Be Prudent

O. T. #1462  "Be Prudent"
June 12, 2019
Proverbs 14-Part 2
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12    

LET IT GLOW

Are you a prudent person? Usually, the word is used in a bad sense, but not in this case.
In the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, the word prudent means cunning; crafty; subtle.

Look at verses 15-16: Only simpletons believe everything they're told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Solomon teaches us to be prudent instead of simple. What are we to be like, then?
Liberty Bible Commentary suggests:

• Consider carefully the planting of your feet and ponder the direction in which you are advancing.
• Fear the dreadful consequences of evil.
• Choose to remove yourself from evil's presence with haste, rather than playing around with it.
• Don't give way to passion. We can't master any situation (without Jesus). Remain humble and not confident in yourself.
• Be cautious and avoid danger.

Try before you trust. Weigh the good and bad, consequences and possibilities. Prove all things and believe not every spirit. (Matthew Henry)

So be a prudent person in a good sense, right? Consider and choose cautiously.

LET IT GROW

Jump back up to our key verse.
As imperfect humans, there will always be a way that seems right to us in the moment, but ends up bringing disaster. Have we experienced a dangerous direction when we thought the way or decision was right?
Going the way that seems right leads us to please ourselves. Opinions and practices appear to be good. But they are actually worldliness and earthly-mindedness.
What sounds reasonable and is attractive to the old nature, may not be God's way for us. We can apply this to cults and "isms." Since their ways are not the right way, because Jesus is The Way, it will lead to death spiritually. Be aware of those deceivers. Let us warn others of their falsehood.

LET IT GO

Be prudent, wise, and discerning.
Watch out for the deceivers.
Stay in God's Word.
Remove myself from evil.

LIndy Lou, the Bag Lady

O. T. #1461 "Lindy Lou, the Bag Lady"
June 11, 2019
Proverbs 11
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1


LET IT GLOW

Proverbs is a book in which God's wisdom is imparted into small sentences. I call them tidbits of wisdom. They fit people and into their lives, be it you, me, family, friends, or the foolish. There is so much for us to learn here. It will help us through life, making the good choices while walking on the right path if we heed it. Yet, it describes the fool and their way of life, which we need to avoid.
Today's focus will be upon verse one and what we can learn from it as women.

How is a wise woman described in the Bible? Joyce Rogers, wife of admirable Adrian Rogers, wrote in her book, Becoming a Woman of Wisdom, these truths for us to follow:

• discerns time and judgment(what to do and when to do it) Ecc. 8:5b-6a
• develops inner beauty, which comes from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit (Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Prov. 30:31
• fears the Lord (Pay to Him humble, childlike reverence, walk in His laws, have respect to His will, tremble to offend Him, hasten to serve Him... Fear God and nothing else. Charles Spurgeon)
• shows evidence of being a Christian (trust Christ and allow Him control in our life)
• blesses the Lord and gives thanks in whatever circumstance you find yourself right now
• submits to Christ and those in authority over us, such as our husband; her head covering, hair, is a symbol of submission.
• is a servant (yields her personal rights as she works to fulfill her God-given assignment)
• is a wise influence (trains children through discipline and example, lovingly)
• when married, she makes homemaking her priority.

Which one do you and I need to work on this week?
Might I add, that a wise woman encourages those in her house, be it husband, children or parents.

LET IT GROW

If you knew me personally, you would be surprised in the crazy things I do. I am naturally a quiet and shy person. I take things seriously. But, don't we all need a time to laugh, get away from the problems in the world that weigh us down? Well, I have some unique ways in helping others do this. I have been dressing up as "Lindy Lou, the Bag Lady." I give away some cooky things from my bag to a chosen woman that meets her situation, or even deacons. I have to have notes for the skit because I get to laughing so hard with the ladies that I tend to forget what is next. Mostly, I have done these to my sister in laws and to teenager girls as I gave my testimony. We have fun while learning some good principles for life.
God has blessed you and me is various ways, so share them with others.

