A Person of Few Words

O. T. #1533  "A Person of Few Words"
Sept. 30, 2019
Ecclesiastes 5

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever taken a few minutes to listen to what people are talking about when they are in the sanctuary? Many times it is about what they did the past week or what happened to them. Do they speak of how the Lord blessed or protected or provided for them? Well, I am guilty. Perhaps I should be a person of few words.

What is Solomon cautioning us to do when we come into God's presence?

• Guard our steps when we go into the House of God. As we attend worship services, we should be honest and reverent. (verse 1)
• Be ready and open to hear as a careful listener with understanding and obedience toward God.
• Be a person of few words, keeping your mouth shut and not hasty with words. (verse 2)
• Fulfill what you vow to God. It is better to not vow than to vow and not fulfill it. (verses4-5)

Hmm. I think those are good words of advice, don't you? Are we listening to God more than we are talking?

LET IT GROW

In verse 8, we read that He that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

Though oppressors be high, God is above them. God is higher than creatures, kings, princes, and angels. He is The Most High over all the earth. Therefore, we should fear and reverence God.
Are we thankful for what He gives us? Are we praising Him for being the Most High God who loves us?

LET IT GO

Make me a person of few words, listening to You speak to me, Jesus.

Being a Team Player

O. T. #1532  "Being a Team Player"
Sept. 27, 2019
Ecclesiastes 4
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. (verse 9)

Thank you for your prayers for my brother. He had a hard time after surgery, with his blood pressure bottoming out. Needless to say, it was a long day waiting in the hospital.


LET IT GLOW

What motivates us to strive for success? In verses 4-6, Solomon contrasts the lazy and workaholics.
Workaholics are often driven by envy, greed, and a constant desire to stay ahead of everyone else. However, the lazy people are not workers, but irresponsible. So what is the answer? Work hard but with moderation. Take time to enjoy the other gifts God has given. Realize He, not us, gives us assignments and rewards. We should keep in mind that position, popularity, and prestige are poor goals for a life's work.

Are we trusting in uncertain riches or in our God? Are we using our riches for His purposes?

LET IT GROW

Are we seeking to be a team member? Life is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Cooperating with others has advantages. We are here to serve God and others. Those who isolate themselves seem to have a trust issue.

LET IT GO

Jesus, remind me to be a team player, working with others.
May I serve You today.

Good morning all,
I am asking prayer for my brother. He is having surgery this morning. His kidney and urethra are being removed due to cancerous tumors. He is 72 years old so recovery may be longer.
Thanks everyone and have a wonderful day with Jesus.
Linda

Everything is Beautiful

O. T. #1531 "Everything is Beautiful"
September 25,2019
Ecclesiastes 3-Part 2
He hath made everything beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Eccl. 3:11

LET IT GLOW


When we go shopping and find a clothing rack with the sign that reads, "As Is," we know what that means. There are flaws. So when we find something we like, we look closely for the flaw. It may be a broken zipper or a missing button or a hole. We don't expect any clothes on that rack to be perfect. And so it should be with people. We should not expect their words or actions to be perfect. After all, we are all sinners. But we do, don't we?
God knows that we are not perfect, yet He has set standards for us. He forgives us when we fail to meet that standard. He is continually working on us , as is, flaws and all. So why do we expect others to be perfect when we aren't? Why is it so hard for us to forgive a wrong they do to us? Can we simply accept others "As Is?"

In God's timing, He is going to make everything beautiful.

Beautiful means fitting. 

Everything that God makes, or that happens, is a gift of God, purposeful, to be desire, and beautiful (fitting). When God sends those things in verses 2-8, they are beautiful. (Hengstenberg)

 Though painful, they are sent for the good purposes of God. They come to us at the fit season. Friends, how can we but accept them?


LET IT GROW 


Take a look at the rest of our key verse. God has implanted eternity in our heart. We can't reason with reasons God does what He does. Simply believe that God is working all things together for our good and His glory, as Romans 8:28 reminds us. So let's enjoy things present and leave the future to God.

Keep in mind that we have flaws, but God does not. Are we trusting God to work things out in our life, in spite of the flaws of ours and others flaws?
Give Him time to make everything beautiful for us, fitting.


LET IT GO

Jesus, make everything beautiful in my life.
I trust Your judgement that all things are fitting for me.

