Pin It Now! It has been a month since we started with the Proverbs series and here we are at the end of the month  wrapping up on Proverbs. So many of you stayed with me through this; thank you for that and may God bless you!

Today's reading: Proverbs 31 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 31:8

If you notice at the beginning of the chapter it says these were the oracle or prophecy of a mother to her son - King Lemuel. There is lot of speculation as to who King Lemuel was. Some say Lemuel was another name for Solomon himself. Well, I can not buy that, because why does the scripture not say Solomon then or tried to explain 'Lemuel - who is also Solomon' or something in those lines? Others say it could be the son of the Arabian Queen of Sheba. Well, I can't buy that also, because why then she was not mentioned as Queen of Sheba?

Let's try to not speculate much. Let's take it just as it says, Lemuel was a king and his mother taught him these words. That makes it plain and simple, and no place for any reasoning or proving or disapproving or any of that - as those are only distractions.

OK, now coming to the verse of the day, I admit it was so hard for me to pick just one verse from so many of my favorite verses in this chapter. However, I decided to go with verse 8: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

In our modern society, many a times we miss the opportunity to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for fear of rejection or humiliation. Are we bold enough to stand up for our faith or are we just trying to fit in the crowd, going with the flow, fearing what others will think if they come to know of our faith. Just for an example if among friends or coworkers a dialogue about abortion rights comes up, how do we react? Do we simply not say anything or do we nod our heads depending on how the wind blows or do we stand up for the unborn child who can not yet speak for him/herself? How do we react when our friends mock someone of a specific race, ethnicity or background?

Christianity is not for namesake living; it calls for faith and action to go hand in hand. If we are not doing that, we will be hypocrites - I am sorry it comes across a little strong - this is for me too...

Before we part with Proverbs for now, let me reiterate one thing and one thing only - Wisdom or in other words the Saving knowledge of Jesus Christ should be our #1 priority in life!

Please stay tuned for April Showers of  Blessings starting tomorrow...

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 30 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: “Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God" 30:7-9

Many times I have read this chapter, but today for the first time I noticed these Proverbs were not written by King Solomon. These were sayings of Agur son of Jakeh decalred to Ithiel and to Ucal...

Ok, coming to our verse of the day, as you see it is a little prayer and these little prayers are my favorite - such as Prayer of Jabez, Prayer of Jonah, Prayer of David, the Lord's Prayer, and here the Prayer of Agur. Prayer is an important aspect of christian walk and these little snippets of prayers by great men and Jesus Himself give us an idea of how to pray.

I find it necessary to byheart these prayers to add them to my regular prayers too; it only helps improve my prayer experience.

So, let's by-heart these verses today, adding it to our regular prayers. No, we don't want billions and trillions which might distract us from our journey towards the cross and at the same time we don't want to go too much in negative and become robbers. Let us only pray for our daily bread. Amen!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 29 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor." 29:23

Few other scriptures here in similar lines:

* "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12
* "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:10
* "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34

If there is one person who had all the reasons to have pride - it would be King Solomon! Why? Because the Bible says there was no one before him or no one after him who would be as wise as him!

But, King Solomon himself stays away from pride as carefully as possible. We can repeatedly see many references in Proverbs where he shuns away from pride and warns us to the consequences pride can lead us into. I am sure he had found it out to be true that being humble at heart would help receive the grace of the Lord.

Pride is a trap. Once we fall for it, it is very difficult to come out. These verses are here to warn us. Let us avoid pride at any cost!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 28 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." 28:13

This verse explains the fundamental of salvation. Anyone who is not convicted of their sins and when convicted does not repent and when repented does not discontinue that sin is not truly saved.

Anyone who has been convicted of their sins, have repented for their sins and have discontinued from their sins is truly saved!

This is not just a one time process. This should be a regular practice. As we mature more in Christ more of our sins will be revealed which we might have overlooked in the past. Then we repent for those sins and receive forgiveness all over again. There is no shame in repenting as many times it takes and getting forgiven as many times needed.

