DAY 30- Proverbs 1
Proverbs 1 contains the wise sayings of Solomon who was David's son and the king of Israel. These admonitions and words of advice are given to us so we'll know how to live right, and to understand what life means and where it's going. It's like an operating manual for life. It teaches what is right, just, and fair. It has something for everyone- the inexperienced, young people, even seasoned men and women.
The whole process starts with learning to bow down to God. Only a fool would turn his back on such an opportunity at wisdom and learning, yet I've been a fool for years. I have passed up thousands of chances to sit at God's feet and learn His ways, gaining wisdom. I can't even imagine how different my life would be had I taken advantage of all those years, all those days I could have spent time learning God's wisdom by having a simple, daily quiet time.
Understanding how to live well, how to have a meaningful life begins with wisdom. Anyone who desires it can have it, and it only takes self-discipline to acquire it. No special skills are required and God gives on-the-job training. The only thing that will stop or delay us from reaching our goal is if we stop pursuing it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Put Her on a Pedastal
DAY 29- Proverbs 31
A good woman is hard to find. Proverbs 31: 10-31 describes the attributes of a good, virtuous wife. It paints a beautiful portrait of an amazing wife. Any man who marries a woman like the one described in this Proverb is indeed blessed beyond measure.
The passage concludes by telling husbands how we should cherish her. "Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!" -v30-31 (The Message)
This passage has two messages for two different readers. Wives can read this scripture and compare themselves to the example given. It is up to them to determine how they measure up and scrutinize areas of themselvess they may wish to change. Husbands should not read this passage and begin to scrutinize their wives and think of all the changes they wish to make in her! As a husband, I need to only work on myself. If I find myself unhappy with something my wife is doing/not doing, I first need to see how I might change to bring about a different behaviour in her. Chances are pretty good that it's my fault and she's reacting to my behaviour. (Sorry, I could give many examples here to prove my point, but I tend to embarrass myself enough already.)
I think, as husbands, we tend to 'settle into' our marriages and over time forget the sense of awe and wonder we had for our wives early in our relationships. I still remember the anticipation, the butterflies in my stomach (you might call it 'giddiness') I would feel when I was on my way to see my girlfriend (who is now my wife). We both enjoyed finding special little ways to show each other how much we loved one another. I can't remember the last time I wrote her a silly little note and left it in her car or on her desk at work, just to brighten her day and tell her I was thinking of her. Instead, we find ourselve IMing, "What's for dinner?" "Do we have a school meeting tonight?"
There was a time when I would have done almost anything for her without hesitation. However, time erodes our passions and we settle into the routines of life. It's not that I love my wife any less; in fact, I believe I love her more than ever. But pressures, jobs, bills, and fatigue have shifted my focus away from how magnificent she is, and what a precious gift God gave me. I pray the Lord will remind me daily so that I might shower her with love and praises, and give her everything she deserves.
A good woman is hard to find. Proverbs 31: 10-31 describes the attributes of a good, virtuous wife. It paints a beautiful portrait of an amazing wife. Any man who marries a woman like the one described in this Proverb is indeed blessed beyond measure.
The passage concludes by telling husbands how we should cherish her. "Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!" -v30-31 (The Message)
This passage has two messages for two different readers. Wives can read this scripture and compare themselves to the example given. It is up to them to determine how they measure up and scrutinize areas of themselvess they may wish to change. Husbands should not read this passage and begin to scrutinize their wives and think of all the changes they wish to make in her! As a husband, I need to only work on myself. If I find myself unhappy with something my wife is doing/not doing, I first need to see how I might change to bring about a different behaviour in her. Chances are pretty good that it's my fault and she's reacting to my behaviour. (Sorry, I could give many examples here to prove my point, but I tend to embarrass myself enough already.)
