Knowing God - He Raises the Dead

Acts 13:33

 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Begotten From the Dead

Jesus rose from the dead.  In His resurrection we see God’s incredible power.  Every sin was placed on Jesus Christ when He died.  He was the atonement/sacrifice on our behalf.  He died.  He laid down His life for us willingly.  Jesus hadn't sinned so He did not have to die.  He chose to die for sins He hadn't committed.  Because He was sinless in and of Himself, death could not hold Him.  Jesus is the first begotten from the dead.  Revelation 1:5 refers to Jesus as “…the first begotten of the dead…”  When the Son of God was prophesied about in Psalm 2 it was about His resurrection.  It is very important for us to know that Christ has risen.  We see in First Peter 1:3 that God has “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”  Because He was begotten from the dead, we are begotten from a hopeless life to a life with great anticipation of all He can do in the most sin-stained situations.  We must remember that Jesus is the resurrection and remember that no matter how dead we find something Christ is more powerful still. 

Proverbs - Don't Trust in Riches

Proverbs 11:28

 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:

but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

                        We must not look at our bank balances as the net that would catch us should we have financial trouble.  We must look to the Lord and know that even if we have money, it is the Lord that has brought it our way.  If we trust in our riches we shall fall.  Thank Him for provisioning and declare your trust is in Him.

Knowing God - Slow To Anger

Joel 2:13

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

God is Slow to Anger

We learn from this section of God’s Word that we should turn towards the Lord when we realize we have done wrong.  He lets us know that He is gracious.  He understands.  He is merciful.  He wants to extend forgiveness and redemption.  He is of great kindness.  He wants to deal with us in kindness not wrath.  He is slow to anger.  He does not blow up suddenly.  He can be turned to and He is a God we can be broken before.  He doesn’t want to deal with us in anger, wrath or judgment.  He wants us to come as children who know we have sinned and are seeking His forgiveness, grace and kindness in the wounded state we find ourselves in.  Our God doesn’t want us to be afraid to come to Him.  He is a holy God but He is a gracious, merciful and kind God.  Turn towards Him, do not run away.  

Proverbs - Seek and Find

Proverbs 11:27

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour:

 but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

                                                                                   

                       Sometimes we live in a non-seeking manner.  We exist with little motivation to pursue anything.  This is usually due to a lack of focus and understanding of why we were created.  The Lord tells us in Eph 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  We should wake up and seek good.  What works did God prepare for me to walk in?

             If we diligently seek good we will procure favor.  This word favor implies smoother relationships than if we had not sought good diligently.  Even in our marriages the Lord tells us that a virtuous woman will “.. do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”(Prov 31:12) We will find much more favor in our husband’s eyes if, rather than just withholding evil, we do good.  May the Holy Spirit lead us to those good things we can do for and to our husbands today.P

Knowing God - God Brings Forth

Neh 9:7

 Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

God Chooses and Brings Forth

The Lord God chose Abram.  He had a plan and planned on using Abram.   After Abram was chosen, the Lord brought him out of the land he was familiar with took him to a land he didn’t know and gave him a new name.   As believers the Lord not only chooses us to come out of the world and follow Him but He chooses us for certain kingdom plans.  We have a holy calling according to His purpose and grace in Christ.  When we sense Him choosing us for something and we don’t know whether we can leave familiar territory we can take great solace knowing that as the Lord brought Abram forth out He will bring us forth as well.  He is looking for the willingness and surrender of a follower who says I know I have been chosen and I am willing to go wherever you want me to go.  We do not work for God.  We work with God.  God works through us.  Let us, like Abram, be ready to be led forth by a God who not only calls but leads us in our calling.

Proverbs - Finances

Proverbs 11:23-26

           

 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

                        So much of our financial well being is directly tied to the law/principles that the Lord has established within His creation.  The opposite rule often applies to that which springs forth in our lives.  If we give, we receive.  If we die then we live.  If we lower ourselves, we will be lifted up.  When we become channels through which God can bless others, He seems to pour more through us. 

                        Many believers do not understand this.  Many times we rely upon the wisdom of the world and wonder why it just doesn’t seem to work.  One of the main sources of financial sanctification is the tithe that was set up in the Old Testament.  When we realized that the first tenth of all our labors belongs to the Lord and we are the vessels through which He sends this for His work, we will begin to see His faithfulness and provisioning The Lord tells us in Malachi 3:10‑11:

           

 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.            And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.”

