Day 48 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Self-love

Proverbs 8:35-36 [NKJV] 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD; 36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.

For most normal people, self-preservation is a strong force in guiding our lives and every decision me make.

Matthew 22:39 [NKJV] tells us: "And [the] second [is] like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. This phrase – “love your neighbor as yourself” — is repeated not only in the other gospels but also in Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8. This admonition is also found in the Old Testament in Leviticus 19:18 [NKJV] You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I [am] the LORD.

Ephesians 5:28 [NKJV] tells us: So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.

God understands that a normal, healthy person loves himself. He never asks us not to love ourselves, only to extend that same love to others.

Solomon understood that a healthy love of self is appropriate. Therefore, he outlined the fact that finding and using wisdom is a way of loving yourself in the right way. He points out that rejecting wisdom is a form of self-hatred.

When we find wisdom, we find favor with God because finding true wisdom means finding God Himself – discovering His mind, His ways, His words and His guidance. Learning the wisdom of God, and learning to love God’s wisdom, is part of a Christians walk. The wisdom of God is not the same as the wisdom of mankind, which can include a false idea of preserving myself – one that is selfish in its motivation rather than focusing on loving others as much as myself. 

Loving God’s wisdom brings us into a marital relationship with Jesus. Jesus is not only the Perfect Lamb of God and our empathetic High Priest, He is also husband to the Church – the called out ones. In that role, He has already proven that He loves us more than His own body. He was willing to sacrifice that human body to preserve His spiritual bride.

Sisters, seek God’s wisdom and come under the protection of Jesus. It is the ultimate in self-love and self-preservation. It is self-love that gives us the tools and perspective we need in order to love others.

Prayer — Father God, I seek Your wisdom – to know it, to understand it and to be guided by it in everything I do. I love You. I love Your word, the Bible, which outlines Your Wisdom for me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit, which will guide me in all wisdom throughout all the days of my life. Please grant me favor and preserve me from eternal death by Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 47 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Never refused

Proverbs 8:33 [KJV] Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

We are studying the word of God right now, sisters. We seek His instruction. That’s why we are here. So, it is difficult to imagine that you or I would be the type of people who would flat out refuse the instructions of God. Even when we read or hear hard things, we seek to understand and accept – we welcome knowing God’s will and word more deeply.

However, the English Standard Version chooses to put it like this: Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.

The Hebrew word translated “refuse” and “neglect” can mean let it go. Hear the word and don’t let it go. Not only should we not outright refuse the instructions of the Bible; not only should we be careful not to neglect it (maybe letting days go by without Bible study); but we should also be actively doing all we can to hold onto it – to keep it at the forefront of our minds as we go through the days, struggles and joys of life. It can be easy to forget God’s guidance in a moment that is fraught with fear, pain or anger.

James 1:23-25 holds the key to how we can hold onto the instructions of God’s word. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues [in it], and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. [NKJV]

The key to holding onto God’s instruction is doing what the word instructs us to do. Our Father God doesn’t just want us to have knowledge of His word, His instructions for our lives. He wants us to live them.

Sisters, we are not called to academic knowledge of the scripture. We are called to put into action what the word teaches us. We are called to be involved – to live it.

I’m the kind of person who learns better by doing something. Just reading about something does not stick with me very well. Actually doing something is what sticks with me, whether it is making the craft item, baking cookies, or performing that tricky yoga stance.

Similarly, an instruction like “love your enemies” becomes ingrained in our minds when we actually do something good for someone who has positioned themselves as an enemy. You’ll never forget what it felt like to have the inner power to answer kindly when someone is ugly to you or to help someone who has previously done ill toward you. It is impactful. It makes an impression that is not easily forgotten.

The best way to prevent neglect of God’s word is to live it, sweet sisters. I pray that we all will be doers of the word so that that the word is never refused nor forgotten nor neglected in our lives.

Prayer — Father God, I am here with You and Your word, seeking to know it, understand it and learn from it. I want it to lead me, to change me and to help me live as Jesus did. Please help me by carving Your word into me – into my mind and heart. Bring it to mind for me so that it influences my every thought and deed. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 46 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Before

Proverbs 8:22-31 [NIV] 22 "The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; 23 I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. 24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; 25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26 before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. 27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

In this passage, we see wisdom as God’s companion during the creation of the world as we know it. In everything from dirt to clouds, to water and mountains, wisdom was part of God’s creation work.

It struck me that in these verses, is this section in the middle: 25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26 before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. God’s wisdom was there before He got started.

Wisdom must also be my companion before I start any project or program. Before I volunteer for a ministry or establish a new women’s study group. Before I decide to quit a project or ramp it up. Wisdom is needed not just during, but also before I start – even in the planning stages.

I confess that, while I do ask for wisdom when I am teaching or serving, I sometimes get super excited about a project and, if I am not careful, will get started before wisdom says her piece. Even the best of ideas and service projects, even the most honorable programs should be put on hold until after I apply wisdom to it.

Wisdom would have me ask: Is this what I want right now or what God wants from me? Is this the place to start this program? Am I the right one to do this or is it an idea I should pass along to someone else? Do I have the time for this right now or should I put it off until other projects are completed? Are there others whose counsel or help I should solicit before beginning? What is the right way to begin this program or project?

You can probably think of other valid questions to run past wisdom for “her” input. Like the example set by our Creator, I want wisdom to me with me before I start a project and all the way through it. Things will turn out much better, I am sure, if wisdom is my co-planner from the very beginning.

Prayer — Father God, Just as You had wisdom as Your constant companion during creation and even before You began, I ask that You bless me with wisdom as my constant companion before and during any and all projects and programs in my life. I seek to serve You with wisdom, seeking her input even before I begin. Lord, help me so to do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 45 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Valuable

Proverbs 8:1-11 [NKJV] 1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 "To you, O men, I call, And my voice [is] to the sons of men. 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips [will come] right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth [are] with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse [is] in them. 9 They [are] all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Maybe this section reminds you of the saying “A fool and his money are soon parted.” That is credited to Thomas Tusser, English poet, 1524-1580. Many people think this saying is in the Bible. It isn’t. But, certainly, this sentiment – that a fool is easily separated from the things of value in his life – permeates the book of Proverbs. The book of Proverbs talks about fools who invest in risky schemes, who lend money or things unwisely, who foolishly spend on pleasure, or drink away their income and so much more.

