“Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” ~King David

Tags

Beauty, King David, Love, Wise Sayings

This translation is from The Message. We all recognize Psalm 23. The traditional translation of verse 6 is “Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life.”

I want to live in the world where God’s beauty and love chase me every day of my life. I do, I do, I do! Imagine seeing every minute of every day that way? Imagine living life that way? Imagine?

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.  Even when the way goes through Death Valley, ’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.  You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. “ ~King David | Psalm 23 (The Message Bible)

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“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.” ~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 10, Truth, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We all know people who have something to say about everything. Is this me? Is this you? Think about it.

It is true that you can’t know something about everything. We all know it. The more I talk about things I am really ignorant about, the less “truth” is contributed to the conversation.

I need to cultivate the habit of listening and learning. That requires that I pontificate less.

“The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.“ ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:19 The Message)

“Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Jesus, King, King David, Psalm 24, Wise Sayings

Who is the King of Glory? King David is a warrior King. He spent much of his life fighting to secure Israel and establish God’s rule there. David, while an earthly King, knows who the real King is. Jesus is the King of Glory! Now that is some good news!

Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. | Psalm 24:7-8

News alert!

We serve a beautiful, majestic, and amazing King!

Good news. Jesus is the King of Glory!

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Abuse, Family, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the abused and keep up the good fight for justice.

“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air [inherit the wind]; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:29)

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” ~Jesus | Matthew 5:21-22

“So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Arrogance, Cynic, Jesus, Judge, King Solomon, Proverbs 9, Scoffer, Wise Sayings

“If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon | Proverbs 9:7-12 (The Message)

News flash!

The wise will love us.

God is in a good mood.

Jesus challenges me “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” King Solomon and Jesus know more than a thing or two.

“God has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around.” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 22, Trust, Wise Sayings, Worship

“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: God has never let you down, never looked the other way when we were being kicked around. God has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” ~King David | Source: Psalm 22:22-24 (The Message)

David has just spent 20 verses talking about how he feels abandoned by God. Seriously, he goes on and on about it. David is depressed and in despair. It is worth reading to put this in context. He starts out by saying “God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing. I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.” Not only is he depressed, he is whining about it to God.

“Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Family, King Solomon, Obedience, Passion, Proverbs 6, Wise Sayings

Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:

eyes that are arrogant,
a tongue that lies,
hands that murder the innocent,
a heart that hatches evil plots,
feet that race down a wicked track,
a mouth that lies under oath,
a troublemaker in the family.

Source: Proverbs 6:16-19 (The Message)

What does God hate? We must watch out for our eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet and mouth. These are issues of arrogance, lies, murder, evil, wickedness, and lying under oath. Got it. This is serious and we know it.

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 21, Wise Sayings

“Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” ~King David  Source: Psalm 21:13 (The Message)

Is Jesus happy or sad with my prayers? I think Jesus may be sad sometimes. I pray and cry out to God about something I want or feel like I need. I am thinking this happens way too often. It is me, me, me all the way. I don’t think Jesus is amused. This isn’t how Jesus taught me. Jesus teaches me to pray: “Your Kingdom come, your will be done.”

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

Tags

Faith, Hope, King David, Psalm 20, Wise Sayings

“That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 20:6 The Message (MSG)

Hope is a big deal. Faith is essential. These are important foundations in the Kingdom of God. With King David, we get a sense of how this can all come together in the new contract (aka covenant) with Jesus. David has hope an answer is on the way. David has faith everything is going to work out.

King David had seen some tough times. He might see some more. My challenges probably aren’t close to what he went through as the King of Israel sought to kill him and his men. But David had a heart after God. King David shows us the way to Jesus.

“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Light, Proverbs 4, Righteous, Wise Sayings

The ways of right-living people glow with light;
    the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—
travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.

Source: Proverbs 4:18-19 (The Message)

Jesus is clear with me. He says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) Jesus makes me a light for all to see. My job is to shine the light of Jesus on everything. Jesus said it so He knows what he is doing. If I was Jesus (and be thankful I am not), I would give me that job. I think some of my wiring is loose.

“The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 19 NASB;MSG

I need to get this in my heart and soul. God has his plan together for me. Now that is some very good news.

Here is the deal. God is God. God is in control. God sees the big picture from beginning to end. The totality of God’s plan for me pulls my whole life together. It is my job to let God play that out in my life. I struggle with this because I want to be in control. God will let me but that isn’t in my best interests.

“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, King Solomon, Money, Poor, Poverty, Proverbs 8, Rich, Wealth, Wise Sayings

Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money,
    and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.
For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 8:10-11 (The Message)

There is a lot of confusion among followers of Jesus about money, wealth, poverty, riches and what God wants for us. This isn’t intended to be an indictment about prosperity ministries but it is intended to offer caution both from King Solomon and most importantly, Jesus.

What is most important? King Solomon makes it clear that wisdom is more important than money. This from a man who was one of the wealthiest of his time. King Solomon suggest spending our time focused on wisdom and not so much on money, careers and wealth.

“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

So, my friend, listen closely;
don’t treat my words casually.
Why should you allow strangers to take advantage of you?
Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?

It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. They don’t have my best interest at heart and are hard-hearted. I need to be wise to discern that reality. I have opened myself up to it before. It is no fun, as we all know.

God has a goal and some wisdom for me. I need to listen carefully and closely. Jesus said “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

I can ignore wisdom but it will lead me to ruin and regret. I will be exploited, taken advantage of and tossed aside. I have good news. Jesus cares. Jesus cares a lot. God is in a good mood. Jesus makes me whole and restores my soul. I don’t have to take the road to ruin.

And so, it seems I have a choice. I need to be careful. I need to listen and act on what Jesus tells me. I need to be disciplined, which by the way, I don’t like. I alone am responsible. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself.

You don’t want to end your life full of regrets,
nothing but sin and bones,
Saying, “Oh, why didn’t I do what they told me?
Why did I reject a disciplined life?
Why didn’t I listen to my mentors,
or take my teachers seriously?
My life is ruined!
I haven’t one blessed thing to show for my life!”

~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 5:7-14 (The Message)

Wise as serpents

“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Life, Psalm 18, Repent, Wise Sayings

God made my life complete
    when I placed all the pieces before him.
When I got my act together,
    he gave me a fresh start.

Source: Psalm 18:20-24 (The Message)

What is my role in all this? God doesn’t invade my body and make me change my mind. That isn’t how it works. I have to change my mind (aka repent). I have to give up and give him all the pieces. I have humble myself and admit that I have missed God’s goal (aka sinned). Many days I am reluctant. God is patient.

What’s wrong with a half-way job? God’s goal is that I have a complete life. I can hear my dad now. In his mind, there was nothing worse than a half-way job. And … he would let me know it if I hadn’t done it well. Not perfect but well. God wants me to have it all and live a complete life. God is God. He can do it. I can’t.

What will God do? God will make my life complete in the work of Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus has paid the price with his glorious sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is raised to a new life and sits in power at God’s right hand. I have life in that work. I am a new creation. I  have a fresh start. God is in a good mood.

“Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, King David, Psalm 16, Wise Sayings

Don’t just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
like brand-names.

Source: Psalm 16:4 (The Message)

God is God. There is only one God. That God is Yahweh, the heavenly Father of Jesus, our Messiah. Consider this. In Psalm 100:3 David says “Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.” This is a big deal and one of the major themes of our life with Jesus. It all starts with “Our Father, who is in Heaven, Holy is your name”. It continues with “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

If I don’t like God, can I just go shop for another God? Our culture seems to be moving in that direction. All God’s are the same aren’t they? Shouldn’t we respect Allah after all? Jesus said “Don’t you ever read the Bible? How God at the bush said to Moses, ‘I am—not was—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? The living God is God of the living, not the dead.” (Mark 12)

Gods are not for sale. God is God. Don’t like the one I have, can’t I just switch like I would switch from one brand of phone to another? Can I upgrade? Isn’t there a newer version ready yet? No I can’t.

