Month of Prayer, Day 18

Today’s scriptures are about words.  Your Words are powerful, Lord, because they create.  Indeed, Lord, Your Word is forever settled in heaven.  It is as unchanging as Your faithfulness.  You established the earth by Your Word, and it abides.  What You create is for a purpose.

Lord, Pr. 18 tells us that our words create, as well.  Help my words to also have a purpose.  Help me not to express my own heart, but to delight in understanding. Help the wellspring of wisdom flow from my mouth and not foolishness.  Help my lips not to enter into contention or call for blows.  I do not want my mouth to be my destruction, or be a snare for my soul.  I want my mouth to honor and glorify You.

Keep me from haughtiness. Keep my ears and my lips closed to gossip. Let my ears wisely seek knowledge. Help my heart to be prudent, acquiring knowledge. Let the produce of my lips be good and not evil.

Lord, Pr. 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Let my tongue speak life. Help me to be a wife who is honorable, loyal, and helpful.  Help me to speak life into my husband.  Let me to listen before speaking, and to answer softly.

Lord, I thank You that Your name is a strong tower that I can run to for safety.  When I need protection, Lord, You are ever there; unchanging, and eternal.  Thank You, Lord.  Thank You that Your faithfulness will endure to the generations that come after me!

I love You, Lord,

jamie

 

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Investing 101

Pr. 18:16:  “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”

While we wait on the Lord’s return we have work to do.  We can never forget that ultimately, the work we are called to do is to spread the message of Jesus Christ.  God is depending on us to point others to Him.

I was reading the parable of the talents in Mathew 25 this morning.  It reminded me that God has entrusted us with resources that He expects us to use to multiply the kingdom.  He did not give us resources and salvation so that we can sit comfortably in our happy place and keep it all to ourselves.  He expects us to put those resources to work.

That work will look different in a lot of lives.  We have all been given different resources so that we can reach a wide range of people.  Some will be preachers and pastors.  Some will be missionaries in a foreign land.  Others will minister to people in prison.  Levites will lead the way with music ministry, bringing others into the presence of the Lord.

Others, however, may look more like a mother talking to her children about the Lord day after day, reminding them of God’s love and provision.  Some will hand out food in their community, or spread God’s love to those around them by simple actions of kindness or charity.  I have watched my own mother approach a cash register to simply purchase a shirt, and before we walked away, both she and the cashier were in tears, hugging and praising God.  It could look like that.

Perhaps it’s a Sunday school teacher, faithfully teaching Sunday after Sunday, feeding adults or children with the Word of God.  It could be a nursery worker, caring lovingly for a helpless baby while it’s parents are being ministered to.  Sometimes it’s a miraculous offering of forgiveness that can only be explained as a gift from God.  It could even be a financial giving of resources.

God expects us to use our resources for His kingdom.  In the parable of the talents, the man who had given the talents to his servants returned to find out what had been done with them.  There was 1 servant who had buried and hid his talent until the master returned.  The master was disappointed that the servant had not done anything with it.

One day, Jesus will return.  He will look to see how we have used our resources for His kingdom, and He will expect to see some sort of return.  We cannot hide our resources or His love away.  Others are counting on us.  And our work will please the Master.

Investing,

jamie

A lesson on haughtiness

Pr. 18:12:  “Before the destruction of the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.”

I learned the physical application of this verse when I was about 10 or 11.  I had gone swimming at my best friend’s house.  As I was riding my bike home, I noticed some neighborhood kids playing baseball in the yard of my neighbor.  Now, keep in mind that the neighborhood kids were always jealous that I got to swim in her in-ground pool, but then again, they never really wanted to be her friend any other time.

So, here I come, riding my bike in my bathing suit.  It was obvious where I’d been.  I wanted to rub it in that I’d gone swimming and they didn’t, so I made a big show of waving at them.  While I was haughtily showing off, I neglected to see the baseball stuck in a hole in the road.  Yep.