I think, as husbands, we tend to 'settle into' our marriages and over time forget the sense of awe and wonder we had for our wives early in our relationships. I still remember the anticipation, the butterflies in my stomach (you might call it 'giddiness') I would feel when I was on my way to see my girlfriend (who is now my wife). We both enjoyed finding special little ways to show each other how much we loved one another. I can't remember the last time I wrote her a silly little note and left it in her car or on her desk at work, just to brighten her day and tell her I was thinking of her. Instead, we find ourselve IMing, "What's for dinner?" "Do we have a school meeting tonight?"
There was a time when I would have done almost anything for her without hesitation. However, time erodes our passions and we settle into the routines of life. It's not that I love my wife any less; in fact, I believe I love her more than ever. But pressures, jobs, bills, and fatigue have shifted my focus away from how magnificent she is, and what a precious gift God gave me. I pray the Lord will remind me daily so that I might shower her with love and praises, and give her everything she deserves.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Count On It!
DAY 28- Proverbs 30
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." -v5
Every promise that God made to us is true. His Word is perfect and flawless. It's not enough just to believe that fact- we need to count on it. I rely on His promises just to make it through each day!
A friend of mine recently reminded me of one of God's promises that, quite honestly, had slipped my mind. On this particular day I really needed to claim that promise. I was struggling against feelings of despair and frustration. You see, for a long time I had been praying for God to do a mighty work in my life and in my circumstances. I felt God was absolutely going to bless me by changing those circumstances, but was beginning to wonder if He had changed His mind or forgotten about His promise. It didn't appear to me that He was working on the situation at all!
This particular day I really needed to be reminded of this promise, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." That's a very powerful promise! God was working on my situation right then and promised to complete that work! All I need to do is remain faithful and claim promises. He will complete the work He's begun in me. His word is flawless and I can count on that!
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." -v5
Every promise that God made to us is true. His Word is perfect and flawless. It's not enough just to believe that fact- we need to count on it. I rely on His promises just to make it through each day!
A friend of mine recently reminded me of one of God's promises that, quite honestly, had slipped my mind. On this particular day I really needed to claim that promise. I was struggling against feelings of despair and frustration. You see, for a long time I had been praying for God to do a mighty work in my life and in my circumstances. I felt God was absolutely going to bless me by changing those circumstances, but was beginning to wonder if He had changed His mind or forgotten about His promise. It didn't appear to me that He was working on the situation at all!
This particular day I really needed to be reminded of this promise, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." That's a very powerful promise! God was working on my situation right then and promised to complete that work! All I need to do is remain faithful and claim promises. He will complete the work He's begun in me. His word is flawless and I can count on that!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Witty Banter
DAY 27- Proverbs 29
"Do you see the man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him." -v20 NIV The Message translation says it this way, "Observe the people who always talk before they think - even simpletons are better off than they are."
Sometimes I speak quicker than I should. Yes, I do talk at a rapid pace, but I'm referring to how quickly I respond to others. I don't always take enough time to consider what I have just heard, but begin to reply sometimes before the other person has even finished speaking.
Witty banter is my favorite sytle of writing in television shows and movies. The West Wing was a perfect example of this quick come-back or snappy repartee that I love so much. I think I often approach conversation that way. If I'm so focused on what I'm to say next, I can't be doing a very good job of listening. And I'm certainly not pausing long enough to hear what the other person is truly expressing before I reply to it. That probably doesn't give the Holy Spirit much opportunity to guide my words.
This is not going to be something I can change very easily about myself. I've been this way for a long time. I wonder how many people I could have been a better friend to if I had not spoken in haste, but had listened more intently. I don't even want to know how many times I've hurt someone, created a problem, or simply looked like a fool because I spoke in haste.
I don't want to be this way any longer. It's selfish, has no value or significance, and only seems to stroke my ego. "Lord, forgive me. Help me change the way I listen to others, to pause and think about my words before I talk, and to allow You to speak through me."
"Do you see the man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him." -v20 NIV The Message translation says it this way, "Observe the people who always talk before they think - even simpletons are better off than they are."
