Sunday, November 6, 2011

Corrupt mouths

Proverbs 6:12-14
A scoundrel and villain who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet,
and motions with his fingers,
who plots evil with deceit in his heart-
he always stirs up dissension.

Do you know people like this?  A few years there was a lady where I work who had been there for 35 years and must have felt that she had the right to say whatever she felt. There were times I would literally cringe when she spoke. She would act one way in front of people and then talk about them when they weren't around.  She was constantly stirring the pot. We all breathed a big sigh of relief when she finally retired.  She was big lesson to me...it's very easy to fall into that gossipy mode when others around you are doing it.

Full View

Proverbs 5:21

For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all his paths.

Full view?!  How scary is that?  God knows everything we do...He examines all of the paths that we take.  As my daughter would say...I am so not ready for that.

At All Cost

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.


Have you ever tried to get something without counting the cost? I know that for me...I usually plan everything out first and weigh the negatives and the positives before deciding if I'm going to do something.  I've never been in a position where it would cost everything I have...and possibly my life....to glean wisdom and understanding from God's Word.  I know that there are many people in other countries that do this all the time...

Friday, November 4, 2011

Is it in your power?

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
   when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
   "Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you." --
When you already have it with you.

Proverbs 3: 27-28

'Tis the season to give. Many folks are creating holiday budgets and thinking about which charity they want to help out.  When I read this verse it made me think about how many times throughout the year some cause or charity that is worthy of help is put in front of me...and I think ...yes, I should help...but, I think....I'll do it tomorrow...when I have more time....or more money....

I don't believe this is what God is asking of us.....

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Hidden Treasure

Proverbs 2: 4-5


4 and if you look for it as for silver
   and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
   and find the knowledge of God.



I work with small children. One of the things I have done in the past is to put pretend gold coins in the playground sandbox and let the children know there is hidden treasure in it.  It's very interesting to see how different the children are in their approach to finding this very special treasure.  They all start out digging eagerly...each of them incredibly excited as the first few gold coins are found.  Then, a few children leave because they see other things that catch their interest like the bikes or the balls.  A few more leave because their friends beckon them.  Sometimes it's hot out and it becomes too much work to keep digging. But, every now and then their is a child will go out day after day in search of this treasure.  I can remember one 4 year old young lady who was excited to search each and every day.  She was even more excited when she found out the treasure was hers to keep!  She would carry a bag outside each day and dig in different parts of the sandbox (it was very large). By the end of the school year this little girl had filled a large ziploc bag with gold coins and other trinkets I put out.  Her desire to find these special treasures was great and her persistence paid off.


Many times in my life in my quest to get to know God better I've been like the first children...very enthusiastic at first but waylaid by the distractions, by other people and by just being plain tired! I want to be like the last little girl.  I want those hidden treasures in the Bible to be mine to keep forever.


How many of you think of God's word as a hidden treasure?


I am reading the Proverbs in 31 Days with Amy at MomsToolBox.com .

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fear equals respect



The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1: 7

I always read this verse before wondering  why we needed to be afraid of God.  It never made sense that you could gain wisdom through fear.  But, when you look at the definition of fearing God as showing reverence or respect then it makes perfect sense.  I do know, that for me personally, when I have a lot of respect for someone, I tend to listen more carefully to what they say and am more willing to follow their advice. 


In what ways do you show your respect for our Lord and Savior?


I am reading the Proverbs in 31 Days with Amy at MomsToolBox.com .