Proverbs 8:10-11 warn of another way that foolishness assigns value. These verses encourages us to appropriately assign value and worth to the riches of wisdom and God’s Holy word – value equal to or greater than rubies, silver and gold. The implication is that fools don’t know the great value of wisdom and God’s word.

Wisdom helps us to make good choices in all things – jobs or careers, the choice of a mate, business relationships, friendships and family relations. Wisdom will have us choose God’s way over Satan’s temptations and the world’s ideas about fun and truth and right. Wisdom will help us not only speak the right words, but also know when not speak. It will give us the power to keep those lips shut.

The perspective of wisdom helps us to see trouble coming and get out of its way.

We can probably each easily think of a time or two when we should have held onto wisdom like it was a ruby and gold ring, but instead gave into human reasoning, Satan’s temptation or the pressure of a crowd, and made a decision which later cost us dearly - either in money or time or relationships or at least cost our pride when we had to be humbled and apologize.

I have a beautiful wedding ring that means the world to me because of the love it represents. So, I care for it, polish it, keep safe and have the stones checked from time-to-time to ensure they aren’t loose. Proverbs 8:1-11 bids me to take as much care of wisdom as I do that ring – to value it not only as precious to my spiritual health (which it is) but also as valuable to keeping my body safe.

Just as a wedding ring is a symbol of the love of husband and wife, wisdom is a precious symbol of God’s love for us. We must be sure to recognize its value and treat it accordingly.

Prayer — Father God, Thank you for the wisdom of your Word and the Holy Spirit. Your true wisdom is precious and to be cared for as our most valuable possessions. Thank you for entrusting me with your true wisdom. Help me to hold onto is and to use it for the good of my body, mind, relationships and spirit. In the name of your wise and Holy Son, Jesus, I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 44 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Hatred of Evil

Proverbs 8:13 [ESV] The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

There is a lot of evil in the world today, isn’t there, sisters? So, for those of us who fear the LORD, there is a lot to hate. Slavery still exists. Abusive dictators still rule some countries. There is abortion and child abuse, rape and drug dealing. This is just a start on the list. We must pray for this would around us – for those trapped and abused by evil, as well as the perpetrators. We must do what we can to relieve suffering, whether that is financial support, volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating goods or any other means.

But when we look for evil to hate, we must not just look at the world around us. We must also look within, for sin that lies within us. Is there any pride or arrogance, of inappropriate words? Do we harbor the way of the evil like jealousy or a longing for revenge? Or maybe the thing that trips me up isn’t listed in this Proverbs 8:13 but is some other sin – some other evil.

The point is that we cannot just point a finger at the world, we must point it within. We cannot just hate evil in the world, we have to hate the sin that so easily trips us up. And we must get rid of it. Hebrews 12:1 [NIV] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. An effort to rid myself of sin is going to be a lot more effective than trying to rid this Satan-led world of it.

We must be careful that the evil in the world doesn’t lure us into letting it into our own lives, thoughts and behaviors. The way to prevent ourselves from being lured into sin is to fill our internal being, our minds and hearts, with good so that there is no place left or evil to take hold. Romans 12:2 [KJV] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. However, time spent with God doesn’t just fill our minds, it transforms them.

So, sweet sisters, we must look for the evil, bad, wrong or sin within us. We must spend time with God, so that we come to hate evil within, just as we hate the evil we see in the world. Then, we push it out by filling ourselves, our minds, heart and lives, with the good and the perfect will of God instead.

Prayer — Father God, I know You hate evil. I have come to hate it too. I long for Jesus to return to put an end to the evil in this world and to usher in a time when peace and love rule the world instead. Help me to leave no place for evil in me either. Help me to hate the sin that trips me up – the evil that seeks to take hold in my heart, mind, words or life – and to push it out by filling my life with You, Your thoughts and words, and the deeds of love You would have me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 43 - 90 Days in Proverbs – The Other Siren Call

Proverbs 8:1-12 [NKJV] 1 Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? 2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. 3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: 4 "To you, O men, I call, And my voice [is] to the sons of men. 5 O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips [will come] right things; 7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth [are] with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse [is] in them. 9 They [are] all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; 11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. 12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge [and] discretion.

Yesterday, we talked about the seductive advertising of sin. Luckily, sin is not the only voice calling out to us. Much like the adulteress of sin is calling out to those “devoid of understanding” as we read in Proverbs 7:6-27, wisdom is calling out to those who are “simple ones.”

Furthermore, wisdom is not just standing in the doorway trying to pull us into her trap like the adulteress. Wisdom is pictured as yelling at the top of her lungs, from the top of a hill and at the city gates – working hard to be heard above the seductive call of sin.

How is it, then, that mankind can so easily tune out cry of wisdom in favor of the seductive call of sin? First of all, unconnected to God, wickedness and sin lives in us. Jeremiah 17:9 [NKJV] The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], And desperately wicked; Who can know it? So, since we naturally are connected to sin, we must deliberately break that bond in order to connect to the call of wisdom and to connect to our Father who sends wisdom out to call to us.

We must work to stay connected to God, because even the best of us can listen to the wrong voice from time-to-time if we let our guard down. The book of Proverbs repeatedly advises us to seek wise counsel. [See Proverbs 1:5; 20:18; 24:6] But, in his own life, Solomon did not head his own advice. Instead, he listened to his pagan wives who drew him away from worshipping God and into to worshipping their idols.

This happened even after Solomon had been blessed with incomparable wisdom from God. [See 1 Kings 11:4] From Solomon’s example we need to learn that the people we hang around with can influence us to listen to the call of sin instead of the call of wisdom.  

