There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

Proverbs 21

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. v30

Having worked my entire career in technology, I see many around me that place their trust and faith in themselves.  While it is important to be thoughtful and desire wisdom, it is more important to seek God's wisdom and then align our lives with God's wisdom (Romans 12:2).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (see also Psalm 110:10, Proverbs 1:7).

Check out other posts on the futility of human plans or our own plans vs those of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, abounding in love, compassion, mercy, patience, etc.  I know You have blessed me with an abundance of second, third chances, etc. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings!  I am lazy...a sluggard!  Please forgive me for my neglect of my time with You Jesus and help me turn towards You...daily and throughout the day!  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Proverbs 21

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. v23

We are to love and encourage one another.  Solomon warns us that otherwise we are to experience calamity...this is true as I have experienced this myself far too many times.  Thank You Jesus for Your great mercies.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Hebrews 3:13-14

See other posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are! You are so full of love, mercy, compassion, kindness, patience, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts.  I continue to be harsh with my words...please forgive me!  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Help me use words to encourage others and not tear them down.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

Proverbs 21

Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered. v13

Jesus came to served, not to be served (Matthew 20) so we are to serve.  Plus, Jesus created us for His glory, not to serve our own desires.

As part of our efforts to serve, we are to serve the poor and the least of these (see also posts here).

My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God, generous, abounding in love and compassion and mercy for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such blessings.  I am often harsh with others and I also gossip or speak badly of others.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. v2

In the midst of sin, we often find ways to rationalize our actions.  Yet God knows our hearts and there is no justification for sin.  God also knows that once hardened, our hearts become slaves to sin.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

 

God helps us with our temptation and frees us from being slave to sin - see also this post.  This same freedom also enables us to better carry our God's will for our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You nailed my sin to the cross and give me life - life to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and I neglect my relationship with You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Protect me from temptation and strengthen me.  Strengthen Lisa.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus - I pray that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Proverbs 20

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? v24

God is in control (Colossians 1:16-17) and it is futile and full of folly to pursue our own desires and plans.  We exist to glorify God, so our efforts should be on renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) and understanding of God's will for our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have brought me up to incredible highs and dreadful lows.  You never leave me and I know You are for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and I worry too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

Proverbs 20

Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. v4

God wants us to be in action...it's not just about listening but doing.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

The question becomes what do we do.
1. We love God with our all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22)
2. We love others as ourselves (Matthew 22)
3. As a consequence of #1 and #2, we deny ourselves and our desires and live for God (that is why we exist) for others - to serve and not to be served.

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God that never ceases to love me and You bless me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an awesome God.  I am often lazy - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects of chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them accept You as their Lord and Savior as their choice.  Help me serve You and my family Jesus.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. v23

God is in control (Colossians 1), He is all knowing and we should fear Him - out of a loving respect for who He is and what He has done for us.  Whatever trouble we may encounter, God is with us and He is our shield.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

I know God is with me.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are...You know everything about me yet You love me and suffered and died for me.  You never leave me.  Thank You Jesus.  This gives me a peace that I hope protects from the sting of trouble, sin and death.  I am not worth such love.  I worry too much among my many sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome these sins and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. v21

I have posted many times on the subject of my own plans and of human plans - vs those of God.  The bottom line is that we exist to glorify God and although God may allow us to pursue our selfish desires, it is His plan that always prevails.  We must know and submit to God's plan for our lives (Romans 12:2).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You have blessed me well beyond what I deserve and You have saved me from wretched places and even from the ultimate consequences of my own sin!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her from her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for You to be their Lord and Savior by choice.  Help me lead and serve my family and You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Proverbs 19

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. v17

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives us both a command and a warning:

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

 

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

God wants us to care for the "least of these" - it is not an option.  If we don't we will be held to account.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You provide for all things and You provide abundantly...in times of need You are always there!  Thank You Jesus.  You do provide abundantly...my cup overflows.  I am not worth such blessings.  I worry too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me be a good steward of what You have provided.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve my family. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. v21

James also speaks of the power of the tongue:

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:5:12

Earlier in Proverbs 18 it says:

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. v13

As such James says:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

I must guard my heart so my words can be used to build up others, encourage them and not tear them down.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Word and the Word is You and it is flawless, alive, and suitable for all purposes.  Thank You God for sending Your Son, the Holy Spirit, the Word, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ, etc...all for me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts.  I am very often slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to anger.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead both Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that You become their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family in ways that You desire and intend.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18

Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. v12

I know one of my struggles is arrogance and pride; I too often - without feeling the need to go to the Lord in prayer - believe I know the correct course of action or words to say.  Yet we should be going the Lord for wisdom in all things.


