Category: Proverbs

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Be Heart Happy!

Last night we had a wonderful time with friends. Our hearts were full and so were our spirits. We laughed…alot!

Laughter is good for the body and the soul.

“A happy heart ·is like good medicine [L brings healing], but a broken spirit ·drains your strength [L dries up bone].” Proverbs 17:22 EXB

“A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” Proverbs 17:22 MSG

It’s good to have our hearts filled with joy. Left unchecked sorrow and sadness can elevate to discouragement, and disease. Dis-ease. Dis-courage. To lose courage and be ill-at-ease can leave the body and the mind drained and bone tired.

“…Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

Every one of us will have troublesome situations. That’s just part of living on planet earth, however, we are not left to our own devices. We have God’s promise that end result will be good.

“Praise the Lord, because he is good. Praise his name, because it brings such joy!” Psalm 135:3 ERV

The Bible teaches us how to handle hardship. David faced Goliath, Daniel encountered a lion’s den, the disciples thought they would drown at sea, Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed. But they all came through victorious because they placed their trust in God.

God doesn’t create the problem but He does provide the victory.

“ We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,” Romans 8:28 CEV

Having a merry heart and trusting God is a choice.

No one knows what this year of 2023 will present to us, but we can make the determination of how we will handle each situation, the simple and the difficult, the good and the adverse. We can choose to trust God to handle every circumstance, to be at work for our good. He will strengthen us and fill our lives with courage and joy.

Choose to live well – live with a merry heart!

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We Are Human Beings

As I sit here this morning, I realize again that God’s design for me is that of a human “being”.

We are all created in His image and He is not a god of inactivity or silence. Our heavenly Father is active, He is constantly in process of being. The Hebrew names for God tell us He is Lord God Almighty, our provider, our shepherd, the Living God, our peace, our Father and more.

Our Father has made Himself available to us every day and in every situation. Jesus showed that during His life on earth. He was involved; he attended weddings, funerals, dinners, feast days. He was at the bedside of the sick, in the streets with prostitutes, tax collectors, and the outcasts of society. He could be found at the seashore with fisherman and in the Temple with the religious leaders. He came to be involved.

Is it any wonder that we are called human beans beings? We are called to be His ambassadors on this earth. We are to be examples of His love and goodness. Let’s look at a few other things we are called to be.

“Be” still – Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

“Be” quiet – But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

“Be” ready – But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. I Peter 3:15

“Be” obedient – If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19

“Be” rich – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; I Timothy 1:17-18

“Be”lieve – Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

There’s only thing the Lord doesn’t want us to be, we are not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

What is God asking you to “Be” today? More than anything He wants you to be available!

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The Rich Life

A friend of mine told me that they went to the theater over the weekend and saw “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

A Christmas classic with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. George was looking for a better life, a richer life. He nearly lost it all until he realized that the life he was living was filled with unappreciated wealth.

Rich. Interesting Word. King Solomon talks about riches in the book of Proverbs.

“The lips of those who are right with God feed many, but fools die for want of understanding. 22 The good that comes from the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:21-22 NLV

I think it’s interesting that these verses compare speaking life-giving words and the goodness we receive from the Lord as things that make us rich. Jesus said His words brought truth and life. The word of God reveals His goodness and fills our life with richness.

“The light of the eyes makes the heart glad. Good news puts fat on the bones. 31 He whose ear listens to careful words spoken will live among the wise.” Proverbs 15:30-31 NLV

Our conversation can be rich with laughter. The presence of family and friends fills our homes with rich conversations.

What things in life make you feel rich?

“Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God.” Colossians 3:16 NLV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful… 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

Like George Bailey in A Wonderful Life let the true richest of this season fill our hearts.

A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings richness to our lives.

Merry Christ – mas!

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Grateful for Friends

The last couple of days Dave and I have been visiting friends. It has been wonderful!

We left home on Thursday morning stopping in Tucson and spending time with old friends. Then on down the road and another short visit with friends and neighbors. We spent time with family and then the last two nights and a day in the home of more friends, enjoying their company.

Last night we gathered for a time of feasting where we made some new friends. It was a great time for us. We felt part of the family, We shared delicious food, the joy and the laughter, the hopes and the dreams. It was wonderful!

It’s amazing how God’s love knits hearts together.

Do me a favor. Stop for a moment and think about the friends you hold dear. As their names and faces are fore front in your mind pray for them and thank God for them. Now, think about the qualities in your relationship with them. What makes them the special friends they are?

Those qualities and those people are a blessing from the Lord! They are a gift.

Did you know that God has friends? The Bible tells us that Abraham was a friend of God. Jesus said to his disciples that they were friends.

“ You are My friends if you do what I tell you. 15 I do not call you servants that I own anymore. A servant does not know what his owner is doing. I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father. 16 You have not chosen Me, I have chosen you. I have set you apart for the work of bringing in fruit. Your fruit should last. And whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.” John 15:14-16 NLV

How great it is to be called God’s friend!

