Foolish and Lazy

O. T. #1495  "
August 1, 2019
Proverbs 27

LET IT GLOW

You know, we get busy and time goes by so quickly that we have to take time out of our schedule to have lunch with a couple of close friends. That is what I did this week. We had fun, laughed loudly in the restaurant, and shared hurts and concerns. We didn't solve each other's problems, but we carried each other's burdens. I consider these ladies true friends.

What are the characteristics of a true friend? Do you have godly friends? This chapter holds some verses about godly friendships. Friendship is a spiritual endeavor and highly valued in Proverbs. How is friendship a part of our spiritual life?

LET IT GROW

LET IT GO
       

One More Time

O. T. #1493  "One More Time" 
July 30, 2019
Proverbs 25-Part 4
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 
Proverbs 25:21-22

LET IT GLOW

How are we going to live in the middle of this? Especially when we have to see them so often, how do I endure? Dear one, we are not alone in this hared situation. Jesus is walking with us, in and though this. If God's Word is our guide for our life, we can't close the Holy Book or click off this site and ignore these standards and instructions given to us. If we love Jesus, we desire to obey Him, even when an enemy causes us to bleed in our soul. So please, don't leave me alone in the midst of this. This is hard for me, too, yet I need it. How about you?

How are we to deal with our enemies? First, we need to define an enemy.
In this verse, an enemy (saw-nay') is to hate personally; be hateful; foe.

First, if we return evil for evil, then the battle will only escalate and harm will come to all parties.
Next, evaluate if there is a reason for them to hate us; have we done something to hurt them, making their actions make sense? Do we need to make things right with them?
Third, how are we supposed to react to their hatefulness, if we have done nothing to deserve this?

• Show kindness by meeting their needs, thus softening his angry feelings by bringing fire to his soul (conviction). (verses 21-22)
• Love them, bless them, do good to them, and pray for our enemies.

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us, but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

• Lend to them, hoping for no returns. Your reward will be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest. (Luke 6:35)
• Be merciful. (Luke 6:36)

Is there anyone who is cursing you, hating you, despitefully using you, or persecuting you? We are told to love them, bless them, do good to them, and even pray for them. Are we willing to deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Jesus?

LET IT GROW


Oh, Sweet Jesus, You tell us hard things. We can't do this in the flesh nor alone. We need your help. I know You forgave those who beat and killed you-Your enemies. Nothing is too difficult for Thee.  Fill us with Your Spirit so these attitudes and actions are not too difficult for us to do. Change us and make us more like You.

I have a sticky note on my desk. I am looking at it now. It has 3 symbols on it, no words, but I know what it says to me and I know it is the right way.

1 ^ x (turn the middle symbol to the right.) It stands for ONE MORE TIME. Jesus is reminding me to do whatever I am struggling with, 1 more time. Love them one more time. Forgive them one more time. Show kindness to them one more time. Pray for them one more time.
We are to be Jesus here on earth, so we must act like Him and be filled with His Spirit.
Well, I have some homework.


LET IT GO

In the middle of this, do it one more time, for Jesus.

Well Chosen Words

O. T. #1492  "Well Chosen Words"
July 29, 2019
Proverbs 25
Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. Proverbs 25:11 NLT

LET IT GLOW


Clarke Commentary gives us a few main points found in this chapter:

• God's glory is in mysteries.
• There are observations concerning kings.
• Avoid contentions.
• Opportune speech.
• The faithful ambassador.
• Delicacies are to be sparingly used.
• Avoid familiarity.
• Amusements are not grateful to a distressed mind.
• Do good to your enemies.
• There is misery in dwelling with a scold.
• The necessity of moderation and self-government.

Shall we pick one topic for today to glean something from it?

LET IT GROW

I wonder why it is that hateful, undeserved words spoken to us seem to stick in our brain and we carry them with us all the rest of our life. Maybe it is the emotion, the pain, that is tied with them. We forgive the person, and strive to be an overcomer, even kind to the person who doesn't deserve kindness. Still, those mean words pop up every now and then. Over and over again, we experience this. When we do not return evil for evil, our golden words are like golden apples in a silver basket. It is through Jesus that we can do this.

Picture this: a silver basket filled with golden apples. Exquisitely beautiful silver baskets used to be made from silver wire skillfully formed into the appearance of delicate flowers. What a pleasing-to-the-eye effect this would be. So are the fitting words spoken at an opportunely time, pleasing to the soul. Whether the words are an observation, a caution, reproof, or advice, they should be smooth and suitable, as well as timely. Well-chosen words will be helpful while blurted-out words in anger will harm, so let us choose well our words.

If we have something to say to another, we better pray first. We need God's perspective. After all, Jesus knew the right words to speak at the right time.

LET IT GO

Watch my words.
Choose them well.

Searching

O. T. #1491  "Searching"
July 25, 2019
Proverbs 25-Part 2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

LET IT GLOW

Let me tell you, this grandma uses the map apps on her phone quite often. It has successfully shown us the way through the big cities, such as Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and Portland. without it, we would probably still be driving in circles. Well, maybe not for a year. But when you aren't sure the of the right way, it sure helps. Friend, are you like me and wondering which way to go today? We should search out the matter, not with a map app, but somewhere else. Read on to find out where.