For some of us, when the Pastor calls for an alter call following a convicting sermon, though convicted we are reluctant to go upfront and own it publicly. This need not be. Let's forget the whole world around us and get new infilling of the joy of salvation as often as we can.

God bless you all!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 27 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds." Proverbs 27:23

We know of the incident in John chapter 21 when Jesus asks Simon if he loved Him. Simon answers: "Yes Lord" - to which Jesus says, "Feed my lambs" and a second time around He says, "Take care of my sheep".

We all love Jesus - don't we? Then Jesus is asking us to feed His lambs and take care of His sheep too. Who are these sheep and lambs Jesus is entrusting us with?

I believe for those of us ordinary folks it is our children! And for those in the Lord's ministry, in addition to their own children, it would also imply the Church they are supposed to shepherd. Our discussion today is the former - caring for our children.

Do we know the condition of our flock? Do we know if they are in the Lord; do we know who they are with; do we know where they are & what they do?

Do we give careful attention to our children? Do we set a role model for them to follow; do we spend enough time with them; are we concerned about their spiritual health as much as we are for their physical needs; do we pray for them; do we love them; do we also make it known?

Let's be sure we know the condition of our flocks & give careful attention to our herds... That's one way to prove we love the Lord!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 26 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.." Proverbs 26:21

Just yesterday we learnt how not to be a quarrelsome woman; today interestingly we are going to discuss how not to be a quarrelsome man.

As in the verse above, a quarrelsome man is like fuel to the fire, always finding faults and starting a strife. I would imagine it would be extremely difficult to live with someone who is a ticking time bomb! People would normally try to find excuses such as an abused childhood, or something similar to justify their action. But bottom line is lack of godliness is what is going on.

Here are some scriptures that talk about anger:

* James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" 
* Eccelesistes 7:9 "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools."
* "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger..." Ephesians 4:31
* "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

You know yourself better than anybody. If you believe you are always angry raise your hands as we pray over you today. If you know of someone else be it your father, husband, mother, brother or anyone who struggles with anger, let us bring them also in our prayers:

Dear Father in Heaven! Thank you for the beautiful day and for this wonderful opportunity to gather at your presence Lord. For the last two days you have been convicting us that anger is sin Lord. Please help us get rid of anger from our hearts in any shape, size or form Lord. Please help us get rid off even the very trace of anger from our hearts Lord. We can not do it all by ourselves Lord. We need your help Lord. You have already set an example where you were like a lamb that was silent Lord. We too humble our hearts Lord. Please erase all our past sin Lord.

Please help us live a quarrel free life Lord.  Fill us with your love and peace Lord. Guide us Lord. We love you so much Lord. Please bless each and every one of us gathered here in your name Lord. There is no other reason than your Holy name which connects us together Lord. We remember our loved ones who struggle with anger in their life Lord. Please Lord open their eyes so that they can see, open their ears so that they can hear, open their hearts so that they can heal Lord. We continue to praise your Holy name Lord. In Jesus's most precious name we pray, Amen!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 25 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 25:24

This may be one of the verses that is hardly discussed in Bible studies or sermons or elsewhere for fear of retaliation from the ladies. But we are going to discuss it today anyway as it has great truth in it for us to learn from.

How many of us are guilty of being a quarrelsome woman from time to time? How does it affect our husband & children when we behave thus? I am sure they too can relate to King Solomon here as he shares exactly how it feels like living with a quarrelsome woman.

Now the question is, how to avoid being a quarrelsome woman? Here is a list of tips that worked for me; I am sure we can definitely trace these back to the scriptures:

* By accepting the differences and learning to love unconditionally
* By learning to be still and know that He is Lord who holds everything under control.
* By understanding that no one is perfect, just like we are not perfect.
* By learning to retreat to prayer and petition anytime anguish tries to engulf us.
* By being contended with what/whom we have.
* By not dwelling in the past - neither his nor ours

Let's try these tips cautiously for a week, two weeks, a month, 6 months and before we know it, we will stop being a quarrelsome woman and will start making our home a happier place for our husband and children. Also, be assured you will be a whole happy you too!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 24 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did." 24:29

Once again here is an example of a characteristic of human nature in contrast with godly nature. It is natural in human nature to feel the urge to take revenge; however, it is not fit for the faithful, who is to leave it up to God to revenge.

