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. Prov 5:12-14 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! 13 I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. 14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly." Prov 5:22-23 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. 23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. I HAVE just watched a video in which a young woman spoke of her college years. She confessed to considerable binge drinking and remembering “only half of what happened”. Then she told of how her habits led to a man sexually abusing her. In tears she said, “Oh, God. How did I let this happen?” How did she, indeed? Raised in God’s Word, why did she turn from God’s words? As the wisdom writer says “your lips may preserve knowledge.” he warns you to speak carefully of the good lessons you’ve learned. When you speak wise, moral, life-giving words, you will protect your mind from impure, tempting thoughts. Speaking purity will increase your heart’s strength to resist evil and to refuse destructive habits. You know, don’t you, that when you speak with evil words, gossip and condemnation, your mind and heart take those sins as a wastebasket receives garbage. Swearing, sexual innuendo, cutting words and unfavorable language are cursing words. Say them and cursing will fill you up and open you to the devil’s destruction. Certainly you desire a good life. Then take on the Lord’s good words of life. Know his scripture and use them to speak well to others and to fill yourself with his goodness. Speaking wisdom, you won’t have to say, “O, God. How did I let this happen?” It’s True! Wise words are life words.

April 4, 2013 Light of Right

Read Proverbs 4 Light of Right Proverbs 4:18-24 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. 24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. DO YOU see the dawn? The sun’s light breaks gently over the horizon disturbing the night’s darkness. Soon the night is gone, and you begin to clearly see all that is around you. You know where to safely walk. You can see to work and play. The light has come, and your path is clear. What happens if you step out of the light into a dark room? You turn on a light, don’t you, so your path will still be clear. All day long and into the night before you lie down again, you keep a light on to see and be safe. That is the wisdom in Proverbs 4. Wisdom and understanding are lights that lead you out of darkness and keep you in the light. Pursue these twin sisters of truth. Live in the light and be safe. It’s True! Light is required for safety.

April 3 Words of Life

Read Proverbs 3 Word of Life Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. WORDS to live by, aren’t they? I hope you do. I hope and pray that you write God’s words on your heart. When you do, you will know how much he loves you, and you will know how to love him in return. Love God, and you will desire Him. You will hunger for more of his words to write on your heart. You will long to talk to God about your joys and your sorrows because you know His loving words are for your life. Write God’s words on your heart, and you will know what you must know to reject evil. You will grow in faith because you will see his words enrich your life and give you peace. Trusting God with all your heart means the things that oppose you will seem meaningless and small because God is so much bigger. You will look past your challenges and see victory on the horizon as your Lord beckons you to come to Him. Acknowledge his Lordship in your life, and you will find your paths straight and true. Yes, these are words to live by. Be sure you read all of Proverbs 3 and feel God’s words alive in your heart. It’s True! God’s words are life.

April 2, 2013 Wisdom: Get It

Read Proverbs 2 Wisdom: Get It Prov 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. YOU talk a good deal about doing what is right and being wise, don’t you? At least I hope you do. No, even more than that, I implore that you speak of what is right, and you are wise. Why? The proverb celebrates the victory of wisdom, but it also warns of the horrible, evil alternative to wisdom. Read verses 13-15 and see where evil leads. Perverse words, dark paths, delight in wrong, rejoicing in evil perverseness and devious, crooked pathways. In short, life without wisdom is a life that will destroy you and your loved ones. What do you do? You pick up the Word of God and get wise. You must. You want to save your family? You want to save your own life? You want to protect what is most precious to you? Then get wise. Fill up your life with Jesus and his ways. When you know what is good, you will turn out evil from your life. Lock out evil. Lock in wisdom and live. It’s True! Wisdom in Jesus is victory.