Ladies, we have several examples in the Bible of godly women:

• Mary, the chosen mother of our Savior, Jesus, who had her life turned upside down, but had the greatest task-teaching Jesus.
• The Samaritan woman at the well, who shared Jesus with others.
• Lydia, who opened her home to Paul.
• Priscilla, who helped her husband instruct Apollos.
• Phoebe, who served in the church in Cenchrea.
• Esther, who saved her people, the Jews, risked her life in doing so.
• Jochebed, the mother of Moses, in all she did to train her son to love God.
• Sarah, wife of Abraham, who waited for the right time to conceive a son, yet failed and found grace.
• Noah's wife followed her husband into the Ark.
• Abigail, who prevented David from committing murder of her husband.
• Hannah, who kept her promise to God after she received a son, giving him up to serve God.

There are so many other women who are not in the spotlight of the Bible, were faithful to God.
You, dear sister in Christ, have an important job today, in Kingdom work. Walk on the wind and the rain, serving our Savior.
May God bless you and your family as you serve Him.

LET IT GO

Be faithful in serving in our God-given assignment and loving others to Him.
What is God calling us to do today?

Disciplining Children

O. T. #1460  "Disciplining Children"
June 7, 2019
Proverbs 13

LET IT GLOW

Disciplining children is a difficult topic to discuss. There are so many opinions on techniques. However, God's Word should be our priority for guidance. So shall we dig in and find some gold nuggets for life?

As we read through Proverbs, isn't it obvious that King Solomon listened to his father David? He is an example of a wise son who heard his father's instruction. Although, an example of the scorner who did not listen is Rehoboam, Solomon's son.

Look at verse 20: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Don't we watch those who our children are friends are with? Are they making wise decisions? One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel. We can apply that saying to friendships. They should spend time with people they want to be like. That would include adults, too.

When people need advice, who do they usually seek? They go to their friends first. Now these are the ones who accept them and usually agree with them. But friends are not able to help with difficult problems since they are so much like us. Therefore, we should seek older and wiser people for advise. Wise people have experienced a lot of life-and have succeeded. They aren't afraid to tell the truth. Do we have wise, godly people which we can seek, those who will warn us of the pitfalls ahead?

LET IT GROW

How much do we love our children? Enough to discipline them, correct their ways when wrong, explain why they can't do something?

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chastenteh him betimes.
Proverbs 13:24 KJV

NLT puts it this way, Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

It isn't easy being a good parent. The loving parent takes on the responsibility of nurturing and guiding their children, which is what God tells us to do. Character development is a lifetime job. If we desire wise children, we must teach them right and wrong. Then they will seek wisdom from God when they are an adult. Discipline seems to be going by the wayside. Parents who neglect discipline then others must do it for them, which should not be. Society ought not have that total responsibility.

Now, as a child of God, do we accept His discipline in our life? Do we change our ways? Is "no" an okay answer?


LET IT GO

May I keep company with wise people, not fools.
I need discernment.
Help me accept Your discipline in my life.
Although it is hard to discipline my grandchildren, remind me that it is done because I love them and desire them to do right.

Cheerful Words

O, T. #1459  "Cheerful Words"
June 6, 2019
Proverbs 12
A prudent man concealeth knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
Proverbs 12:23

LET IT GLOW

It is time to take inventory of the words we have used this week. Think about where and how they are used-social media, emails, conversations, under our breath. What were some of the motivations for these words? Do they make us proud or ashamed? Words can encourage or cut us to the bone. Our words have great power for good or bad.

Wisdom is not just having knowledge but knowing when to share it. (Titania Paige, writer for Proverbs 31, First 5 App)

Our key verse shows us that by listening to others, we know if they are foolish or will take wise counsel. Then we can go from there.


LET IT GROW

What kind of power do our lives hold?

