Category: Proverbs

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What To Do…

when you don’t know what to do. Have you ever been there? Needing to make a decision and you’re just not sure which decision is the correct one.

You talk to family, to friends, to a career counsellor and still the correct answer is as clear as mud. What to do?

God’s word promises us answers. Take a look at King Solomon. His father, David, had led the nation of Israel for years. During his reign, Israel became a mighty nation but now his rule and his life were coming to an end; Solomon was to be anointed king. David told his son that these were God’s people and he should lead them with integrity. Take a look at the first thing Solomon did:

“And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. 9 Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

10-11 God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. 12 So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.” I Kings 3:8-12 CEV

Solomon asked for wisdom. The first thing we need to do when making a decision, large or small, is to ask for wisdom. The book of James says is we ask for wisdom God will give it to us liberally. God won’t be stingy or hesitant in the giving of wisdom. We won’t be put on a quota so that after the 12,000th time of asking, God says our allotment is all used up.

In fact, we are told to pursue wisdom more than we do silver and gold.

“God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. 14 Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. 15 Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her. 16 In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along. 18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.” Proverbs 3:13-18 CEV

Wisdom is valuable, it brings long life and honor. Wisdom leads us safely through life.

What to do?

Ask for wisdom and let Her lead us in all our decisions. She will give us God’s direction.

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Free Advice

That expression, free advice, has always been a bit puzzling to me.

Advice comes from life’s experiences so, no advice is really free. It costs someone something. The person giving the advice has lived through an experience and learned a valuable lesson; the person receiving the advice is, most generally, facing similar circumstances and is in need of valuable insight.

Free advice.

The writings of Solomon in the book of Proverbs have much to say about gaining knowledge and wisdom. King Solomon gained wisdom from listening to his father, King David. King David is the one who wrote Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, but most importantly is the chapter that extols the value of following God’s word. He said that the word of God is lamp to light our paths and that God’s word brings life.

When Solomon became king he asked the Lord for one thing, wisdom. He wanted to rule the nation of Israel wisely. He didn’t ask for power or might, riches or honor; he sought wisdom. Read these words that he is giving us.

“Listen as Wisdom calls out!
    Hear as understanding raises her voice!
2 On the hilltop along the road,
    she takes her stand at the crossroads.
3 By the gates at the entrance to the town,
    on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4 “I call to you, to all of you!
    I raise my voice to all people.
5 You simple people, use good judgment.
    You foolish people, show some understanding.
6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
    Everything I say is right,
7 for I speak the truth
    and detest every kind of deception.
8 My advice is wholesome.
    There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
    clear to those with knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
    and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
    Nothing you desire can compare with it.” Proverbs 8:1-11 NLT

Nothing we can desire compares to wisdom. Wisdom is God’s way of doing things. Solomon knew from experience that this was the best way. Business journals, self-help books, in-depth study will fall short without relying on the Lord and the wisdom that He gives.

When we come to the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe, our God and heavenly Father, He will share with us knowledge and wisdom. His word is free to all and it will never steer us wrong. The words of His book have survived the ages, the truth of His word is timeless.

“Bend my heart toward your instructions and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; with your ways, give me life.” Psalm 119:36-37 CJB

Open the pages of your Bible and find the priceless, unfailing, eternal wisdom that comes from Almighty God.

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Sweeter Than Honey

The biscuits and gravy breakfast yesterday morning was enjoyed by all. It started out as a cool and cloudy morning but by breakfast’ end our foreheads were glistening with drops of perspiration in the warm morning sun.

It would be silly to think that any of those who came for breakfast would have eaten enough to keep them satisfied and full for the rest of the week.  I know I’m not.

I’m looking forward to having some biscuits this morning. In fact, I’ve been sitting here thinking about how good they will taste once they are warmed, and I have drizzled some sweet whipped honey over them.

One of my favorite things when I was a little girl was whipped honey. It was a treat to be able to spread it across a warm piece of toast and let it soak into the bread. Each bite delighted my taste buds with a delicate sweetness. I was never satisfied with one bite.

That’s how I feel about God’s word. It’s not enough to eat from it one day a week. I want to have nourishment each morning. I draw strength from the instruction that the Lord provides for me. It is fresh knowledge, applicable for each day, and gives me direction and wisdom.

