“How you handle your trials shows you where your faith is.”~TB
Apparent
It’s easy to say you love and trust God. Those words sound beautiful and assured. But words have very little meaning without action. To love and to trust in anything means to behave in a manner that backs up your sentiment. Sure, loving God is super easy when things are going your way. But where do you go when you are challenged? Are you still singing His Praises?
Detour
It’s very telling where your faith is when your tests and trials show up. The human life experience is filled with detours, trials, bad days, and the like. No one escapes this reality. God imparts wisdom and strategies to those who seek Him. So even in times of extreme frustration, desperation, and despondency, those who connect to Him regularly can endure and prosper. Friends get to know God on a personal level.
Today’s Question
In the bad times, does your love for God still ring true or are those words as hollow as your deeds?
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Proverbs 16
1We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.
2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
3Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.
4The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished.
6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.
7When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
8Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.
9We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
10The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
11The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
12A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.
13The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
14The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.
15When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
16How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
18Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
19Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.
21The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
22Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
24Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
26It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
27Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.
28A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
32Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.
“Whatever your troubles may be, give it up to God so that He may restore you.”~TB
Affliction
Every human has a thorn in their side, a struggle they must bear, an affliction of sorts. This flaw is the reality of humanity and also the constant reminder of our need for God. Friends, we are and never will be perfect. Our flesh is too weak, our minds too feeble, our hearts too fragile. A broken spirit will pass on their affliction to the next person, infecting an already frail ecosystem of sick people. Whatever your affliction is, give your burden to the Lord. When you open up in your weakness, whatever you lack, He will make up the difference.
Healing
Your affliction does not give you permission to hurt others. While you may have experienced harm, you must not turn around and harm your brothers and sisters. This type of thinking leads to the very broken nation we’re in right now. What good comes from repeating the suffering you endured? If you truly seek restoration and healing, go to our Father in Heaven. His answers are wiser than mere human solutions. They require an open and humble ear. To understand His ways you must read His Words. The study of the Word equips your mind to comprehend and apply the healing that God provides.
Today’s Question
Are you ready to give up your afflictions?
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Proverbs 15
1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
3The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
6There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
8The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
9The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
10Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
11Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD . How much more does he know the human heart!
12Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
13A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
14A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
15For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
16Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
17A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
18A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
19A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
20Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
21Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
24The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
26The LORD detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.
27Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
29The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
31If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
32If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
33Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
“Life will always present new opportunities and challenges, so hang tight, calm down, and remember who made you.”~TB
Filtered
This sin fallen world will lull you into the fake belief that Christian life is some perfect-Instagram-able filter, where Jesus protects you from experiencing any pain or hardship. Many of you believe that if bad things happen, God must not be around. How foolish! Read your Bibles and you will see that every single person who took up their Holy employment struggled with many things. Even David, God’s favorite, endured hardship. The enemy uses this false ploy to deceive young believers. The moment you face a struggle, you abandon ship. You cower in fear and anguish over every little thing, because you haven’t done your reading. Friends, use your hardships to deepen your relationship with God. In those moments, double-down in your faith.
Unfiltered
No one gets out of this life unbruised as we are all tested, pruned, pressed, into becoming more and more into the image of our Father in Heaven. To walk the path of Jesus means to catch a glimpse of what He endured to save us. When you understand this truth, go to the ultimate playbook, the Bible, to see how to navigate tricky situations. Troubles do not go away the closer you walk with God. However, because you’ve done your work and you know His teachings, He gives you the grace, strength, patience to endure any and every test thrown your way. So stop looking for the perfect life as a sign that God is good. God is Good because He IS. Calm down, remember the truth, and make Biblical decisions in all that you do.
Today’s Question
How do you respond to your trials and tribulations?
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Proverbs 14
1A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2Those who follow the right path fear the LORD ; those who take the wrong path despise him.
3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.
4Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
5An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
7Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
8The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
9Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
10Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
11The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
12There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
13Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
14Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
15Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
17Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
18Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
20The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”
21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.
22If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
23Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
24Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
25A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
26Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.
27Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
28A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.
29People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.
32The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
34Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.
“If God has set you free, don’t be dumb by continuing on with your broken lifestyle.”~TB
Restoration
Through salvation, you are set free from the bondage that comes from the evils of the world, the devil, and your flesh. God does this so you can live in freedom, so don’t be dumb! But, what does that mean? When you walk with Christ, you begin to see the many dumb practices society pushes onto you. With this new clarity, you have a choice to abandon your old ways and adopt better behaviors. When you stay the course, you begin to crave discipline, hard work, kindness, and humility– all of the wonderful Christ-like traits that the Holy Spirit instills in you when you accept God’s highest gift. Friends, if you’ve received Christ, chose freedom, not freedumb.