Seasons and Times in Life

O. T. #1530 "Seasons and Times in Life"
Sept. 24, 2019
Ecclesiastes 3
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccl. 3:1

LET IT GLOW

We know that nothing is haphazardly happening. Man does not control the world or time, for God does. Our Sovereign Lord is leading our steps into divine activities for His glory and purpose. Solomon uses the word time some 28 times.

Every purpose has its time. (Matthew Henry)

We have seasons in life-birth, childhood, adulthood, senior, and death. What matters is what we do for God within those seasons. My husband's last Sunday for pastoring our church is this Sunday. It may be the last church he pastors, or not, since we don't know what God has in store for us. At our age, we are ready to slow down.

What is the next conclusion Solomon has about life? In verses 1-8, there are 14 pairs of opposites are used to cover all experiences of people under the sun. There is a time for:

1. birth-death
2. plant-harvest
3. kill-heal
4. tear down-build up
5. cry-laugh
6. grieve-dance
7. scatter stones-gather stones.

God has a plan for all people. Basically, we all experience those thing on this list, if we live long enough. Do we see the cycles in life? Hopefully, we discover that without God, life's problems have no lasting solutions. He will give us strength to go through all of them.

The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God's perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God's timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without His advice. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GROW

 8. embrace-turn away
 9. search-quit searching
10. keep-throw away
11. tear-mend
12. quiet-speak
13.love-hate
14. war-peace.

When is the time for hating? We shouldn't hate evil people, but hate what they do. Love our enemies, remember?

LET IT GO

Help me to honor You, Jesus in my season of life.
Show me those who need Your love and encouragement.
Use me until You call me home to heaven.

                                                                                                                                                                         

Work-Sweet or Sour?

O. T. #1529  "Work-Sweet or Sour?"
Sept. 23, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2-Part 2
       
LET IT GLOW

When you leave a job and go to another, do you leave with a sour taste in your mouth? Or was it sweet?
What is your attitude about your work, what you do? What are your goals? What are your accomplishments? Are your goals to satisfy yourself, then it may be empty, seeking one thing after another, like Solomon. Or is it to serve God and others, which gives us a full life, one that won't leave us sour?

Solomon wrote in verses 17-26, how he considered work vexation of spirit, which is mentioned 4 times in this chapter and a total of 10 times in the book.

Vexation means a feeding upon, grasping after, in the Hebrew language. 
Webster' Dictionary defines it as troubling, irritation, affliction. 

Solomon was saying that he found work empty and troubling his soul.
It's meaningless. He gave up in despair.
Do you feel that way, too?

God knows when we make mistakes, wrong choices, and are misunderstood. He still loves us and knows what we have been through. Do we tell others we are sorry and they don't forgive us? Then we have done what we are told to do. Their unforgiveness is in their head.
So whether we are out in the workforce or at home, we can find purpose. We can show His love by standing for what is right.

LET IT GROW

Solomon decided there was nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. He realized these pleasures are from God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from God? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. (Verses 24-25)

LET IT GO  

Jesus, will you restore my joy in whatever You have me doing?                                          

Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?

O. T. #1528  "Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?"
Sept. 20, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2

LET IT GLOW

Does pleasure bring fulfillment in our life? It is only here today and gone tomorrow, only a memory. Our current society seems to be pleasure seekers. That is why we have so many sports, amusement parts, city parks, and movies. But do they give us meaning in our life?

King Solomon set out to find something to give his life meaning. In verses 1-11, he tried pleasure by:

• using laughter, but it was silly;
• wine;
• seeking wisdom, but found foolishness;
• making gardens and parks, filled with fruit trees;
• building reservoirs to collect water to irrigate his groves;
• buying slaves;
• owning large herds and flocks, more than any king in Jerusalem had;
• acquiring silver and gold and treasures;
• hiring wonderful singers;
• getting anything he wanted.

Solomon denied himself no pleasure. He rejoiced in his work and labor, but in the long run, it was all vanity, empty. "Things" did not produce fulfillment and meaning for this king.
Do you know people like that? They substitute projects, things, activities for the one thing which could bring them purpose and fulfillment-Jesus Christ. He is better than all these things; He is better than life.

LET IT GROW

So pleasures and possessions bring emptiness, according to Solomon. What about wisdom, is it the way to go toward fulfillment? At this time in his life, the king considers it to be not so. (Later, in chapter 12, he thinks differently.) His conclusion is that both wise and foolish people all die in the end. Why pursue wisdom?