 

“I’m not trying to get my way in the world’s way. I’m trying to get your way, your Word’s way.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God is Great, Jesus, King David, Persistence, Psalm 17, Wise Sayings

Who’s way should I seek? King David knows it is God’s way and not his way. Jesus challenges me to put Jesus in charge. God has made Jesus the ruler of God’s country (aka Kingdom). My goal is to do what Jesus wants me to. Some days I just don’t want to. Some days that isn’t my priority. God is gracious and kind to me. Jesus has sent the Power of the Holy Spirit to help me. Now that is some good news.

What is wrong with my way? God is God. God is the only one who knows the plan from start to finish. God is Great. Nothing is impossible with God. Out of nothing God created the universe. I am in no position to questions God’s plan.

What about failure? I must stay on God’s trail. I must not give up. God is in a good mood and His plan will all come together. There is a plan. God is the planner. My job is to stay on the trail and not wander off.

I’m not trying to get my way
    in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
    your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
    I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
    I’m not giving up.

Source: Psalm 17:4-5 (The Message)

“Long enough, God — you’ve ignored me long enough.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Messiah, Psalm 12, Wise Sayings

King David knows he can speak honestly with God. King David is clear about his despair. He feels like God has turned his back on the King and all David can see is the back of God’s head. I can speak honestly with God. There are times I’m in despair. God knows it. Why should I try to hid it? Best to “fess up”.

King David embodies Thanks-Living. Even in his despair, the King throws himself into God’s arms. The King celebrates being rescued by God, even though he hasn’t been rescued yet. I am challenged to live a life of “Thanks-Living”. Am I seeing what God is doing today or focused on what he isn’t doing?

Jesus challenges me to thank God and see what God is doing, not what He is not. God has answered my prayers. God has healed me. God has delivered me from the evil one. God is in a good mood and I know it.

Long enough, God—
    you’ve ignored me long enough.
I’ve looked at the back of your head
    long enough. Long enough
I’ve carried this ton of trouble,
    lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies
    have looked down their noses at me.

Take a good look at me, God, my God;
    I want to look life in the eye,
So no enemy can get the best of me
    or laugh when I fall on my face.

I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—
    I’m celebrating your rescue.
I’m singing at the top of my lungs,
    I’m so full of answered prayers.

Source: Psalm 13

“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Discipline, God's Goal, Hebrews 12, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 3, Wise Sayings

God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole life. Growing up requires discipline from a father. God is in a good mood and disciplines me for a reason. It is out of true love. So, what is the goal of discipline? “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:11)”

Is discipline the same as punishment? The short answer is no. Discipline is a method of teaching a child self-control, confidence, and responsibility. The key to discipline is teaching a child what behavior is okay and what behavior is not okay. … Punishment is quite different from discipline. Punishment may be physical as in spanking, hitting, or causing pain. The focus of punishment is always past tense: “First you did this, then you did this, and now you have to pay the price.” In His mercy, God wiped away all eternal, spiritual implications of our pasts; He doesn’t treat His children according to the rules of punishment.

Discipline is future-focused, always pointing toward future acts. It has nothing to do with retribution and everything to do with redemption. Whereas the purpose of punishment is to inflict a penalty for an offense, the purpose of discipline is to train for correction and maturity. Whereas the origin of punishment is the frustration of the parent, the origin of discipline is a high motivation for the welfare of the child. And whereas the result of punishment is fear and shame, the result of discipline is security. Discipline always holds the child’s best interests, not the parent’s anger, in the forefront. It is never out of control.

God’s goal is for me to love discipline. Now that is tough to do but the more I am disciplined, the more I know and grow. Consider Proverbs 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.”

How do I know that God loves me so very much? Consider Proverbs 13:24 “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” It is in fact proof that I am a child of God when God disciplines me. “It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:5)”

But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
a father’s delight is behind all this.

Source: Proverbs 3:12 (The Message)

“Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 2, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

There is an amazing world out there filled with Wisdom. It is the wonderful world of Jesus. Jesus provides me with great Wisdom. Jesus provides me a life of understanding. God is in a stunning mood. Will I see what God is doing today?

God’s goal for me is to steep myself in God’s word and in particular, a deep understanding of what Jesus had to say. There is so much there. There is a lifetime (or more) of Wisdom.

Jesus challenges me to listen. My choice is whether to do it or not. I choose to listen. I choose to set my heart on understanding.

Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you;
    collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
    set your heart on a life of Understanding.

Source: Proverbs 2:1 (The Message)

Wisdom – Proverbs 2:1

“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?” ~King David

Tags

God's Goal, King David, Love, Psalm 15, Wise Sayings

King David asks God a great question. David talks with God all the time and he asks God a lot of questions. Do I want to have dinner with God? Is that my desire today? What will it take to get invited? All great questions.

David gets an answer from God. It is great to ask the question. Am I open to the answer? Do I hear what God has to say to me? I hear but many times I miss the goal that God has in mind for me.

Jesus simplified it for me. Love! That is it. Love God and love everyone else I know. the goal is clear. The good news is that God is in a great mood. When I miss the goal, Jesus picks me up, sets me straight on what happened and sends me on my way. God’s gift is to make me whole.

Questions are great. Answers from God are better. God has a goal for me. My job is to listen and then act.

I want to have dinner with God.

Psalm 15 The Message (MSG)

God, who gets invited
    to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?

“Walk straight,
    act right,
        tell the truth.

“Don’t hurt your friend,
    don’t blame your neighbor;
        despise the despicable.

“Keep your word even when it costs you,
    make an honest living,
        never take a bribe.

“You’ll never get
blacklisted
if you live like this.”

Source: Psalm 15:1-5

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 14, Wise Sayings

It may not be said out loud but a mark of a foolish person is that in their heart, they feel like there is no God. There are very few people who say out loud there is no God. There are a lot of us who in our heart of hearts doubts that God is and our ruin comes from that core belief.

God is God. God is. God exists. Knowing that makes all the difference in that I have established the core of faith that leads me forward. It is the start and in this case it is a binary decision we need to make in our heart. God is and God is God OR “There is no God”. Which is it?

Once I know that God is and God is God, I now know God (and his son Jesus) is in charge. God is AND God is in charge. I am not.

From those foundations of faith, I can now believe that God is Great and nothing is impossible with God.

Much more comes but the main thing is the main thing and knowing in my heart that God is the start of everything.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
    there is none who does good.

Source: Psalm 14:1

God is God

“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!” ~King Lemuel

Tags

Jesus, Justice, Poor, Proverbs 31, Wise Sayings

Jesus challenges me to speak up for others. There are those who have no voice. There are those who are down and out. God has a goal for me. It is not to be quiet. It is to speak up.

Jesus challenges me to speak out for justice. Justice cries out to be done. God is a God of love and God is a God of justice. Jesus will be the judge. Justice will be done.

Jesus challenges me to stand up for the poor and destitute. If I don’t stand up for the poor, who will? As much as I’ve helped the poor, I’ve helped Jesus. Jesus is clear on that. I am clear on it as well.

Jesus said “I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me. Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me— you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25)

“Speak up for the people who have no voice,
    for the rights of all the down-and-outers.
Speak out for justice!
    Stand up for the poor and destitute!” ~King Lemuel

Source: Proverbs 31:8-9

“If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose.” ~Agur Ben Yakeh

Tags

Offensive, Proverbs 30, Rude, Wise Sayings

There is wisdom and there is stupidity. God is kind enough to alert me to both.

Putting others down and being a rude bully is intended to draw attention to me. If I am so insecure that the only way I think I can look good is to put others down is the height of stupidity.

