April 18, 2013
Get rich quick schemes and lottery tickets are attempts to gain wealth “hastily,” yet the Bible says such riches will only dwindle (diminish until none remains). But those who save a “little” at a time learn the discipline of money management and their wealth increases. Such people have learned to pay God 1st (tithe), pay themselves 2nd (save) and live off the rest (live within a budget). Have you learned God’s way of stewardship?
April 13, 2013
Words have power. So, the wise person will “guard” what they say. Read Eph.4:29 to receive instruction on what kind of words to say and to avoid. Your words should “preserve life” giving grace and edifying the hearer. Ask the Lord to help you guard your tongue because only His power can help us “tame” it (James 3:8).
April 8, 2013
A very practical proverb for those who desire achievement. It teaches us that the one who is “diligent” (Marked by persevering, painstaking effort; conscientiousness in accomplishing one’s duties; hardworking) will eventually be recognized and promoted to leadership positions. And the one who is “slothful” (Disinclined to work or exertion; lazy; slow and apathetic in behavior) will end up having to work menial jobs just to pay their debts. We make much of education these days, but not enough of hard work. ‘Work hard and don’t quit’ is a good word for those in secular as well as sacred work.
April 4, 2013
The foolish are know-it-alls. They pridefully think they know more that others and will not hear advice. They stumble and fall in the darkness, but will not admit error. But the wise are humble and listen to advice, seeking the wisdom of others before acting. The most profound implication of this truth is found in how one responds to God’s Word. Are you right in your own eyes like the fool? Or will you wisely listen to the Word’s correction, repenting and choosing to obey?
April 1, 2013
As believers we are called to steward God’s creation. This includes the way we treat both God’s creation and His creatures. Those who have a biblical worldview have an appropriate regard and balanced respect for all that God has made. Ironically, even today’s Deuteronomy reading includes instruction on not destroying fruit trees when taking possession of the promised land. A biblical worldview also gives a wise order of priority to our stewardship, rightly placing humanity as the crown of creation and therefore deserving of our highest respect.
March 23, 2013
The one who opens one hand to the Lord, and the other hand to those in need, finds that God’s blessing flows both to and through them. When God finds a giver, He entrusts them with a surplus knowing that they are trustworthy to keep on giving. But a miser never has enough. Misers are miserable, while givers are full of grace and joy.
March 14, 2013
God calls us to be a blessing to the city in which we live. We are to bless and not curse. We are tempted to curse the darkness we see in the culture around us. But isn’t it better to light a candle, than to curse the dark? After all, aren’t we called to be salt and light? Where can you speak a word of blessing over your city today?
March 2, 2013
Worldly riches are temporary and so is the happiness they bring, for they always contain trouble as well. The ‘new car’ smell always wears off. The new roof eventually leaks. Moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. But the blessing of the Lord is eternal and adds no trouble. His blessing cannot be earned, only received. Which do you seek?
February 28, 2013
The more one talks, the greater the likelihood of sinning. The wise man keeps silent, actively listening to others before carefully choosing words of response. Try talking less and listening more today. Ask the Lord to help you hear His voice and to hear the voices of others before uttering a word yourself.
February 23, 2013
The heart without love is easily offendable. It looks for offense and strikes back to defend. It leaves a trail of broken relationships in its wake. But the heart of love is hard to offend because it thinks of others ahead of itself. It has no need to defend or protect because love is its strong tower. Where ever the heart of love goes, healing and reconciliation happen. Are you overly sensitive and easily offendable? Ask God to examine your heart.