“The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people.
8 The Lord’s instruction is right;  it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly,
 and they give us light. 9 Worshiping the Lord is sacred;  he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair. 10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10 CEV

We can come to the Bible and dine until we are full. Some days it’s like a banquet, one course after another, each bringing something new. Other days I am in a mood to snack – a little tidbit of encouragement here, a nibble of instruction there and then just a little bit more right before bed.

“My child, listen carefully to everything I say. 21     Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. 22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you.” Proverbs 4:20-22 CEV

What are you hungry for?  Are you ready for a full meal or just a snack with your morning coffee?

Remember, all of God’s word brings life but we are the ones who need to take and eat.

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Plan Your Day

Monday…a new week is starting, what do you have planned? 

It’s possible that you already have important meetings scheduled. Doctor’s appointments, business meetings, interviews…the list goes on. Or maybe you are getting ready to start your summer vacation and have so many last minute preparations – shopping for the small things, reservations, get the car packed, close up the house.

Does your list seem endless?

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 TLV

What – do ALL – yes all!

God is so practical and He wants to be involved in every area of our lives. He just makes things better when we partner with Him in every project.  I recently told you how I would pray over my grocery list and I have found that cleaning goes much faster and better when I set my mind on singing songs of praise as I dust and vacuum.

There was a time when doing those things left me in such pain that I would need several days to recover so I have plenty of reason to sing now that I have freedom of movement.

Today, I will be baking in my RV oven for the first time. My experience with other ovens similar to mine was they didn’t bake well. The ends of the pan would be under cooked while what was in the center of the pan would be burnt on the bottom. So I’ve prayed for a good baking experience. I want to share cinnamon rolls with my neighbors.

“Commit whatever you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works everything out for his own purpose…” Proverbs 16:3-4 TLV

There’s that word again – whatever. Any thing, every thing, whatever we do commit it to the Lord.

Years ago, forty plus years, I sat on a hillside under some live oak trees and heard an old cowboy preacher say that he was thankful that the Lord had planted those trees 30 years before that so we could enjoy ourselves, in the shade, on that very day.  That old preacher saw God’s hand in every good thing. I determined that I wanted to see things in the way he did.

May I encourage you today to look for God’s hand of blessing in everything. Whatever you do, commit it to Him and let the Father cause your plans to succeed.

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Make Your Word Count

We recently had a situation in our neighborhood that created a danger for anyone driving our street. It was really dangerous and had the potential to cause a serious accident or even death. The company responsible for correcting it was aloof and non responsive. Their word was hollow and void of caring. After many tries at communicating the seriousness of the problem we call the sheriff’s office.

They said they would come, they did and were here in fifteen minutes. They kept their word!

Do you remember the old saying, “My word is my bond”?

People used to give value to what they say, to the words they used. Words had importance, value and meaning and now it seems it has just become so much noise or lip service.

To God, words are important.

With them He framed the world and all that is in it. “And God said, light be and there was light”. When God promised Abraham a son Abraham believed God. The Bible says that Abraham wasn’t moved by his and Sarah’s old age, they believed God’s promise.

The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is written about the importance and power of God’s word. Jesus is referred to as the Word. What He says has value and power!

People were healed when he spoke a word; his words cursed a fig tree and caused it to die from the roots up; His Word turned the water into wine and raised the dead. Jesus told the religious elite that from the abundance or fullness of their hearts came the words they spoke. Their words would be used to justify or condemn them. He went on to say that they would be judged for every idle word that came from their mouths.

“A good man will speak good things because of the good in him. A bad man will speak bad things because of the sin in him. 36 I say to you, on the day men stand before God, they will have to give an answer for every word they have spoken that was not important. 37 For it is by your words that you will not be guilty and it is by your words that you will be guilty.” Matthew 12:35-37 NLV

The Pharisees had been plotting against Jesus and even went so far as to say that the works Jesus was doing were of the devil. They were trying to stir up the people against Jesus using their words and Jesus wanted them to know that their words would come back to judge them.

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote these words: “Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

We should be determined to have our words bring life. Life to us and our situations, life to our mate & children, life to our collegues, words of life, peace, health, prosperity and salvation.

“May my words and thoughts please you. LORD, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:12-14 ERV

I desire to speak words that are helpful and good!

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Bubbling Over

When we lived in Montana we had a pond on our property which was fed by an underground spring. The water was clear and any overflow would run down a small ravine watering the plants in the lower pasture.