I don’t like to think I act that way. I need to be careful. It is too easy to fall into the trap, particularly in our new world of technology and social media.

The Apostle Paul advises “Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in the Messiah forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31)

If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself
    by offending people and making rude gestures,
Don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose.
    Churned milk turns into butter;
    riled emotions turn into fist fights.

Source: Proverbs 30:32-33

“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way to heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.” ~God

Tags

God is God, Homeless, Kind David, Poor, Psalm 12, Wise Sayings

God loves the poor and homeless. Of course, I am one of those. I am poor. I am homeless. The good news is that God is God. God is above it all. God is in a good mood … always.

God knows what I need and sends comfort into my soul. God himself speaks. God didn’t delegate this to anyone. God has had enough. God is tired of it.

Jesus heals my heart. Jesus restores me to right standing with God. Jesus makes me a child of God and a full heir into God’s inheritance. Jesus has given me his riches. Jesus brings me in from being homeless. Jesus has arrived.

Into the hovels of the poor,
Into the dark streets where the homeless groan, God speaks:
“I’ve had enough; I’m on my way
To heal the ache in the heart of the wretched.”

Source: Psalm 12:5

Jesus and the poor

“For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Discipline, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 29, Wise Sayings

Discipline is very tough and at the time it is tough to appreciate. My heavenly Father disciplines me because he loves me. God is God. He knows what is in my best interest. I don’t have that luxury.

I can accept the discipline or I resist it and be stubborn. Defiance is not a great road to travel down. It leads me to a place that eventually breaks me. It is not pleasant to see. It is not the road I want to travel on at all.

I want the road of love which includes discipline intended to help me. God is in a very good mood. He wants to see me mature. His gentle discipline leads me to a complete and whole life in Jesus, the Messiah.

“For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, there’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 29:1

“God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight.” ~King David

Tags

Justice, King David Sayings, Love, Psalm 11, Wise Sayings

God is a God of love and God is a God of justice. I must remember both of those things but not ignore the justice part.

God is in business. God’s business is putting things right. It is clearly not my job. It clearly is God’s job. God has put Jesus in charge of his business.

God sets me straight; I don’t set God straight. God is God. God is great. God’s will is going to be done. My focus is to understand and act on what God wants to happen today.

God’s business is putting things right;
    he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall,
    we can look him straight in the eye.

Source: Psalm 11:7

God’s love and justice

“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Evil, God is Good, Justice, King Solomon, Proverbs 28, Wise Sayings

Justice is a tricky thing. For many it is befuddling and confusing. They are seeking justice here in our country. Justice is truly found in God’s country (aka Kingdom) where Jesus has been given all authority.

There is evil in this world. There is an evil one (Satan or the Devil) and some people are clearly evil minded. The daily news reveals it constantly. God gives us a choice whether to choose God (and good) or evil.

We know Jesus and we know justice. We know justice will be served. It may not occur until the day of judgement but justice will be served. God is God.

Jesus taught us to pray that God’s rule and will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. We know what justice looks like. We are ushering it in here in earths countries.

“Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 28:5

“Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fool, King Solomon, Proverbs 26, Truth, Wise Sayings

We all know foolish people. We see them every day on TV or at work. Everyone really knows they are a fool and speaking stupidly.

I have a tendency to jump into the fray. I answer them. I argue with them. I defend myself and others I care about. I get sucked in. It isn’t pretty.

To what use is my response to a fool? Wisdom challenges me to not respond.

So why not respond? I look foolish falling into the fool’s trap. That is not the way of Wisdom. God’s goal for me is to focus on the truth and speak it plainly.

“Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 26:4

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Tags

Godlessness, Grace, King David, Order, Psalm 10, Wise Sayings

King David knows a lot. King David has seen a lot.

What does David know?

• God will show grace on all who obey and follow him. God is in a good mood. God is love.
• God has an order to things. God’s order will prevail. Justice will rule the day.
• In the end, godlessness loses out. It may not look like it today but God is God. Jesus has won the battle. Jesus will judge at the last day.

“God’s grace and order wins; godlessness loses.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 10:16

The Grace of God

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Apostle James, Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 27, Wise Sayings

This is a very common theme that leads to wisdom. So follow the thread from Solomon to Jesus to Paul to James to Peter.

In addition to King Solomon, Jesus challenged us to “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Jesus taught us to pray for “our daily bread”. 

Paul (2 Corinthians 4:16) shows us that “The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”

James (4:15) said the same thing; “You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

Peter challenges us “Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival.” 

So, this is important to God.

God is God. Jesus is in control. My planning horizon is pretty much limited to right now and today.

The only thing certain about tomorrow is that God will still be God and Jesus will still be in control of God’s country (aka Kingdom). The only ones who know anything about tomorrow are God and Jesus.

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 27:1

“Bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Excellence, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings, Work

Our focus for work in God’s world is to work as if we are working for God. That is good work. It gets us solid pay.

God expects a commitment to excellence. There shouldn’t be any question of us producing anything else. We represent Him. He is our employer. He is our boss.

God has a goal for us along with a plan for how we will reach His goal. He doesn’t want us to miss the goal.

There is a principle well worth understanding. Being engaged in what we do for a living is important to God. To disengage from our work is a poor reflection on our commitment to God. The engagement leads to solid pay.

May I focus on doing “good” work.

“Bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay.” ~~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 11:18

 

“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Deals, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Now here is some good advice. King Solomon knows about wisdom.

• Before doing business, we ought to take some time to get to know the people behind the deal. Who are they? What do they value? Why is this relationship important to them?
• It is not all about the deal. It is about being able to do business with people we trust. We can’t trust people we don’t know.
• God has a goal for us. He wants us to build relationships with people. Taking time to make sure that the person who is selling to us is someone we want to have a relationship with is important.

“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 11:15

“Don’t jump to conclusions — there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” ~King Solomon

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Assumptions, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 25, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Uh oh! Here we go.

How often do I jump to conclusions about what I saw or heard? Way too often. More than I like to admit. Probably much more than I actually know.

It is wise advise to not assume and take time to discover what is really going on. Maybe it is what I thought. It is entirely possible that it isn’t what I thought.

God is God. He is the only one who knows for sure. It will be up to Jesus to be the final judge and clearly not up to me.

“Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be
    a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 25:8

“I have missed God’s plan badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my missing your goal—I’ve been really stupid.” ~King David

Tags

1 Chronicles 21, God's Goal, Kind David, Wise Sayings

I know I do it all the time. I look at the facts. Hard to ignore them in my world.

• God’s way is to believe Him and ignore the facts. That is trust. In God’s country (aka the Kingdom of God), Jesus is in charge.
• Cancer? No problem. No cancer in Heaven. He wants His way on earth like Heaven.
• Bank account empty? No problem. He is rich beyond imagination. I am to build up wealth in heaven, not here on earth.
• Facts or faith? Statistics or trust? It is all about trust and faith. God is in a good mood and I must believe that every day.
• God has a goal and plan for me. It is all about trust in Jesus the Messiah.

I should be smart and trust Him. That is all there is to it. May I do what He wants and not miss His goal.

Then David prayed, “I have missed God’s plan badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my missing your goal—I’ve been really stupid.”

Source: 1 Chronicles 21:8

God’s Goal

“Don’t envy bad people; don’t even want to be around them. All they think about is causing a disturbance; they talk about is making trouble.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 24, Wise Sayings

King Solomon has some wisdom for me. It is about “bad” people. Note that it isn’t about evil people which is an entirely different story.