For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 

Reading God's word is important but is not sufficient - we must also go to God in prayer.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus what an awesome God You are - You are so full of patience and love for me - even though I know I continue to fall short of what You expect and desire for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus so that You can be their Lord and Savior as their choice.  Help me lead and serve my family and You Jesus.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

Proverbs 18

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. v11

This world teaches us that money provides security.  Yet wealth comes from God and belongs to Him.  See the story of Ananias and Sephira - who are struck down by God for withholding money from God (money that belongs to Him!).  We are entrusted with money, and should be good stewards of such money, but we should not cling to it too tightly.  We must be cheerful givers.


Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are - You provide and we don't need to worry.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I know I am not the man You intend for me.  I too often think of my own needs and desires above You and others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Help me love others as You love me.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

Proverbs 18

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. v9

I've previously posted on being lazy, and this brings to mind how we are to live not for the selfish pleasures of today and for ourselves but for the glory of God and for the eternal.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

We should be examining our idle time to determine how we can rather be in action doing something for the glory of God.  Yes, we can rest and have fun in our lives but we should also challenge ourselves here. 

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

 

See also posts on eternal focus, etc. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You are so full of grace, compassion, mercy, patience, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am lazy and often focus on my selfish desires...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help focus on serving and glorifying You vs myself!  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and to have them love and accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 17

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. v27

I have studied much lately, particularly in Proverbs, on how use of words is important in our relationships.  This morning the focus is on how important it is is use words with restraint and to be quiet and listen.  Too often I react quickly to what people have to say rather than listening and understanding.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

Lord Jesus, help me become more even-tempered and to use words with restraint.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You are full of patience, restraint, compassion, mercy, etc. for me...even though I know I am quite not deserving!  Please forgive me for my anger and my harshness towards others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and that they accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

Proverbs 17

Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it? v16

One of the key themes of Solomon in Proverbs is the importance of wisdom and most importantly wisdom that comes from God.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1 is filled with many wise sayings as received from God.  In 2 Chronicles 1, God grants Solomon whatever he wishes for and God is pleased that Solomon chooses wisdom (as ordained by God) above earthly possessions.  God wants us to love Him first and He promises that for those that hunger and thirst for righteousness they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). 

The subject of wisdom and God as a priority is an important consideration right now as Zach grows into his high school years.  I don't want to fret about his career success but instead want to focus on his relationship with Jesus as I believe his career success - as do all things during our time here - hinge on making God a priority, just as David and Solomon did (at least for part of their lives).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You are truth, wisdom, and life...and life to the full!  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve...thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing Jesus.  I am impatient and harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

Proverbs 17

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. v3

God created us and did so for a reason and all the days of our lives are ordained by Him (Psalm 139) for His glory and purpose.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

God is always molding us and preparing us for our next tasks.  

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So, gold and silver are refined through the crucible, God refines us...we must be aware of how God is preparing us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You are there always for me, full of compassion, mercy, patience, encouragement, training, wisdom, etc.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I continue to lack patience and am quick to anger and slow to listen.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me be aware of how You are training me.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and that they choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve and lead my family and serve You and the church.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. v32

With arrogance as one of my most difficult struggles, impatience often results as well.  I often communicate my displeasure with someone's words or actions out of arrogance - that my view/actions are more important than someone else's.  Yet Solomon's words here are encouraging for me as I strive to be humble and to be more patient.

With the help of prayer, my brothers and sisters in Christ and the Holy Spirit, I can overcome such sin.  After all, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Also, I am comforted in knowing that God is in control (Colossians 1:17) and that His thoughts and ways are not our ways...that His thoughts are ways are PERFECT!