Sometimes I speak quicker than I should. Yes, I do talk at a rapid pace, but I'm referring to how quickly I respond to others. I don't always take enough time to consider what I have just heard, but begin to reply sometimes before the other person has even finished speaking.
Witty banter is my favorite sytle of writing in television shows and movies. The West Wing was a perfect example of this quick come-back or snappy repartee that I love so much. I think I often approach conversation that way. If I'm so focused on what I'm to say next, I can't be doing a very good job of listening. And I'm certainly not pausing long enough to hear what the other person is truly expressing before I reply to it. That probably doesn't give the Holy Spirit much opportunity to guide my words.
This is not going to be something I can change very easily about myself. I've been this way for a long time. I wonder how many people I could have been a better friend to if I had not spoken in haste, but had listened more intently. I don't even want to know how many times I've hurt someone, created a problem, or simply looked like a fool because I spoke in haste.
I don't want to be this way any longer. It's selfish, has no value or significance, and only seems to stroke my ego. "Lord, forgive me. Help me change the way I listen to others, to pause and think about my words before I talk, and to allow You to speak through me."
Friday, March 28, 2008
Listening to God's Law
DAY 26- Proverbs 28
Today I feel kind of numb. It's been a very long week. My family has been on Spring Break but I've had to work... and it's been a stressful work week at that! My mind and body are tired and need rejuvenating. The finish line to my 30 day challenge is only a few days away, so I believe the strain I'm feeling could be the result of 'the enemy' attacking me. I'm going to make it to the end, even if I have to crawl across the finish line!
"If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable." Proverbs 28:9 I like the way The Message translates it- "God has no use for the prayers of people who won't listen to Him."
We recently joined a couples bible study and are discussing the significance of prayer. This verse made me wonder how often in my life God has looked at my lack of devotion to Him, when I've turned my back on Him (either deliberately or through indifference) and then determined He had no use for my prayers. It makes me sad to realize that my prayers may have been 'detestable' to God during those times when I was ignoring His teachings, His law.
I am trying very hard now to listen to Him. I want to grow wiser and more obedient, to serve and please the Lord, and to find favor in His eyes. I want my prayers to be worthy of His attention.
Today I feel kind of numb. It's been a very long week. My family has been on Spring Break but I've had to work... and it's been a stressful work week at that! My mind and body are tired and need rejuvenating. The finish line to my 30 day challenge is only a few days away, so I believe the strain I'm feeling could be the result of 'the enemy' attacking me. I'm going to make it to the end, even if I have to crawl across the finish line!
"If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable." Proverbs 28:9 I like the way The Message translates it- "God has no use for the prayers of people who won't listen to Him."
We recently joined a couples bible study and are discussing the significance of prayer. This verse made me wonder how often in my life God has looked at my lack of devotion to Him, when I've turned my back on Him (either deliberately or through indifference) and then determined He had no use for my prayers. It makes me sad to realize that my prayers may have been 'detestable' to God during those times when I was ignoring His teachings, His law.
I am trying very hard now to listen to Him. I want to grow wiser and more obedient, to serve and please the Lord, and to find favor in His eyes. I want my prayers to be worthy of His attention.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
My Reflection
DAY 25- Proverbs 27
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19
Each day I find myself looking more and more carefully at the man I've become (or haven't become) these past 40+ years. I'm not certain whether it is God nudging me to look inside myself or just regret as I've grown older, but now I'm starting to question many of the choices I've made. I am definitely looking more closely at my heart: my motives, my faults, my desires/dreams, my failures, and my character. These are the things that reflect who I am as a child of God and so far I'm not very happy with my reflection.
Through this 30 day challenge I've been praying for more wisdom. Why the heck didn't I start doing that when I was younger?! I want God to change me, and maybe that is what He's doing. By showing me my reflection, He's revealing to me my character and helping me see myself through His eyes. I'm discovering that I have a lot of shortcomings- more than I have room to list here.