• How does it start? It starts with envy. It is that simple. Maybe it is their wealth or maybe it is their popularity. It is very subtle.
• What is Gods’ goal for me? God wants me to hang our with good people, his chosen people. Jesus is clear in his mission.
• Why is God’s goal important? If I hang out with bad people, their influence will rub off on me. They are nothing but trouble.
• How could things be worse? There are bad people and there are evil people. Evil people are destined for God’s justice. Elsewhere in Proverbs we read that “Good people celebrate when justice triumphs, but for the workers of evil it’s a bad day.” (Proverbs 21:15)

“Don’t envy bad people;
don’t even want to be around them.
All they think about is causing a disturbance;
all they talk about is making trouble.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 24:1-2

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, King Solomon, Money, Wealth, Wise Sayings

I have a goal. I have a plan. I have dreams. They involve money.

What does wisdom say about that?

• What is my goal for wealth? I am overwhelmed with messages about wealth and retirement. They are everywhere I turn. Jesus says “Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Luke 12:33-34)
• Am I willing to wear myself out to get it? Trying to get wealthy will wear me out. There just enough hours in the day and there is always more to do.
• Do I understand that wealth is fleeting? Jesus says “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
• What is God’s goal? God’s goal for me is focus on Jesus and being a good citizen of the Kingdom of God. God wants me to love. God wants me to use my money to be generous to others.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich;
    restrain yourself!
Riches disappear in the blink of an eye;
    wealth sprouts wings
    and flies off into the wild blue yonder.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 23:4-5

Money

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Character, Jesus, King Solomon, Moral, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

My dad was a very wise man.

• My dad always said it is easier to tell the truth than to lie. His logic was that a liar has to remember who he said what to and that is tough to do. Eventually you will get caught. He had a point. He was a wise man.
• We can choose a hard life where we completely miss God’s goal for our life. It is in fact an evil life. It is a hard life. If is not the life God has in mind for us.
• The easiest life to live is the right life, the moral life. God gives us the power as a part of His new plan for us. Jesus shows us the way. God’s goal for us is that we are pure, just like Jesus is pure. We are to be holy.
• What is God’s goal for me? Jesus challenges me to live a moral life. Anything else is an evil life. It is easier to live the moral life. It is uncomplicated and very simple in its approach. My goal is to love. That is it!

“Moral character makes for smooth traveling; an evil life is a hard life.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:5)

“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David

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Insight, King David, Peace, Psalm 34, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise.

• Why is this important? If we stand in awe of God, we will lack nothing. Now this also requires that I go after Jesus. He is available to me but I have to go after Jesus. No sitting around and waiting. Jesus would go off and spend time by himself hearing and seeing what His Father was up to. Hearing and seeing what God wanted to happen. I need to seek Jesus out. He is good. He wants to be found.
• What is God’s goal? We can also be taught how to stand in awe of Him. There are those people of God around us that have insight for us. They have prophetic words for me. They have words of wisdom for me. They see the way and can guide me. God has a goal for me. It starts with standing in awe of Him. He is God. He then wants us to seek Him. Then it moves to us teaching our family about God. We must speak the truth about God and we must seek peace.
• What should I do? I need to tell the truth about the Messiah Jesus and His ways. Opportunities abound. The harvest of souls is ready. The worst lie is the unspoken truth about God being God, good and great. Opportunities abound!!! I should seek peace. It is mine if I pursue it. 

Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

~~Psalm 34:9-14

 

“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon

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Anger, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 22, Temper, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is important. God has a goal for me. It is to pleasant, meek and to encourage others.

• I get to chose who I hang out with. It is important to ignore angry people. I will get infected. It’s a fact!
• Do I have a “bad temper”? We all get angry and have a temper. How frequent is it? Do I have a bad temper? Am I always angry? Something to think about.
• What is the consequence? A bad temper is contagious. Others around us, our family and friends, all can get infected.

“Don’t hang out with angry people;
don’t keep company with hotheads.
Bad temper is contagious—
don’t get infected” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 22:25

Anger

“God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Psalm 9, Safety, Sanctuary, Wise Sayings

King David was a very wise man who had seen a lot. He had real enemies who wanted to kill him.

Where did King David to for help?

• Who is God? God is a God who provides us a safe-house. Jesus is a sanctuary for us.
• What does God want from me? God’s goal for me is to relax. God is God and in charge.
• Why is this important? There are no regrets when we take refuge in God. We are never sorry that we come to God.

“God’s a safe-house for the battered,
    a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
    you’re never sorry you knocked.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 9:9-10

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

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Forget, Forgiveness, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Proverbs 11, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Man, this is tough. Now Solomon was an amazingly wise man. So this is good advice.

Here are three steps. It is interesting in that Solomon links not reacting with forgiving and forgetting.

• Don’t react and say it. Just “hold my tongue”.
• BU. Whether what they say is true or not, I can forgive what they say.
• Forget. It is much easier to not react if it is the “first time” someone says something we don’t like. Forgetting makes that happen.

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” ~King Solomon

Source: Solomon (Proverbs 11)

May I hold my tongue. Really Lord.

Help me. Make me smart. Amen.

“Do your best, prepare for the worst — then trust God to bring victory.” ~King Solomon

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King Solomon, Plan, Prepare, Proverbs 21, Trust, Wise Sayings

God has given us all the gift of wisdom. It is amazing what we learn in the wisdom books in the Bible.

So what is today’s lesson?

• Jesus challenges me to do my best. Jesus is clear what the best is. It is to love. That is challenge.
• It is useful to prepare for the worst. God knows what will happen but I don’t. No matter what, God works out everything for my good. Jesus prepared to be brutally murdered and sacrificed for us. He did not ignore that reality.
• I must trust God. The victory is his, not mine. Jesus knew he would die but he also knew God would be victorious and raise him from the dead. And God did. The worst turns into something better.

“Do your best, prepare for the worst—
then trust God to bring victory.” ~King Solomon

Proverbs 21:31

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, God's Goal, Jesus, King David, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

King David has some great insight into God’s goal for us.

• God is God and God made this world. This isn’t our world, it is God’s. Everything starts with God.
• God put us in charge of the world he has created. We don’t automatically “inherit” things. It is God’s gift to us. It is my job to be responsible.
• Our job is to act on God’s goal for us. God has a plan for us. I must follow up on what God wants me to do.

“You put us in charge of your handcrafted world,
    repeated to us your Genesis-charge,
Made us lords of sheep and cattle,
    even animals out in the wild,
Birds flying and fish swimming,
    whales singing in the ocean deeps.” ~King David

Source: Psalm 8:5-8

“Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Confusion, King Solomon, Meaning, Proverbs 9, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

What does Lady Wisdom say to me?

• I’m living in confusion and impoverished by it. I should leave the land of confusion and begin to live. I have a choice. What will i decide?
• I have meaning in life. Jesus has given it to me. The gift is available to me.
• I should act like I have a life of meaning. Does what I do reflect the wisdom I have in my life? Can others see the meaning and feel it?

“Leave your impoverished confusion and live!
    Walk up the street to a life with meaning.” ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 9:6

“Mark a life of discipline and live wisely; don’t squander your precious life.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Discipline, Foolish, Jesus, Proverbs 8, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

God’s Wisdom

There are a few really critical factors in living a life of wisdom.

• I can’t ignore living a disciplined life. Wisdom doesn’t come by a haphazard approach. When Jesus teaches me a lesson, I must put it into practice every second of every day.
• I must choose to live wisely. I get to decide. I can be foolish if I want to be. I get to decide to live a life based on the wisdom Jesus has given me.
• I must resist the temptation to squander what Jesus has given me. My standing with God is a gift. I can reject the gift of God.

“Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;
    don’t squander your precious life.”

Source: Proverbs 8:33

“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Insight, King Solomon, Proverbs 7, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Here is the deal about wisdom. God has a goal for me. God wants me to be wise.