We know it is better to be wise than foolish, to live with good judgment rather than spend life in ignorance. Seeking wisdom has definite advantages in this life. Because we are limited in our understanding, it is most important that we come to know God who is infinite and all-knowing.
Solomon realized that wisdom alone cannot guarantee eternal life. Wisdom, riches, and personal achievement matter very little after death-everyone must die. We must not build our lives on perishable pursuits, but on the solid foundation of God. Then even if everything we have is taken away, we still will have God, who is all we really need anyway. God makes it clear that what we do here has a great impact upon our eternal reward. (Life Application Study Bible)

As Christians, we believe living in this world is not all there is. It is our temporary home. Our eternal home is coming, and it will be forever and forever. The only way to spend it in heaven is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Have you, my friend?


LET IT GO

Don't pursue perishable things, but lay up treasures in heaven for the glory of Jesus.
Remind me always, that pleasures are only temporary.
show me Your will so I can do it today.

What's new?

O. T. #1527  "What's new?"
September 19, 2019
Ecclesiastes 1-Part 2
History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. (1:9 NLT)

LET IT GLOW

What's new? Anything new for you today? Basically, we do the same thing day after day. Get up, mingle with people, do our work, come home, mingle with family, go to bed. Does that describe your day? Nothing is not new. But does it have to be so monotonous? Nope. We can have a good morning. Check out how.

Nothing is new under the sun. Could Solomon be referring to the repetition of the elements  in the world-the rising of the sun and its setting, the wind blowing this way and that, and rivers running into the seas? Oh, the weather changes daily, but seasons come and go. Sometimes there is a hurricane or a tornado or flood that causes devastation and shakes us up. but in the overall scope, everything basically repeats itself. They even say history repeats itself. People, generations, events, and things have a short life. This is just the way it is. Hasn't God planned it that way?

So that we are not in the hum-drum of life like a toy train going around and around on a track until the switch stops it, we can get into a monotonous track in life. but, friend, it does not have to be that way for a Christian. As we have a thankful heart toward the things our Creator has daily provided for us, over and over again, our attitude can get us off that track. We can be filled with purpose, seeking God's will daily for us to carry out.

Can we see the greatness of our God today, working in our circle? Do we stand in wonder of all He does? I am thankful for eyes to see the blue sky and green grass, hands to pet my cat, ears to hear my family speak to me and a tongue to reply, a heart that beats normally. How about you?


LET IT GROW


Look at verse 13. Solomon says he is seeking and searching wisdom to understand matters done under heaven. We may live in an evil and fallen world, but we don't have to join then. Protect your heart from them, share the love of Jesus today. Our Creator has implanted eternity in our heart (3:11)
To show we are His child, show kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness.

LET IT GO

Create in me a clean heart.
Let it be a new thing under the sun today.

Does Life Have to be Empty?

O. T. #1526  "Does Life Have to be Empty?"
September 18, 2019
Ecclesiastes 1
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities: all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun? (1:2,3)

LET IT GLOW

How is it going with you, my friend? Are you running here and there? Do you run the kids to school and activities while you run to work? Are we like a cog in a wheel, going round and round, but feel like we are getting no where? Is there meaning in your life today? Are you enjoying the ride along the way?  If not, you are not alone, friend. This book, which God placed in the Bible, gives us answers as the writer Solomon discovered them. Join us as we search out those answers for our individual life, like the Preacher did.

We know that the author is referring to himself as the Preacher or Debater, which was Solomon, David's son and king of Jerusalem at that time. (verse 1)

According to Warren W. Wiersbe, what topic is Solomon discussing in this book?  "Is life really worth living?" is the topic.

What is his first conclusion about life? Life is not worth living because life is full of vanity.

In the Hebrew, vanity means emptiness; unsatisfactory.

Solomon uses the word 38 times. Sounds like he is searching for a purpose in his life and considers it empty. One would think as king of Israel, he would find some joy in doing something, since he is the political head, has servants at his beckon call, has 700 wives, and could do whatever he wished. However, it appears to not be enough for this king.

What are his reasons for the emptiness in life?