Proverbs 20:22 goes hand in hand with this verse; it says: "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you."

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:25)

It may look like a failure as we can't reciprocate right away; but hang in there, God will repay.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 23 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." 23:17,18

It is only human nature to envy others but not a godly one. As we grow spiritually we need to get rid of envy from our heart. We can not be believers and also envy others. If we envy others we are not truly believers. As long as we fear the Lord and shun from envy and other sinful ways, our hope is not in vain.

I love the explanation for this verse in the Gill's Exposition and wish to share it with you:

Let not thine heart envy sinners,.... Their present prosperity and happiness, the pleasure, profit, and honour, they seem to enjoy; all which is but a shadow, fading and temporary; and yet good men are upto envy it in their hearts, if they do not express it with their lips; and are ready to murmur and think it hard that they should be in straitened circumstances while the wicked are in flourishing ones; and inwardly fret and are uneasy at it, which they should not; or do not "emulate" or "imitate" them, or do as they do, thinking thereby to enjoy the same prosperity and happiness; choose not their ways, nor desire to be with them, to have their company, or be ranked among them...  

... but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long; let the fear of God be always before thine eyes and in thine heart; be continually in the exercise of fear, which is attended with faith and trust in the Lord; with love and affection to him, and joy and delight in him; be constantly employed in the duties of religion, private and public, which the fear of God includes; and this will be a preservative from envying, murmuring, and fretting at the outward happiness of wicked men; and from joining with them in their evil ways...

For surely there is an end,.... Both of the prosperity of the wicked, which is but for a short time; and of the afflictions of the righteous, which are but as it were for a moment; and therefore there is no reason to envy the one, nor to be fretful under the other; the end to a good man will be peace and prosperity for ever: there is a "reward", as some render it here, for the righteous, though not of debt, but of grace; upon which account they have ground to expect much here and hereafter...

So, points taken: Let's not envy others; Let us be zealous with the fear of the Lord; Our hope will not be cut off! Amen!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 22 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend." 22:11

We see of different people in the Bible who were friends with God. King David was a friend of God, Abraham was a friend of God, Job was a friend of God, Adam was a friend of God, Moses was a friend of God, also little Samuel was a friend of God.

Jesus is our King. He is indeed the King of kings. What does it take to be friends with Him? Today's verse has the answer - simple and straight forward.

1. He who loves a pure heart AND
2. He whose speech is gracious  - will be friends with the King!

In Matthew 5:8 we read, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Proverbs 16:13 says, "Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth" - which only reassures the fact that a man/woman who loves pure heart and whose speech is gracious will be a friend of the King.

It is my desire to be a friend of God. I will work to consciously keep my heart pure and my speech gracious. Please do the same if you too wish to be friends with our King!

Pin It Now! How's everybody doing? Hardly ten more days left to complete our Proverbs series, so let's not give up now... Stay with me please.

Today's reading: Proverbs 21 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD" 21:30

There are times when the aquired "wisdom" could turn against what it is intended for. That's when we get wordly wise and goldly foolish. However as today's verse says there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. Here's a reading from Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, that explains it beautifully:

There is no wisdom nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord. No human schemes whatever, formed with the greatest wisdom and prudence, can ever prevail against God, or set aside or hinder the execution of any design of his; nothing that is pointed against his church, his cause, and interest, his truths and ordinances, in the issue shall succeed; all that are found fighters against him shall not prosper, let them be men of ever so much sagacity and wisdom; though there may be ever so many devices in a man's heart, and these ever so well planned, they shall never defeat the counsel of the Lord. ....there is none like his, there is none to be compared with his; there is none of any value and worth but his; all is folly in comparison of that: or there is none "before the Lord"; no wisdom of the creature can stand before him, it presently vanishes and disappears.