• They can save lives. (v.6)
• They help us escape from trouble since our words are not trapping us. (v. 13)
• Bring healing, not cutting words. (v. 18-19)
• Encouraging words cheers a person up. (v. 25)

Today, will our words bring healing and cheer to others?


LET IT GO 

Help me to know when to speak and when to keep quiet.
Use my words to bring healing and cheer up others which I encounter today.

Which Way Do I Go?

O. T. #1458  "Which Way Do I Go?"
June 5, 2019
Proverbs 11


LET IT GLOW

How many times have we stood at crossroads and wondered which way to go? Decisions are difficult to make, sometimes. Knowing God's way and path for us is often had to discern. What is the answer?
Read on, friend.

Have you noticed that the choice of paths is consistently presented in Proverbs? What are some of the characteristics of the path of the righteous or the wise path?

Righteousness means rightness, justice, virtue, in the Hebrew language.

Look at verses 3, 5, and 23:

• (verse 3) Integrity and honesty, guides the righteous people. If our heart's desire is to walk in truth, then the Holy spirit will guide us down the right path. How do we know which way to go when we come to a Y in the road? The way that opens up is the way we should go.  If the door is closed, it is closed. We trust the Lord to open the right door and light the right path. when we pray Prov. 3:5-6, and we are trusting Him with all our heart and in all our ways acknowledging Him, God will direct our path.
• (verse 5) Solomon has been giving us instructions for the right path for God's children to walk on during this study of Proverbs. When we encounter difficulties in life, we can count on wisdom to give us direction. Keep practicing the godly principles. God will direct us, which is repeated here.
• (verse 23) The righteous will desire good. We don't wish hurt on anyone; they desire to please God, finding favor with Him; they preserve peace of a good conscience.

When we are trusting in God with all our heart and walking the path of righteousness, God will give us the desires of our heart. He will place His desires in us. So let us practice what is right. God delights in those who delight in Him.

Delight refers to acceptable, favor, pleasure.

Can I deduct that finding favor with God comes whenever He is our pleasure in life? We desire what He desires.


LET IT GROW

What are some of the characteristics of the wicked or unwise path? We find them in verses 3,5, 8, and 20:

• Dishonesty destroys treacherous people. (verse 3)
• The wicked fall beneath their load of sin. (verse 5)
• Trouble falls on the wicked. (verse 8)
• The LORD detests people with crooked hearts. (verse 20)

The wicked people desire to obtain and retain wealth. Do they think that with it they can control the world? What they sow, they will one day reap. Their sins will find them out. Wealth is not always a blessing. It can cause more problems than we wish for on our path of life.
Here is an old epitaph: What we spent, we had; what we saved, we lost; what we gave, we have. When we do not do good, we are sinning.
Which path are we on right now, the wise path or the unwise path?

LET IT GO

Be honest.
Apply the wisdom principles in Proverbs.
Delight in Jesus.

Life is Like a Storybook

O. T. #1457    "Life is Like a Storybook"
June 4, 2019
Proverbs 10-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Our life is like a story book, others are reading it. Are we pointing them to a forgiving and loving God or to the ways of the world? During trials and problems, is our faith shining brightly or are we living defeated?

We are continuing the characteristics of the wise and righteous man, which Solomon contrasts with the foolish man.

Liberty Bible Commentary tells us:

The man of understanding fears Yahweh and disciplines himself to carefully fulfill his appointed tasks. Yahweh rewards such a man with length of days, gladness of heart, and strength to continue in the path of life. The righteous shall dwell in the land, and they shall never be removed.

Can we face our trials with confidence? Do we have faith like Daniel in the lions den, hope like Moses in the wilderness, and a heart like David so we can face our enemies, with confidence in God?

LET IT GROW

Here is the contrast of the wise and foolish man. How do we recognize a foolish person?