Sisters, we need to follow Jesus’ example and deliberately expel Satan from our presence. But we also may need to stop associating (or at least limit our association) with people who would influence us to listen to him. Jesus called out Peter for this type of thing in Mark 8:33 [NKJV]. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." I don’t think Peter realized he was being a bad influence. Peter was reacting to Jesus telling them about His coming death.

The ladies of sin and of wisdom are both out there, proactively calling to us. Each one has a clear and consistent messages about the virtues and benefits of listening to “her”. Each on is striving to pull us toward her. Sweet sisters, we must make a deliberate effort to tune out the siren call of sin, expelling her influence from our lives, and, just as deliberately, open are ears to the voice of wisdom.

Prayer — Father God, I know that sin sometimes calls me. It can come in many forms, from my own evil heart, from the pull of this evil world, and even from my closest friends or family if I am not careful. Help me to tune out any voice beside Yours. Help me to deliberately tune into the call of wisdom – true wisdom that comes from knowing Your word and from the connection forged with you by the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Help me also to be an influence of wisdom and obedience with my family and friends. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 42 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Seductive Advertising

Proverbs 7:6-27 [NKJV] 6 For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, 7 And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding, 8 Passing along the street near her corner; And he took the path to her house 9 In the twilight, in the evening, In the black and dark night. 10 And there a woman met him, [With] the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. 11 She [was] loud and rebellious, Her feet would not stay at home. 12 At times [she was] outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. 13 So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him: 14 "[I have] peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you, Diligently to seek your face, And I have found you. 16 I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. 17 I have perfumed my bed With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with love. 19 For my husband [is] not at home; He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, [And] will come home on the appointed day." 21 With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. 22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it [would cost] his life. 24 Now therefore, listen to me, [my] children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; 26 For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong [men]. 27 Her house [is] the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death. And all who were slain by her were strong [men]. 27 Her house [is] the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.

Here we read, as we have discussed before, one of Solomon’s main themes – avoiding the trap of the adulteress. This lady is everywhere, according to Solomon, luring men to buy her goods.

These days, advertising is everywhere: on billboards when we drive, on the radio, in print, on social media and on television. While some ads might try to shock us, the vast majority strive to lure us into purchases by telling us either that they are better than the rest or that we will be better (or at least look better) for having purchased or used them. Whiter teeth. You deserve the best. Choosey mothers choose… And so forth. It seems to me that advertisements focus on what is good (like: whole grain!) and not on the down side – like the fact that one bowl of cereal has 3-4X as much sugar or salt or fat as you should have in a day.

There are a surprising number of products that use sex or sexiness to sell. Unless the ad is showing a before and after type promotion, the folks in ads are beautiful, happy, prosperous, smart – implying that you can be too, if you just use the product.

And people are charmed into buying things they don’t need or that are not good for them because human nature is lured by these tactics.

That’s exactly what is going on here. This seductress is luring someone – a young man who did not have his guard up – into an action that might seem great to start but will end up in disaster. She uses all the same lures as modern advertising: it will be fun, it’s convenient, you deserve it. And the clincher – no way will we get caught.

Even if you and I would never be convinced to commit adultery, we have to admit that Satan knows exactly were to and how to encourage us to buy the sins that do tempt us. Whether it is a temptation to pay back unkindness with unkindness of our own. Or to flirt inappropriately at work.  To eat or drink too much. You can bet that Satan knows my weaknesses and will offer those things to me.

Just like advertising today and the harlot in Proverbs 7, Satan will use persuasive tactics like: “you deserve it” or “it’ll be good for you” or “you cannot let them get away with it” or whatever advertising he can to lure us into sin.

He is the master of one-to-one advertising, customizing the siren’s call toward whatever tempts me most, with whatever reasoning will work best on me.

Blessedly, the Holy Spirit is also a master at giving us the exact help we need to resist the exact temptations that Satan throws at us. I just have to tune my mind to the advertising of the Holy Spirit, turn the volume up, so that I cannot hear Satan’s promotions.

I must listen to the messages of the Holy Spirit that encourages me to love my neighbor as myself, to return good for evil and never seek revenge, to be true to my marriage, to be honest/never steal, to be truthful in all communications/never lie, etc.

Through the Holy Spirit, God calls to us each day to follow His path, to buy into the product He is selling. What God is calling us to invest in is a product that has no negative side effects. It is a product that is good for every aspect of our lives (mind, heart, body and soul). It is a product that does promote better relationships not only with the Father and Jesus, but also with family, friends and coworkers. It is a product with positive results that will last for all eternity.

Whatever Satan is selling always, always leads to death. The world we live in is complicit in selling Satan’s ways. But the Holy Spirit is pure truth in advertising and its call leads to eternal life and tuning into it helps us to “just say no” to what Satan and the world are selling.

Sweet sisters, let’s buy into what the Holy Spirit is selling every day, so that we can drown out the false claims of Satan’s advertising.

Prayer — Father God, This world is full of temptations. Satan will seek to lure me into sinning by telling me all sorts of lies. I choose to listen to You instead. I choose to follow the call of the Holy Spirit. I know that You alone offer the good life – both now and for all eternity. Help me, Father, to tune out the lure of Satan and this world and to tune into Your Holy Spirit today and always. In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 41 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Sister Wisdom

Proverbs 7:4 [NKJV] Say to wisdom, "You [are] my sister," And call understanding [your] nearest kin,

I am very close with my two sisters – one older than me and one younger.  It wasn’t always like that. As kids we fought – especially my older sister and me. Because we are opposites in many ways but shared a bedroom, we even ended up with that classic line down the middle of the room at some point.

As we matured, my sisters and I grew stronger bonds – bonds that were about more than DNA. These bonds are forged because we have gone through a lot together – marriages and divorces, childbirth, goals achieved and dreams lost, the death of our father when we were young, then all of our grandparents, then my mother and, more recently, one of our brothers.

Wisdom, if held as close as a sister, will ride out the storms of life with you. Wisdom may seem clearer in calm times, but she will be there for you in the rough patches too. We have to hold onto wisdom and her guidance when fear, worry or pain try to lead our minds or decisions.