Let us be careful to never boast ourselves above our Lord. Our wisdom pales in comparison to the wisdom of our Lord. He alone is to be glorified. Amen!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 20 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel" 20:15

A beautiful cross reference is found in Job: "Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies." Job 28:18

We get the point; don't we? Wisdom is much more precious than precious metals and gems. Therefore let us aim to acquire some.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 19 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD" 19:14

In most weddings we hear the sermon touching on the verse: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD" Proverbs 18:22

Few questions today to the wives:
Are we good?
Are we worth to be called 'a favor from the Lord'?
Are we prudent wives?

What does it take to be a prudent wife?
In Proverbs 31:30 we read, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised"; verse 10 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

A prudent wife:
*Fears the Lord
*She is of noble character

Let us look at ourselves upclose. Then we will know if we have what it takes to be a prudent wife.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 18 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." 18:10

The Name by itself is very powerful. People like to name-drop to show they have friends in the high places. We feel good if someone remembers us by our name. Names have meaning. Names even determine one's personality. Have you ever seen a Joy who is not always happy? Or how about an Angel who is not beautiful? Or an Israel who is not blessed?

More than any name Jesus's name is powerful. How can we say that? Because the Scripture says, in Philippians 2:9: "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name."

Even while we pray we are taught to end our request in Jesus's Name! We are also warned against misusing God's name in vain: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" Exodus 20:7

There are so many beautiful names for our Lord. May be when time permits we will do a Name Month - discussing the names of our Lord. The take away for today is The Name of the Lord is a great tower; we can run into it to take refuge! Amen!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 17 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue"  17:28

It is so difficult to keep silent when it comes to defending ourselves- right? Wrong! That's what I have figured out lately. These days I practice silence when I actually need to defend myself and it works wonders!

When someone doesn't talk much it is difficult to find out what really goes on in their mind and they have time to contemplate their thoughts and rephrase it if needed. How nice?! On the other hand if we are quick to say something it is hard to undo the damage.

I am so glad to find such practical wisdom stressed in the Scriptures. Let us pray for a discerning tongue. Definitely this is one area I am trying to improve.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 16 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" 15:16

Here's a verse which reminds us that God indeed is in control of all things. I remember yet another verse anytime I come across this one: "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21:31

Doesn't mean we shouldn't train the horse for the day of battle or that we shouldn't be prepared to meet the worst. What it really means is that when we are finally granted victory, it is not because of the strength of the horse or our merits. The victory is from the Lord. It is because He fights our fight! Amen!

Even as the governments discuss many situations, as the corporate managements deal with different issues, we need not fear as ultimately what God allows for us will only happen, not what man intends.

I encourage you all to hold dear to these verses as you practice dependency on God every single day.

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I know Proverbs is kind of getting repetitive! Hang in there, we are half way through! I am positive we can make it through March reading and meditating Proverbs each day. If you can also share based on your understanding of the same chapter it will be more fun, than just myself talking all the time :)

Today's reading: Proverbs 15 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil." 15:16

In his letter to Timothy Apostle Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" I Timothy 6:6

I am also reminded of Mark 8:36: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

We are often running after things to satisfy our temporary needs forgetting the eternal life. If you think about it, all that matters in the end is our soul - where it will spend it's eternity?

Let us be thankful for the blessings we have. Let us not focus to acquire more and more of material things. Let us learn to be contented with what we have and focus our attention to the well being of our soul. Shall we?

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 14 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God" 14:31

We are not at liberty to look down at those who are poor or relatively poor. Why? Because when we oppress the poor we are actually showing contempt for their Maker who is also our Maker.

When we are kind to the needy, it honors the Lord. Sripture says, in Proverbs 19:17, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

My Grandparents and parents always opened their hearts & hands to the poor. Because of that God has blessed us much more. If we help the needy God will bless our children and the blessing flows through for many generations to come. That is how God rewards us back when we are kind to the poor.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 13 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life" 13:12

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, Hope is:

to cherish a desire with anticipation (or)
to desire with expectation of obtainment (or)
to expect with confidence

But when hope defers, meaning our expected desire delays to get fulfilled, it does make the heart sick, weak and frail. However when it comes true it appears to be a tree of life or in other words, cause of happiness.

