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.

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 would 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...

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

These Proverbs were not written by King Solomon. These were sayings of Agur son of Jakeh decalred to Ithiel and to Ucal...

Today's 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 by heart these prayers to add them to my regular prayers too; it only helps improve our prayer experience.

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

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!

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!

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!

Happy Friday!

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 learned 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 of 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!

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

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.

So, what is the solution?

In John 4:1-3 we read:

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Makes us think; does it not?

Whatever is the cause of our rift, let us learn to take it to our Lord, even before we bring it up to our spouses. Then His grace will be sufficient for us and His peace will engulf us both. Amen!

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 avenge.

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.

Blessed Tuesday!

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:

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" 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!

Happy Monday again!

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!

Happy Sunday!

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 acquired "wisdom" could turn against what it is intended for. That's when we get worldly wise and godly 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!

 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.

Let us seek for wisdom like we would a treasure.

Happy Friday!

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 up close. Then we will know if we have what it takes to be a prudent wife.

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 the most 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!

Happy Wednesday!

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!

Normally we talk defending ourselves to prove our point and that we are reasonable. But interestngly the Scripture says the opposite. We will be considered wise if we keep silent.

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 truly trying to improve.

Happy Tuesday!

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!

We need not fear about our circumstances at work or in the government or the world around; 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.

Happy Monday!

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 and wants forgetting the eternal life. If you think about it, all that matters in the end is our soul and 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?

Happy Sunday! I mean Son-day! :)

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.

So, what is contempt? Dictionary.com defines it well. It is:


Are we guilty of any of these actions? Let us be careful not to show contempt but be kind instead.

When we are kind to the needy, it honors the Lord. Scripture 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 and 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.

Amen!

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.

Happy Friday all! We made it through the week! Ooh hoo!

Enjoy the weekend. Yes; Coffee with Jesus will be served on weekends too; so please stop by if you can.

God bless!

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

Life is about our choices. It is the choices that makes or breaks one's eternity. Black or White, nothing in between - that's the way things fall. Narrow path that leads to Life Eternal and the broad way to destruction. Either we please God or the world. Good or bad. Holy or evil. Clearly there is no 'in between' state.

If we choose life, there is no death. Which in turn means if we choose death there is no life. Now, the choice is completely ours.

In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, we read of God's covenant with the Israelites, setting before them their choices clearly:

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 obedience to him, 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. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

This day I call the heavens and the 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. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The same covenant is made this morning between God and us, to be more precise, between God & You!

What will you choose?

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!

God bless you all! Enjoy the Wednesday!

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. Disciple 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.

Happy Tuesday!

Hope you are still with me as we study through Proverbs this month. Please feel free to share your thoughts on each chapter in the comments section below.

Today's reading: Proverbs 9 Click here to read online (NIV)

Verse of the day: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" 9:10

This is my most favorite Bible verse and I am reminded of it every single day. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear here also means reverence, regard, respect etc.

What we can understand from this verse is that without the fear of the Lord, there is no starting point for wisdom. When we respect or revere or regard our Lord, He fills us with the godly wisdom which we need on a daily basis for making right decisions in matters big or small...

When we fear the Lord, our life will be set apart from the rest of the crowd; our mind will be focused on godly things; our spirits will be in communion with the Holy Spirit which teaches us the right from the wrong. The 'regard for the Lord' becomes our very nature. Amen!

Have a blessed Monday!

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 starlh at hotmail dot com.

Let us find Christ and receive favor from the Lord!

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

Here's to share some extracts from different commentaries on this verse:

* 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.

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? I would consider I 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!

Happy Friday!

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

If you have not already done so, please click on the link above or turn your Bibles to Proverbs 5 and read it completely, slowly, taking in all the beautiful instructions very clearly written - not sugar coated - not grey - but clearly tells us what is right and what is wrong.

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, dirty thoughts, perverse heart, gossiping tongue, envy, pride, etc. ? Definitely not something we would like to bring to God's view. But guess what?

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. Hebrews 4:13

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)

Amen!

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...

Have a blessed Wednesday!

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

Are we up for the challenge?

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.

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 as mentioned in this chapter. 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-on's 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.

Happy March everyone! As we start a new month today, wanted to try something new.(alright, we have done it before - few years ago)

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 - who is calling. Shall we?