Day 8 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Hang on

Proverbs 3:3-4 [NIV] 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

I might rephrase this in this in more modern terms this way: “Hang onto love and faithfulness with all your might. Make them a part of you. They will serve you well in this life and in the next.”

When you think of writing something on the tablet of our hearts, you may think of the word “internalize” – as in, “we must internalize love and faithfulness.” Love and faithfulness must be a part of our own character and makeup. This is what comes to mind for me.

What do you think of when the scripture says “bind them around your neck?” It makes me think of something that is right there, always visible. People should easy see love and faithfulness in our lives.

Also, our necks are close to our mouths. Calling to mind the proximity to my lips and the need for my words to be filtered by love and faithfulness.

Binding love and faithfulness around my neck also makes me think of something like a necklace that adorns us. Love and faithfulness provide adornment to our lives when we internalize them.

Love for God and love for others more than self are things that will make us stand out in the world. Faithfulness to God’s law of love, of which acts of service are a big part, will also make you stand out in this world.

Twice in Matthew 25, Jesus recounts these words for those the obedient servant: He lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Goodness (the acts of love) and faithfulness receive the promise of entering “into the joy of the Lord” in the future.

Sisters, I pray you are adorned with love and faithfulness today and always. I pray you will hang onto them as precious gifts of the Holy Spirit. They will make you stand out in this world and they will stand you in good stead for your eternal future.

Prayer — Faithful Father God, all goodness comes from You, for You are love. Help us to be Your true daughters by internalizing love and faithfulness and set them as the adornment of our lives so that we may be known as your true daughters. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 7 – 90 Days in Proverbs - That Woman!

Day 7 – That woman

Proverbs 1:20-33; 2:1-22  The rest of chapter one and all of chapter two in Proverbs provides a long discourse on the virtues and properties of wisdom, and the benefits of listening to and following “her”.

• She seeks you – Proverbs 1:20-21

• · She will mock you if you refuse her – Proverbs 1:24-28

• The benefits of listening and following her, which include:

o   Understanding – Proverbs 2:5, 9

o   Protection – Proverbs 2:11-12

o   Delivery from evil/evil ones – Proverbs 12, 16

Wisdom isn’t just about knowing stuff – that’s education. Wisdom is choosing the right, the obedient, actions. It begins with knowing God and His word intimately.

Godly wisdom should guide our thoughts to be more in line with God’s. It should guide our words to be full of love, patience, peace, comfort and hope. It should guide our actions toward service of others.

Sisters, I pray that you will make wisdom your best girlfriend and spend time with her (via God’s Word) every day. She will not gossip about you. She will not steer you wrong. She offers good advice, protection from sin and delivery from evil.

And, ultimately, you will be that wise woman yourself – you will become wisdom personified.

Prayer — All-wise God, please help me to be wise in all my thoughts, words and deeds. Place wisdom in my heart and mind through your word and the in-dwelling of your Holy Spirit. Let me led by her until I come to the place where personify her in every aspect of my life. In the name of my all-wise Savior I ask this. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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Day 6 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Influencers

Proverbs 1:10-19 [ESV] 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"-- 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

When I read this proverb, I think “Was this really a common problem in Solomon’s day: people just inviting others to attack innocent folks for no apparent reason?” If so, then the level of crime in that time must have exceeded what we see in even the toughest cities in the world today.

Bullying in schools, gangs, human trafficking, drugs – all problems of our modern world -- begin with one person inviting another to join them in sin. A person might shop lift on their own, but other sins rely on a pack mentality or a least the help of one other person. So, those already steeped in evil behavior do their best to influence others and draw them into sin. And it can be very difficult to break out from the pack once you’ve thrown your lot in with them.

But other instances of influence to sin might not be quite so obvious and dramatic. We can be influenced toward lust or greed by commercials that tempt us to buy beyond our means or to spend on ourselves instead of helping others. We can be influenced toward foul language or risky behavior by the TV shows we watch. We can be influenced to steal from the office or cheat the boss because others are doing it and getting away with it.

