Tag Archives: proverbs

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light for Couples – That Proverbs 31 Woman…

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“A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Are you ever intimidated by the “Proverbs 31 woman”? Sometimes I am. How can we compete? Here’s a woman who brings her husband “good, not harm, all the days of her life”; gets up before the morning light; feeds her family; shows good judgment in her purchases; works “vigorously”; helps the poor; has time to make bed coverings for her household and garments for sale; has enough faith to “laugh at the days to come”; “speaks with wisdom”; has no use for idleness; and earns blessing and praise from her husband and children!

Let’s be honest, we can’t compete… but maybe we don’t have to. I’m not convinced, for example, that the woman described in Proverbs 31 is one literal person. Or, if she is, that she achieved all her accomplishments during the same period of life. Rather, I think that through the writings of Solomon, the Lord has provided us women with specific examples of the behavior to which we should continually aspire—just as all Christians aspire to be like Jesus, even though we’ll never actually reach His level of perfection.

I believe that the key to understanding Proverbs 31 is found in verse 30, the next to last passage in Proverbs: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” According to this verse, a “woman who fears the Lord,”—who seeks His will for her as wife, mother, and follower of Jesus—is the Proverbs 31 woman, no matter how a particular day or season of her life is going.

My encouragement to you as a wife is to seek God and submit to His direction—and add a dash of love in the process. I promise you that you’ll please your Maker, bring honor to your husband and family, and find a personal contentedness that will never be matched.

– Shirley M Dobson

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Our Treasuries Filled

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“My paths are those of justice and right. Those who love and follow Me are indeed wealthy. I fill their treasuries” (Proverbs 8:20,21).

“How does it feel to be a millionaire?” someone once asked the maker of Pullman cars, George M. Pullman.

“I have never thought of that before,” replied Pullman, “but now that you mention it, I believe I am no better off – certainly not happier, than when I did not have a dollar to my name and had to work from daylight to dark.

“I wore a good suit of clothes then, and I only wear one suit at a time now. I relished three meals a day then a good deal more than I do three meals a day now. I had fewer cares, I slept better and may add that I believe I was generally far happier in those days than I have been many times since I became a millionaire.”

As Pullman learned, true wealth is not found in earthly riches. The heart can never be fully satisfied with anything of the world; beside, the world passes away. True wealth is found in the knowledge of Christ and of His great salvation, and in the possession of the abiding riches which He bestows on all who believe in Him.

True wealth has to do with spiritual health – inner peace, clear conscience and sins forgiven. That man, woman or young person with abiding faith in Christ, who is yielded to the control of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit, has true wealth – the supernatural life.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I’ll begin to look more to the “Bank of Heaven” for my true wealth.

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Long, Satisfying Life

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“If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions” (Proverbs 3:2).

A famous children’s specialist declared, “When it comes to a serious illness, the child who has been taught to obey has four times the chance of recovery that the spoiled and undisciplined child has.”

Every parent should consider well the implications of that statement. We have all been taught that one of the Ten Commandments was for children to obey their parents.

But it is doubtful that many of us have ever considered that obedience might mean the difference between the saving or losing of a child’s life.

The hymnwriter who said that we should “trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus” well knew what he was saying. A “long and satisfying life” certainly would be synonymous with a “happy life.”

Many Christians have every intention of following God’s instructions – without ever really knowing what those instructions are. That is why it is supremely important for every believer to spend time in God’s Word, the book of instructions for Christians.

Are you one of those who truly want a long satisfying life? Then, are you willing to follow God’s instructions for your life? Are you willing to familiarize yourself thoroughly with His instructions so that you will have no difficulty knowing and following them?

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-8

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will follow closely God’s instructions in order that I may live a long and satisfying life.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Wisdom Seekers

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Read: Proverbs 3:1-18

Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53

Blessed are those who find wisdom. —Proverbs 3:13 NIV

Every spring colleges and universities hold commencement ceremonies to celebrate the success of students who have completed their studies and earned their degrees. After the students cross the stage, these graduates will enter a world that will challenge them. Just having academic knowledge won’t be good enough. The key to success in life will be in wisely applying everything they have learned.