Friends share heart to heart, they share one another’s sorrows, they encourage and build one another up. It’s a relationship of giving, of openness, of loving.

“A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17 NLV

“A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLV

We have a friend in Christ – a friend who loves at all times, a friend who stays close by in every situation.

The warmth of last evening will be with me for a very long time. It is imprinted on my heart. It is just another confirmation of how dearly the Father loves me. It is also a reminder of the type of daily relationship He wants to share with me. Jesus said he wasn’t keeping secrets from his friends. God said the same about Abraham, his friend.

“And the Lord said, “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 since Abraham will become a great and powerful nation, because good will come to all the nations of the earth through him? ” Genesis 18:17-18 NLV

I truly believe that God wants to say about each one of us what He said about and experienced with Abraham. He desires to share His heart with us, to not only be our Father but our friend.

Yes, I am grateful for friendship!

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Come & Sing

Dave and I had a wonderful day yesterday. We hope you did too. We enjoy being together, after 50 years we are still each other’s best friends. It’s a gift and we are grateful!

Last night, instead of driving all the way home, we stopped at a hotel for a good night’s sleep. This morning I’m sitting here on the couch, drinking my coffee and writing to you all and I have to chuckle. This hotel suite is close to the same square footage as our RV. It’s a space I am comfortable in.

Dave’s still sleeping and I’m enjoying the quiet. Just the Lord, the little coffee brewer, my keyboard noise and you.

On our drive here we were discussing some decisions we will need to make in the next few months. Nothing that has to be decided today but something we need to begin discussing. You know how that is.

The one thing we kept saying last night as we put different scenarios into the discussion was, “We don’t need to decide this today, we can discuss it and let the Lord lead. He’ll work out all the details. We can trust Him.”

At different times through the night, I woke with these words filling my heart.

“It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 12 You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! 13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” Isaiah 55:11-13 NLT

God’s word will prosper. It will lead us with joy and peace. When we follow Him the events of our life will bring Him honor and be a sign of His power and love. Even the mountains will burst into song. (Sounds like a line from the Sound of Music)

Jesus taught on worry. He asked the question, why do you worry and fret. He went on to say that worrying won’t add an inch to our height.

“Look at the birds. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They have no grain buildings for keeping grain. Yet God feeds them. Are you not worth more than the birds?25 “Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? 26 If you cannot do that which is so little, why do you worry about other things?” Luke 12:24-25 NLV

Dave and I have learned not to follow any decision we don’t have a peace about. The Lord’s faithful to lead and we can trust Him.

“Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.” Proverbs 16:3

Join me this morning, join the trees, the mountains and the birds. Join the chorus and sing praise to the Lord for He is good.

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A Beautiful Reflection

Yesterday we spent the day at the NASCAR track in Arizona. For as many years as Dave and I have been married, NASCAR racing has been a passion for both of us. The last several years we have had the privilege of going to the races here in Phoenix and our oldest daughter and son-in-law have attended them with us.

Last night on our way back to their camper the sun was beginning to set and the sky was filled with hues of gold and pink. As we turned in to their campsite I captured this image. It was so striking!

The first thing I noticed was the reflection the sun had created in the windows. WOW!

Each time I woke up during the night that reflective image kept coming to mind. I had to share it with you. These are the verses I found that I felt the Lord wanted me to share with you as well.

“So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28 ERV

God created us in His own image, a reflection of Him, so to speak.

Then I found these words that Solomon wrote.

“ Just as you can see your own face reflected in water, so your heart reflects the kind of person you are.” Proverbs 27:19 ERV

Our hearts should reflect our character and our character should reflect the nature of God.

“The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 ERV

Just as Jesus reflected God’s glory and nature, we should reflect that as well. God has filled our life with His nature through the promises of in His Word.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4 ERV

Let’s reflect the goodness of God’s character in all we do!

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What Should I Wear?

I used to stand in my closet picking an outfit for the day. My work attire was business suits and heels, and for a little variety there would be a flowing skirt and tailored blouse. Those days are long past.

I still want to look nice and some days deciding what to wear is more difficult than others.

“That’s too tight, or too short, or oops is has a spot.”

I have fun wearing my “Scripture” t-shirts but I can’t fill my closet with them. Yes, deciding what to wear can be a challenge.

Did you know that the Bible has something to say about our wardrobe? I know what you’re thinking, “Kristi, the Bible doesn’t give fashion advice”. Oh, but it does.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 NLT

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” Psalm 30:11 NLT

God wants us to look nice, He wants us to have a fitting attire so He clothes us in strength and dignity, with a splash of joy.

“ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:20-24 NLT

If I read this correctly, we should be cleaning out our closets, getting rid of some stuff. Things like deception, anger, bitterness, and jealousy. We should replace them with new thoughts and attitudes, clothed in the Father’s nature which is righteous and holy.