Although there may be many influences for evil in the world around us, we believers have the opportunity to influence others toward good. This is one of the important goals of a Christian’s life – to set an example that influences others to seek God and obey Him.

Matthew 5:13-16 [NKJV] 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all [who are] in the house. 16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

In these modern times, there are actually people whose job title is “influencer.” An influencer will have a following online regarding fashion or makeup tips and eventually the following gets big enough that the influencer gets paid by a company or several companies to test and talk about their products. I think I would love that job.

Although you may not be a popular media star, sports figure, politician, or online influencer, you still have the power to influence your mate and children, your coworkers and friends for good. You can influence them by example and also by inviting them to church or a Bible study, or just talking to them about what God has done for you.

This work of an influencer is what God asks us, as His children, to do. Sisters, I pray you will be a force for good. I pray that your words of hope, your life of good works, and your example of forgiveness and love will call and influence others to join you in obedience.

Prayer — Father, please influence my every thought, word and deed through Your Word, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in me and through the example of Jesus Christ my Lord. Please help me always be an influence for good in this world – the salt and the light that make this world a better place and directs others to glorify You.

Your thoughts —  ___________________________________________________________

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Day 5 – 90 Days in Proverbs - A Little Bling

Proverbs 1:8-9 [NKJV] My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they [will be] a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

I like jewelry and I am known for my “fancy” fashion sense. Statement earrings or a cascade of stacked necklaces can really enhance an outfit and I often use them to do so. Let’s just say that I am not much into blending in with my attire. Instead of saying “an ornament on your head,” the ESV says “they are a graceful garland for your head” which makes me think of a wreath of flowers. So the idea that obedience adds a little spiritual “bling” – some flowers or jewelry – to my nature is something that appeals to me.

This is not the only place where women are asked to consider what adorns their persons or natures.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 [ESV] says, 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works.

Although Paul advises against a focus on fancy apparel, he also mentions the need to be clothed in self-control and good works.  We should focus on good works and self-control as ways to stand out in this world, rather than expensive or flashy clothing.

This is something that we mothers should teach to our daughters. It is also something we older women in the church should model for the younger ones.

Titus 2:5 [ESV] also covers this, speaking of older women teaching the younger to be “self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

Don’t think this applies only to women, though. The following verses deal with young men and even Titus himself: [Tit 2:6-7 ESV] 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity

Of course, these are just a few of the character qualities that meant to “adorn” Christian men and women. But obedience to our Father God and our parents, good works and self-control are very much “stand out” types of ornaments of a person’s character.

Sometimes when I wear a new necklace or other piece of clothing, people notice. Sometimes they don’t.

However, even if the world fails to notice the adornments of these Christian character qualities, we can rest assured that the Father will see them from heaven. We can be thankful that the Father will always notice our “spiritual bling.”

Prayer — Father, let me always be clothed with beautiful spiritual attire. Help me, by your Holy Spirit dwelling in me, to shine brightly with the bling of Christian character and to teach others to do so as well, whenever you give me the responsibility to do so. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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Day 4 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Fear and Respect

Proverbs 1:7 [NKJV] The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge, [But] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The term “fear of the LORD” is used 14 times in the book of Proverbs – at least that is how many my search came up with. That is almost half of the total of 30 times it appears in the entire Bible. The word used for “fear” hear can mean terror. It can also mean respect.

Our Father God can command both. In times when we see the nation of Israel breaking God’s commandments, especially in worshipping idols and other gods, the Father became a God to fear. His punishments were often swift and devastating. We see our Father God sending plagues, sending snakes, having the earth swallow whole families, sending conquering armies and so much more to punish disobedience. He commands the death penalty for sin. The disobedient should fear God.

But for those who show respect toward God and His commandments and instructions, there is no reason to fear. He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Those who respect God know that we can come to Him for forgiveness of sin and removal of the death penalty at any time because of the sacrifice of Jesus and His precious blood which covers our sins.