Throughout Scripture, wisdom is celebrated as a treasure that is worth seeking. It is better than riches (Prov. 3:13-18). Its source is God, who alone is perfectly wise (Rom. 16:27). And it is found in the actions and attitude of Jesus, in whom “all the treasures of wisdom” are found (Col. 2:3). Wisdom comes from reading and applying the Scripture. We have an example of this in the way Jesus applied His knowledge when He was tempted (Luke 4:1-13). In other words, the truly wise person tries to see life from God’s point of view and chooses to live according to His wisdom.

What’s the payoff for this kind of life? Proverbs tells us that wisdom is like sweetness of honey on the tongue (Prov. 24:13-14). “Blessed are those who find wisdom” (3:13 NIV). So seek wisdom, for it is more profitable than silver or gold! —Joe Stowell

Lord, strengthen my resolve to live by the wisdom that comes only from You. Give me the discernment to live all of life from Your point of view that I might know the blessings of a life lived wisely.

Blessing comes from seeking wisdom and living by it.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – First Step to Wisdom

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“How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught” (Proverbs 1:7).

In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was on the verge of total failure. The issue: whether small states should have the same representation as large states.

From the wisdom of his 81 years, Benjamin Franklin recalled the Scriptures which says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1), and in this hopeless situation, he offered a suggestion.

“Gentlemen,” he said, “I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

“I move that prayer imploring the assistance of heaven be held every morning before we proceed to business.” God heard their prayers and the conflict was soon resolved. To this day, all legislative sessions continue to be opened with prayer, with God’s blessing.

“Reverence of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” reads the Modern Language translation of this verse – a preamble to wise living a good motto for life.

Someone has said, “The eternal task of religion is the conquest of fear.” Men fear many things – bacteria, losing their jobs, being dependent in old age, giving offense to their neighbors, war, failure, death.

Fear (worshipful reverence) of God represents a different kind of fear – the kind a child shows toward wise and loving parents when he shuns acts of disobedience to avoid both grieving those parents whom he loved and suffering the inevitable discipline which follows disobedience. Perhaps if we feared God more, we would fear everything else less.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 1:8-16

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: My fear and reverence of God is the beginning of supernatural living and will result in worship of Him – by walk as well as by talk.

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – All Who Win Souls Are Wise

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“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

I have never led anyone to Christ, and I never shall.

However, I have had the privilege of praying with thousands of people who have received Christ as a result of my witness.

When a person receives Christ, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. That is why I cannot boast over much fruit or be discouraged over little fruit.

The responsibility for fruit belongs to the Holy Spirit who works in and through the believer, producing fruit and changing the lives of those who respond favorably to our witness.

The power of our Lord Jesus Christ is available to all who trust and obey Him. We need to “understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him.”

The Lord Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, with the promise that He would always be with them.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:24-31

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Today I will consciously draw upon the supernatural resources of the Holy Spirit to obey God’s commands for holy living and fruitful witnessing.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Small But Wise

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Scripture’s animal illustrations exemplify the sinner and his needs and should give you pause for reflection. Psalm 23 speaks of sheep needing a shepherd to find them good pasture and still waters. He gives them personal attention because each one lacks the ability to care for itself. In contrast, Proverbs 30 speaks of four things on Earth that are small but very wise, one of which is the rock badger (Proverbs 30:24-28). It’s a tiny, defenseless creature belonging to the rabbit family, but lacking a tail and very clumsy when leaping. Its ears are small and roundish instead of long. Its tender feet prevent it from burrowing, so it knows to flee to the rocks when danger approaches.

He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5

The picture is plain. You, the sinner, are defenseless and even inept in many areas, but if you are wise, you flee for refuge to the Rock. Your Savior bids you, “Come…and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He is your shield in whom you can find safety and peace.

Be wise, dear one. God’s Word is true. You can rely on Him. Be united with other believers in your prayers for America and its leaders. The Lord is your shelter. He will take care of you.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 28

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team;  J.R. – Lethal Disability

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One of the reasons you are reading this in English rather than in German is because Adolf Hitler did not understand, or accept, the dangers of isolation warned of in Proverbs. There were many elements to the successful 1944 D-Day Invasion that ultimately liberated Europe from the Nazis. But among the most important was this: The Fuhrer didn’t trust his own generals, and he wouldn’t let them make decisions. Thus, as a massive Allied force was landing in France, the German high command was hamstrung, unable to obtain the authority to reposition their forces.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1

A lethal disability often impacts people of influence. As their power grows, so does their sense that they alone are equipped with the wisdom required to deal with the issues at hand. This is, as Scripture so eloquently says, a “break out against sound judgment.”