Wisdom can help us untangle the most difficult riddles of life, as it helped Solomon in the matter of the two harlots arguing over whose baby was alive and whose was dead. [1 Kings 3:16-28]

Can I be honest? Even at my ripe, old age, there are many times when I don’t feel so wise. In order to hold wisdom close, we must first do the work of gaining wisdom. Solomon has already talked a lot about that in the Proverbs we’ve covered thus far. So, if we want to become a sister-of-wisdom, what should we do? Here are a few ideas:

1.      Fear God. Psalm 111:10 [KJV] 10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth forever.

2.      Pray for God to fill us with wisdom. Colossians 1:9 [NKJV] 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

3.      Study God’s word so that we are intimately familiar with it. Then, when faced with a need for wisdom to guide me, I may be able recall the scriptures I need to guide me.

Sisters can be very close – even best friends. That intimate, bonded relationship that is unique to sisters is the relationship we should seek to have with wisdom. I’ve spent countless hours with my sisters, forging an intimate relationship through good times and bad. The key to being a sister to wisdom is no different. It’s time spent with the source of wisdom – God and His word.  

Prayer — Father God, Please fill me with Your wisdom – so much so that it becomes like a sister to me. I want to be intimately bonded with godly wisdom that guides me in every aspect of my life and all decisions I make. Bring Your words to my mind when I need them to help me make decisions or respond appropriately to any aspect of life. Help the wisdom and understanding of Your word to lead me always. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 40 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Hand and Heart

Proverbs 7:3 [NKJV] Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

In encouraging us to bind the words of wisdom he offers on our hands and heart, Solomon brings to mind the words of God in Deuteronomy 6:8-9 [NKJV] 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. [See also Deuteronomy 11:18-21]

In my travels, I have seen Jewish men with copies of the law strapped to their wrists or in a little pouch strapped to their foreheads.

I have known families to post the 10 commandments by the front door or wear miniatures as a necklace.

Personally, I have been known to post scriptures on my bathroom mirror if I am trying to memorize them or if I need to be reminded of God’s promises or if I am seeking comfort during a difficult time. That makes them kind of between my eyes – or at least within my eye line as I get ready for work in the morning and get ready for bed in the evening.

This literal posting of scripture can help remind us of God’s law or His plan or His promises as we go about our daily routines. However, we know the Father is after more than just scripture written in public places or warn on our persons. Literal posting only serves to remind us of the need to make the scriptures an internal part of who we are – to bind them in our hearts. Literal posting only serves to remind us of the need to make the scriptures the overarching guides in all we do – to bind them to our hands/fingers.

My heart, if it is engraved with scripture, will lead me to live patiently, make decisions based on love, to seek peace, to walk faithfully, to trust in God and to stay true to God’s will. My hands, if they are bound with the scripture, will do the work of helping others, saving, serving, giving at every opportunity.

God is seeking children whose hearts, or internal compasses, are guided by scripture and, thereby, produce all the fruit of the spirit. God is seeking children whose deeds are led by the scriptures to do His works on this earth.

Sisters, today, and every day, I pray that we will hold the scriptures in our hearts and wrap them around our hands, so that our hearts, thoughts and minds, as well everything that we say and do, will be bound to His word and guided by His will.

Prayer — Dear Father, Your words will never lead me astray, they are a sure guide – leading me on the path of righteousness. But I must know Your scripture in order to be led by it. So, please help me to bind Your words to my heart and to my actions. Help me to know and understand Your word. I don’t just want to be able to remember it but to have it engraved in my heart to lead and change me, and bound in my hands so I may be always found doing Your work. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 39 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Apple of His Eye

Proverbs 7:1-2 [KJV] 1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

Recall that the term “apple of my eye” is used to refer to something or someone that one cherishes above all others. While Proverbs 7:1-2 reminds me to make God’s law and commands the apple of my eye, it makes me ask, “Who, then, is the apple of God’s eye?”

King David boldly asked to be the apple of God’s eye. In Psalm 17:8 [NIV] he says, Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Jacob was the apple of God’s eye. We read in Deuteronomy 32:9-10 [NIV] 9 For the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. 10 In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye,

God took care of Jacob just as someone cares for another who is precious above all others.

But it isn’t only David or Jacob that God holds as precious to Him. An angel, sent from God, explained this to Zechariah in Zechariah 2:8 [ESV] 8 For thus said the LORD of hosts, after His glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye:

All people called by His name are precious to and cherished by Him. It applied to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament times and it applies to the Ecclesia – to those who are God’s people today.

These four verses are the only four that include references to the apple of anyone’s eye. But know that being the apple of someone’s eye means that you are precious above all others to that person. We do find many additional scriptural reverences to what is precious or of great value to our Father God.

For example: the blood of Jesus. 1 Peter 1:19 [NIV] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. As precious as the blood of Jesus is to God, He directed that it be spent on you and me. That is because we are also precious to Him. God would not have spent something of such great value on you, sweet sister, if you were not also of great value to Him.

Another thing that is precious to God is our deaths - whether we are referring to that death to sin at baptism or death that occurs at the conclusion of this human life. Both are precious to God. Psalm, 116:15 [NIV] Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

There are billions of things that are most precious to God – that is: all the people who live now, who lived and died in the past and who will yet live in the future. Because the precious blood of the Perfect Lamb was shed for all of us, we know that the Father values every one of us.

God aks us to make Him and to make His law the apple of our eyes. In doing so, He is only asking us to reciprocate the feelings that He had for us first. I am so very thankful that God loves and protects me as the apple of His eye. How wonderful to know that we are precious to God.

Prayer — Father God, Thank You for Your love and mercy – for holding me as the apple of Your eye. You spent the precious blood of Jesus on me. I will hold You and Jesus, Your laws and Your word as precious, special gifts to be treated with great respect and care. Lord, help me so to do. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 38 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Apple of My Eye

Proverbs 7:1-2 [KJV] 1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

Originally, the phrase “apple of my eye” was simply an idiom referring to the pupil of the eye. In the English language today it is used to refer to something or someone that is cherished above all others.