                        I have heard countless testimonies as well as experienced them myself of the faithfulness of God when the tithe is priority.  Sister, do you prioritize this earthly government in giving taxes over the kingdom of God?  Prayerfully consider your liberality.  Prayerfully consider the flow of your finances.  May we honor the Lord with our substance and be more concerned with loving God and others and see what comes your way.

Knowing God - God's Forgiveness

Matt 6:15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,

                     neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Forgiveness of Your Father

Jesus is speaking here and He makes quite the statement.  He is very clear.  If we do not forgive people of the offenses and sins they have committed against us, our heavenly Father will NOT forgive us your sins.  This is very heavy.  This shows us that our Father takes forgiveness seriously and He has the choice and right NOT to forgive.  Jesus represented the Father perfectly.  Jesus is letting us into the knowledge of our God.  A friend had once made this statement about forgiveness and it really hit me.  “How many of us would turn to God and say, ‘I want you to forgive me and deal with me, the way I forgive and deal with people who sin against me?’”  This is quite the challenge, isn’t it?  The Father spared nothing to make forgiveness available to us and He is abundant in pardon.   Forgiveness is valuable to Him and He intends for those who have been forgiven to walk in forgiveness towards others.  Our Father is a forgiving Father and will NOT forgive those who do NOT forgive others – a heavy statement, but true.  

Proverbs - Modesty

Proverbs 11:22

 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout,

so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

                        A jewel of gold is very beautiful but placed upon the snout of a swine its intrinsic worth and beauty remains and yet the inappropriate placement of it causes it to look ridiculous and repulsive.  As women, the Lord has allowed us to have the opportunity to be quite striking.  We have so many wonderful opportunities to enhance our physical appearance.  We even notice a woman who is strikingly beautiful although we are not men.  This privilege comes with responsibility.  If we draw undue attention to the flesh we become those fine gold rings in pigs’ noses.  I encourage you to pray over your wardrobe.  Yes, each article of clothing.  Ask the Lord if it is appropriate for a woman who professes her affections are on the things above and not on the things of the earth.  If there is doubt, throw it out!  A good rule of thumb in picking out something is whether you will draw undue attention to yourself.    There are those obvious low neck-lines, tight sweaters, short shorts etc., but other considerations should be thought of as well.  If you go to a wedding in jeans and a sweatshirt, this will draw attention to yourself.  If you wear a turtleneck and long skirt to the beach, this, too, draws attention to yourself.  We must decrease, He must increase.  How can I look pleasant enough to blend in and have people know me according to Christ?  Ask the Lord for discretion when you go shopping.  He has made you that fine, gold ring.  Don’t put that beauty on a swine’s snout.

Proverbs - Results

Proverbs 11:18-21

 The wicked worketh a deceitful work:

but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth

evil pursueth it to his own death.

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD:

but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:

but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

                        The first three verses here are contrasting comparisons.  Just as wickedness produces certain results, so does righteousness.  Sometimes, as believers, we focus on the negative consequences of sinful choices and ignore the positive consequences of righteous choices.  God is not mocked.  Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.  This means that if we plant seeds in our lives that are of His ways, we shall reap a wonderful harvest.  Seeds take a while to grow.  When we commit certain sins we sometimes don’t reap for many years - so, too, with righteousness.  We may not see the wonderful harvest and feast on it until some time passes.  Be patient.  Keep planting.  You will reap in due season if you do not give up.

Knowing God - God Instructs and Teaches

Isa 28:26

 For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.

God Instructs and Teaches

This verse is taken from a section where a farmer’s job is being described.  It is quite detailed on the tools and procedures involved with farming.  Here, we see that it is God that gives the farmer the know-how to do his farming.  God shows him when, with what tools, in which order and how to do his job.  Our God knows how to do everything.  He wants to instruct us in whatever ‘farming’ we have to do.  Are you starting a new job or position?  Be open and dependent on God to lead you to the right resources, mentors or training that would equip you to work well.  Do you have something you have to do around the house that you really don’t think you are quite gifted in?  Call out to the Lord, ask Him to teach you and then…be instructed by Him.  He will begin to lead you and give you the peace you need to do the things you have been called to do.  Resist self confidence.  Replace it with a confidence in a God who loves to instruct and teach.  Approach your work with an open heart and humble mind.  Watch how he can give you good success and be certain to thank Him and give Him the glory!