The founders of the United States shrewdly designed a system of government that requires cooperation and compromise, but many of America’s leaders are still prone to dictatorial and arrogant actions: it is human nature. Today, pray for unity in Washington – and that it will be a sound unity rooted in God’s truth and a desire to do good for each other.

Recommended Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Self-Examination Exhortation

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It’s a subject no one likes to talk about. You usually recoil when told you have it. In the hierarchy of sin, the Lord puts it in the same category as murder (Proverbs 6:17-19), and although not all destruction is caused by it, it always ends in destruction.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride. Arrogance. Haughtiness. Call it what you will – it is a trait found from cover to cover in the people of the Bible, and more than likely it is also present in your life. Yet don’t turn away from this exhortation. Today is the time for self-examination to get rid of your self-importance. The sin of pride is a basic denial of the significance of God and an exaltation of the human being – thinking that you can live successfully apart from an obedient relationship with the Lord.

The remedy – humbleness of spirit – takes pride only in what God is doing in you…and in the hearts of others. Seek wisdom from the Lord through study of His Word. Take your prideful tendencies before God in contrite prayer, asking Him to purge them from your life. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they may humbly serve this country and the one, true God.

Recommended Reading: James 4:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Sweet Waters

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Many believe that lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs. In truth, driven by strong biological urges, many of them drown as they migrate across a body of water too wide for their physical capabilities to take them.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10

Similarly, you can be drawn to do things which destroy you. It is the call of the woman Folly luring you with “stolen water.” (Proverbs 9:17) Pastor and teacher Dr. Charles Stanley wrote: “There is a certain thrill in doing forbidden things…An adrenaline rush often accompanies this kind of ‘living on the edge’ – but it ends when you fall off the cliff.” Apologist Ravi Zacharias addresses Folly’s summons. “Temptation stalks you every day…the human body reacts by sight, entertained by the imagination, and gives you all kinds of false hints that stolen waters will be sweet. They’re not; they leave you emptier.” Wisdom personified calls you to take another path: “Come…walk in the way of insight.” (Proverbs 9:5-6)

Having a humble reverence for an awesome God is the beginning of wisdom. Accept correction with a teachable heart. Be united with others in drinking from the sweet waters of God’s Word. Then intercede for America’s leaders that they might do the same.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 5:4-11, 15-20

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – THE BENEFITS OF WISDOM

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Learn about a few of the benefits to seeking the Lord’s wisdom.

 

Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to scriptural principles. What are a few of the benefits to seeking the Lord’s wisdom? Let’s look at what the Bible says.

  1. Clear Guidance From God

Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.

Those who walk in wisdom receive the Father’s direction for their lives. While God’s children still have some painful experiences, they are spared many mistakes and false starts. Biblical principles spare believers numerous wrong decisions and hurtful relationships.

Nobody is better qualified to guide your steps or lead you to the right path than God.

  • According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what attitude best facilitates the Lord’s direction in a person’s life?
  • What benefits does Proverbs 3:21-26 promise to those who “keep sound wisdom and discretion” (v. 21)?

When we walk in divine wisdom, we can rest assured that the Lord is with us always. He won’t allow us to enter into any situation that He has not anticipated, nor will He permit a circumstance unless He intends it for our good.

  1. God’s Divine Protection

Wisdom protects us from various sources of wickedness, including:

  1. Evil in such forms as dangerous situations, harmful substances, and destructive circumstances. We are to reject evil and flee from it whenever possible.
  • What attitude gets a “fool” (unwise person) into trouble with regard to evil (Prov. 14:16)?
  1. People who entice us to do evil: Any person who tempts you to sin is not a friend. He or she wants to lead you into a situation that will ultimately cause you loss or harm (Prov. 2:10-18).
  1. Misleading emotions: Many people live according to the whims of their emotions. But “what feels good” isn’t always beneficial for us. Instead, we are called to trust the Holy Spirit for guidance rather than our desires, impulses, and feelings.
  • Why should we not trust our hearts (Prov. 28:26)?
  • Briefly describe a choice you made based on what “felt good” rather than what the Lord wanted you to do. What did you learn from that experience?
  1. A Good Self-Image

You are extremely important to God. The Father loves you, values you, and desires a close relationship with you. He has a specific plan for your life. These facts should give you confidence and a strong self-image.