• I need to be on speaking terms with wisdom. Wisdom needs to be as close to me as family, like a sister to me.
• Insight, in addition to wisdom, is critical to my well being. Insight should be my closest friend, always with me.
• Wisdom and insight together should be my close companions. They go hand in hand like trusted friends and family. They compliment each other.

Talk to Wisdom as to a sister.
    Treat Insight as your companion.

Source: Proverbs 7:4

“People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?” ~King Solomon

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Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 19, Stupidity, Wise Sayings

I find it way to easy to blame God. After all, he is in control, right?

On any given day, at any given moment, that is the easy way out.

Not my fault!

Jesus challenges me to look at my own heart. Jesus knows where evil comes from. Evil doesn’t come from God.

At a fundamental level, I need to look in the mirror. 

“So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Lazy, Proverbs 6, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom is very practical. Nothing is going to happy by lazing around. We all know it but are a few who actually do it. Amazing what they can get done.

Everything starts by first getting out of bed and up and running.

I’m trying to remember all those stories about Jesus sleeping in. Hmm … none come to mind.

“So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?
    How long before you get out of bed?”

Source: Proverbs 6:9

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” ~King Solomon

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Discipline, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 5, Reap, Sow, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Jesus challenges me to be careful about the decisions I make. I must be disciplined in my approach to following Jesus.

I will reap what I sow. There is no way around that.

Jesus makes that clear to me. God’s goal for me is to be disciplined in my love. I must reject the foolish way.

“Death is the reward of an undisciplined life;
    your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.” 

Source: Proverbs 5:23

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 4, Vigilant, Wise Sayings

Heart’s Focus

Jesus challenges me to be vigilant. If I don’t pay attention, I will drift. Jesus has given me the way of wisdom. May I pay attention and not reject him.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” ~King Solomon | Source: Proverbs 4:23

I must watch over my heart. The main thing to pay attention to is my heart. From my heart comes what I think, what I say and what I do. It starts with my heart.

Life starts with my heart. It is easy to believe my heart isn’t important but it is the key. David knew it. Solomon knew it. Jesus focused on it and challenges me to pay attention.

David was known as a man after God’s own heart. May I learn enough to have that said of me. Now that is a real goal to have.

The good news is the Jesus gives me a new heart. I am a new creation in Him. That is amazing to consider. I have been born again.

According to the Bible, the heart is the center not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life.

The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise, upright and righteous, pious and good.

The heart is also the seat of the conscience. It is naturally wicked, and hence it can contaminate my whole life and character. Hence the heart must be changed, regenerated, before a man can willingly obey God.

The process of salvation begins in the heart by the believing reception of the testimony of God, while the rejection of that testimony hardens the heart. “Hardness of heart” evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things.”

We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. | 1 John 3:19–21 (NASB95)

“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 20, River, Strenght, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

God’s goal for me is to know what is right and to store it up in my heart.

I must constantly contemplate on what Jesus tells me. I must store up the words of Jesus like deep water. The drought will come. The river in my heart will help me through the days and weeks.

When there is trouble, where does my strength come from? It comes deep with the treasure of Jesus’ words, hid deep in my heart.

Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within. ” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:5)

“I’m up again—rested, tall and steady, fearless before the enemy mobs coming at me from all sides.” ~~King David

Tags

David, Enemy, Fearless, Jesus, Messiah, Psalm 3, Rest, Wise Sayings

In God, i have rest. Even though i know i am  at war, I rest, confident that God will see me through.

Perfect love brings me peace. The is no fear in His world. He is in charge and I can rest.

What a gift from our Father. His goal for me will be achieved. My enemy can’t touch me when I trust in Him.

So … I go to bed confident. God is God. God has put Jesus in charge of everything. I can be fearless.

I wake up rested and strong. I wake up fearless in Jesus, my Messiah.

I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady, fearless before the enemy mobs coming at me from all sides.” ~~King David (Psalm 3:5-6)

“Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.” ~King Solomon

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Fools, Jesus, King Solomon, Listen, Proverbs 18, Wise Sayings

Fools

I am a fool. Many times I run off at the mouth. I think what I have to say is important and I don’t care what others have to say.

Discourse involves asking questions (wise ones) and listening.

The best conversations are where I ask lots of relevant questions and really listen. God’s goal for me is to be wise. That requires “wise” listening.

That is wisdom.

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth. ~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 18:2

“Real help comes from God.” ~King David

Tags

Blessing, Help, Jesus, King David, Psalm 3, Wise Sayings

There is help and then there is real help. Real help comes from God.

I don’t know about others, but I don’t like to ask for help. I don’t like to feel like I am putting others out of the way.

I like to “be in control.”

I am reflecting on whether this carries over into my relationship with God. He loves to helps like a father loves helping his children.

Real help comes from Jesus. I need to seek His solutions, not mine.

His blessing is all I need. It clothes me in His eternal glory. He is good all the time.

May I look for the help that comes from God.

Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people! Psalm 3:8

“A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.” ~~King Solomon

Tags

Harvest, Jesus, King Solomon, Patience, Plant, Wise Sayings

Harvest

God created a world where one thing leads to another. It is not always immediate but eventually planting will produce a crop.

The reverse is also important wisdom. If I don’t do something, nothing is going to happen. Zip, Zilch, Nada, nothing.

There is wisdom in being industrious and not lazy.

God is God. His ways are firm and I can’t change them.

May I plant the right seeds to produce a great harvest.

May I be patient to wait on the results

A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall. ” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 20:4)

“Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Heart, King Solomon, Proverbs 3, Trust, Wise Sayings

I think I am pretty clever some days. I think I can figure it all out.

AND then I run into the wall with something and I realize I am not as clever as I like to think I am. My understanding is not what our LORD wants.

If the victory is to be His, I have to trust Him with all my heart. I have to emotionally connect with what He wants not what I understand.

May I trust him from the bottom of my heart.

May I do it now.

What is He saying?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! (Proverbs 3:5 The Message Bible)

“God charts the road you take. The road the wicked take is Skid Row.” ~King David

Tags

Blossom, Fruit, Jesus, Psalm 1, Skid Row, Wicked, Wise Sayings

There is a distinction between those that God has redeemed and those he hasn’t. Those in right standing with Him are like the tree of life replanted in Eden.

Eternal life is mine. I will never loose my fruit. I will never drop a leaf. I will always blossom.

Another way of seeing it is the road we are on with Jesus. The redeemed have our way laid out by God. The wicked are on Skid Row.

May I stay on the road with Jesus and bear fruit for His world.

You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. Psalm 1:3-6

“You’re more than happy when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.” ~King David

Tags

Happiness, Happy, Jesus, King David Sayings, Obedience, Psalm, Psalm 119, Wise Sayings

How can I be happy? How can I be more than happy? It is pretty simple and straight forward.

King David knows the answer is in following God’s directions.

I need to do my best to find Him in everything. I can go my own way and I can go His way. That is the choice that I have every moment of every day.

Happiness, true happiness, comes from keeping one foot in front of another on the road that Jesus wants me to be on.

Jesus speaks to my heart in a frank and direct way. For that I am very thankful. I hear him. Will I listen and do what He has in mind for me?

You’re more than happy when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set. You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.

Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. I’m going to do what you tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. Psalm 119:1-8

“Know that the LORD is God.” ~King David

Tags

Faithful, God is God, God is Good, King David, Love, Psalm, Psalm 100, Thanksgiving, Wise Sayings

God is so good. He is in a good mood all the time.

Jesus, God’s son, loves and never stops loving. He is loyal and faithful to us all.

God is God. There are none others. Not money or credit cards or 401k’s can save us from missing God’s goal for our lives.

Jesus, the Messiah, alone is worthy of our faith and love.

So, let’s shout it out!!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

“God is a safe place to be.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Help, King David, Psalm 62, Safety, Wise Sayings

How can I help?