Although Solomon might have been referring to his own instructions to his son when he says “keep my law as the apple of your eye”, we understand that believers today are to cherish God’s law above all else.

What does it mean to have God’s commandments, His law, His word as the apple of my eye – as cherished above all else? Well, it should mean that I would never compromise that law for the sake of gain or prestige or even to save my own skin.

It means that nothing and no one is more important to me than God’s words – not my home or my family or my job.

Jesus echoed this in Matthew 10:37 [NIV] where He says, Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. If Jesus expects us to love Him more than our closest family, He surely expects to be loved above my job, my hobbies, or my possessions.

It may seem harsh to non-believers that God requires top position. However, we believers understand that when we put God first, we still have plenty of love to give to our families, our friends, our enemies, and even the rest of the world. In fact, putting God and His commandments ahead of all else, calling them more precious than any other things, makes me a better, more loving, more patient mate and parent. It makes me a better employer or employee, a better sister to my siblings, a better friend, and a better neighbor. It even makes me a better enemy because I return good for the evil done to me and will pray for good things for my enemies.

King David often wrote about how precious God’s laws were to him. Psalm 119:72 [NIV] The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. This is probably at least part of why God called King David a man after His own heart.

Sweet sisters, if we hold God’s laws as precious, we will also be people after His own heart. And every other aspect of our lives will be improved by the fact that we hold God’s law of love as precious to us. I pray that God’s law is the apple of your eye.

Prayer — Father God, You are more precious to me than anything else. I hold Your word above all other law, above all other people or things. I desire Your love more than silver or gold and Your instruction I value over all other education. Help me always to do so. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 37 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Paid Sevenfold

Proverbs 6:30-31 [ESV] 30 People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry, 31 but if he is caught, he will pay sevenfold; he will give all the goods of his house.

At first it seems a bit odd to have this part about a thief sandwiched between verses focused on warning us about the evil trap of adultery. It almost seems like Solomon got distracted for a minute. But if we take a closer look, we realize that what these verses have in common is their warning that sin has a penalty.

An adulterer gets burned (Proverbs 6: 28-29). A thief, even one who is only stealing because he is hungry, even one whom we might not despise, has to pay a penalty.

In the Old Testament, that penalty for stealing was paying back 7 times what you stole. If you steal a sheep and get caught you pay back 7 sheep. In that environment, someone who could not pay that penalty could sell themselves as an indentured servant or go to a debtor’s prison until it was paid back. I bet that happened frequently, because if you have to steal a sheep to feed yourself, how could you pay back 7 sheep?  

All sins have a penalty. We know that whether the sin is adultery or stealing or being a false witness, while the penalty from the local government might be a variety of things, the penalty from God is the same: death.

How in the world would we pay the penalty of our own sins? We know that regardless of the sin’s impact in this life; whether it ruins another person’s life, destroys a marriage or two, lands me in jail, results in the death of an innocent person or is hidden forever and never gets a penalty in this life; it earns us the death penalty. And we know that that death penalty is paid by the precious blood of Jesus. My sin is paid for by His life in exchange for the death penalty I have earned.

Solomon knew that sin had its consequences. Although Solomon focused on the physical consequences of sin, we know that there are spiritual consequences too. Praise God that we have a Savior who paid for all our sins. He is the perfect Lamb who was slain for us all.

I regularly go before the throne of God and ask for this exchange – for the blood of Jesus to cover my sin. I’m sure you do too. The sacrifice Jesus made was worth more than 7 times all my sins through all my life. It is worth more than 7 times all the sins of all the world for all generations - those behind us and those yet to come.

Depending on the sin, we may still have consequences for that sin in this life – a fine or jail time or even the death penalty. But we must never forget that there is always also a spiritual penalty for sin and that penalty is death.

Sweet sisters, we must never neglect to thank God that the debt for all sin has been paid for by the precious blood of Jesus.

Prayer — Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for Your great love for me. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sin and for accepting His sacrifice every time I sin and come to you for forgiveness. Thank You for Your great mercy and forgiveness. Thank You, Jesus, for Your loving sacrifice. I will never forget that there is a spiritual penalty for sin and that it has already been paid by Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 36 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Flattery

Proverbs 6:23-28 [CSB] 23 For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.  24 They will protect you from an evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a wayward woman.  25 Don't lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyelashes.  26 For a prostitute's fee is only a loaf of bread, but the wife of another man goes after a precious life.  27 Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?  28 Can a man walk on burning coals without scorching his feet?

I’ve mention before that Solomon seems to have some specific themes that he hits on throughout his Proverbs. He frequently writes about the commands being a light to our path. The next verses go into at least one area of sin that we are protected from when we have the command and teaching and correction of Proverbs 6:23 – that is: adultery. Avoiding the temptress and eschewing adultery are also frequent themes.

But the act of adultery is only the final result of a whole lot of bad choices - choices that we are to avoid. These scriptures also advise us to avoid a couple of specifics steps along the path that leads adultery. This scripture tells us to be careful not to succumb to flattery that leads to lust.

In the example outlined in Proverbs 6:23-28, flattery by a person leads to lust for that person and results in adultery. I’ve seen it happen at work and even in volunteer service, that a couple of people will work so well together and spend so much time together on projects that the relationship becomes “the work wife” or “the work husband.” The dynamics at work are so different from the dynamics at home. A different set of skills and goals apply. Perhaps you feel more successful at work and are struggling at home. If not guarded against, that work relationship can edge into in appropriate ground.

But is this really the only way that flattery can lead to lust, which is already a sin, and then perhaps into a second sin of adultery? I don’t think so. I think there are other areas where flattery leads to lust.

It seems to me that most advertising begins with flattery that seeks to create the desire for something we may not need like a new car or the latest fashion. Advertisements use words like “you are worth it” or “you deserve better”. Sometimes ads advise you that “smart people choose/use this thing” or that parents who “really care about” the health or education of their children would buy this particular product. These ads seek to lure you with flattery.