Destruction
If you don’t cultivate your relationship with God, the trappings of this world will consume because you were not careful. Friends, be discerning with what you consider to be freedom. Expensive things trap you in a cycle of debt. Toxic people trap you in a cycle of anguish and trouble. Drugs and bad substances trap you in a cycle of confusion and numbness. Envying your neighbor traps you in a cycle of anger and jealousy within your heart. These things do not set you free, they enslave you. Should you choose this modern slavery, connecting with God’s teaching becomes much more difficult. Avoid the traps and turn to Him. Walking with God helps you see the battlefield as it truly is. He shows you the landmines so that you may not become a casualty.
Today’s Question
Do you understand the difference between freedom and freedumb?
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Proverbs 13
1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
5The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.
7Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
11Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.
14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
21Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.
22Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.
24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
“A shattered mirror is no longer useful, so leave the pieces and get a new one.”~TB
Implosion
There will be times in your life where things implode. This could be in the form of family, friends, work, etc. In the moment, it will sting, but before you jump to conclusions, let the dust settle.
Break the Cycle
God’s plan is to free us from bondage and restore our relationship with Him. He will implode circumstances that we need to be ripped out of because He knows we would not willingly leave otherwise. Don’t despair as the shrapnel from the fallout is no longer useful to you.
Leave Behind
The broken pieces of the implosion are the image we hide behind to avoid working on our issues. We hide in an effort to conceal our shortcomings while appearing to not have struggles. This facade helps no one as a false testimony is useless. Leave the pieces behind, so that Christ can heal your wounds, freeing you to be who He intended you to be.
Today’s Question
Are you done with your false image?
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Proverbs 12
1To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
2The LORD approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.
3Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.
4A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.
6The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.
7The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.
8A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised.
9Better to be an ordinary person with a servant than to be self-important but have no food.
10The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.
11A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.
12Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.
13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.
14Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
16A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
17An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies.
18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
19Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.
20Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!
21No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.
23The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.
24Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.
27Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find.
28The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death
“Stay connected with God through the Word so you can detect your misfiring fuses.”~TB
Malfunction
Your mind, body, and spirit are like a machine that needs proper care and maintenance. Routinely caring for them requires a balanced diet. When your diet— especially your spiritual diet— is compromised you will blow a fuse, causing the whole operation to malfunction. When your fuse is blown spiritually, it’s easier for a sinful mindset to take root, blinding you from how far out to pasture you’ve gone. If you find yourself in a constant state of chaos, unrest, anger, fear, or any negative mindset, chances are you’ve blown a fuse.
Diagnostics
Blowing a fuse is part of the human experience. God knows this, which is why the Bible and reflection are great diagnostic tools to help you see which fuse is blown. Like a diagnostic tool used on a vehicle, hook up to God to see what’s what under the hood of your mind, body, and spirit. When you walk with God on a regular basis, it’s easier to discern which fuse needs more attention than others or which fuse has completely shorted. Friends, remember, we cannot fix a blown fuse on our own, our Father in Heaven. So, connect to Him to replace your blown fuses so that you may operate on all four cylinders.
Today’s Question
Is a blown fuse causing problems in your life?
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Proverbs 11
1The LORD detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.
2Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
3Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
4Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.
5The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
6The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
7When the wicked die, their hopes die with them, for they rely on their own feeble strength.
8The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.
9With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
10The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die.
11Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.
12It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.
13A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
15There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt; it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.
16A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
18Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.
19Godly people find life; evil people find death.
20The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.
21Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.
22A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.
23The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment.
24Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
25The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
26People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.
27If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!
28Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.
29Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.
30The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.
31If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?
“Don’t let past trials and tribulations hinder your present with God.”~TB
And?
This world is imperfect, and as such you will get dinged up in your walk with Christ. Part of it is because of the opposition, the world, and your flesh. The other part is that our suffering in this world is a minuscule fraction of the suffering that Jesus endured for us. So, if you’ve been wronged, so what? Every human has transgressed another, so why continue the cycle of wrongdoing? When you sit and fester in your hurts, you stay in victim mode, unable to break free of your self pity, recycling the bad behavior you experienced.
Keep it moving
Forgiving and moving on does not mean you don’t acknowledge your circumstance. It means that you are doing the work to love your brothers and sisters as God loves you. Forgiveness also does not mean for you continually accept wrongdoing. If the environment is evil, then keep it moving. The Bible shares many stories of injustice, but it also shows the importance of accountability. Long suffering and enduring unjust behavior are two distinct things. Learn the difference and act accordingly.
Today’s Question
Are you stuck in a victim mentality?
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Proverbs 10
1The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
2Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
3The LORD will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
4Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
5A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
6The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
7We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.
8The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
10People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.
11The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
13Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
14Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
15The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.
17People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
18Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.
19Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
20The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.
21The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
22The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
23Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
24The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.
25When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
26Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
27Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
29The way of the LORD is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
30The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.
31The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
32The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words
”All things work as God intended, so till your soil, chill out, and be cool.”~TB
Resources
Each day presents new opportunities and challenges. You have a finite amount of resources to till the soil and plant the seeds of your future harvest. The devil’s job is to get you off task and he doesn’t play fair or nice. In those moments, you have two options: be cool and plant Godly seeds, or give in to the chaos and plant seeds of discord. While the opposition will lead you to a poisoned well, you make the choice to drink the poisoned water. No matter which path you choose, the results will show your deeds.