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

Not everyone will look the same. This wardrobe is versatile. It can be dressy and classic or casual and relaxed. However, it will always glorify the Father and point those around us to Him.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT

Now, go get dressed and have an amazing day!

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Salt & Light

This world needs us! It needs our influence and our perspective. It needs us to be salt and light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

This is our calling. However, we can fail in our influence if we become more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing our Father.

Salt makes us thirsty. Thirsty for the living water that only God can supply. Light keeps us from stumbling in the darkness.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

This world we live in needs both now more than ever.

Have you ever been in the trap of pleasing people? You know, when we try to impress folks with our efforts and our actions. It can be a vicious cycle of doing something nice, waiting for approval, doing something nice again to gain acceptance and kind words.

This type of action can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting.

Jesus knew this very thing and walked away from those situations choosing rather to please God than man.

” In Jerusalem during Passover many people put their faith in Jesus, because they saw him work miracles. 24 But Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and he would not let them have power over him. 25 No one had to tell him what people were like. He already knew.” John 2:23-25 CEV

This account takes place early in Jesus ministry. He had just chosen his disciples and not many people knew Him. You would think that he would want to cater to these people who had just put their faith in Him but instead the Scripture says He didn’t allow them to have power over Him or to control Him and His actions by their opinions.

Sadly, today many Christians are giving others power over them and are making their belief in Jesus and His word take second place to public opinion.

Lord, we desire to stand strong today. Representing You without apology. We desire to please You and not cater to the dictates of men.

“Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.” Proverbs 3:3-7 ERV

We all have a calling to fulfill – shine brightly and add flavor wherever we go!

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Life Is Not A Tweet

This morning I want to present you with another challenge. This is an important question, how well do you listen?

You’ve seen those challenges on FB – do you read a post with no picture attached? If it’s a lengthy post do you read it all or just partially and then skip to the next more “interesting” feed. Twitter’s whole premise is brevity, convey your idea in 244 characters. Make is short!

But life is not a tweet.

True relationships require listening.

Yesterday I had a man check in for his camp site. He was by himself and when I asked, is there only one in your camping group he replied, “yes, I trying this alone; my wife died two months ago”. He talked and I listened. With tears in my eyes, I reached through the window and held his hand for a few moments. Inwardly, I was praying for him and thanking the Father that I hadn’t been in too much of a hurry to listen.

We build relationships by listening.

If you have children or grandchildren you know how important it is to listen. They want to tell you about their day or their favorite game or toy or pet or… They want to be heard and it’s important that we listen.

Sometimes you don’t need to read alot in the Bible to get your direction for the day. That was the case this morning.

“Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.” Proverbs 18:13 ERV

It isn’t always necessary for us to provide a solution or even an answer, what’s important is that we care enough to listen.

“My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger.” James 1:19 ERV

Our Father is always ready to listen to us. He invites us to come with our joys and our sorrows. He welcomes us to come with our problems and our victories. He listens to His children with a loving heart.

But He also wants us to listen to His words of kindness and instruction.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them.” Proverbs 4:20-21 ERV

The challenge: don’t be in a hurry. Listen to the Father’s words, learn from Him. When we learn to listen to Him we will be better at listening to others.

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Common Sense

Wisdom – a commodity to be treasured. Some call it common sense but it’s far from common.

People seek for knowledge but don’t know what to do with it – not sure how to apply it. The application of that knowledge is wisdom.

Here’s the Bible records about Solomon:

“God made Solomon very wise. Solomon could understand more than you can imagine. 30 He was wiser than anyone in the Eastor in Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone on earth, even Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. King Solomon became famous in all the surrounding countries. 32 By the end of his life, he had written 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs.

33 Solomon also knew very much about nature. He taught about many different kinds of plants—everything from the great cedar trees of Lebanon to the little vines that grow out of the walls. He also taught about animals, birds, and snakes. 34 People from every nation came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. Kings all over the world sent their people to listen to him.” I Kings 4:30-34 ERV

When the Lord asked Solomon what he wanted Solomon didn’t ask for money or strength or power, he asked for wisdom so that he could rule well. God blessed him in that way and added the other blessings also.

What is it that you find yourself asking the Lord for? Do you ask Him for wisdom – direction to finish a project, the ability to lead well, understanding of the unknown? The Lord desires to aide us in our day to day life and He will give us the wisdom we ask for – it comes from Him.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. ” James 1:5-6 ERV

I found it “coincidental” that as I was reading about Solormon’s great wisdom that I also started reading Proverbs again. Look at the first few verses there.

” These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings. 7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.” Proverbs 1:1-7 ERV

Let me encourage you to spend time each day reading in Proverbs. Learn from the wisdom that God gave Solomon. If we ask, the Lord will give us wisdom also.

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