Those who respect the LORD, study His word in order to understand it and Him better. We then grow in respect for both. His word gives us knowledge and wisdom. His word instructs us in how to live so that we don’t incur His wrath.

The CSB uses the word “discipline” instead of “instruction.” The Hebrew word translated “instruction” in the NKJV and “discipline” in the CSB is Strongs H4148 and means “discipline, chastening, correction.” According to Hebrews 4:12 [NKJV] … the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God can be cutting. For those who respect it, it is used to cut out our carnal nature, evil thoughts and sin – the parts that God calls us to remove.

When we allow God’s Word to do both the instruction and disciplining, we can proactively bring our sins to God and receive His forgiveness. Then, we have nothing to fear.

Remember the song RESPECT? A little respect for one another goes a long way toward guiding us to be better neighbors, coworkers, friends and mates.  Respect for God and for God. It all starts with respect.

Prayer — Father God, thank you for the Bible – Your words of instruction and discipline. I have the greatest respect for your Word. I seek to follow your instructions for me. Please guide me by Your Word, instruct and discipline me through it that I may see my sins and remove them from my thoughts, heart and life. As I bring those sins to You, I ask for forgiveness by the precious blood of Jesus in whose name I pray. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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Day 3 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Riddles

Proverbs 1:5-6 [NLT] 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

I really loved learning algebra. It was one of my favorite classes in school and I tutored more than one family member through their own algebra classes. It was like solving a puzzle or finding a treasure to me. Following the steps outlined, we solved the mathematical riddle. I enjoyed algebra even though there was one piece of the instruction I never really understood – the practical application of it.

The wiser people of this world, according to Proverbs, speak in riddles, proverbs and parables. The book of Proverbs was written to help us explore and understand their meaning so that we can apply them to our lives.

Proverbs is like key to an algebra problem in that it is a key to a good life, helping us figure life out. Its practical application is to make our lives better, wiser – to guide us.

Do you have a favorite proverb? A wise saying that has guided you? Feel free to share it in the chat. Here is one I like from Maya Angelou When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People can be a puzzle, but sometimes they show us the truth and we need to believe it.

Solomon took it upon himself to be our tutor through the puzzle of life. Ultimately, it seems that he didn’t always follow his own advice. For example, even though within the book of Proverbs he warned often against temptations of the opposite sex and those who would draw a person into sin, he didn’t take his own advice. Instead he gathered many pagan wives who he eventually followed into the sin of idolatry. 

Proverbs 1:5-6 tells us that even those who are already wise can and should learn from this book. We Church Ladies should be always on a quest to understand God’s word better, to gain more knowledge of scripture and life lessons, and to apply them to the riddles of life – whether those riddles are people or events or opportunities.

God doesn’t expect us to just understand the proverbs. He doesn’t want us to just solve the riddle of living a good life. He wants us to apply these lessons, to be guided by them into a better and happier life – because all the pieces of the puzzle fit together when God’s word guides us.

Prayer — Father God, thank you for this instruction book. Help me to follow its wise advice and heed its warnings. Let me gain wisdom from this study and to steer my life with its practical applications. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can walk the path of wisdom every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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90 Days in Proverbs - Day 2 – THE BIG WHY

Day 2 – THE BIG WHY

Proverbs 1:1-6 [CSB] 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  2 For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings;  3 for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity;  4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man --  5 let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance --  6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

Breaking from the ways of my parents, and of many from their generation, I told my children that they could ask me “why?” when I gave them instructions, rules or punishments, as long as they did it respectfully and listened to my responses. My hope was that a further explanation when they didn’t understand would allow them to grow in wisdom. Frankly, I also hoped it would help prevent them from rebelling against my reasonable edits. (At least, I thought I was reasonable.) I also understood that my explanations to my children would help me to ensure I was being fair and reasonable.

It didn’t always work so well or provide the desired effect. However, I believe it was still worth the effort to for me to give my children better understanding and for them the opportunity to gain better understanding.