At the very core of our self-image is the desire to be loved and regarded as lovable. Only God can fully satisfy that need. When we accept that He loves us unconditionally, we have the foundation for healthy, godly self-esteem.

  • Some believers feel God no longer loves them because of sin. Why is this rationale not biblical (Rom. 5:8)?
  • What should our attitude be toward ourselves (Prov. 19:8, Matt. 22:39)?

A proper, healthy love for yourself leads to generosity and selfless giving. It also fills you with confidence to move against the tide of popular opinion when necessary. Why? God loves and approves of you, and His opinion is the only one that matters.

  • Where are you in your journey to healthy self-esteem?
  1. Whole-Person Prosperity

The heavenly Father blesses us—and that involves our spirits, minds, and bodies (3 John 1:2). Prosperity from God’s perspective includes material goods as well as our relationships, health, and happiness, plus fruitfulness in His kingdom.

  • Proverbs 8:17-21 talks about “enduring riches and righteousness”—in other words, eternal wealth, such as knowing the Lord. What phrases in this passage indicate that earthly prosperity is included?
  • What characterizes God-given riches (Prov. 10:22)?

God provides for those of us who are His children—not simply for our own enjoyment, but also to enable our generosity to people in need.

  • This week, how could you bless another person with your spiritual, physical, or material riches?
  1. Good Health and a Long Life

Wisdom saves us from many difficulties in this life. It equips us to handle difficult circumstances and positions us to receive eternal rewards.

No one can promise another person a long life or healing from a particular disease. But in general, godly living is characterized by healthier living and length of days.

  • How does walking wisely affect your body (Prov. 3:7-8)?

Individuals who walk in wisdom utilize their time carefully because they view each day as valuable. They seek to use their gifts, talents, and other resources for God’s glory and His purposes. They take care of their bodies by getting physical exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious food, and sufficient relaxation.

  • In what way does the paragraph above not describe your life? What can you do this week to change that?

Closing: Wisdom saves us from many difficulties in this life. It equips us to handle difficult circumstances and positions us to receive eternal rewards. So discover and apply God’s wisdom for every situation—you won’t regret it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reveals how I am to live. Enable me to listen closely to Your voice, apply the principles of Scripture, and experience all the benefits of making wise choices. Amen.

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Is Your Faith Worth Sharing?

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“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, KJV).

I had just finished giving a message, challenging students and young executives to commit their lives to helping to fulfill the Great Commission when Steve approached me with words that shocked me. I had known him for a long time and believed his life to be totally committed to Christ.

“If I were to respond to your challenge to take what I have to the rest of the world,” he said, “I’m afraid not much would be accomplished, because my brand of Christianity -quite frankly – is not that attractive, exciting or fruitful.”

He went on to share how he was not experiencing the joy of the resurrection in his life. The study of the Word of God had no appeal, his prayer life was nil and it had been a long time since he had introduced anyone to Christ. His outward evidence of being a man of God was just a facade, by his own admission.

What about you? Is your brand of Christianity truly the revolutionary, first-century kind that helped turn the world upside down and that changed the course of history? If not, it can be – and that is what this daily devotional guide is all about.

Every Christian needs to echo daily the sentiments of an unknown poet:

My life shall touch a dozen lives

Before this day is done,

Leave countless marks of good or ill,

Ere sets the evening sun.

This, the wish I always wish,

The prayer I always pray;

Lord, may my life help other lives

It touches by the way.

That goal should reign supreme during my waking hours – to touch lives for eternity. For if the all-powerful God, in the Person of His Holy Spirit, truly lives and reigns and triumphs, surely I can tap into that supernatural power and give evidence of it in my life.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14-19

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Knowing that this dark world desperately needs light, I will trust God to let His light shine through me today. I pray that my life will be so radiant, joyful, attractive and fruitful for Christ that it will demonstrate the kind of Christianity that can be exported to others, to members of my family, neighbors and friends, as well as to people in other countries.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Way to Acquire Wisdom

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Read | Proverbs 2:1-7

Knowledge is a prized commodity in the world, but more important than knowledge is wisdom (Prov. 8:11). God wants us to view life from His viewpoint and evaluate everything according to biblical principles.