Next thing I knew, I experienced an intense jarring and flew over the handlebars of my bike.  My knee was torn open and my neighbor’s dad literally had to carry me home.

That was my lesson about how being haughty leads to destruction.  I still remember it quite vividly.

Learn from my mistake.  🙂

Still have the scar to prove it,

jamie

Where to find the knowledge you need

Pr. 18:15:  “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Have you ever felt like you were missing something?  I feel that way right now.  I seems like there must be some piece of knowledge that God is trying to reveal to me, but somehow I’m just not getting it.  (My dad always did say I was stubborn)

This morning I asked God to reveal something more of Himself to me.  I asked Him to help me understand what it is He is trying to tell me.  I know my prayer is not in vain because I read in Col. 2:2-3 that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in the Father and in Christ.  I like that!

I’m also reminded again that James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  As long as I’m looking in the right place, the wisdom that I need will be revealed liberally from the treasures of my Father and His Son.  For these things I am so thankful!

If you need wisdom and knowledge now, join me.  Let’s ask the Ones who hold the treasures.

Seeking to acquire His wisdom,

jamie

 

Christmas with an offended brother

Pr. 18:19:  “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.”

During this season of family gatherings, this verse stands out.  Not everyone’s families get together in happy, peaceful, harmonious ways.  There are times when contentions, offenses, and pain are also present.  Sometimes it is an unspoken expectation that during a holiday the contention will cease, and so when it doesn’t, it can hurt even more than usual.

Sadly, there are some people for whom forgiveness never seems to be an option.  We cannot speak for them; however, we can decide for ourselves how we will respond.  If there are contentions in your family, I am sorry.  You may not be met with friendliness or the opportunity to move in and make it all go away.  So, what can you do?

Continue to pray.  Continue to walk in love.  Continue to walk with integrity, being the person you claim to be in Christ.  Continue to trust in the Lord and His faithfulness in your life and the lives of those with whom the contentions exist.

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.  But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.  Ps. 13

David wrote this Psalm when it seems he was experiencing similar emotions with those who would not forgive and relent.

We have the Lord and Savior on our side.  We have the One who shows Himself strong for us.  We have the one who keeps us safe when our trust is in Him.

It is hard when others do not like us nor will offer forgiveness; however, Jesus said that the servant is not greater than his Master.  The world hated Jesus before it hated us, and if they persecuted Him, they will also persecute us.  (John 15:18)  Jesus knows about rejection, hatred, contention, and betrayal.  He’s been there.  He is able to offer aid to us if that is the case in our lives, as well.

We cannot force others to forgive or love us, but we can walk in the knowledge that we have a High Priest who will comfort us and offer mercy.  He is always on our side.

If you happen to be the one who has not been forgiving or relenting, perhaps this is the Christmas when you can offer that gift to someone as imperfect as you.  Everyone needs forgiveness, which is why Jesus came as our Savior.

Whatever the case, I pray that the Comforter will be able to offer you peace this Christmas season.  The Lord is faithful and does not allow the righteous soul to famish.  If you allow it, He will give you all that you need.

Praying for you,

jamie

Instead of setting a snare, speak grace

Pr. 18:7:  “A fools mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”

A fool, as defined in the Bible, is one who says there is no God.  Such a statement and belief is exactly what leads to destruction.  John 3:16 clearly tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  We must believe to be saved.

Words can also start fights, break hearts, and sever relationships, all of which are also very destructive.  Words matter.  There are also words that are socially acceptable, but not acceptable in God’s sight.

Yesterday I was unprepared when heard someone take the Lord’s name in vain in a curse that caused me to so shudder that I had to immediately remove myself.  While I understand that as Americans we have the right to speak as we want, I also understand that weight and consequences that words carry.

Likewise, I understand that we have been taught a different way to speak than just what is lawful or accepted in our country.  I am reminded of Ex. 20:7, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”  There are still consequences to taking the Lord’s name in vain…even if everyone else does it.