But one day the pond began to dry up. No longer was the spring feeding the pond. There was nothing wrong with the spring, it was still flowing underground. However, something had blocked its path and it no longer filled the pond.

To the best of our knowledge that something was two young fillies who decided the pond was the perfect place to romp and play. On a hot summer’s day we would even find them rolling in the shallows. What was fun for them, blocked the flow of the very thing they enjoyed.

One of our friends told us we should get a backhoe to dig out the bottom of the pond and get the spring flowing again. Remove the blockage and the pond would fill, probably more than before. It would bubble over.

Our lives are a lot like that spring.

“The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans. 12 Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:11-12 ERV

The words of good people, honest people, loving people are like a freshing spring on a hot summer’s day. They bring life, strength, health. I’m not referring to words of flattery – those words aren’t true. Words of encouragement, words of godly advice and instruction are healthy and beneficial.

But those words can be overlooked, ignored and stomped on causing the flow of fresh water to become stagnant or even worse to dry up completely.

When we fail to give credence to what the Father has had written for our benefit and ignore or denounce the sound teaching of the Bible we run the risk of blocking the flow of life giving water to our lives.

Some say the Bible is old fashioned, out of date, irrelevant to our lives today. That blocks the flow of the refreshing spring.

Love thy neighbor isn’t a nice thought to be contemplated, it is a command of God to be obeyed and embraced. Love is the refreshing flow that springs up in the life of those who are followers of Christ.

“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38 Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

One of the Old Testament prophets, Jeremiah, tells of the nation of Israel walking away from the well or fountain of living waters, meaning the Lord. Let me assure you, a desert people know the importance of life-sustaining water.

Jesus promises living water to all who have faith in Him.

Let’s determine to have our words be a spring of life-giving water. The Holy Spirit desires to flow out of us to bring refreshing to those who are dry. Don’t let anything block the flow!

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Trust is Progressive

As with most things, trust is not a one time experience, it’s progressive.

Any adult who has tried to coax a child or grandchild into jumping into their arms in the swimming pool knows what I’m talking about. The child stands timidly on the side, while you are tell them repeatedly, “It’s ok, I’ll catch you”, knows it takes time for them to trust.

Each time it gets easier for them…trust has been built. There’s a track record that they can count on.

Do you have a track record with the Lord? Have you trusted Him in the small things of life and found Him always faithful? If so, your trust has grown and matured and you have a confidence that He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are standing on the edge for the first time and hearing the Lord say, “Trust me, I’ll catch you”.

This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite trust verses. Write them down, screen shot them, keep them handy. You’ll rely on them again and again. I know I have.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” II Samuel 22:31 ERV

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8 ERV

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.” Proverbs 3:5 ERV

Early in our marriage we were really struggling financially. Two small children to care for, Dave was working long hours but there was barely enough to cover household expenses and even less for groceries. I remember the first time I prayed over my grocery list.

My prayer went something like this. “Lord, you know I need to feed my family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only have $25 . I need a miracle. I trust You.” And off I went.

I was learning to trust.

I did not deviate from my list. The first item, bread, had a 2 for 1 special. Next was eggs, this week’s price 79 cents a dozen, milk, cheese, potatoes, flour, sugar…90% of the items were on special and if I remember correctly, I spent $23.74.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

I wish I could tell you that from that day forward I always trusted the Lord but that wouldn’t be true. There have been times, more than I’d like to admit, that I have done my own thing, trusted in my own knowledge and resources and have neglected to trust the Lord. The outcome was far from stellar.

But when I returned to trusting in my Father’s provision, He was always there waiting to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Trust the Lord with the small things and soon you will be trusting Him with everything! It’s progressive.

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In Capable Hands

When I was very young, I remember my Dad letting me sit on his lap as he was driving.

Now, before anyone starts to tell me how dangerous that was I will remind them this was 65 plus years ago. It was on dirt roads, with no other cars in sight and for two or three minutes at the most.

What stays in my mind and my heart is the love and laughter that we shared in those moments. I trusted my Dad and I knew he would never do anything that would knowingly harm me.

I was in capable hands. I learned to listen and to trust.

Some days, I still feel like that little girl sitting on my Daddy’s lap. There are new situations, new joys, new adventures, new dangers that present themselves. I find myself reaching for my Father’s hand and wanting to crawl up on His lap, listening to His voice and learning from His words.