Proverbs - A Gracious Woman

Proverbs 11:16

 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

                        A gracious woman.  What does that mean?  The word gracious can conjure up all sorts of images.  One could think of a 1950's homemaker dressed in her pumps and starched dress entertaining her husband’s business associates.  This is not what this word gracious means.  A woman who is gracious is full of grace. This woman who will retain her honor will be one who understands and walks in grace.  Do you understand grace?  Are you growing in the knowledge of his grace?

                        The opposite of grace is ‘earned favor’ - showing kindness and demonstrating affection based upon someone’s performance.  If we are to be women of grace we treat people based upon unconditional love and not what they do or not do to us or those around us.  In Galatians we read, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal 5::4) If we try to justify our relationships with the law, especially ‘our’ law we will cease from being gracious women.  We need to deal with people with grace.

                        So many times we remind our children to honor us as their mothers.  This verse tells us that our children will see us as women who deserve their honor as we deal with them with grace.  This doesn’t mean we don’t give them consequences and train them in the way they should go, rather it means that we are rooting for them when we discipline them desiring their success.  Grace extends opportunities for improvement, repentance and victory.  Grace causes us not to punish our children because of how their actions affect us, but rather to deal with them in a way that is believing all things, hoping all things and enduring all things. 

                        We will be held in honor by our children and those around if we know how to speak the truth in love.  When we can give grace and truth, as Jesus came to give, we will be able to help others grow up into all things and not be afraid of our judgments or dismayed by our lack of concern.  If you find yourself lacking grace, remember that grace and truth came by Christ.  If Christ is in you, you have the resources to have these ‘twins’ flow out of you thus bringing about the honor the Lord desires for you to retain.

Knowing God - He Hides Us!

Ps 31:20

God Will Hide Us

 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

The Lord reveals to us that in our lives we will be talked about by people.  He tells us that this is often associated with pride.  He also shows us that He will hide us from the pride of man.  It may continue but we will be safe in His presence.  He will keep us secretly in a hiding place from the words of others that might wound us.  How precious our God is.  He knows that in this life we will have people that talk about us and their words can feel like fiery darts.  He promises to hide us and keep/guard us.  This will protect us from growing bitter or withdrawing from people for fear of conflict.  We can love people knowing we are protected from the penetrating impact of hurtful words when we are hidden and guarded in His presence.  This hiding is intended to provide a safe place of refuge from which we can continue to walk boldly in all the Lord has for us not having the fear of man but rather, walking in the favor of God.

Proverbs - Co-signing

Proverbs 11:15

 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:

 and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

                        Surety in the bible is kind of like co-signing or being the collateral for another person.  We must be very cautious about this.  When we lend to anyone the bible says to lend without expecting repayment.  This means that if we commit to lend someone money we must be willing to not get paid.  We should not lend if we are not willing to take a loss.  If we commit ourselves as collateral for someone we have to be willing to cover if they fail to pay.  The best bet is not to cosign according to this verse so that others’ financial decisions will not have to interfere with relationships and trust.  You have the right to say no to this and save a relationship.  If you pray and sense you are to come alongside someone in this manner, be willing to take the loss of the money and keep the friendship if, indeed, they fail to pay.  Use wisdom.

Knowing God - He Does the Saving

Ps 17:7

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness,

O thou that savest by thy right hand them

which put their trust in thee from

those that rise up against them.

You Do the Saving, We Do the Trusting

We learn a few truths in this piece of scripture.  We learn that people will rise against us.  We don’t like this, but it is true.  We learn that our response to people rising against us is to put our trust in the Lord.  We want to defend ourselves or find sympathetic ears, but we mustn’t.  We learn that God saves by His right hand those who do place their trust in Him at these times.  We want to save ourselves, but He is the One will do it.  It is important to realize that using our shield of faith/trust is really the militant response to attacks/fiery darts being thrown at us.  When we have the Lord between us and them, we are shielded from injury and we yield our defense to a God who has the resources, authority and wisdom to save us.  Our God cares when people rise up against us.  He knows we don’t like it, but He asks us to be more focused on trusting in Him that being discouraged by people.  He will save us with His right hand and we should cry out to Him asking for Him to show us His marvelous works!