We have to guard our minds against the subtle and not so subtle flattery inherent in a lot of advertising that leads to lusting after something we don’t need or maybe can’t afford. I have to be careful so that I am not charmed by the idea of how much better my life would be if only I had that thing that they are selling. I have to guard against being tricked into believing that thing they are selling is required for me to be a good mate or a good parent.

Flattery that leads to lust and the sin of adultery is something to be aware of and avoid. But flattery that leads to lust isn’t confined to someone trying to get you to commit adultery. In the world we live in today, flattery is a tool used to make us lust after all kinds of things we don’t need – from soda to a new car to a new pair of tennis shoes.

The lamp of God’s commandments, the light of His teachings and His corrective discipline are tools that help us to filter out that flattery and see it for what it really is. The lamp of God’s commandments, the light of His teachings and His corrective discipline keep us from lusting after anything we don’t really need – whether that is a person on a product.

Prayer — Father God, this world seeks to lure me into purchases I don’t need and behaviors that are sin. Let the brilliant light of your commandments and teachings keep me focused on what really matters and on the path to the Kingdom. When flattery seeks to pull me away, please correct my thoughts so that they never wander toward lust – long before that lust can take root or lead me to further sin. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Your thoughts —  

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Day 35 - 90 Days in Proverbs – The Corrected Way of Life

Proverbs 6:23b [ESV] reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

On day 34 we focused on the first part of Proverbs 6:23 about God’s commandment being a light and His teaching a light. Today, let’s talk about the latter part of the verse.

The word translated “reproofs” here means “rebuke, correction, reproof, punishment, chastisement.” I don’t know about you, but for me, it is a lot easier to accept and more pleasant to think about teaching and light, than it is about being rebuked or corrected or punished.

However, for a Christian, life is not all instruction and theory, and our lives don’t always stay on the right path. For us, life is also about understanding the thoughts, words and deeds that need to be corrected and removed from our lives. We cannot walk in the light - we cannot be the best light - unless we continually work to remove the sinful thoughts or behaviors that cloud our paths.

Christian lives are to lives committed to correction and change. We use the word of God to examine our lives so that we can make corrections.

2 Corinthians 13:5 [KJV] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

We should also ask God to examine us, as we find David doing in Psalm 26:1-2 [KJV] 1 [[[A Psalm] of David.]] Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide. 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

David went on to make the case that he was living a right life. You and I might not be so bold as to say that. But, if you and I are striving to live a right life – to walk in the light – and continually submit to correction when we get off course, then we are each living a right life.  We need not fear the examination and correction from God because His goal is for you and I have hearts that want to obey. We don’t fear the examination and correction of God, but rather we embrace it.

At Baptism, we accepted the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit now works in us to give us that right heart – one that wants that continual course correction.

How does that examination and correction come? It can come in many ways.

When we read the Bible, His words convicts us. How often I have read a passage and thought it was written just for me! A sermon may convict me that something in my life needs to change. A trusted friend or family member may bring something to my attention.

It’s human to want to avoid correction. It’s human to not want to be shown I was wrong and need to change or maybe that my behavior hurt someone else. It can be embarrassing to admit to someone I was wrong. It can be painful to see that a sin has tripped me up again. God knows that it doesn’t always feel good. He also knows that that benefits outweigh the momentary pain. 

Hebrews 12:11 [NIV] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Correction trains us to walk in the right way. When I learn to accept it and even to seek it, I can be assured that I am on the path to becoming perfect as my Father in Heaven is perfect. [Matthew 5:48]

Reproofs, corrections, and discipline are the way of life for a Christian. It is how we stay on the path of light and become more like our Father. The short term pain of correction is worth the long-term benefits of the changes it makes to my character.

Sisters, we must embrace the process.

Prayer — Father God, I want to become more like You. Therefore, please help me to seek and accept Your correction every day. Help me to use that correction to adjust my life so that I stay on the path of light. Help me to seek correction that yields a harvest of righteousness and peace. In Jesus’ name I humbly ask for your loving correction. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 34 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Give Light

Proverbs 6:23a [ESV] For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,

It’s no secret that we live in a sin-darkened world. It’s no surprise that we need the light of God’s word to guide our way. We who would walk in the light take up the lamp of God’s commands and light our way with His teachings. We accept His reproof as our way to have a better life.

However, let’s not forget that we believers are asked not only to use the light of God but to BE the light of God to this world. Matthew 5:14-16 [ESV] 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The life that I live is supposed to illuminate the way to a better life – one that serves as a witness to God’s greatness. Our lives are to light the way for others to come to God, so that they too can use the lamp of God’s commands and the light of His teachings to illuminate the better path for their own lives.

In sending out His disciples, Jesus told them, Freely you have received, freely give. [Matthew 10:8b NKJV]  We should be generous with giving out the light of God, setting illuminating examples of lives that are filled with the joy, peace, and love of God. If we are stingy with the light of God, we risk being called unprofitable servants – servants who just do the minimum of our duty and nothing more. [See Luke 17:10]

Sisters, the world needs the light of God and it is our jobs to spread it – to shine it out into the dark world like a beacon. I pray that your life will so shine that others cannot help but see the glory of God in it.

Prayer — Father God, Lead me by Your illuminating word. Guide me by the lamp and light of your teachings. Help me to always walk in the light, not only for my sake, but to glorify You and to share Your light with others. Help me to be a beacon in this dark world, shining with love and peace and joy. You have given me this beautiful light to light my own path of life. Help me to be generous in sharing it with the world. Jesus was that perfect, brilliant light when He walked the earth. Help me to follow in His footsteps to lead others to You so that they too can have Your light in them and pass it on to the world. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 33 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Everywhere and All the Time

Proverbs 6:20-22 [NKJV] 20 My son, keep your father's command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. 22 When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And [when] you awake, they will speak with you.

I once had church goer say to me that she and her husband, “put their time in” at church that week. She may not have meant it the way it sounded to me, but I found it to be an odd way of speaking about spending time in worship with fellow believers.

I don’t believe she was saying that Christianity only happened once a week at church, but that attendance at church was something to be “done” – to be “endured” each week. Maybe they just had bad preachers that made it seem like a chore.