• Man is only a cog in a big wheel. What is one person in comparison to the vast world? Life is short and we are insignificant, so why bother? (V. 4-11)
• Man cannot understand it all. The wisest man was baffled about the meaning of life. (V.12-18)
• Man's pleasures do not satisfy. Solomon had plenty of money, pleasure, culture, and fame. These did not last nor satisfy. (2:1-11)
• Death ends all. (2:12-23) Death happens to thefool and wise, poor and rich. Someone else enjoys the stuff and wealth. 

While it is true, living for today does not satisfy, there is more to come in eternity. That should be enough to keep us going.


LET IT GROW

Look at verse 3. All we experience under the sun is meaningless according to Solomon. But he does find the answer to making it meaningful, so hang in there with us.
What does our labor profit?
Profit means preeminence, gain.

This word is used 6 times in this book.
Just temporary goods if our labor is for selfish gain. If it is for the Lord Jesus, then there is no limit and our work could outlive us.

Are we laying up treasures in heaven or on earth?

Lay not up for yourself treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where  thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)


Jesus said that folks. Where is our treasure? Are we laboring for spiritual treasures or earthly ones?
No one can take them away nor can they rust nor be eaten by moths if our treasures are in eternal things. 

I say, life does not have to be empty when we are serving Jesus and others.

LET IT GO

Help me keep my focus onYou, Jesus.
May my labor be for spiritual things.
May I show your love to someone today.

An Empty or Full Life

O. T. #1525  "An Empty or Full Life"
September 17, 2019
Introduction to Ecclesiastes  
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Ecc. 1:1

LET IT GLOW

Does your life seem empty, hollow, or meaningless? We can change that, dear friend. Read on to find out how.

The author of this book is Solomon, the son of David and the king in Jerusalem, Israel. This was before Israel split into two nations-Judah (southern) and Israel (northern). Solomon is the Preacher who calls the assembly of the Jews in order to teach them some wise matters of life. His words were given by the One Shepherd, Israel's Shepherd, Jesus (12:11), in order to lead them down the right paths in life.
Preacher, used 7 times in this book, means assembler, in the Hebrew language.

Solomon was looking back on his life, much of which was lived apart from God. With all his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral. He took stock of his life, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow, and meaningless. (Life Application Study Bible)

Since I don't know how old you dear faithful readers are, wouldn't it be wise of us, at any age, to head Solomon's wisdom and insights? It is never too late to turn around and become a faithful follower of Jesus. He blesses us, so let us be a blessing to Him today.

LET IT GROW

How do we obtain a life full of purpose and meaning?
Solomon is pointing us to the life of profit that is to  be found in Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God and who alone is profit in this life (Phil. 3:7-8).

In 12:13-14, Solomon tells us to Fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Jesus gave a summation-love God with your all and love your neighbor.

I hope you will continue to study with us this book, for it is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values). Life Application Study Bible

LET IT GO 

Jesus, I want to live the rest of my life with meaning and wisdom.
Teach me today. Help me to listen to what you have to teach me and apply it in my life for Your glory.        

Happiness and Meaning in Life

O. T. #1524  "Happiness and Meaning in Life"
September 16, 2019
Introduction to Ecclesiastes

Why are we here? What is the meaning of our life? How is happiness achieved? Are we accomplishing anything good? What good is wisdom, pleasure, work, time, companionship, political power, fearing God, wealth?  Are they really important or not? What about the future?
Are you ready to find some answers? Solomon, the wisest man other than Jesus Christ, answers those questions. Please join us as we learn from this king's findings and experiences.
but first, let's do an overview of this book.


The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives us into the background of this book. Check it out before we begin digging into the Scriptures.

Background:

Title
It is a Greek term used for preacher, ekklesiastes, which is derived from the word ekklesia, translated assembly. This book was read on the special occasion of Pentecost.

Author and Date
The writer is obviously Solomon, since he was the son of David, and king in Jerusalem, as verse 1 identifies. He probably wrote Ecclesiastes no later than 931 B.C.

Themes
Solomon did some evaluating of his life later on, as an autobiography. For much of his life, he squandered God's blessings on his own personal pleasure rather than God's glory. He writes this book so generations will not make the same tragic error. He warns young people to avoid walking through life on the path of human wisdom, but to life by the revealed wisdom of God (12:9-14). Solomon gives consideration to life's unanswerable questions.