I can trust lots of people or things. I can trust my wife and family. I can trust my credit card. There are lots of places I can turn for help

King David knows that God is whom we should trust. I should lay my life on the line for him. God is here to help me. That is the truth. God is a safe harbor.

Jesus challenges me to love God. There is safety in know that God loves me and is in a good mood. God can do anything and more than I could ever imagine.

My help and glory are in God
    —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
    lay your lives on the line for him.
    God is a safe place to be.

Source: Psalm 62:7 MSG – My help and glory are in God – Bible Gateway

“The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Devious, Honesty, Integrity, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

Integrity

God’s way is the way of integrity. God sent Jesus to show me what integrity looks like. Now I know.

It is core to who Jesus is and it is core to who Jesus wants me to be.

The question I ask myself is “What does God want me to do?”

The answer is the answer of integrity. Anything else leads to my ruin.

The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin..” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:3)

“Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ~King David

Tags

Delight, Desire, Jesus, King David, Psalm 37, Wise Sayings

The first thing I need to do everyday is find out what pleases God. What is going to delight Jesus? What will cause Him to be “tickled pink”?

That is the central question minute by minute. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. He taught us to pray, “Your will be done”.

And so, I set out to delight in God.

When I am lined up with God and delighting Him, He will give me the what I long for in the depth of my heart and soul. It is that simple.

Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~~King David (Psalm 37:4)

 

"The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Down to Earth, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

Ah, now there we go. Down to earth people. We all seem to admire them. But is that said of me? Am I down to earth?

Jesus was “down to earth”. From the rich, to the poor, they were attracted to him. “Sinners” and outcasts sought him out.  He was anything but “stuck up”.

And … He stood firm. He was grounded in doing what his Father had sent him here to do. He is our model of “down to earth”.

The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:2)

“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Friendship, King Solomon, Love, Proverbs 17, Wise Sayings

Love of God

I get offended. Probably way too easy. Eventually, everyone is going to say something to offend us.

Love is the way of friendship. Jesus challenges me to live a life of love and not get offended. God’s goal for me is love. That is all.

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

Source: Proverbs 17:9 MSG – Overlook an offense and bond a – Bible Gateway

"Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!" ~~King Solomon

Tags

Fair, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

We live in a world where driving a “hard bargain” seems to be a real strategy that is respected.

As people of God, we don’t have to negotiate that way. We should play fair. We should suggest reasonable terms in our work and dealings with people.

This is not “The Art of the Deal”! Jesus has expectations for us and challenges to be fair from the start. This is about what love looks like, not who wins.

God promises we will be blessed if that is our approach. 

 “Curses on those who drive a hard bargain! Blessings on all who play fair and square!” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:26)

 

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Motives, Prayer, Proverbs 16, Purity, Wise Sayings

Broken Heart

There are matters of the heart and there are matters of faith. There are many things in my heart that I want to do. They are based on what I want. There is a better way.

When we start with faith, the Lord brings the matters of the heart to His good conclusion. He cares that good comes from our plans. Supernatural courage comes from Him to step out with pure motives.

May I commit to the Lord everything I do. May He establish my plans.

To human beings belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:1-3 TNIV

"God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Aboveboard, Business, Cheating, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

No Cheating

When it comes to business, I need to always be aboveboard and true to my word. I should always see my approach as one that Jesus would love and be proud of.

I remember that one day Jesus chased the business people out of the temple (church) because of their dishonest approach. I need to aboveboard and transparent.

May all I do in my business approach be aboveboard.

God hates cheating in the marketplace; he loves it when business is aboveboard.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:1)

"When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself." ~~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, Kindness, King Solomon, Proverbs 11, Wise Sayings

Acts of Kindness

Who do I think I am hurting? Cruelty is intended to hurt someone else. It actually backfires and hurts me.

Jesus knew this. Solomon knew this. Kindness is the cornerstone of a loving life.

God’s goal for me is to be kind. It is a simple goal and achievable with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:17)

"A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, Money, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wealth, Wise Sayings

Money

I sometimes think that money will save me. If I get in a tight spot, I know I can whip out my credit cards. I used to trust in my 401k.

God was willing to  give King Solomon anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. Despite his wealth as King, he knew that money isn’t the answer.

God is the answer. Jesus will see me through when everything falls apart. It is interesting that on our money it says “In God we trust”.

Amen.

A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:4)

"God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Deception, Integrity, Jesus, Messiah, Proverbs 11, Solomon, Wise Sayings

Integrity

Integrity rules in God’s world. Jesus knows this. He demands we live with integrity.

There are some things God can’t stand. Deceiving people we know is huge on the list. Thinking we are deceiving God is even worse.

What is integrity? When we align with what God wants and believe it in our hearts, think about it in our minds, talk about it and then do it!!

That is alignment in God’s world. The world where Jesus is the Messiah and rules everything. I must align with Jesus.

God can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.” ~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:20)

“Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities.” ~King David

Tags

Celebrities, King David, Psalm 118, Trust, Wise Sayings

We live in a celebrity culture. It permeates our religious life. We flock to the mega church. We revel in the message of the celebrity Pastor.

And then … what about that famous movie star, singer or athlete?

We live in a celebrity culture.

Celebrities won’t save us when we need help, when we are hemmed in and surrounded by a disaster. Celebrities can’t be trusted. They don’t know us and they don’t care.

God is my strength. Jesus cares about me.

Jesus is the one who will rescue me. I will trust in Him.

Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
    from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
    who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
    I flick off my enemies like flies.
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in people;
Far better to take refuge in God
    than trust in celebrities.
Hemmed in by barbarians,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Hemmed in and with no way out,
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
    in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
    when God grabbed and held me.
God’s my strength, he’s also my song,
    and now he’s my salvation.
Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
    in the camp of the saved?
        “The hand of God has turned the tide!
        The hand of God is raised in victory!
        The hand of God has turned the tide!

Source: Psalm 118:5-6 MSG – Pushed to the wall, I called to GOD; – Bible Gateway

Celebrity Culture

“O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!” ~King David

Tags

Bless, Blessing, Jesus, Kind David, Soul, Wise Sayings

God’s Blessings

King David had see a lot of trouble in his life. A number of his songs are him pleading to God to save him from his enemies, literally.

David’s focus is on blessing God for the amazing things God has done.

A great reminder for the new year. What a great reminder for every day.

May I start out and finish the year blessing God, from head to toe.

O my soul, bless God.
    From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
    don’t forget a single blessing!

Source: Psalm 103:1-2 MSG – A David Psalm O my soul, bless GOD. – Bible Gateway

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fruit, Heart, Hope, Jesus, Longing, Proverbs 13, Tree of life, Wise Sayings

In the middle of the night, I cry out to you O God. There is a longing in my heart for you. It just won’t go away. I can’t put it off. I don’t want to defer it to another time. Delay is not right at all. I want my heart to be whole and well. And so I seek you. I cry out to you.

When I don’t have the energy any longer, I know you do. When I don’t feel I can go on, I know you did and so I can. Your strength is my hope. Your courage is all I need.

Jesus, you are so good to fulfill my longing for what I need. You are a tree of life. Your love is a very healthy tree. The fruit so luscious. There is plenty for me. It’s branches just keep spreading out for me to take the fruit.

Jesus, your love is so enduring. My heart is whole because of you!! You are love. Your new agreement with me is based on your love.

May my longing for you produce the fruit of a right living life. May your rest be my peace.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

“You have made them a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor.” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Honor, Jesus, King David, Kingdom, Psalm 8, Wise Sayings

Kingdom of God

I am stunned at how our Father sees me compared to how I see myself.

Jesus sees me as a friend who He loves to crown me with His glory. He honors me. He has made me a ruler in His Kingdom.

Not how I see myself some days. Everything Jesus has for me is mine.

