Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT
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. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
Proverbs 18:5 NLT
It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
Yes, some are guilty and some are innocent, and there is a distinct difference between the two. We should expect judgement for the guilty and expect acquittal for the innocent. Mercy and forgiveness does not do away with the need for justice and truth. It is our path to finding truth while we are yet lost.
So one might ask, how do we know if we are lost?
Continue reading “We need to eat if we are going to have strength for the day”
Life done well takes focus and purpose.
Proverbs 17:24 NLT
Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
How often do I let my emotions control my reaction to a situation? How often do I let my logic and reasoning alone guide my response? How infrequently is my heart what guides and controls my thoughts and emotions?
Proverbs 15:28 NLT
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
Or is the problem that our thoughts and actions betray the truth about our wicked hearts?
Oh how foolish a life this old man of flesh lived before I found Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I proved myself doomed to destruction time after time with my choices, with my actions, with my words. In my ignorance, I used the idea of salvation like a trickster, twisting words to fit my own goals – excusing my rebellion and continued sin, wearying the Lord with my foolishness and disobedience.
I knew nothing of Christ. I knew nothing of a renewed life surrendered to the Lord. I just knew the example of hypocrites around me practicing their religion and buying their get out of hell free tickets. But oh, how things have changed.
Aren’t there so many times when we hold back, when we procrastinate, when we either become trapped in our complacency or our indecision when we could be helping?
Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT
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.”
Proverbs 3:3 NLT
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Loyalty. It speaks to a right relationship with God, because we are to be loyal to God, not to other men. Loyalty divided is not loyalty at all, but is treason. Our loyalty is to God and God alone, not to a person, not to a nation, not to a cause – but to God. The first five of the ten commandments speak of loyalty to God.
Kindness. It speaks to a right relationship with others, because we are to be kind to others. And kindness is not doing good for others so they will repay you with good in return. No, that is manipulation. Kindness is doing good to others regardless of the outcome. The last five of the ten commandments speak of kindness to others.
Continue reading “Don’t try it, don’t fake it, don’t do it – just BE it.”
Oh, how I used to be a know it all.
In fact, many might misunderstand why I share each day, thinking that I’m proudly displaying how much I know. But you see, what I share is what I am being taught – so these daily journals are a chronicle odd how much I need to learn and apply, not a pile of trophies to be displayed.
PRO 1:7, 22-23, 32-33 ESV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Comfort and prosperity?
Persecution and trials?
Growth in wisdom and understanding? Satisfaction with what we already know?
God’s will?
Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 18:10 ESV
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Harold J. Ballinger 