However, I feel that church should be something that invigorates and inspires us for the week ahead. Church services should be a time when we hear the commands of our Father God. It should be a time when we experience the love of the Church - meaning the people who are the Church – the Ecclesia. The Ecclesia is supposed to act like a mother to us, acting out the law of love by living it. Romans 13:8 [ESV] says, Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Love (and all that it requires of us) is literally the only thing we owe each other.

Church should be a place where we gain all this perspective and information that we can then bind in our hearts, hang around our necks, and take with us through the week ahead to sustain us, waking and sleeping, and lead us in every step within our days.

Of course, church is not the only place where we can get the knowledge of God. We are to read His word and talk to Him in prayer every day. Then, even if church is a chore, the Father Himself will provide the commands and the law of love that we can bind to us for that daily guidance.

Hopefully, we then take that to church with us as well, so that we can help be a part of the “mother” that provides love to help others in our church family to be sustained for the week ahead.

God’s commands  - His law of love - should be with us everywhere and all the time, but especially at church. Sisters, if your church is not like that, then we must work to be a part of changing it. God help you so to do.

Prayer — Father God, Thank You for Your law of love and your commandments, both of which can lead and guide me every day and all the time. Wherever I go and whatever my day holds, I ask that your laws and love be bound to me and in front of me. And, Father, help me to ensure that I am a part of showing love to my fellow brethren – that I am a part of helping to sustain them for the week ahead. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 Your thoughts —  

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Day 32 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Overwhelming Discord

Proverbs 6:19b [ESV] … one who sows discord among brothers.

The adage “You reap what you sow” is never truer than when you sow discord among those close to you – your family, your office mates, or your church brethren. Sowing discord results in discord (a.k.a. strife, conflict), unless someone stops it in its path. It takes a special person to do that – someone willing to make the first move or apology – often someone will to refrain from giving back or passing forward the hurt they have received.

Where does this desire to sew discord come from? How can we stop discord from growing? Proverbs 10:12 [NIV] answers both questions: 12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.

Discord, strife and conflict come from hate. You might not think, “I hate that person” but it is the underlying emotion, whether it bubbles up as jealousy or resentment or anger.

Love “covers” it the way paper covers rock in a rock-paper-scissors game or the way a wet blanket can smother a smoldering fire.. One of the definitions of the Hebrew word that is translated “covers” is “overwhelm.” Love overwhelms hatred and conflict.

Why do we have people who sow discord in our churches? Jesus explains it in the parable He gives in Matthew 13. Matthew 13:24-25 [KJV] 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Satan sows into the body of Christ those who in turn sow discord among us and God allows it. Matthew 13 indicates that God continues to allow them to be among His people until the harvest. So, it doesn’t sound like we will get rid of those sowers of discord within the body of Christ until Jesus returns.

However, what we can do is overwhelm them with love. It takes a special person to stop the seed of discord from reaping its natural fruit. God called us to be that kind of person – one who sows so much love that discord is overwhelmed by it.

It means putting away pride and the sense that I deserve better. It means putting away a sense of “an eye for an eye” and the idea that I must pay back those who sin against me.

To overwhelm discord with love, we must be like Jesus who died for sinners – for you and me – when we were still out there sowing discord in our own ways – when we still might sow discord, although we don’t mean to.

Love smothers discord. Discord cannot survive under its pressure.

As long as the church is made up of humans, Satan will be able to sow among us those who will in turn seek to sow discord within the church. Sisters, we are called to overwhelm them with love.

Perhaps God leaves the sowers of discord within the church because that is the best place for us to practice smothering discord with love. Maybe He wants us to learn and practice there, among His people, where our efforts may be more effective. Maybe once we learn how to overwhelm discord with love among our church family, we can then practice the same reaction to sowers of discord in our homes and workplace – who knows, maybe in the nation. Okay, I’m dreaming there.

When Jesus returns for the harvest, the sewers of discord among God’ people will be removed. Until then, sweet sisters, it is our job to overwhelm discord with love.

Prayer — Father God, You have given us the gift of church, of brothers and sisters in Christ who are called to forgiveness and to do good works. Thank you for calling me away from the works of Satan, away from the sowing of discord, and into the work of planting love at every opportunity. I ask that you help me to do the good work of sowing love among my fellow believers, my family and the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 31 - 90 Days in Proverbs – Nothing but the Truth

Proverbs 6:19 [ESV] a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

If you ever testified in court or even watched a court drama on TV, you know that a witness is asked to “Swear (or affirm) to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” I always felt that this statement had to be adapted over time. First, maybe it was simply “to tell the truth” but then witnesses were leaving parts of the truth out, so they had to add “the whole truth.” Then someone thought, “but I can add some lies to it so it is more in line with what I want the court to believe” and they had to add “and nothing but the truth.”

In a court of law, they rely on the testimony of witnesses, among other things, to convict or exonerate the accused party. For a time, eye witnesses were all we had. Now there are cameras everywhere and DNA tests. We are still finding cases where a witness lied to put someone in jail where the DNA now exonerates the accused. Thankfully, there are organizations working to release the falsely accused.

As obedient children of God, you and I would never lie in court. But, as usual, God’s standards are higher than just telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth when swearing in a court of law. God asks us to be unerringly dependable in our words every day and every time we speak.

Matthew 5:37 [ESV] Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.

God asks us to be especially dependable and truthful in our promises and commitments, not matter the cost. Psalm 15:4 [NIV] in outlining who will be allowed to dwell with God, we are told, among other things, it will be one 4 who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

There is another area where absolute truth is required: in prayer. Are you ever tempted to soften the truth with your confession of sin to God? I confess that sometimes I do not want to speak aloud or even speak in my mind, the thing for which I am repenting. I sometimes get embarrassed to still be a sinner after years of working to live a godly life. I still have sins to repent of – and some of them repeatedly.

