Proverbs - Guilt is Good

Proverbs 28:17

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit;

let no man stay him.

The Lord is warning us not to hide and protect the guilty.  They may sense the need to run from judgment but we are not to assist them in this.  Everyone that does right comes to the light.  Some people don’t want to come to the light because their deeds are evil and they don’t want these things exposed.  We don’t uncover the sins of others as they seek forgiveness and choose to walk in newness of life but if someone has done something and is running from its consequences, we should not be privy to such a course.  Guilt has been given by God and it is an appropriate response for sin.  It drives the sinner to seek cleansing.  Let us not get in the way of the work of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life.  The Lord loves them and will use their shame and fear to draw them to His side – the side that poured out the last of His sinless blood that can cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Proverbs - Covetousness

Proverbs 28:16

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

The word ‘wanteth’ here is an Old English word which means ‘lacks’.  When someone is in authority and they don’t have nor want understanding they will tend to be very oppressive and difficult to serve under.  It would be wise for us to pray for those over us that they would have understanding.  We are also told here that if a prince or person hates covetousness they will prolong their days.  This is a contrasting verse.  The first part tells us that about a prince lacking understanding and the second explains that hating covetousness will cause our days of authority to last longer.  This could infer that if we are covetous we lack understanding.  Do we not understand that God has given us just what we need and might I add – even more than that?  If we look to other things, other husbands, other gifts, we are guilty of idolatry concluding our peace will come from these things.  Oh Lord, help us be content with what we have and quick to thank you for all you have already given us.  This will protect us from anxiety and restlessness that will most likely impact our health and disposition.  

Knowing God - He Gave Us His Breath

Gen 2:7

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;

 and man became a living soul.

The Lord God formed man.  The Lord God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.  A few verses later we see the Lord forming every animal and bird from the ground. “And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air;..” (Gen 2:19) It is not recorded that the Lord breathed the breath of life into the animals, only in man.  This could help us understand the eternal existence of man versus the temporary life of animals.  Both, the animals and man were formed from the ground so we both have this tie to this earth in our life.  Yet, we, as humans, have been given life from God – from an eternal God.  We were created before the animals and the Lord has made us in His likeness.  We have received this life from Him and we can only experience life the way He intended as we continue to be dependent on Him.  Cherish your origins.  Allow His breathe, to breathe upon you today bringing the breath of life to your existence. Job remembered this and it helped him through the most devastating trials in a man’s life as recorded in scripture.  “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:4)

We were created

And given His breath

Then Christ came to earth

And delivered from death

Knowing God - Jesus Loves Children

Luke 18:16

But Jesus called them unto him, and said,

 Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

This is a correction that Jesus was giving to His disciples.  Ladies were bringing their babies to Jesus in order to have Him touch them.  The disciples were rebuking the women for doing this.  Jesus told His disciples that their actions were wrong and that children were very important to Him.  We learn God’s heart here about children.  Although we don’t read a lot of recorded encounters between Jesus and children, we get quite a picture of His heart in this statement.  Our Savior loves children.  He wants children to come to Him.  He wants us to facilitate easy access to Him and be that kind of people who embrace opportunities to be used to bring children to Jesus.  This is His heart.  Consider your attitude towards children.  Do you tend to push children away?  Do you see them through His eyes?  Lord, help us be used to bring the little children to You, that You might touch them and that they might know Your love and friendship.

Runny noses, high-pitched screams ,

And energy so much,

Remind us to that the little children,

Need to feel His touch.

Proverbs - Wicked Leaders

Proverbs 28:15

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

Roaring lions and ranging bears intimidate and bring fear to their prey.  We are not to rule like that.  Our children don’t need us to be roaring lions.  We are wicked when we are like this.  We must maintain a calmness even in the most difficult parenting situations.  When we do roar or range we should confess this as wickedness and realize that our children are not to be treated as such.  He can change you.  He loves to make all things new.  He can take your weakness and turn it into a strength.  You should get a sister to be accountable to if you find yourself roaring.  It is unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord and you must confess and forsake this behavior.  He can forgive you and change you.  As your children see you confess and forsake this behavior you will find mercy.

Knowing God - He Gives Grace to the Humble

                                          1 Peter 5:5

“…..for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.”

We learn who the Lord opposes here.  We do not want to be in opposition to the Lord.  If we are proud then we will find ourselves in direct opposition with God.  He will lift His hand of blessing when we are proud to show us the danger we are truly in.  When we humble ourselves, God will give His grace – the divine influence upon our hearts that manifests itself in the way we live.  God’s grace is available to those of us who are humble.  It is difficult, if not impossible to lead someone who is stubborn or pre-decided in the direction they want to go.  God desire to lead, bless and influence our lives.  When we are humble, the grace, the divine influence, is there to strengthen, lead, empower and equip us to live our lives.  When we are proud, stubborn or self-willed our path seems uphill and full of obstacles.  Our God enjoys humility and rewards it as well.  Oh Lord, we humble ourselves before you today, seeking Your grace upon our lives.

Proverbs - Fearing God

Proverbs 28:14

Happy is the man that feareth alway:

but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Soften our hearts Lord.  Keep our consciences clear and open.  Holy Spirit, convict us of that which would grieve You.  Oh Lord, help us be women who fear you always. Help us fear you in all scenarios and situations.  Give us hearts of flesh that feel what you want us to feel.  Show us if we start to harden our hearts to your voice in even the minutest way.  We want to be happy women and we don’t want to fall into mischief.  When you speak may we listen and obey.  When you disapprove, may we refuse and reject.  When you call us away, may we run to you and be safe.  Give us tender hearts that we might avoid unnecessary mischief.