Proverbs - Safety in Counsel

Proverbs 11:14

 Where no counsel is, the people fall:

but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

                        When we need advice and we are truly seeking to please the Lord, a multitude of counselors is a safe way to go.  We should ask different people from different spheres of influence concerning a matter.  We are often very biased in our own understanding and an honest look from different viewpoints will help us walk in advice that is safe for our lives.

                        The key here is that they would be considered counselors in our lives.  The Word does not tell us “In the multitude of voices there is safety”.  We must consider who we pour out our heart to.  If they are someone God has put in authority or influence over our lives, they may be one of those counselors.  If we find ourselves seeing someone as a mentor or whose lives we desire to pattern ours after, they may be one of those counselors.

                        Another thing to remember when someone is seeking our counsel, is to ask them what sort of advice have others given them.  Often this can help us help them listen for the Lord’s voice.  It can also bring to us angles of the situation we might not be aware of or even give us insight into the person who is seeking counsel.

                        Safety is valuable.  It is the sense that we are not going to be injured suddenly and unaware.  Consider your counselors.  Consider your counsel.

Proverbs - Void of Wisdom

  

Proverbs 11:12-13

 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:

but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

 A talebearer revealeth secrets:

 but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

                        In order to be a wise woman we must not figure one another out and speak criticism of our neighbor.  We must hold our peace and bring them before the Lord faithfully.  We will be a much more effective friend if we pray for our friends.  Do you consistently bring those closest to you before the Lord?  Might I encourage you to do so even now? Perhaps you could stop now and pray specifically for those you are closest to.

                        A talebearer is one who bears a tale - a story teller.  Ladies are often great with this.  We can tell someone in detail what occurred in a situation.  This can be great when we are telling of the wonderful acts the Lord has done in our or others’ lives.  The problem is we can tell stories about others and before we know it we are delivering ammunition for the enemy to use in another’s life.  We should want to be one who is known for having a faithful spirit.  When someone tells us something, let us hold it in and not share it with another.  This is not always easy but you will find yourself in a lot less conflict by not repeating a matter.

Knowing God - He Saved Us

2 Tim 1:9

Saved Us and Called Us

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

The Lord has saved us according to his own purpose and grace.  We need salvation, He wants to use us.  When we step into the realm of being adopted as sons through faith in Christ, we are transferred into a life that is defined by God’s plans and purposes.  We are not getting a ticket to heaven, putting in our pocket and continuing to live our lives with our own ideas and plans ruling and reigning our lives.  He has not just saved us but He has called us with a holy calling.  This is a great truth.  This tells us that our lives have purpose that far exceeds any sort of noble plans we might conjure up.  It is of the upmost importance that we face each day with full assurance of our salvation and our calling.  We may not know all He has called us to but we do know that He has a holy calling for us.  Be open and led by His Spirit for His purposes today and you most likely will be walking in that calling with a great sense of inner purpose and calling even if you don’t recognize it.  

Knowing God - The Holy Spirit Teaches

Ps 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

God’s will is something we need to be taught and His Spirit is a good teacher.  His Spirit will lead us and teach us.  God doesn’t just order us to do His will; He wants to teach us to do His will.  God’s Spirit is faithful to lead and guide us into all truth.  He is a member of the Trinity so He is in tune with the Father’s will.  He can effectively communicate the Father’s heart and the way He wants things done.  Thank You Lord that Your Spirit is good.  Teach us and lead us into the land of uprightness.

Proverbs - Rejoicing Cities

Proverbs 11:10-11

When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth:

and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:

 but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

                        We, as women, have a little city we impact, especially if we are moms and wives.  We uphold the law of our land and have the privilege of establishing the ‘city’ in righteousness.  We must exalt that which is righteous and cause that which is wicked to perish and not have a voice in our home.  Our homes will rejoice, shout and be blessed as we filter out those attitudes, entertainment choices and lifestyles that the Lord deems as wicked.  Oh Lord, help us affirm those things you value and disregard the lures of temporal pleasures that conflict with Your plans for our homes.  Give us wisdom in supporting our children and husbands when they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness.