May I get in my heart God’s reality. May I see myself as He sees me!!

You have made them a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Psalm 8:5-8

"Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin." ~~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Knowledge, Proverbs 10, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

How do we become wise? As we follow God, seek His ways, listen to Him, we need to store it up.

It seems so easy with technology, blogging, twittering, and Facebook to just throw stuff out there. It comes our way and off it goes. No storing up and just a fountain of quick, random thoughts.

God’s way is build and layer on top of truth. When we store up knowledge of His ways, we become wise.

God has a goal for me. It doesn’t involve being a fool. God wants me to be wise. My job is to store up knowledge of him.

May I store up knowledge and be wise in His ways.

“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:14)

 

“Enter with the password: “Thank you!” ~King David

Tags

King David, Psalm 100, Wise Sayings

Password

The password is simple. It is easily remembered. We shouldn’t forget it.

The key to having a relationship with God, our heavenly Father, is an “attitude of gratitude”. Am I thankful? Did I say thank you?

Praise, thanks and worship are the passwords.

 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever.

Source: Psalm 100:4-5 MSG – Enter with the password: “Thank – Bible Gateway

“Keep company with God, get in on the best.” ~King David

Tags

Best, Insurance, Jesus, King David, Wise Sayings

The time has come

How do I spend my time?

Who do I keep company with?

Is it Jesus? Am I sitting at his feet?

I know the way to God. I must get in on the best!

^3-4 Get insurance with God and do a good deed,
    settle down and stick to your last.
Keep company with God,
    get in on the best.

Source: Psalm 37:4 MSG – Get insurance with GOD and do a good – Bible Gateway

“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.” ~Kind David

Tags

Heart, Hope, Jesus, King David, Persevere, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings

Hope

Today is a day to persevere and stay on track with God. Jesus challenges me to pick up my cross and don’t quit.

I have hope that I’ll see God’s goodness. That hope keeps me moving.

My job is to take heart and hang in there.

Psalm 27:14 The Message (MSG)

^13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God.

Source: Psalm 27:14 MSG – I’m sure now I’ll see God’s – Bible Gateway

“God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.” ~King David

Tags

Confide, King David, Psalm 25, Wise Sayings, Worship

Mature

Jesus calls me to maturity and to be a friend. It is my obedience and worship of God that leads me there.

Do I want to to know God and hear his innermost thoughts? Do I want God to confide in me?

I yearn for that kind of relationship with God.

I must keep my eyes on God. The relationship is the goal. The relationship is all that matters.

God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in. If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.

Source: Psalm 25:14-15 MSG – God-friendship is for God-worshipers; – Bible Gateway

“Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 19, Wise Sayings

Goal

There are all types of ways I miss God’s goal for my life (sin). Some are just plain stupid. As my dad would say, “Not right bright”.

The stupid ones are when I think I can take over from God. This may be subtle but it is stunningly dumb on my part. God is God. I can’t take over from him.

Jesus knows the way. Jesus challenges me to “let go and let God” be in control of my life. Jesus knows that God can do anything.

There is a hidden treasure. That treasure is letting God be in control. That is the smart way in God’s world.

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
    and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
    Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
    Keep me from stupid sins,
    from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Source: Psalm 19:14 MSG – There’s more: God’s Word warns us – Bible Gateway

“You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Knowledge, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

There are a few things I know. God has been good to give me that knowledge.

There are many things I don’t know. There is much to learn.

There is one thing I absolutely don’t know and that is the first thing about tomorrow.

Jesus challenges me to trust God. God knows and God will take care of me. Now that is some good news for sure!

Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow;
    you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.

Source: Proverbs 27:1 MSG – You Don’t Know Tomorrow – Don’t – Bible Gateway

“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fear, Jesus, Proverbs 29, Trust, Wise Sayings

There is a fear that paralyzes me. It is the concern about what you think of me.

Will I post this on Facebook and Twitter?

Will I speak out at work?

Why am I afraid?

The answer is staggering. I don’t trust God is why. If I did trust God, I wouldn’t care what others thought of me. The only opinion that would matter would be God’s.

God has promised to be with me. If God is with me, who can be against me?

The fear of human opinion disables;
    trusting in God protects you from that.

Source: Proverbs 29:25 MSG – The fear of human opinion disables; – Bible Gateway

“The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.” ~King David

Tags

Direction, Jesus, Joy, King David, Map, Wise Sayings

Love of Jesus

I can count on God. God sees the whole picture and pulls it all together for me.

I rely on the direction that Jesus points me to. There is nothing complicated about it at all. Jesus is reliable. We all know it to be true.

Following Jesus gives me joy and pleasure. God’s way is like that.

The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree.

King David – Source: Psalm 19 MSG – A David Psalm God’s glory is on tour – Bible Gateway

“My strength comes from God.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 121, Strength, Wise Sayings

There is a lot to know in life. Most of them aren’t critical.

Where does my strength come from? Now that is an important question. When I ignore the answer and pretend I can work it out myself, disaster is right around the corner.

My strength comes from God. Jesus is the source of all power and Jesus will provide me strength.

God is God and God is great. Nothing is ever, ever, ever impossible for God.

I look up to the mountains;
    does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
    who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Source: Psalm 121:1-2 MSG – A Pilgrim Song I look up to the – Bible Gateway

“I’m thanking God, who makes things right. I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.” ~King David

Tags

God is God, Jesus, King David, Psalm 7, Right, Wise Sayings

God is God.

God makes things right. God is the only one who can.

I clearly can’t. Justice isn’t within my grasp.

God is a God of justice. Jesus, the Messiah, has been given all authority and is committed to God like no other.

God will make things right. I can count on that.

I thank God for that. I am eternally grateful.

I’m thanking God, who makes things right.
I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.

~~King David

Source: Psalm 7 MSG – A David Psalm GOD! God! I am running to – Bible Gateway

“Follow your father’s good advice; don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Father, Jesus, Proverbs 6, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

I am a very fortunate man. My father gave me excellent advice. I don’t know that he saw that was doing that but he was.

Or maybe he knew what he was doing. Maybe it wasn’t haphazard.

Regardless, his wisdom serves me well. When I heed it, I am successful.

Then, this is the very cool thing. I have a heavenly Father who is amazingly wise. He sent his son Jesus to show me wisdom and does so every day. My earthly father led me to my heavenly Father.

Good friend, follow your father’s good advice;
    don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
    wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you;
    whenever you rest, they’ll guard you;
    when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
    good teaching is a light,
    moral discipline is a life path.

~~King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 6 MSG – Like a Deer from the Hunter – Dear – Bible Gateway

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Jesus, King Solomon, Plan, Preparation, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

I have been thinking about this lately. I should prepare. That is a very good thing. But I have no victory without the LORD.

Do I see this as much as I should? No I don’t. I trust in my preparations and plans. I’ve got is all planned out. Or so I think.

It is so simple but so hard some days.

I want to run in and “fix” things. Holding back for the LORD’s will and wisdom is needed so very much. In His new plan, the victory is His always.

May the victory always rest with the LORD and not my preparation.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 NIV

“I love God because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy.” ~King David

Tags

Grace, King David, Mercy, Psalm 116, Wise Sayings

Grace

God is gracious. It is all God, through his son Jesus, and not anything I do.

God is in a good mood and compassionate. That is the way God is.

When I call out to God, he listens to me. Jesus is my advocate, sitting next to God, having defeated death. I have the Holy Spirit in me, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

God makes things right. That is just the way it is.

It is all about God and his graciousness. I has nothing to do with me.

I love God because he listened to me,
    listened as I begged for mercy.
He listened so intently
    as I laid out my case before him.
Death stared me in the face,
    hell was hard on my heels.
Up against it, I didn’t know which way to turn;
    then I called out to God for help:
“Please, God!” I cried out.
    “Save my life!”
God is gracious—it is he who makes things right,
    our most compassionate God.
God takes the side of the helpless;
    when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.