• Doing wrong is fun for the foolish. (v. 23) He gets his enjoyment by carrying out evil plots.
• The fears of the wicked shall be fulfilled. (v. 24)
• When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away. (v. 25) This is because they lack depth of soul.
• Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes. (v. 26)
• The years of the wicked are cut short. (v. 27)
• The expectations of the wicked come to nothing, perishing. (v. 28)
• Destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. (v. 29)
• The wicked shall not inherit the earth, but be removed from the land. (v. 30)
• The forward tongue shall be cut out. (v. 31-32) They distort the truth.

This person can expect a shortened life and eternal death. Sinning with the tongue will be severely judged. (Matthew 12:36) The sluggard has failed to realize that his life is a mission and a message constantly read by Yahweh and others. (Falwell)

What kind of message is our life sending to others-one of wisdom or foolishness?
Do we realize and take seriously that our life is a mission and message being read by God and others?
Like a book, we are being read. Are we pointing others to God or the world?
Are we striving to fulfill our appointed task? Are we using everything we have in order to accomplish this?

LET IT GO

Live wisely, not foolishly.
Continue on the path God has me on for His glory.
Grow in faith and obedience.
Let love live in me today.

Words and Sterling Silver

O. T. #1456  "Words and Sterling Silver"
June 3, 2019
Proverbs 10-Part 2
The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of the fool is worthless.  Proverbs 10:20


LET IT GLOW

Do you have any sterling silver? We received a beautiful platter for our wedding which looked like sterling silver, but over the years, the tarnish revealed what it was made of-too many alloys to be pure silver. (Since the giver was a relative, I would not have told her and hurt her feelings. It was my little secret.) Folks, our words can be like pure sterling silver or mixed with too much impurities.

Today we will be looking at verses 15-22. We read of 7 proverbs which instruct us on the proper use of wealth. Solomon shows us that it is a mistake to think rich people are happy and poor people are undone and worthless. (verse 15) Both types of people can be content, have integrity, and live by faith. We must be careful that our riches does not take us away from the Lord. Remember, He hates pride, which was first on the list we covered recently. Let's take a look at the rich people and learn from Solomon, who was a rich man.

Matthew Henry's Commentary and the New Living Translation give us some insight:

1. The wealth of the rich is their fortress. (verse 15a) It protects them from evil ways.
2. The earnings of the godly enhance their lives. (verse 16a NLT) Their earnings is from a honest livelihood and maintains his family. This man's labor enables him to do for others. Sounds like he sows to the Spirit, involved in Kingdom work.
3. People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life. (verse 17a) When instruction is heeded, their life is enhanced and others as well, which leads eventually to eternal life in heaven.
4. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut, for too much talk leads to sin. (verse 19) It is good to keep a bridle on our mouth and refrain our lips. This is evidence of wisdom.
5. The words of the godly are like sterling silver. (verse 20a) Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper, by weight. That is because pure silver is soft and needs the hardness and strength of an alloy. Did you know that; I didn't. Good men are good for something; bad men are good for nothing. The words of the godly men are pure, can be relied upon, and are just.
6. The words of the godly encourage many. (verse 21a) Their words are full of the Word of God, which is the bread of life and feed us spiritually giving comfort and wisdom.
7. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich and He adds no sorrow with it. The love and grace of God is a blessing which leads to a person serving God with joy and gladness of heart. Thus, we are a wealthy person, in my opinion.

Wow! That is a lot to take in, huh? So if we have extra money, are we using it for ourselves selfishly, or are we helping others? Are we using it in Kingdom work? Are we disciplined enough to not allow our money to lead us down a path of sin, but righteousness? What are we talking about? Is it how to make more money or the Lord's work and His blessings on our life? Is knowing Jesus resulting in joy in our life?

LET IT GROW

What is left to be said here? Solomon said it, a wise man. Our challenge today is to let our words be as pure as sterling silver.

LET IT GO

Watch my mouth.
May my life be rich in faith, love, and Kingdom work.