Of course, now, I’m not speaking of my natural father but of my Heavenly Father.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

We are in capable hands.

We are told to come to the Father WHENEVER we have a need and we will find help! He won’t refuse us. He doesn’t just want us to come when we need something He wants us to come and learn from Him. In this way, He will teach us how to avoid the dangers and pitfalls that are waiting to ambush us.

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

Trust the Father’s capable hands.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

We have the Father’s word that when we turn to Him with a trusting heart He will be there to direct, guide, instruct and provide. He won’t break His word.

There are a few things that I have been talking to the Father about. Things that I need His wisdom and leading in. My knowledge is limited and sometimes I feel like a little kid again, a kid who needs my Father’s help. Maybe you’re experiencing the same kind of thing. I can assure you that when we take these to our Father He will listen and lead us to a good future.

We’re in His capable hands.

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Protection & Sleep

How did you sleep last night?

Mine was interrupted with dreams and not all of them were pleasant. That doesn’t happen very often but when it does my first thoughts after waking are filled with prayers for the people who were in my dreams and then I pray for restored peace in my own heart.

I was a child who was plagued with nightmares. My sleep was anything but restful. In my twenties I read this verse and it became mine.

“When I go to bed, I sleep in peace, because, Lord, you keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 ERV

That really put an end to bad dreams. Now, when I have a dream that unsettles me I pray. As I said the primary focus of my prayer is for those who were in the dream with me. I can’t know if they are having a difficult time and are worried or afraid so I pray for them to be wrapped in peace and then I pray for my own peace to be restored.

Rest is from God. It is His way of “rest”-oring our strength for the day ahead.

I spend quite a bit of time reading Proverbs. I love the nuggets of wisdom and instruction for daily life that I find there. Chapter three is one of my favorites and the first few verses of that chapter have been my primary focus. They give instruction on trusting and following the Lord’s leading and not depending on my own knowledge and understanding.

But this morning these verses lept from the page:

“My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. 22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor. 23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. 25 You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. 26 You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:21-26 ERV

Wisdom, honor, safety, sleep, no reason to fear, trust, protection! These verses are packed with expressions of the Lord’s loving-kindness.

I don’t know what situations I will face today, neither do you, but whatever may come these verses promise us the Lord’s protection.

Safety thoughout our day and peaceful sleep. Those are promises I can hold on to!

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Words on a Page

Some times the best composition is short.

Do you remember having to write essays for English class? I do. It started with the two-hundred word writing and worked itself up to twenty-five hundred words. The regrettable thing about adding more words is it opens the door for exaggeration.

Short concise statements leave little room for embellishing the facts. Adjectives and adverbs are meant to define but all too often create deception.

We are called to be people of integrity. People should be able to trust our words. They should be more than just words on a page. They should convey truth. Jesus told his disciples this:

“You have heard that it was said long ago, ‘You must not make a promise you cannot keep. You must carry out your promises to the Lord.’ 34 I tell you, do not use strong words when you make a promise. Do not promise by heaven. It is the place where God is. 35 Do not promise by earth. It is where He rests His feet. Do not promise by Jerusalem. It is the city of the great King. 36 Do not promise by your head. You are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 Let your yes be YES. Let your no be NO. Anything more than this comes from the devil.” Matthew 5:33-37 NLV

Integrity: the act of doing and saying the right thing because it’s right. It’s not doing what’s right because someone is watching, only driving the speed limit because there’s a patrol car behind you.

Someone with integrity does what is right because it’s right!

“Guard my soul and rescue me; Do not let me be ashamed or disappointed, For I have taken refuge in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness protect me, For I wait [expectantly] for You.” Psalm 25:20-21 AMP

A few years back I read a book by Jon Huntsman, “Winner’s Never Cheat”. Honesty, true honesty, is greatly lacking in our world today. This little book shows how this very successful businessman gained his wealth. He never cheated. He never went back on His word, even when it cost him financially. He protected his integrity at all costs.

Integrity sets a wonderful example for our children.

“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man? 7 The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].” Proverbs 20:6-7 AMP

Lord let my life be lived in integrity as an example to my children, my grandchildren, my friends and to the world. I desire to keep my words simple, true and without embellishment. I desire to live a life of integrity.

Let your yes be YES. Let your no be NO.

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