In Mt. 12:36-37, Jesus teaches us, saying, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”  It is clear that our words not only matter, but have an affect not only here in this life and when Jesus returns.  In order to not set a snare for our soul, we must be careful how we are speaking.

Eph. 4:29 tells us, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to hearers.”  Here we see that edifying words impart grace upon those who hear.  That’s another effect of our words, but one that is much more positive.

Pr. 16:24 tells us how, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”  Isn’t that so true?  Oh, and Pr. 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”  Words matter.  With all the adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs in our vocabulary, there are countless words that are more interesting than curses, and vast expressives that could be used in substitute for the Lord’s name.

In Ps. 19:14, David reveals his hearts desire to, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”  Oh, that in speaking this would also be our goal.  Regardless of our rights as citizens on this earth, we know the power of our words goes far beyond this broken world.  Let us consider wisely what we speak.

Thoughtfully,

jamie

The flowing brook

Pr. 18:4:  “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.”

We are not born wise.  Just this morning, as my children began their day and sat down for breakfast and a Saturday morning TV show, my daughter was rude to my son 3 times in about 3 minutes.  Him making a noise was the reason she couldn’t count.  His coughing, with his mouth covered, meant he was coughing on her.  Her putting her finger in his face was just a joke.  Apparently this is the day when she is entitled and everything he does is absolutely wrong.

I had to remind her that her attitude was showing that her heart was not housing kindness or love, and invited her to pray about it and stop, or go back to bed.  She is still sitting at the table with us, so I am hoping that means that wisdom is taking over.  Time will tell.

There were a few verses in Pr. 18 that would have been appropriate with this situation, but I like this one best.  I like the positive note of this particular verse.

It is true that the words of our mouths come from deep places.  The deep, secret places of our hearts contain what we truly feel and believe.  Out of those places, flow the words we speak.  It is clear that deep in my daughter’s heart right now there are places of pride, selfishness, bitterness, and dishonesty.  Now, not to pick on my baby girl (who just yesterday offered to buy the same brother a new Batman sword as he cried over the pieces of the one he had just broken) the same could probably be said of any of us.  We are all imperfect in our flesh.  We live in a fallen, sin-cursed world and will not be perfect until the Lord makes all things new.

What is encouraging to me is that with time, experience, study, prayer, and teaching, we can become people whose hearts are filled with more and more of God.  As we read the Beatitudes over and over, we are reminded that the peacemakers, the merciful, the meek, and the pure are blessed.  Spending years of our lives in submission to God reminds us that He is ultimately in control and will fulfill our every need.  Filling our hearts with His love, His wisdom, His percepts, and His promises cleanses the deep places and purifies the waters.

As our hearts become more full of God and less full of ourselves, His wisdom can take over and the brook that will flow from our mouths will indeed be a wellspring of the wisdom deep inside.  If you’re not perfect today, take heart, each moment that you spend with God purifies you deep inside.  The wellspring within you grows purer and holds more Living Water.  Until we are made new, we will never be perfect, but God can use us now to be a wellspring for those around us.

Cheers!

jamie

 

 

Raging against wise judgment

Pr. 18:1:  “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.”

Yesterday I spent some time at a rebound center for men struggling with addictions and homelessness.  This verse reminds me of them.  The men there have chosen to voluntarily enroll themselves in an intense 90-day program recovery program where they submit themselves and their desires to another’s authority for 90 days.  These adult men enter into an environment where they become fully accountable to others, including curfews, breathalyzer tests, drug screens, group sessions, chapel services, and work assignments.

These men have chosen not to isolate themselves in their out-of-control cycles, but to use wise judgment and allow themselves to be taught and trained in ways to break out of these cycles.  Instead of raging against wise judgment, they choose to seek the wisdom of people who are offering help.  It is good, too, as this center logs a completion rate that is twice the national average.

The difference between this place and the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program?  Jesus Christ.  They call upon the grace and power of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  God’s grace is the hope to which they cling, and they understand there is one more powerful than any addiction or circumstance in their lives.