We all have hopes - hopes for betterment - hopes for retirement - hopes for future. But more importantly do we have the hope for the eternal life? The Bible says, If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. (I Cor 15:19)

Let us not forget the ultimate reward - which is our salvation. In Lamentation King Solomon writes, The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him 3:24

As we know the Lord is our portion, let us hope in Him.

Pin It Now! Can you believe it is already Day 12 since we started reading through Proverbs? Time runs so fast!

Quick reminder: Tomorrow is the draw for the current giveaway - Scripture Tea! If you would like to be part of it, please share your testimony or leave a comment. God bless you.

Today's reading: Proverbs 12 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death" 12:28

There is this beautiful covenant made by God in Deuteronomy 30:15-20. He clearly sets two choices before the Israelites and lets them decide for themselves. It goes:

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.

The same covenant is still valid between God and us. In the way of righteousness is life and in its pathway there is no death. What will be your choice?

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 11 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." 11:25 (KJV)

This verse reminds me of another verse from Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

We can find numerous other verses in the similar lines. The bottom line is 'Being generous'.

My Mom always encourages us whenever we get discouraged of giving: "It is a blessing being at the giving end rather than at the receiving end." How true!

Indeed, giving is better than receiving. Even when it comes to prayer, giving praises to God is far better than always asking for one thing or another.

It may seem like no one is watching our giving or that only we are giving all the time. But remember nothing is hidden from the Lord's eyes and He will repay you for what you have given. Let us earn to be givers and not so much of receivers! Because that's the true blessing!

Pin It Now! I hope you all know about the ongoing giveaway - Scripture Tea! Please share your testimony or comments or prayer request or praise report to be eligible for the draw. It ends on 13th March 2011.

Today's reading: Proverbs 10 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." 10:19

If there is one thing that can not be erased off someone's memory that easily - it is the words! Worst yet, if we speak something in anger. It lingers on for a long time causing further drift in relationship.

In my experience, every time I have sinned with my words is - whenever I try to give "company" to someone who is complaining about another. We believe we are helping them vent; but if we look closer, we are making them sin more with our "encouraging" words.

Being always opinionated about everything is another fool proof way to fail with words. Desciple James reminds us in his book: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" James 1:19

Let us strive towards this goal in our Christian walk.

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Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 8 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD." 8:35

In other words, whoever finds Christ finds life and receives favor from the Lord.

Who is this Christ? Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came down to earth in human form; to die for our sins; resurrected from dead; ascended to heaven and lives forevermore. The only thing He seeks in return is our heart, not by force but by showing His grace.

How do we find Him? Whoever seeks Him with earnest heart will find Him. If nothing pray to God to reveal Himself to you and He will. Give Him control of your heart to reign and rule. In return accept His grace and the joy of salvation.

If you have any specific questions that you don't want to comment publicly but wish to share, please email me at nrigirl at hotmail dot com.

Let us find Christ and receive favor from the Lord!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 7 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye" 7:2

I was looking at different commentaries on this verse and wish to share it with you.

* Clarke's  commentary on the Bible:

As the apple of thine eye - As the pupil of the eye, which is of such essential necessity to sight, and so easily injured.

* Gill's exposition says:

... the doctrine of Christ,... should be as dear to men as the apple of their eye, and as carefully preserved, that the least injury is not done to it; it should be kept inviolate 

* Geneva Study Bible:

By this diversity of words, he means that nothing should be so dear to us as the word of God, nor that we look on anything more nor mind anything so much...

* Matthew Henry's concise commentary:

We must lay up God's commandments safely. Not only, Keep them, and you shall live; but, Keep them as those that cannot live without them. Those that blame strict and careful walking as needless and too precise, consider not that the law is to be kept as the apple of the eye; indeed the law in the heart is the eye of the soul. Let the word of God dwell in us, and so be written where it will be always at hand to be read. Thus we shall be kept from the fatal effects of our own passions, and the snares of Satan. Let God's word confirm our dread of sin, and resolutions against it.

Let's be careful not to tolerate the sins mentioned in the chapter. Surely, if we keep His commands we will be free from such trap.

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 6 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "... keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching" 6:20

I am truly blessed to have godly parents and grandparents who instructed me on all matters based on biblical principles. One thing I can always go back to in my mind is their commands and teachings.