God asks us to be honest here as well. Honestly with ourselves, with the sin that trips us up, is an important part of the process of change. And, let’s face it, God already knows. He knows our hearts. He knows our thoughts. He sees me for who I am, even if I don’t see it or don’t want to see it. I am a sinner. I struggle. But there is no real reason to fear to confess my sins. Whatever I have done has already been paid for. Upon repentance, it will be forgiven.

That fear of being honest with God is a tool of Satan, designed to stop us from full repentance and spiritual growth.

God does not ask us to do anything or be anything that He has not already modeled for us. He has always provided the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about sin and the penalty for it – about His plan to send the perfect Lamb to pay for it – about our eternal reward. He asks no less than full honesty from us.

Sisters, God asks us to be children of truth at all times and in all circumstances – in every conversation or social media post. But so called “brutal honesty” – that comes into play most often in being honest with ourselves about ourselves.

God already knows me to my core. He knows you too. We should never fear honest confession. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about ourselves is the first step to real change.

Prayer — Father God, You know all things. You know my heart, my thoughts, my intent and my actions. Help me, therefore, to be unerringly and utterly honest in my assessment of my own life, thoughts, heart and actions, and in my conversations with You about them. Only an honest assessment of myself will lead to true repentance and growth. I want to grow and change. I want to become like You, my perfect Heavenly Father. Help me to be open and honest with others as well so that we can build a relationship of trust and support one another in good times and tough time. I ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 30 - 90 Days in Proverbs – It Starts with the Heart

Proverbs 6:18 [ESV] 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,

God is concerned with more than just the act of a sin. He is concerned with a heart that is not right, that leads to wrong thoughts, which left unchecked can motivate a person toward planning wickedness and ultimately to committing sin.  Sin often germinates in the heart and mind before it becomes an action and God wants us to learn to stop it there.

Jesus warned us about this. Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28 [ESV] 21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. ... 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Because sin begins before we act, the battle against sin becomes a battle in the heart, for the heart. God knew that. He is ready to remove the hearts that are hardened by sin and replace them with new hearts.  Ezekiel 36:26 [ESV] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

If we try to fight our battles with sin at the action level, or only at that action level, we’ll be too late. So, how do we win the battle at the mind and heart level? It begins by putting the right things in our minds, as we are advised in Philippians 4:8 [ESV] 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. Then, in verse 25 it we are told [ESV] If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. So, after realigning our thoughts, we realign our paths so that we are in step with the Spirit – the Spirit that gives us the new heart of love, joy, peace, etc.

Sweet sisters, the battle against sin begins long before a sinful action occurs. Therefore, we must begin by asking each day for God to help us to focus our minds on what is good, just and right, and also to fill us with the Holy Spirit in order to replace our human hearts with hearts of love, joy and peace. That way, we can stop sin before it even starts.

Prayer — Father God, it is too easy to have a hard heart in this sin-filled world. It’s too easy to focus on the sad, painful, frightening, sinful or angry parts of the world today. But I want to be like Jesus, with a heart full of love for everyone, with a heart for You, Your words, Your laws and your ways, and one that leads me away from sin and toward obedience. I want to have a mind focused on the good in the world. Help me today to have a soft heart of love and peace, and help me to have a mind focused on good. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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Day 29 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Separate the Sinner from the Sin

Proverbs 6:16-19 [NKJV] 16 These six [things] the LORD hates, Yes, seven [are] an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness [who] speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Hate is an emotion that God gave us at creation. It has its place in our lives. If you read the Bible, you know that hate is an emotion that the Father has and that He expresses. Here in Proverb 6, we have a list of the things God hates. Each one is an action that one human can take that harms another human.

Christians often say, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” In verses 17 and 18, the author focuses on the specific parts of the human body that carry out the actions that harm others, like a lying tongue rather than a lying person. However, in verse 19, he pivots and says that God hates the actual false witness, not just the lying tongue. God hates the one who sows discord, not just the heart with wicked plans or the feet that run to do evil.

Even though this outlines that God hates the action and the actor, they are clearly outlines as separate things. We also have to be separate the person and the sin. Christians often say, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” This is much tougher to do, of course, when the sin is perpetrated against me or my family. It goes against human nature to love the person who lied about me or who killed someone I love.

It can be even more difficult to separate the sinner from the sin when that sinner is me. But we are asked to do that too. For a repentant believer, we all struggle just as Paul outlined in Romans 7. Romans 7:17-20 [NKJV] 17 But now, [it is] no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but [how] to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will [to do], I do not do; but the evil I will not [to do], that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not [to do], it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

For all the repentance and spiritual growth over the decades since I was baptized, the nature that am working to stifle has not yet gone away. It won’t go away until we are transformed at Jesus’ return into new, spiritual beings. Our sinful natures are suppressed through our daily struggles to choose right over wrong. Our sinful natures no longer drive our lives, hearts, words and actions. The Holy Spirit takes the driver’s seat instead of human nature.

In order to continue suppressing human nature, we have to hate it and its works, just as God does. We must recognize and separate out that old nature that drove our sinful behavior in the past and will sometimes fight to pull us back into that sinful behavior. That person, that sinner is not who I am today. It is not who you are today, sweet sister.

As believers, our battle is to separate the sinner from the sin, by putting off that old man, that old nature each and every day before it has a chance to break out in sin. And we must understand that when we come to God to repent, the Father also recognizes the difference between the sinner and the sin. He forgives us and sends His Holy Spirit to us so that we can continue the battle to keep the sinner from breaking out into sin.

Sisters, you are not the sin you commit, because when God forgives you, the blood of Christ separates that sin from you. You are not the sin you commit because you are working to suppress that old self. Our work to separate ourselves from the sinful nature we battle continues every day.

Prayer — Father God, Please forgive me today for my sins. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Help me to suppress the sin that seeks to bubble up in me, that old nature that wants to take control of my thoughts, heart and life. I hate it, as you do. Together with your Holy Spirit in me, I will walk in new life today – a life guided and controlled by Your nature of love and forgiveness. I will follow the example of Jesus, who came to earth to both show me the way to live a life totally guided by You and then died so that I may be forgiven and walk that same path of new life. In His name I ask all things. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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