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. 

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing.

Proverbs 11

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. v7

I know I too often place my satisfaction and hope in other people.  While others may provide a measure of satisfaction we must understand that we cannot place too much hope in what others can provide - otherwise we idolize people and place them in a position that only Jesus can hold.

See also:

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

 

Stop trusting in mere humans,
    who have but a breath in their nostrils.
    Why hold them in esteem? Isaiah 2:22

 

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:17

 

Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save. Psalm 145:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, only You fully satisfy and fulfill my heart.  Thank You Jesus that You are always with me - that You provide Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Your Hand in my life protects me, encourages me, teaches me, heals me, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry, I am lazy, etc. 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. 

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 11

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. v4

It is tempting to place my hope and satisfaction in wealth yet I know from experience God is in control and that whatever wealth we have does not belong to us and that we are to be good stewards of what we have and to use it for God's glory.  I also know that because all wealth belongs to God it can be taken away.  I have seen this in my own life and in the life of others, including faithful believers.  Our hope and satisfaction should be in God alone.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10

 “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. Matthew 6:19-21

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 130:7-8

 

Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:5

 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure Hebrews 6:19

My Prayer: Lord, You are my hope...the anchor for my soul.  I know You will be with me until the end of the age.  You are so patient and full of compassion and mercy for me...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and efforts.  I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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 Lisa 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.

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

Proverbs 10

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. v19-21

Words can be used to encourage and build people up, or they can be used to tear others down.  Too often I tear others down, particularly those in my own family.

James is instructive.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 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 3:3-12

I must spend more time in praise and encouragement of God and others...or be silent and still.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide Your Word as a means to both encourage and renew my mind - so that I can be transformed and more like You.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such efforts and love.  I continue to be harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me Jesus and 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.

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 10

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. v12

The Bible indicates that we are to hate sin - our own sin - but I have not seen scripture where it tells us to hate others, regardless of what they do.  Instead we are to love.

I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. Psalm 36:1-2

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

In fact, further on in Romans 12 Paul is careful to instruct us to avoid hate or revenge even when we may feel justified:

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God full of love for me - so much so that I can describe it or even imagine it.  I know You love me and You love me the same until the end of the age.  Thank You Jesus - that I have such a permanent and faithful love such as Yours - I cannot find such love here on earth.  I am not worth such love - I let You down and I sin.  Forgive me for my harshness of others and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  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.

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

Proverbs 10

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. v5

We all have a job to do.  Our most important job is to tell others about Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).  We also all have spiritual gifts and talents and God expects us to use these gifts for our glory.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters[.] Colossians 3:23

We should not be lazy with our time, treasure or talents - see also the Parable of the Talents.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You provide and You provide abundantly - Thank You Jesus but I am not worth such blessings.  I worry too much and I am often lazy not using my gifts or working to glorify 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, 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.

But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.

Proverbs 8

But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death. v36

A life without God is a life conformed by the patterns of this world and by the patterns of the prince of this world - slave to sin and death.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:11-14

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion, and mercy for me...even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus for Your grace!  Help me overcome my stress and worry, impatience, anger, and arrogance.  Please forgive me and help me 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.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 8

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. v10-11

In Exodus 20 (The Ten Commandments), we are commanded to "have no other gods before [God]".  In Matthew 22:34-40 it says:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22:34-40

Our first and best efforts should be for God before anything and anyone else.  We are blessed by God's grace alone - not through our own effort.

See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love, blessing, compassion, mercy, etc.  I am nothing without You and I can do no good things apart from You.  Thank You for Your love and mercy. I am not worthy such love and mercy.  I continue to worry and stress and place my desires above Yours.  Please forgive me!  Help me overcome and turn from such 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.  Please heal and cure Lisa 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.

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

Proverbs 7

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.  Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. v1-5

Although this Proverb speaks specifically about the danger of lust, these scriptures speak just as much to the lure of all sin, how easily we are ensnared, and how God's protects us.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 

2 Thessalonians 3:3

 

See also this post. 

My Prayer: Lord, You are great and You are the Great Protector.  I have felt Your hand in my life as protection from sin - which is greater than any other harm that can come to me.  Thank You Jesus for Your protection.  I am not worth such mercy, grace, and compassion.  I worry, and I have other sin in my life.  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. 

How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 6

How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. v9-11

God wants us to be in action - He gives us many commands and He gives us the Great Commission, which includes teaching others to obey the everything He has commanded us to do.

Sloth is not a good thing as this morning's verses indicate - we need to be ready!  See other verses on sloth here.

Our work must be for Him and to be a light unto others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  I am not worthy of Your love - yet You pour it out daily, all day long, for me.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and compassion and grace.  Please forgive me for my sloth!  Help me overcome my sloth 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 Lisa 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.