Source: Psalm 116:1-2 MSG – I love GOD because he listened to me, – Bible Gateway

“If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, King David, Psalm 94, Wise Sayings

I get scared. I am upset. I get beside myself and loose it.

It happens. It is not pleasant.

I feel like I won’t make it. What has happened to me?

But wait. Hold it a minute.

God is on my side. God’s love takes hold of me. That is all I need.

In times of trouble, Jesus shows up and cheers me up. He has been through it all and shows me the way to victory. The peace of Jesus overwhelms me.

Now that is some good news.

Who stood up for me against the wicked?
    Who took my side against evil workers?
If God hadn’t been there for me,
    I never would have made it.
The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,”
    your love, God, took hold and held me fast.
When I was upset and beside myself,
    you calmed me down and cheered me up.

Source: Psalm 94:18-19 MSG – Who stood up for me against the wicked? – Bible Gateway

“When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of God.” ~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David, Love, Promise, Rehearse, Wise Sayings

There are times I am in the dumps. It happens. It isn’t always pretty but it is true.

God gives me a way out. Jesus challenges me to go through everything God has done. In fact, I should rehearse your promises and the love you show to me.

God’s way isn’t my way. God loves me in ways I can’t imagine.

God has made promises. God will not break them.

When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse
    everything I know of you,
From Jordan depths to Hermon heights,
    including Mount Mizar.
Chaos calls to chaos,
    to the tune of whitewater rapids.
Your breaking surf, your thundering breakers
    crash and crush me.
Then God promises to love me all day,
    sing songs all through the night!
    My life is God’s prayer.

Source: Psalm 42:8 MSG – When my soul is in the dumps, I – Bible Gateway

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” ~King Solomon

Tags

God's Goal, King Solomon, Planning, Proverbs 21, Wise Sayings

God’s new plan

God has a goal in mind for me.

Am I ready?

Have I prepared?

Will I be up to the task?

Jesus challenges me to get ready and to be up to the task. I am God’s plan A. There is no plan B.

Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
    hurry and scurry puts you further behind.

King Solomon

Source: Proverbs 21 MSG – God Examines Our Motives – Good – Bible Gateway

“Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.” ~King David

Tags

God is Good, Psalm 16, Wise, Wise Sayings, Word of God

God’s Word

God’s good word to us is constant. There are no ups and downs with his love. The message of Jesus is clear and on target.

If I hear conflicting messages, it isn’t God. On that I can be sure.

I will stick with God’s good word. I can’t let go. I won’t let go.

The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
    is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
    I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.

Source: Psalm 16:8 MSG – The wise counsel GOD gives when I’m – Bible Gateway

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” ~King David

Tags

Courage, Heart, Jesus, King David, Psalm 119, Wise Sayings

A man after God’s heart

Now here is a good word.

What should I do? I should seek Jesus with my whole heart.

David knew this at his core. He was a man after God’s own heart. He knew about the connection emotionally.

Interesting thing it is about the heart. My connection to God is not primarily about thinking. I am a thinker so this is a challenge for me. God is doing great things.

May I long for a connection with God that brings me supernatural courage.

May my emotional connection to Him bring obedience.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

~~King David — Psalm 119:10

“We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders.” ~King Solomon

Tags

King Solomon, Lie, Proverbs 17, Truth, Wise Sayings

Truth – Can you handle it?

It is sad that we have probably come to expect lies from our leaders. It clearly shouldn’t be that way but it seems to happen time and time again now. While it is a political problem, it is also a religious, business and community problem.

God is the truth. God sent his son Jesus to us to represent his truth. God’s goal for us is to be truthful.

We need a moral revolution.

We need Jesus.

We don’t expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders. ~King Solomon Proverbs 17:7

“The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” ~King David

Tags

Faith, Fear, Jesus, King David Sayings, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings, Worry

Worry

God lights my path. God saves me. Jesus, the Messiah, has paid the price for my missing God’s goal and placed me in right standing with God. Now that is good news!

Simple but straightforward truths about our amazing heavenly Father. I am participating in His new plan for my life. I am hearing great news today. God is smiling. God shows me his grin.

Why should I be worried? Why should I be afraid? If nothing is impossible with God, why would anything seem like a big deal?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

May I rely on the stronghold of my life. May I have no fear.

“My help and glory are in God” ~King David

Tags

Glory, Help, King David Sayings, Psalm 62, Safety, Strength, Trust, Wise Sayings

Safe Harbor

Where do I look for help? While I may look to myself, family and friends, God is my help. When I don’t know what to do, God does. God sent his son Jesus to show me the way. I must follow Jesus.

God is my glory. I take great pride in who God is. There is a tremendous beauty to God.

God is strong like granite. God is God. God is strong in ways I can’t imagine. God is great and can do anything.

God is a safe harbor. When I am in trouble, I can sail my ship into his harbor to protect me from the storm. Jesus shields and protects me from the rough waves.

I must trust in God completely and absolutely. Jesus won’t lead me astray. I can trust him with my life.

I must lay my life on the line for Jesus. I have to give Jesus my all. His sacrifice for me demands it. Jesus is my Master.

Psalm 62:7-8 The Message (MSG)

My help and glory are in God
    —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people;
    lay your lives on the line for him.
    God is a safe place to be.

King David — Source: Psalm 62:7 MSG – My help and glory are in God – Bible Gateway

“Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies.” ~King David

Tags

Accuser, Jesus, Judge, King David, Wise Sayings

Judge

God is in control. God is judge. No one can pull the wool over his eyes.

Jesus has agreed to serve as my lawyer and advocate for me.

I have an enemy. He accuses me of all kind of vile things. Some of it is true. Some of it is not. God will sort through it all.

I can be confident in Jesus and the verdict he will win for me. Jesus already paid the price for me missing God’s goal for my life (sin).

Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies.

Wake up, God. My accusers have packed the courtroom; it’s judgment time.

Take your place on the bench, reach for your gavel, throw out the false charges against me. I’m ready, confident in your verdict:

“Innocent.

~King David – Psalm 7:6-8 (The Message Bible)

“Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” ~King Solomon

Tags

Evil, Jesus, King Solomon, Trust, Wise Sayings

Run to God

I like to think I know a lot. Some days, I think I know it all.

I don’t know very much, in reality. I certainly don’t know what God knows.

Jesus is the author of all knowledge. I must run to God. I must seek him at every turn.

I must run from evil. There is nothing good to come from any level of toleration with the source of all evil.

God’s goal is for me to listen to him and to trust his son Jesus, my Master.

Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 3 (The Message Bible)

"Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot." ~~King David

Tags

Jesus, King David Sayings, Money, Psalm 119, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

King David knew what was important in life. His passion was for God’s word. Nothing delighted him more that to hear what God had to say. He devoted himself to listening. He didn’t care about wealth, just obeying God.

May I long for what God is saying today. May I listen to God’s wisdom and his direction for me. May I obey God and do what he wants.

Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.

 ~~King David (Psalm 119:34 The Message) 

“If you make Insight your priority, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Fear of God, Insight, Jesus, King Solomon, Proverbs 2, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

Wisdom

I have priorities. I have plans. I love to plan. But, do I have the right priorities? There is a difference.

Insight should be my top priority. I must search for the direction God wants me to go. Jesus challenges me to love. I need insight on how to do it. It isn’t always clear to me.

There is a treasure for me to find. I must search like an adventurer. I must be a quest to gain insight.

“Fear-of-God” keeps me on course. It is easy for me to wander off and loose focus.

That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
    and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
    like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
    you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

~King Solomon – Source: Proverbs 2:1-5 (The Message Bible)