“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8           


My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  Your thoughts and ways are perfect for I have seen the fruits of Your labor in the world and in my life.  Thank You for the many blessings You provide.  My cup overflows.  I am not worth such love and blessings because I am impatient and full of arrogance.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You and my family and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. v18

One of my biggest sins is arrogance, and pride is often not that far behind.  Yet through my Lord Jesus Christ I know that for those that deny themselves "the last shall be first".


Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. v19

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” Luke 13:30

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, You are above all and reign forever.  You have ordained all of the days of my life and You hold all things together.  You are full of patience, compassion, mercy, etc. for me...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am full of arrogance and pride.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin and lead Zach and Dustin to You so that You become their Lord and Savior.  Help me be humble and put You before all others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. v9

As I posted yesterday (and previously), God is in control, has ordained all of my days (Psalm 139) and does not plan to harm me but to prosper me (Jeremiah 29).  I know God loves me and I desire to honor him and to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12).  If I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4).  When I draw near to Him and focus on renewing of the mind, my hope and prayer is that I "may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12).  

Lord, PLEASE direct my steps!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  I know I experience all good and perfect gifts because of You.  You bless me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus but please forgive me for my laziness and desire for comfort.   Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin..and lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. v3

I have often posted about the folly of our own plans, which put ourselves first - contradicting what God commands us to do (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40).  

Gamaliel, according to this commentary was Paul's teacher, made this statement about the folly of human (vs those of God) plans:

"For if [Jesus' disciples] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

See also this post.

As I posted a couple of days ago, humility (Matthew 5:3) is core to our journey with Christ.

When we focus on renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we can better understand God's will for our lives.

And 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. Colossians 3:17 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You are wisdom, truth and light in a world that is full of lies and darkness.  Apart from You I can do no good things and You are a lamp unto my feet!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of Your compassion and mercy!  Please forgive me for my sloth and laziness.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

Proverbs 15

The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place. v25

God abhors pride and arrogance - which itself is a sign of selfishness.  Yet just as Jesus came not to serve but to be served, we are not to expect that our desires come first.

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You are all powerful and all knowing - yet You chose to take on human flesh and suffer and die for me so that I could avoid the sting of sin and death, and have life, life to the full, and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  What an awesome gift You are!  I am not deserving of such a gift!  I am selfish far too often.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You. Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. v4

Building on what I posted yesterday, the scripture today also focuses on how use of words when speaking can either build or encourage others or tear them down.  I know for myself that I have too often done the latter.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up[.] Thessalonians 5:11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are.  You are the Word and the Word is God, and Your Word is encouraging - it is light.  Your word is a lamp unto my feet. Thank You Jesus!  I cannot walk without You.  Yet I often am not a light unto others and I tear people down.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and lead them to You to be their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. v1

I have recently posted on two other occasions about how words should be used to encourage vs tear others down - see here and here. 

This morning the focus is how words damage relationships and I know how this happens because I have often used my words to tear others down and I know this damages relationships.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of patience, compassion, kindness, mercy, etc.  My words cannot do justice to Your greatness.  I know I need a God like You because I cannot do any good things without You.  Thank You for mercies and patience for me.  Please forgive me for my weakness and failure to seek You for protection from temptation and sin.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me be gentle with my words.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and lead them to You Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Help me glorify You with my life.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 14

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. v29

God commands us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Exodus 20, Matthew 22).  He provides His Word, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  

The promises of abiding in Christ are many, including the fruits of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

God wants us to love others as He loves us (John 13:34-35)...and He slow to anger and abounding in love...so we are to be patient with others.  My patience must extent to Zach and Dustin where their growth is a longer term process - trust in God is key.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE a great God slow to anger and abounding in love.  I experience Your love - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love because I often fail to love as You do.  Forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and lead Zach and Dustin to Christ...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. v27

We all want to lead a good life but the the world defines a good life in a way that leads to the snares of death.

Fear of the Lord starts with humility, recognition that we all need a savior, and a desire for Jesus.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:3-6

We must lose ourselves, seek an identity in Christ, and serve Him and others for His glory.