How are believers to acquire this God-given insight? The obvious answer is that we must seek it. Too often, however, people who say they want to be wise do little to actually make that happen. Like any worthwhile treasure, wisdom must be actively pursued and carefully gleaned from its sources.

The first source is the Bible. Proverbs teaches that we should pay attention to God’s life-giving words and hold His commands in our hearts (4:20-22). These days information is broadcast with the slant of the people who packaged it. The only way to know the right perspective—namely, God’s—is to read His ancient “broadcast” and apply its principles (8:33).

Another source of wisdom is the counsel of godly men and women (12:15). The Lord at times brings fellow believers into our life to offer biblical advice, encouragement, or reproof. In Proverbs, those who ignore the words of a righteous person are labeled “fool.” Don’t be foolish. Surround yourself with other followers of Christ who are also seeking wisdom as their treasure.

Our heavenly Father ensures that those who seek wisdom will find it (8:12, 17). Diligent believers will discover they possess abundant treasure: In addition to godly insight, they’ll have knowledge, discernment, and prudence—rare riches in the modern world. Use them well.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A War Of Words

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Our Daily Bread

Proverbs 15:1-23

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. —Proverbs 15:1

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time.

The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1).

A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7).

Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (15:4,23). —David McCasland

A careless word may kindle strife,

A cruel word may wreck a life;

A timely word may lessen stress,

A loving word may heal and bless. —Anon.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 59-61; 2 Thessalonians 3

Insight

A major theme in Proverbs concerns the use of our tongues (10:19-21; 12:18, 13:3; 17:27-28; 18:6-8; 25:11; 26:18-22). Proverbs 15 warns of the consequences of using wrong words and the benefits of using right words. A wise person is carefully restrained and judicious when speaking (vv.2,7,28).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Wise Old Owl

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Our Daily Bread

Proverbs 10:17-21

He who restrains his lips is wise. —Proverbs 10:19

Years ago an anonymous writer penned a short poem about the merits of measuring our words.

A wise old owl sat in an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?

There is a connection between wisdom and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

We are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged his fellow believers, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said, “God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant expressions of sympathy: “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13).

Although there is a time to be quiet and a time to speak (Eccl. 3:7), choosing to speak less allows us to hear more. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear Lord, please grant me wisdom to

know when to speak and when to listen.

I want to encourage others and to care

for them as You have cared for me.

Let your speech be better than silence; otherwise be silent.

Bible in a year: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4

Insight

Today’s reading focuses on how we use the words we speak. In verse 17, the emphasis is on the instruction and correction we receive; lying lips and slanderous words are the focus of verse 18. The point of verse 19 is that words can be so dangerous that we’re wiser to not speak than to speak too much, while verse 20 contrasts the speech of those with a right heart (which is like silver) against those whose heart is far from God (worthless). Finally, verse 21 describes how proper speech can be like food to the soul. In all of these sayings, we are challenged to carefully consider how we speak.

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Too Much Talk Leads to Sin

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In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent. —Proverbs 10:19

We all need to learn how to establish and maintain boundaries with our words. Proverbs 10:19 in the NIV states, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” In other words, people who talk a lot will often find themselves in trouble.

Because our words carry so much power, we need to learn to say only what needs to be said. Almost every time we have a problem with somebody, it’s over something we have said or that person said. There may be other elements—something somebody is doing, for example—but the main cause of the argument most of the time is something that was said. If we learn to speak only what is wise and necessary, then we will have much more peace.

Power Thought: I speak words of wisdom that are filled with God’s power.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Trusting Means Safety

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“Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety” (Proverbs 29:25).

One of the delegates attending a lay institute for evangelism protested that he was not going to go out into the community to share his faith, something he had never done before. I assured him that he was not required to go; it was simply an optional assignment. But I explained that if he would go along and observe a more mature witnessing Christian, he would learn something and would feel greater freedom in the future to witness on his own. Again he expressed his fear, but he did go, and God marvelously used him and his witnessing partner to introduce two people to Christ. He came home absolutely radiant, joyful, overflowing with thanksgiving and praise to God. He came to me immediately to say, “I am so glad that I went. I would have missed one of the greatest blessings of my life had I not gone. Thank you so much for encouraging me to go.”

The number one barrier to witnessing in the Christian life is the fear of man. Think of the contradiction. It never occurs to the average Christian that not to witness is to disobey God, and the consequences can be devastating to his spiritual life. Therefore the average Christian risks offending God for the fear of offending man.