Knowing God - God Prepares

Isa 64:4

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

God Prepares

God has things prepared for those who wait for him.  When we wait upon God we are looking to Him and for Him to work in our lives and the situations for which we are interceding.  When we pray, our Heavenly Father already knows what we have need of.  He has things laid up for us and oftentimes it is the simple request that sets these preparations into action.  When we approach our God we must understand that we are not informing Him of the details, we are seeking Him to have His way in these situations.  He has things prepared for those who wait for Him.   He knows the best answer for every situation and it most likely is one that has not entered our mind.  It is good to know that our God has prepared things for us and it is a great comfort when we come before Him and seek Him concerning matters.

Proverbs - Righteousness vs. Wickedness

Proverbs 11:5-8

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:

but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:

but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish:

and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

                                                                             

Righteousness and wickedness.  Two opposing character traits.  When making those choices we must ask if our choices are righteous.  That means...are they right in the eyes of the Righteous One?  Let’s contrast the two and what happens when we make decisions based on righteous or wicked principles.

Wickedness 

shame (11:2)

destruction (11:3)

falling (11:5)

taken (11:6)

disappointment (11:7)

 trouble (11:8)

                     

Righteousness

wisdom (11:2)

guidance (11:3)

deliverance (11:4,6,8)

direction (11:5)

Knowing God - The Lord is Doing

Ps 118:23

This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

The Lord’s Doing

The Lord is doing and the Lord does.  He is not a God who watches and does not get involved.  The Lord does things and it is our privilege to perceive His doings and marvel at them.  Our God is not just a righteous Judge who judges what occurs, but gets involved and does things in a situation, with people and for people.  Our God is so full of love and so perfect, He does not need to do things for attention or affirmation.  This is why much of what He does goes unnoticed by us and we walk with a dull sense of the involvement He has in our lives.  Oh Lord, open our eyes to see your doings and even when we don’t see them let us praise you for those things we do not see.  

Proverbs - Riches and Death

Proverbs 11:4

 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

                        Many people in this world weigh a choice as to how much it will profit them financially, disregarding the element of questioning its impact on things like; family, their relationship with Christ, priorities and the like.  We must never, as believers, allow such a guideline to be that which orders our steps. Whenever I go to a funeral I never hear such eulogies concerning the person’s possessions but their character, family and faith in God.  Riches do not profit in the end so why let them rule while we’re living?  Do you need that extra money, or does your child need your time?  Do you need to purchase that high maintenance item or do you need a more disciplined prayer life?  Does your husband need to get a second job, or does he need more time enjoying his children?  Ask Your Lord.  He will tell you.

Knowing God - Intellect

1 Kings 4:29

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

The Lord Gives Intellectual Interests

We often hear of the Wisdom of Solomon, but have we considered the fact that the Lord gave him largeness of heart?  The word heart often stands for the very center of a person and their intellect in the King James Version.  This word heart is not used like we use it in Modern English such as feelings or generosity.  Solomon was given an intellect that was interested in all different types of topics and enjoyed learning in general.  The Lord can give us the aptitude and desire to learn.  Many times as a student I found myself in required classes that were completely outside of my natural interest.  I remember praying and asking the Lord to help me interested in learning.  I remember the Lord reminding me that if I were to learn all I could in each class I would be better prepared to take interest in all kinds of people whether I was naturally inclined to their likes or not.  This would help me love people and grow in my respect for others who had chosen to study things I would rather not have.  Ask the Lord to give you, like Solomon, a variety of intellectual interests.  Trust that He can use knowledge to equip you to be a better friend, witness and conversationalist.