Results
You can only fake your results for so long. Don’t forget that wheat and tares grow together and cannot be distinguished until harvest time, so don’t be fulled by growth. Come harvest time, God will show you whether you’ve been cool or not. Just because you have not yet reaped your harvest— good or bad— does not mean that God is not watching. If you’re cool, He will reward you. If you’re not, well, you reap what you’ve sown. Perhaps if you repent and let God work in you, He’ll hook you up in the next season. So be cool, honor God, and do your work.
Today’s Question
Are you being cool yet?
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Proverbs 9
1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns.
2She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table.
3She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
4“Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says,
5“Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.
6Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
7Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
8So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.
9Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
10Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
11Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
12If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
13The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.
14She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city.
15She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business.
16“Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says,
17“Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!”
18But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.
“Rejoice in the fact that we get to serve a loving and merciful God.”~TB
Have To
A “have to” mindset is where you look at life’s tasks with a tedious and duty-bound attitude. In your mind, things just happen to you and you simply react. This lens makes the viewer see things in such a twisted light, it’s no wonder why people struggle to build a relationship with God! Spending time with God is not a chore nor an obligation. Friends, no one is holding a gun to your head. If something in your life sucks, change it. If you cannot see the joy in choosing to follow Christ, check your mindset, or quit pretending. No joy can come from a forced relationship. If you don’t want to know God, then don’t. Just stop pretending like you’re doing Him a favor with your bogus actions.
Get To
When you understand all that our Father in Heaven has done, is doing, and will do in your life, you can’t help but have a change in perspective. You’re “have to” mindset shifts into a “get to” viewpoint because you know the price that was paid for you. What once seemed like a chain weighing you down is now a joyous and love-filled activity. Know that God loves you and seeks to have a restorative and everlasting relationship with you. His love is unfailing and unyielding, so be glad you get to experience it. Take the time to cultivate an honest and personal relationship. His wisdom brings joy, peace, and contentment. How wonderful it is to get to know Him!
Today’s Question
Are you leading a “get to” or “have to” kind of life?
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Proverbs 8
1Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice!
2On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads.
3By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4“I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people.
5You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.
6Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right,
7for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception.
8My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.
10Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.
12“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
13All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
14Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.
15Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
16Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.
17“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.
18I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.
19My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver!
20I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.
21Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.
22“The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else.
23I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.
24I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
25Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, I was born—
26before he had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil.
27I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
28I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established springs deep in the earth.
29I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,
30I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
31And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!
32“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
34Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!
35For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD .
36But those who miss me injure themselves. All who hate me love death.”
“Stop looking to people, places, or things for things that only God can give you.”~TB
Origin
Every single sin– all the way back to the original sin– is rooted in one basic premise: trying to fill a need outside of God’s will. People look for love, comfort, possessions, revenge, etc. in all the wrong places! The world will tell you it’s ok to shack up with your partner. The devil and your untamed flesh will wholeheartedly agree! Your anger may encourage you to kill someone. Trust me, the opposition will egg you on and then taunt you when you are punished for your crime. Bottom line, nothing good comes from humans arrogantly operating outside God’s will. There are too many dumb outliers in the hands of man that will lead you astray.
Needy
Humans are very needy creatures. We need shelter, food, air, love, support, exercise, coffee (well, some of us), the list goes on and on. Like I said, we’re very needy! When you seek a relationship with God, you will find that in one way or another, He will provide these things for you. The problem is, you’re fighting the world, your flesh, and the devil, which can often temporarily blur the path. This is especially true if you are undisciplined in your walk with Christ. If you are ruled by these three things, you believe that man-made solutions will fulfill you. Friends, no person, place, or thing can give you what you need. In fact, chasing man-made solutions will continually leave you feeling empty. The temporary fix then becomes an addiction of sorts because you need more of it each time you run out. Stop trying to supply your own needs. Seek God first.
Teacher
God is the ultimate provider and if you let Him, He will fulfill every need and then some! God’s love and wisdom are graciously given to those who honestly seek Him. When you understand this fundamental truth, you can then clinically look at your behaviors, thoughts, and deeds. Take a step back and ask yourself, “why am I doing this?”, “does this align with God’s will?”, “Am I relying on my own flawed thinking to justify my sinful behavior?”. Then, ask God for the right answers. In one way another, He will teach you how to discipline and tame your flesh so that you learn to turn to Him in all aspects of your life. Through discipline, the vices and temptations you struggle with cannot enslave you because you know Who gives you what you need. Give all things to God and He will give you everything you need.
Today’s Question
Are you relying on God to fulfill your needs?
Proverbs 7
1Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.
2Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
4Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
5Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.
6While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain,
7I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense.
8He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house.
9It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell.
10The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart.
11She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home.
12She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner.
13She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said,
14“I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows.
15You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are!
16My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
17I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
19for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip.
20He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month. ”
21So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.
22He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap,
23awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.
24So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words.
25Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path.
26For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.
27Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.