It is interesting that there are 365 “fear nots” in the Bible – one for every day of the year. And yet there is one fear in particular that thwarts effective witnessing for Christ more than any other – the fear of man.

It would not be a distorted picture to envision thousands – and even millions – of believers caught in that dangerous trap referred to by the psalmist. And what a deadly snare! Martin Luther, years ago, found a solution to this deadly enemy:

And though this world with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear for God has willed

His truth to triumph through us

The prince of darkness grim –

We tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure,

For lo! his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

Our trust must be in God whose indwelling Holy Spirit helps us not only to trust Him, but also to share the gospel with others.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 29:19-24

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: With God’s help, I will share His love and forgiveness with others with the confidence that having called me to be His witness, He will enable me and will prepare the hearts of those to whom I go.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Power of A Name

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Our Daily Bread

Proverbs 18:1-10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower. —Proverbs 18:10

Nicknames are often descriptive of some noticeable aspect of a person’s character or physical attributes. Growing up, my elementary school friends brutally called me “liver lips” since at that stage of development my lips seemed disproportionately large. Needless to say, I have always been glad that the name didn’t stick.

Unlike my nickname, I love the names of God that describe His magnificent characteristics. God is so wonderfully multifaceted that He has many names that communicate His capabilities and character. To name just a few, He is:

Elohim, the God above all gods

Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides

El-Shaddai, the almighty God

Jehovah Rapha, our healer God

Jehovah Shalom, our God of peace

Jehovah Shamma, our God who is present

Jehovah Yahweh, our loving, covenant-keeping God

It’s no wonder the writer of Proverbs encourages us to remember that “the name of the LORD is a strong tower,” that in times of need God-fearing people run to it and “are safe” (Prov. 18:10). When unwelcome circumstances threaten you and you feel vulnerable, reflect on one of God’s names. Be assured—He will be faithful to His name. —Joe Stowell

Lord, remind us that Your names reveal Your

character. Help us to remember them in our times of

need and distress. Thank You for the assurance

that You are faithful to Your name.

God’s names, which describe His character, can bring comfort when we need it most.

Bible in a year: Psalms 4-6; Acts 17:16-34

Insight

The book of Proverbs provides us with insight on everything from words to work to relationships. Interestingly, sprinkled throughout the book are sayings that don’t tell us something about life but rather about God. Yet those theological truths should not be separated from the idea of practical day-to-day living. It is as important to know that the name of the Lord is strong and provides safety (18:10) as it is to know that a fool’s mouth leads to his destruction (v.7).

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Copter Conundrum

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Igor Sikorsky was the brilliant engineer credited with inventing the helicopter. For decades, others had failed to perfect a rotor-driven flying machine, unable to solve a basic problem: the twisting force created by the top rotor rendered prototypes uncontrollable, and they spun violently into the ground. Sikorsky ingeniously figured out that a tail rotor would counterbalance the torque.

To understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

Proverbs 1:6

But that’s not to say he didn’t have help. From a young age, Sikorsky feverishly studied the work of the Wright brothers, Count Zeppelin, and many other pioneers. He built upon their collected wisdom and experiences to solve the aeronautical riddle of the helicopter.

To understand God’s plan for your life, you must diligently study the works and words of the wise. There is no better place to begin than His Holy Word and Proverbs. On this first day of the month, make a commitment to read this book of indispensable wisdom – one chapter a day. Ask the Lord to apply the lessons of Proverbs to your heart and to the vexing “riddles” that may have your life in a spin. And as you pray for America, ask God to point her leaders to the understanding and truth of the Scriptures.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:1-7

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Minister to Yourself

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Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.—Proverbs 18:21 The Message

Our thoughts affect our words, and our words affect our lives— words have power, and they directly affect our emotions. Words fuel good moods or bad moods; in fact, they fuel our attitudes and have a huge impact on our lives and our relationships.

In Proverbs 21:23 we are told to guard our mouths and tongues to keep ourselves from trouble. Proverbs also tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (18:21). The message cannot be any clearer: If you speak positive and good things, you minister life to yourself. You increase your joy. However, if you speak negative words, you minister death and misery to yourself—you increase your sadness and your mood plummets. You have the choice between life and death, being positive or negative—so choose wisely!

Power Thought: I choose to speak life-giving words.