If a man gain all the knowledge and experience, all the pleasures of this world, what would be the remaining or abiding benefit or happiness which he would achieve? (Liberty Bible Commentary)

True wisdom is found in God, and true happiness comes from pleasing Him. (Life Application Study Bible)


A profitable life is found in Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God and who alone is profit in this life
(Philippians 3:7-8).

Alright folks, are you ready to dig into this book written by the Preacher?

Favorite Proverbs

O. T. #1523 "Favorite Proverbs"
September 13,2019
Proverbs

Alright folks, this is our last lesson on Proverbs.
It is your turn for class participation.
Look back over all 31 chapters and pick out a couple
of your scriptures that are your favorites or meaningful
to you.
I will share mine:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not not unto thine own understanding. 
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (3:5-6)

A soft answer turners away wrath: but grevious words stir up anger.  (15:1)

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. (16:3)

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (17:17)

Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart
from it. (22:6)

For their Redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. (23:11)

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fearethr the LORD, she shall be praised. (31:30)

What Kind of Woman Are You?

O. T. #1552 "What Kind of Woman Are You?"
September 12, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 10

Take one more look at chapter 31 with me. Here are some
questions for a deep search for us women:

• What kind of woman/wife are we? 
• Are we a virtuous woman, strong, and of valor?
• Does our husband trust us?
• Do we do him good?
• Are we looking after our household and meeting their needs?
• Are we helping those in need?
• Do we fear the Lord Jesus?

How did you do? Are you the kind of woman you desire to be? 

Do you have these characteristics that the Bible instructs us to

have? Isn't there always 

Trust

O. T. #1521  "Trust"
September 11, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 9

Today is a day of remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives in order to help those in need after the evil ones attacked America's Twin Towers 18 years ago-8 EMT's/Paramedics, 60 Police Officers, 343 Firefighters, and 2997 Civilians, and those on Flight 93.


Well folks, this is where I am. Yesterday I had a melt down. So many attacks were coming at me from all directions-family, friends, workers. It was more than I could handle. I closed the door at work and sobbed alone right there in front of the computer. I was at the end of my rope and needed help. Then, I kept repeating the verse, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I needed a hug of reassurance that I was loved. Then I heard my friend talking out front. So I wiped my eyes, blew my nose, and went though the open door for a hug, since she always had one for me. I got it,  too. Jesus sent her my way, just at the right time. We talked and laughed a few minutes, and she went on her way. My friend had no ideal that she was Jesus in flesh for me at my moment of need. Last night I texted her and thanked her for support. Do you trust Jesus to meet your needs?

Did you know there are only 6 verses in Proverbs which have the word trust in them? Four of them use the same Hebrew word, batch (baw-takh"), which means to hie (hasten, go quickly) for refuge; be confident or sure; (make to) hope. 

 Let's take a look at them:

1. Proverbs 3:5-Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
2. Proverbs 28:25-He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. (richly rewarded)
3. Proverbs 29:25-The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
4. Proverbs 31:11-The heart of her husband doeth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Is Jesus our refuge in time of need? Do we run to Him first? Are we confident in Him with all our heart? We may not understand our situation, but our hope is put in Jesus that He will direct us. Hold onto the thought that He is ready and able to richly reward us in His time and way. Dear one, He has got this, my friend. Let Jesus be our refuge and be safe in Him today.

The other two verses are:

1. Proverbs 22:19-That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. The Hebrew word for trust is a different word, but means the same as above.
2. Proverbs 30:5-Every Word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Again, a different Hebrew word is used here, but means the same.

Is Jesus our hope and shield? Are we trusting in Him today?

Pride

O. T. #1520  "Pride"
September 10, 2019
Summary of Proverbs


Anyone prideful? We don't like to think we are, but if we can't answer yes then chances are we are.
Sometimes we need our bubble burst so we are humbled. And don't think the Lord can't do it. Do I ever know about that.
Here are some notable verses which I have highlighted:

• Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (27:1)
• Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. (27:2)
• Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses of an enemy. (27:6)
• As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (v. 17)
• Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. (28:6)
• He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (28:13)
• He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat (satisfied).

Sounds like we need to watch out for pride. I have seen women who lost weight and became so prideful because of the way they looked. I have seen women get a new job that puffed her up with pride. I have seen women loose self control when they became a leader, making their confidence escalate.
So let us stay humbled before Jesus.