I'm regretting the years I've wasted. How much more useful to God could I have been if I had sought Him sooner and more fervently? How much better of a husband, father, son, friend, co-worker, and neighbor could I have become if I had let God show me my reflection sooner?
Good grief! Once again, I find myself relying on God's forgiveness and thankful for His unconditional love and grace.
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19
Each day I find myself looking more and more carefully at the man I've become (or haven't become) these past 40+ years. I'm not certain whether it is God nudging me to look inside myself or just regret as I've grown older, but now I'm starting to question many of the choices I've made. I am definitely looking more closely at my heart: my motives, my faults, my desires/dreams, my failures, and my character. These are the things that reflect who I am as a child of God and so far I'm not very happy with my reflection.
Through this 30 day challenge I've been praying for more wisdom. Why the heck didn't I start doing that when I was younger?! I want God to change me, and maybe that is what He's doing. By showing me my reflection, He's revealing to me my character and helping me see myself through His eyes. I'm discovering that I have a lot of shortcomings- more than I have room to list here.
I'm regretting the years I've wasted. How much more useful to God could I have been if I had sought Him sooner and more fervently? How much better of a husband, father, son, friend, co-worker, and neighbor could I have become if I had let God show me my reflection sooner?
Good grief! Once again, I find myself relying on God's forgiveness and thankful for His unconditional love and grace.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Fools & Quarrels
DAY 24- Proverbs 26
Today's passage in Proverbs was a collection of advice mostly devoted to dealing with fools and avoiding quarrels. A few verses I thought were little 'pearls of wisdom' were as follows (from The Message translation):
"Don't respond to the stupidity of a fool; you'll only look foolish yourself." -v4 "Putting a fool in a place of honor is like setting a mud brick on a marble column." -v8
"You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business." -v17 "A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire." -v21 "When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down." -v20
I think it's important for me to remember the message of these verses. I don't want to become a fool in the eyes of God or in the world's eyes either. I don't want to be the kind of person who is completely caught up in my own desires, laziness, or selfishness. I want to be self-sacrificing, eager to serve, and passionate in my pursuit of God's will for my life.
There are many times I've become quarrelsome (let's not even talk about my brother and I when we were kids). When I'm further away from God, when I'm not praying or reading His Word consistently, I find I am more discontent and irritable. I find myself bickering or looking for a fight, or gossiping. Why? Does that make me feel better? No, but I guess that if I make someone else feel worse, then I'll feel better. Pathetic way of thinking, isn't it? "Forgive me, Lord, for the times I've acted like a fool or strayed from your side and acted with anger."
Today's passage in Proverbs was a collection of advice mostly devoted to dealing with fools and avoiding quarrels. A few verses I thought were little 'pearls of wisdom' were as follows (from The Message translation):
"Don't respond to the stupidity of a fool; you'll only look foolish yourself." -v4 "Putting a fool in a place of honor is like setting a mud brick on a marble column." -v8
"You grab a mad dog by the ears when you butt into a quarrel that's none of your business." -v17 "A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire." -v21 "When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down." -v20
I think it's important for me to remember the message of these verses. I don't want to become a fool in the eyes of God or in the world's eyes either. I don't want to be the kind of person who is completely caught up in my own desires, laziness, or selfishness. I want to be self-sacrificing, eager to serve, and passionate in my pursuit of God's will for my life.
There are many times I've become quarrelsome (let's not even talk about my brother and I when we were kids). When I'm further away from God, when I'm not praying or reading His Word consistently, I find I am more discontent and irritable. I find myself bickering or looking for a fight, or gossiping. Why? Does that make me feel better? No, but I guess that if I make someone else feel worse, then I'll feel better. Pathetic way of thinking, isn't it? "Forgive me, Lord, for the times I've acted like a fool or strayed from your side and acted with anger."
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