Proverbs - Integrity Will Protect

Proverbs 11:3

 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

                        Choosing paths that please the Lord, results in sure-footedness that allows the traveler to enjoy the sights along the way. Life’s choices must be those guided by integrity so that we can enjoy the journey without looking upon that which might trip us.  Allow a sensitive conscience to be guided by the Holy Spirit and His pure leading.  Make choices that, although no one else will see, will please the Lord and be those full of integrity.  Someone else may look like they have gained a lot of ground on their path with some twisted and dishonest action but the Lord says that the very thing they used to try to get ahead, will destroy them in the end.  Be sensitive to the Lord ordering your steps and don’t compare your path with another’s.  When you and I take a step guided with integrity we will be more confident in the step after that.  When we take steps that are twisted or out of God’s standard of upright, you and I will find ourselves having to step over and around clutter that could very well impede our path and create injury.  Let integrity guide you today no matter what anyone else is doing.

Knowing God - The Lord Delivers and Defends

Ps 59:1

Deliver me from mine enemies,

O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

The Lord Delivers and Defends

Our God is to be called upon when people rise up against us.  He wants to deliver us and He wants to defend us.  Usually people come against us due to the stirring up by our adversary.  He is the accuser of our brethren and he loves division and discord.  The battle is not ours.  We are not to try and get out of the way of vain and empty accusations.  We are to stay focused on what the Lord would have us exert energy on and leave the defending and delivering to Him.  He has the ability and the love to defend us and He has the strategies and resources to deliver us.  We mustn’t fear what man can do to us.  If God is for us, who can be against us?

Proverbs - Integrity Guides

Proverbs 11:3

 The integrity of the upright shall guide them:

but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

                        Choosing paths that please the Lord, results in sure-footedness that allows the traveler to enjoy the sights along the way. Life’s choices must be those guided by integrity so that we can enjoy the journey without looking upon that which might trip us.  Allow a sensitive conscience to be guided by the Holy Spirit and His pure leading.  Make choices that, although no one else will see, will please the Lord and be those full of integrity.  Someone else may look like they have gained a lot of ground on their path with some twisted and dishonest action but the Lord says that the very thing they used to try to get ahead, will destroy them in the end.  Be sensitive to the Lord ordering your steps and don’t compare your path with another’s.  When you and I take a step guided with integrity we will be more confident in the step after that.  When we take steps that are twisted or out of God’s standard of upright, you and I will find ourselves having to step over and around clutter that could very well impede our path and create injury.  Let integrity guide you today no matter what anyone else is doing.

Knowing God - He is with us in the Wilderness

Ps 68:7

O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:

God Marches With Us

When the children of Israel were marching through the wilderness, they were in unknown territory facing unknown things.  Here we see that God actually marched before them through the wilderness.  This is a great truth indeed!   When we face those seasons of unknown territory our God will march through those wilderness times before us.  He will blaze a trail for us and we can have full confidence that He is leading us when we don’t quite know where we are going.  Thank You Lord for being that friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Thank you Lord that when things are unfamiliar you will be right before us leading us in the paths you have for us!  We are not alone!

Proverbs - Weighing Matters

Proverbs 11:1

            A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

                        A balance here is that which weighs something.  Sometimes in the marketplaces of old, a scale might be upon the seller’s table.  Perhaps the amount of grain to be purchased was placed there and an appropriate price would be given per pound.  Sometimes a dishonest seller would unjustly weigh down the scale so as to charge his customer more than what the buyer actually purchased.  Here we see that a false balance is an abomination to the Lord.

                        Ladies, we could very well be doing this in our own lives.  How do we weigh those matters that affect us?  Does a little word spoken to you become a larger burden than it actually is?  Do you measure the events of your life by a scale falsely balanced by this world’s ideas of what is valuable and what is not?  If we have a just way of weighing things we find in this verse that is delightful to the Lord.  We must come before Him in prayer and before His Word to measure those things that affect us.  We mustn’t let the enemy, that deceiver, put false weights where things are not that heavy.  We mustn’t let our own biases and perspectives give us the wrong measurement in assessing situations, relationships and events in our lives.

                        The next time you are facing something and attempting to determine its impact on you, remember this verse.  Ask the Lord to help you weigh it justly and to remove from you any false balances in your life.  When you go to a gas station you will see a sticker on the pump assuring its integrity by a governmental agency that checks scales and measuring devices.  You only want to pay for that which you put in and you appreciate the integrity of an honest scale.   We don’t need to be weighed down by things that are judged by a dishonest scale.  Let us be sure to always come before His inspection so as to maintain an honest way of weighing matters.