How to Treat Our Enemies

O. T. #1519 "How to Treat Our Enemies"
September 9, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 7


Have any enemies? It seems like a strong word to use to describe people, doesn't it? Well, it might depend on what the word means.
Webster's Dictionary describes an enemy as one that is antagonistic (one that contends with or opposes another) to another; especially one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent; something harmful or deadly.

In that case, I have some enemies. Yes, there are some who oppose me and want to overthrow me. Down through the years I have had people upset at me for not showing favoritism. So what do I do about them?

Here are more words of wisdom for us to remember:

• Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. (24:1)
• A house  is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. (24:3)
• It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. (24:23)
• Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble. For the LORD will be displeased with you and will turn His anger away from them. (24:17-18)
• A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (25:11)
• If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. (25:21-22)

I have learned to leave revenge to the Lord. Know what is sad?  He usually brings things on them worse than what I could ever do or think. It is my job to show them the love of Jesus and pray for their change of heart.

Children

O. T. #1518  "Children "
September 6, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 6

There seem to be some themes as we review Proverbs. There are some wise tidbits for raising children, as we begin with chapter 22:

• Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (v.6)
• Even a child is known by his doing, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (20:11)
• Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Physical discipline may well save them from death(v. 15)
• For their (the fatherless) Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their cause with thee. (23:11)

Whether we have children or grandchildren in our world, they need discipline, lest they go the way of evil. They need love and reassurance that God loves them, too.

As children of God, keep in mind that we need discipline, also. His love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me.

A Broken or Merry Heart

O. T. #1517 "A Broken or Merry Heart"
September 5, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 5

Anyone have a broken heart today? Let the love of Jesus surround you and I today. Then you and I will have a merry heart.

Here are some more verses as a review:

• A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (17:22)
• The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (18:10)
• Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. (20:22)

So today, I run to Jesus with my broken heart due to the situations people drag me into. I try to do things for others out of love, but there comes a point when I have to tell them no. Otherwise, I will be

Words

O. T. #1516  "Words"
September 3, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 3

Words can be powerful, whether good or bad. Critical words of years long passed still ring in my head sometimes. Why do the encouraging words not do the same?
I have found a solution-I sing the song "Overcomer." If you haven't seen the new Christian movie yet, I encourage you to do so. It shows how a teenage girl overcame her hardships, trials, and fear. We can all be overcomers, too.

Chapter 15 gives us some encouraging words:

• A soft answer turns away wrath. (v.1) It can disarm a heart full of hate.
• The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright. (v. 2) The right answer is given at the proper time and place.
• Gentle words are a tree of life. (v. 4)
• The lips of the wise give good advice. (v.7)
• A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. (v.13)
• A man has joy by the answer of his mouth. (v.23)
• Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (16:24)
• She opens her mouth with wisdom; and her tongue is the law of kindness. (31:26)
• Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. (12:18)

Our challenge today is to watch our words and let them be soft, gentle, sweet, and healing.

Love Covers All Sins

O. T. #1515  "Love Covers All Sins"
September 2, 2019
Summary of Proverbs-Part 3

I really do want to be a loving person. Some people just make it very difficult for me to love them. Like sandpaper, they rub me the wrong way. The Scripture says that love covers all sins. Doesn't that include God's love covering our sins? What about our love for a person who was hateful to us-does our love cover their sinful treatment toward us? Do we return evil for evil or love for evil?
Did you notice the 3 letter word ALL?
Jesus went through a lot of hateful treatment and He overcame it with love, even when it required His life.. Should we do the same? I can't do it without Jesus giving me strength in my heart. When I love those who don't deserve it, then I am being like Jesus. Wow!

Do we desire to be a wise person? What is some wisdom we have learned in this book?

• Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (4:23)
• For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. (5:21)
• Keep God's commandments, and live; and His law as the apple of thine eye. (7:3)
• The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the forward mouth He hates. ((8:13)
• Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses (covereth all sins). (10:12)
• The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but He delights in those with integrity. (11:20)
• To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. (12:1)
• A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness (cancer) in his bones. (12:4)
• Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. (12:18)
• Wise people think before they act; fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness. (13:16)
• Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. those who love their children care enough to discipline them. (13:24)
• A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. (14:1)

Have you noticed that our attitudes, words, and actions are addressed in these particular verses?
I hear the words God has for me today-love covers all sins.
I don't deserve Your love and forgiveness, Jesus.
I am going to love them with that undeserved love 1 >X, one more time today and another day...........