For us parents the Bible instructs, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Are we training our children in the way they should go? It is good to raise competitive children who are smart in all areas of life. But even better is to raise them in godly principles, to mature as true followers of Christ.

Are we setting a good role model for our children to learn from us OR Are we running after other profits at the cost of our soul? How do we assert success? In my opinion I would have failed as a parent if my children do not choose to follow Christ. In Mark 8:36 we read, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

It is impossible to be a leader without being a follower. Let us follow in the godly foot steps of our parents, setting a godly lead for our children. God bless you all! Let us enjoy the "Son"day!

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 5 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. " 5:21

There is nothing hidden from the Lord. Even our deepest thoughts, our fondest desire, our sincere prayer are all in FULL view of the Lord. Sure, why not?! It is all good.

But how about the Lord knowing all about our secret sins, the perverse heart, the gossipping tongue, etc. ? Definitely not good.

In Hebrews 4:13 we read, Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Indeed we are uncovered and laid bare before the Lord. Would it be a pretty sight or are there things we need to take care of first? Let us make a commitment today and pray as King David did below:

* See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24
* How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 (NLT)

Pin It Now! Today's reading: Proverbs 4 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. " 4:24
Okay, before we go on to discuss this verse, we need to know what is 'perversity'. A quick look up in the Thesaurus lists the following synonyms: wicked, bad, mean, vicious, stubborn, obstinate, headstrong...

We all can immediately relate these words to some people we might know. But that is only secondary. First, let us look at our selves. Do we identify any of these characteristics as part of our talk?

Perverse talk comes from perverse tongue and the Bible says, "A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble." Proverbs 17:20 and in Proverbs 10:31 we read, "...a perverse tongue will be cut out"

It is a serious matter - the perverse mouth which results from a perverse heart - and has to be handled at once. Let's put away perversity from our mouth & keep corrupt talk far from our lips...

Pin It Now! As we continue to read proverbs through this month, just a reminder that sharing your testimony, prayer request, praise report or comments will qualify you for the current giveaway.

Today's reading: Proverbs 3 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "...Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine" 3:9-10

My two cents: If we want our barns to be filled to overflowing and our vats to brim over with new wine, there is no short cut to it. We must honor the Lord with our wealth and with the firstfruits of all our crops!

Elsewhere in Malachi we read, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 3:10

I am on for the challenge! Are you?

Pin It Now! As you know we are doing Proverbs for this whole month. Please read the chapter yourself and share your thoughts in the comments section below. Remember you will be automatically entered for the current give away - Scripture Tea!

Today's reading: Proverbs 2 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "... He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless..."

My two cents: Nowhere else we see such a direct plea for us to get some wisdom. Here's few highlights of how we should pursue wisdom:

* Accept His words
* Store up His commands
* Turn your ear to wisdom
* Apply your heart to understanding
* Call out for insight
* Cry aloud for understanding
* Look for it as for silver
* Search for it as for hidden treasure

.... then we will understand the fear of the Lord - which is the beginning of wisdom. Few add-ons that come along with wisdom are:

* He holds victory in store for the upright
* He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless...
* He guards the course of the just
* He protects the way of his faithful ones

 Now would you like some? I do... By the way, don't forget to share your thoughts on Proverbs 2.

Pin It Now! Happy March everyone! As we start a new month today, wanted to try something new.

We have 31 days in March and 31 chapters in Proverbs. The idea is to read and review one chapter every day. Then we will discuss whichever verse speaks to each one of us. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Today's reading: Proverbs 1 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "...whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:33

My two cents: Proverbs keeps talking about one thing and one thing only - which is 'to gain wisdom'. It is my understanding that 'this wisdom' also refers to the 'saving knowledge of Jesus Christ'. Wherever it appears that the wisdom is talking- as in the verse above, it perfectly makes sense to read it as God Himself talking. Just as it says, whoever listens to Him will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm...

Of course we all wish to live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm. The only thing we have to do on our part is to listen to Him - The Wisdom - which is calling. Shall we?