We can see the things God does, but we may not know the reasons. He doesn't search into any matters, for He knows everything by a clear and certain view. Nothing can be hidden from Him. It is God's privilege to conceal things. It is God's glory and honor to do as He pleases.

In Jeremiah 29:11 NLT, God says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. "

Will we surrender to God's plans for our life? Even in the latter season of our life? Are we trusting Him?

LET IT GROW

Our understanding is limited, you will agree. He would have us search the Scriptures for His mind and will. It is not an automatic thing to know all of His will when we become a Christian. When we desire the truth, we will search for it.
Shouldn't we pray for our leaders to search for God's will and for god to reveal it? Then for all to do it.

Jeremiah 29:12 God continues, "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes."

LET IT GO

Seek, pray, look for answers from God's Word.

Are We Rejoicing?

O. T. #1490  "Are We Rejoicing?"
July 25, 2019
Proverbs 25

LET IT GLOW

Chapters 25-29 are included in the Hezekiah's Collection. They were written by Solomon, but men of King Hezekiah copied them. Copied indicates that the scribes were dealing not only with written proverbs, but also with proverbs that were a part of Israel's oral tradition. Hezekiah, in his anxiety to preserve these sacred words from the past, had them brought together in one sacred collection. (Falwell)

This happened 250 years later. Hezekiah was a righteous king and desired to return to godly wisdom (2 Kings 18:2-8) What were his first acts as king, found in chapter 29 of 2 Chronicles?

• He opened the doors of the House of the Lord and repaired them. (verse 3)
• He brought the priests and Levites together. (verse 4)
• He told them to get rid of the idolatry, filthiness within the Temple and sanctify it, as well as themselves. (verse 5) This was accomplished within 16 days.
• The sin offering was reinstated, Temple musicians and singers returned, and the people freely offered thank and burnt offerings, as the priests and Levites continued their function. (verses 26-35)

How did the people respond to all of this? Verse 36 tells us Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

Are we doing what is right? Are we rejoicing in God's House of Worship? Are we seeking forgiveness of our sins?

LET IT GROW

Jesus exemplified wisdom in His ability to rejoice, weep, and speak hard truth depending on what the situation called for. He was aware of the hearts of others and what would be wise for each circumstance. (Matthew 21:12-14; Luke 11:33-35; John 8:1-11)

LET IT GO

Rejoice in the Lord.

Laziness Versus Work

O. T. #1489  "Laziness Versus Work"
July 24, 2019
Proverbs 24


LET IT GLOW

According to Solomon, what does wisdom produce in us?

• It builds up instead of tearing down as the foolish do. (verses 3-4)
• It produces strength in us. (verses 5-6) If we trip 7 times, we get up again, according to verse 16.
• It gives us strength to advocate others. (verses 11-12)
• It keeps us from showing partiality. (verse 23) 

When we are a wise person, we have strength that can be used to seek justice and help others.
Are we in need of strength? Seek wisdom in the Word of God.
Do we desire to help others? Seek wisdom in the Word of God.


LET IT GROW

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth: and thy want as an armed man. (verses 33-34)

NLT describes what will happen to this lazy person-poverty will pounce like a bandit and scarcity will attack like an armed robber on them.

A person can graduate from college, know a lot of things, even have good qualities, but if they are lazy, they will find it to be the greatest handicap they could have in life. (McGee)

This laziness sounds like a habitual practice instead of working. We can encourage them, but note that some people just want handouts and not do anything for it.
What are we teaching this young generation?

LET IT GO

Study the Word and apply it to my life.
Honor the Lord as I work.

Warnings About Wine

O. T. #1488  "Warnings About Wine"
July 23, 2019
Proverbs 23-Part 3
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. Proverbs 23:22

LET IT GLOW

I have a large yellow bowl which was my mother's. As a child, I watched her make mouthwatering biscuits and luscious homemade rolls in it. It is priceless. I would never sell this bowl.

There are some things which should not be sold at any price. Included is wisdom, self-discipline, and understanding. Theses can only be obtained from Yahweh. He graciously gives these gifts to the lowly. You can't buy them, yet they are pearls of great price (Matthew 13:44-46). Once obtained, they ought never be sold for any price. (Falwell)

We don't need to buy truth with money, for it is available without money and without price.
Isaiah 55:1a NLT tells us,  Is anyone thirst? Come and drink-even if you have no money!

Christ is all of this for the child of God-truth, wisdom, and understanding. Paul told us in
1 Corinthians 1:30, but of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Jesus is our everything we could ever want and need. Come all who are hungry and suffering, disappointed and wronged, to the table of Christ and be set free from all things keeping a holding, causing you to be down.


LET IT GROW

So many lives and families have been destroyed by wild women and  wine. The wise person will heed the numerous warnings about wine which Solomon gives here.

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. for in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it sting like a viper. (verses 29-32, NLT)

Wine used here (mimsak) is the blended wine that was a mixture of water, wine, honey, and spices. To drink this sparkling brew is tantamount to submitting oneself to the bite of a poisonous snake. such venomous brew will cause a man to loosen control of his morals. His speech, walk, and senses diminish. (Falwwell)

What should we do whenever we are in anguish, sorrow, shame, hurting? Go to the Lord Jesus. He has experienced it all. This is what the wise person does. Are we wise?

LET IT GO

Go to Jesus instead of the bottle.
Seek wisdom in the Word and share it.