One of the verses I saw on the wall was 1 Tim. 1:15, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”  God’s grace is for all of us.  Each one of us sins, but that is exactly why Christ Jesus came into the world.  He loves us and offered salvation to us all on the cross at Calvary.

If you find yourself in a cycle of brokenness, depression, oppression, addiction, harmful habits, powerlessness, shame, inferiority, or any other thing, you will find grace at the cross of Jesus.  There was a song we sang when I was growing up that said, “There’s room at the cross for you.”  God is just waiting on you to run to Him for help.  Call upon the name of the Lord.  He is faithful to hear our prayers.  He will be a shield for you, a Defender, a strong tower, and will give the help you need.

Do not isolate yourself, but like the men at this recovery center, allow yourself to submit to wise judgment.  You may not need to enroll at a recovery center, but maybe you need accountability to or training from another.  Do not isolate yourself from the Lord, either, which is so easy to do in times of trouble.  Cry unto the Lord and He will hear you and lift your head out of shame and cycles that bind you.  He is your Creator, your Sustainer, your Savior, and your Deliverer.  There is room for you.

Thankful,

jamie

Let’s get to work!

Pr. 18: 9:  “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.” 

1 Cor. 8:17 says, “But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.”  Are you walking in your God-ordained work?

We were each called by the Lord for a purpose.  As He forms us, He equips us with certain features, talents, gifts, and tools to help us complete our purpose.  We have all been given exactly what we need in order to do the work He created us to do.

I was not equipped to do your job, and vice versa.  While I could maybe muddle through yours, it certainly would not be completed the best way.  My singing voice is much better blending with a group than the solo voice God gave you.  My math skills are sub-par to your math-based mind.  My gift of encouragement is much stronger than the people skills I might need to do your work.

Throughout our lives on this earth we can become distracted, covetous, doubtful, and insecure.  Satan will stop at nothing to get our eyes off our call, and more importantly, off the Lord.  We cannot be slothful in our work.  God created us and equipped us, and He is counting on us.  Other people are counting on us to fulfill our purpose, as well.

Instead of being the brother, or sister, to those who purposefully destroy their call by completely turning their backs on the Lord, let’s do our work.  Those who choose to go their own way and forget why they were created are making their own way.  Let us continue on the narrow way, knowing that our work in the Lord is not in vain.  Who knows, maybe your work ethic will inspire others to do the same.

God not only equipped us as He formed us, but He continues to equip us each day.  We will always have what we need to do His work.  Let’s trust Him enough to provide and get to work!

Hard hat on,

jamie

 

What is your strong tower?

Pr. 18:10-11:  “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city and like a high wall in his own esteem.“

While I am trying to choose my Proverb for the day my daughter is watching Veggie Tales.  This one has a story about George Mueller and His faith in the Lord’s provision:

“The children are dressed and ready for school. But there is no food for them to eat,” the housemother of the orphanage informed George Mueller. George asked her to take the 300 children into the dining room and have them sit at the tables. He thanked God for the food and waited. George knew God would provide food for the children as he always did. Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. “Mr. Mueller,” he said, “last night I could not sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will bring it in.”

Soon, there was another knock at the door. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. The milk would spoil by the time the wheel was fixed. He asked George if he could use some free milk. George smiled as the milkman brought in ten large cans of milk. It was just enough for the 300 thirsty children.”  1.

What an amazing story of faith and of God’s faithful provision!  Riches are fine, wealth provides many opportunities, but the fact of the matter is that our ultimate provision comes from the Lord.  The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life and Jesus felt a love for him and said, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  Mark 10:21

Money is not our strong tower, our refuge, or our provider.  The Lord is the One who supplies.  The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Like George Mueller we can follow and trust in Him and watch Him supply our every need.  One thing is for sure, when we risk it all on Jesus, we will never be forsaken.  Unlike the Dow Jones or the currency of the day, He has proven it over and over again.

Feeling safe in His arms,

jamie

References:

1.  http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/george-mueller-orphanages-built-by-prayer-11634869.html