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Jesus also comes to free us from the sting of sin and death and to provide life "to the full":

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 

My Prayer:  Lord, what a great God You are - You suffered and died on the cross then rose again and came to save me from the sting of sin and death to provide life to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts and love.  I am impatient, lazy, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.

Proverbs 14

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. v3

Last week and the week before that I posted about how how words flow from the heart and how words can be used to build one another up and to encourage others, or to tear others down.

This morning I am reminded about how it is important to listen.


My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry[.] James 1:19

People listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel. Job 29:21

Be still, and know that I am God[.] Psalm 46:10

My Prayer: Lord, I know that You are God and that You are in control. I am thankful for this because I mess things up - if I do things my way I mess things up.  Please forgive me for too often doing things my way.  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 13

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. v24

I often fret whether I am a good father.  Am I too strict or not strict enough.  Am I encouraging or not? God's word provides truth and light for me:

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Most important for me as a parent is to walk with the Lord and I hope and pray that I am pleasing to the Lord - there is always more I can do.  I must then talk about God and train my family in His Word and to serve Him - I know there is more I can do.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You are the way, the truth, and the life.  It is my hope and prayer that I can become more like You and to please You.  I know I exist to serve and glorify You.  Thank You for being my God and for being so full of mercy, grace, and patience for me.  I am undeserving!  Please forgive me for my laziness, my harshness with others, etc. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored

Proverbs 13

Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. v18

Punishment and discipline are often difficult to take - yet we must accept the consequences of our sin and understand that God is ALWAYS molding us by removing impurities.

Because God is all knowing, He is perfectly fair.

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. Psalm 9:8

We should not fear discipline or punishment - God does not stop loving us. In fact, He disciplines us BECAUSE He loves us.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12

 

"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:5-6

 

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:19

 We must also understand that God's word often reveals our heart condition as God's word is flawless (Proverbs 30:5), and it serves to both rebuke and train us on our journey to be transformed (Romans 12:2) and be more like Him.

 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

My Prayer: What a great God You are!  I am so blessed to have a God who is so patient with me and whose discipline and punishment is with and from love.  Thank You Jesus!  I know You love me yet I also I am undeserving of such love.  I am lazy and harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin..and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 13

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. v4

The dictionary defines a sluggard as "a habitually lazy person".  God does not want us to be lazy but instead to make the most of every opportunity we have.

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:5

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

 

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12

Part of this is to use all of the gifts and abilities we have - glorify God in all that we do.  See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an incredible God You are that You are so full of mercy, grace, compassion, and patience!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am often lazy, neglecting my gifts or just being downright lazy.  Please forgive me!  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. v18

Last week I posted about how words can be used to build one another up or to tear someone down.  In Luke 6, Jesus explains the role of the heart in how we use our words:

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

If we focus on loving God (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40) and on being transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2), we can begin to soften our heart towards Jesus and others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life.  I have sin in my life and only You can cleanse me of my sin.  I need You.  Yet too often I reject You and am disobedient. Please forgive me Jesus!  Thank You for Your grace and mercy.  I am not worth such love.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me soften my heart and be more like You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Proverbs 11

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. v28

This past Friday, I posted about how we should not place too much trust in others vs God.  The same thing is true about trust in our own abilities. This morning, I am warned about how trust in riches vs God leads to ruin. 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Deuteronomy 14:22

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Ananias and Sapphira's tragic end is testament to the ruin described in Proverbs 11:28 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - I am rich indeed!  You have blessed me in many ways, including good health, family that love and support me, friends, church, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing - I continue to worry and stress far too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin.  Help me turn towards You instead. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

Proverbs 11

Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. v21

We often see the sinful deeds of others and the temptation is to judge them.  Yet we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  See also:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

In John 8, Jesus defends the Adulterous Woman in the face of scorn and says:

Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7

Jesus also says:

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5 

We must understand that God is the only judge and He is both all knowing and equitable.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. Psalm 9:8

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  You know all of my sin yet You are full of mercy, patience, compassion, and forgiveness.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth such love and blessings.  I worry, and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.