God doesn’t always give us the “why” of His answers to our prayers. He doesn’t always tell us why we go through a particular trial. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, He tells us we walk by faith, not by sight. However, He inspired the writers of the book of Proverbs to tell us why the book was written. He lets us know that these wise words are here to change our lives.

Verse 6 indicates that what we learn here, will help us unravel the next scripture or book. It will help us build up our knowledge. Proverbs bids us not only to listen and increase learning, but also to obtain guidance. In other words, that learning isn’t just so we know stuff – it should guide our daily lives so that we live lives of righteousness, justice and integrity.

God also gives us the answer to what I call “the big why?” – Why are we here? Or why did God create us. We find the answer at the very beginning: Genesis 1:26-27 [NKJV] 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His [own] image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Our lives are a journey on the path to being made over into the image of God. Genesis 1 indicates that we look similar to Him physically now. However, His work did not end with the physical image. God continues to work with us through His word and His spirit so that our hearts and minds are crafted more in His image. It is a process we participate in by spending time in the Bible and by praying to Him.

Wherever today’s steps lead you, sweet sisters, I pray God will guide your path. I hope that in our time together in the book of Proverbs will assist you in your journey and transformation.

Prayer — Father of all wisdom and knowledge, I come to you to learn. Teach me through the words of this book to be wise and discerning. Write the wisdom of this book in my heart and mind so that its wisdom becomes a part of me. Fill me with integrity in all my endeavors and guide me on my journey of life as I make my way toward being more in Your image each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org. Have a Blessed Day!

Day 1 – A PROVERB’S PURPOSE

Proverbs 1:2-4 [NIV] 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.

I like start by reading the overview of a book before I buy it. Not the same as a review, which is opinion, an overview is more of a summary. It lets me know what to expect: mystery, history, romance, etc. Is it based on or woven around a historical event? After that, I will read some reviews, to get a feel for how others felt about the book, including the editor of the manuscript and some who have spent invested time in the book. The book of Proverbs comes with just such an overview of its purpose – its purpose is wisdom and understanding, instruction in right behavior.

We should take this seriously. A Christian needs God’s own wisdom and His guidance on right behavior. God does not leave us without the guidelines of how we should think and act, what we should say and do, and what we shouldn’t.

The book of Proverbs is crammed full of nuggets of wisdom. It has many practical instructions for our daily lives. Many books of the Bible are steeped in mystery, but the Proverbs are pretty clear and concise. Even the least wise of us can gain wisdom in its verses.

Taken together, it is as good a start as any for a New Church Lady’s manual for living. We should not be tempted to rely solely on Proverbs chapter 31 for guidance on how to be a Church Lady of great value.

Knowing that the book of Proverbs was written to give us wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; helps us with understanding both the purpose of and usage of its verses over the next 90 days

Prayer — Father, I know I need true wisdom. I need your instruction. I need understanding when it comes to the words in recorded in the Bible and how I should conduct myself in this world. Help me to live a life of prudent behavior, of doing what is good and fair. Help me life a life of knowledge and discretion – a life that glorifies you. Help me to learn from this precious book, how to be a woman of great value – one that glorifies you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org. Have a blessed day!

90 Days in Proverbs - A New Church Lady Devotional by Nancy White

Hi! This is Nancy Ellen White, N.E.W. Church Lady.

I have an exciting announcement. Beginning Monday, May 18, I will post a daily devotional, based on the book of Proverbs live on Facebook, with the text of the devotional here. It’ll be just a few minutes each day that we can spend together in the book of Proverbs. We’ll close with prayer and then I hope you will do a bit of journaling. Whether you choose to start your day with a devotional, end it with a devotional or take a mid-day break in the word of God, I hope you will join me for 90 Days in Proverbs - A New Church Lady Devotional. starting Monday, May 16.

Your comments are welcome both on Facebook and here. And you can always write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org

#90Days #Proverbs #NewChurchLady #Devotional