WATCH today's "wool and flax" topic and the Proverbs 31 sister. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/1728275417284132/?notif_id=1540988978883701¬if_t=live_video_explicit
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Have any "wool and flax" projects? TODAY'S PROVERB: She selects wool and flax and her hands work willingly. Proverbs 31:13 Wool and flax. Wool for cold weather. Linen (flax) for warm weather. The accomplished woman modeled in Proverbs 31 "pays attention to her herd." (Proverbs 27:23) She knows the value of quality and won't compromise because it's worn by her family. The Proverbs 31 sister could have purchased the woven wool and linen in the marketplace. She could even have hired tailors and dressmakers, but she learned how to find the best materials, then expertly spun them, perhaps dyed them, and finally made them into clothing. She actually finishes the projects she begins. Sighs. Of all the characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman, I feel most convicted by this. Too often my enthusiasm at the beginning of a project peters out by the time it comes to finishing it. Since moving to the South, I was introduced to Hobby Lobby. Wow. Nearly every...
Are you trying to be something you weren't created to be? TODAY'S PROVERB: Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise... Proverbs 30:24 I got a spark of a revelation this morning. First, let's look at the context of this proverb. This verse begins a couplet that speaks of the wonders of GOD's creatures, and the lessons we can learn from them. [Okay, so my revelation isn't all that, since these verses were intended to spark insights. Sigh.] In verses 25-28, the ants, coneys, locusts, and lizards all have a type of wisdom built into their instinct. This wisdom is necessary for them to survive. If they chose to ignore that wisdom, they're chances of living to see the next day are greatly reduced. Just think about that for a moment. Now, think of this: we humans, were designed in the image of GOD. We were designed to love and worship Him. It's our instinct. But, we also have Free Will. We can choose to ignore how GOD made us. We ca...
Really, what does this verse mean? TODAY'S PROVERB: Where there is no divine vision people cast off restraint, but blessed is the one who keeps Torah. Proverb 29:18 This little proverbs is one of the most misused passages in the Bible. Really. Respected leaders have used this proverb out-of-context as the basis for their church and ministry vision statements. Typically they will use the translation: Where there is no vision, the people perish . . . And then "blink" past the second half of the verse. Their interpretation of vision is a GOD-inspired, but nonetheless self-generated vision used to incite passion or a dream for expansion and growth. The leader "receives" the vision and builds based on that vision. While their congregation and ministry may have the greatest of intentions, their divine compass is a few degrees off "true North." It may feel like semantics or quibbling over a minor interpretation flaw, but a few degrees off on the co...
GOD placed systems to help us? Yes! TODAY'S PROVERB: An oppressive leader lacks judgment. One who hates unjust gain will prolong his life. Proverbs 28:16 Choosing to have integrity in life isn't easy. We think it's obvious the choices to be honest and true, but sometimes, it can be difficult to see. One thing for sure, it takes diligence. And, diligence takes time. Sometimes it takes real attention to detail. Not every day. Not a ll the time. Just enough that we can't assume the choice before us is "straight-forward." There may be more going on than meets the proverbial eye. Before we become worried or fearful we'll overlook something or make the wrong decision, know that our Heavenly Dad has systems in place to protect us from bad choices. Things like: ** His word: especially Proverbs. I don't know the number of times the Proverbs for that day zeroed in on my problem or question. ** Friends: those "bosom" friends who love GOD, love the...
What does your heart reflect? TODAY'S PROVERB: As water reflects the face, so a person’s heart reflects the person. Proverbs 27:19 Full disclosure here: this proverb has swirled around in my gray matter for years--until this morning. I think sometimes GOD likes to conceal things so He can lead me by the hand to revelation. When I meditate on His word and nothing comes, most times it means, the time isn't right. But, there are those moments when He says, "Now." and the picture isn't clear. I think He might be testing me to see if I'll press in or give up. This morning, I looked back to the writings of scholars. Men who wrote years before I was a twinkle in my dad's eye. It took a few of them to finally get to the meat of what King Solomon was saying--mostly because I had to weed through old English and big words. Anyway, for those who have already figured this proverb out eons ago, forgive the obvious. The proverb means the way water reflects the...
Are your "legs" working? TODAY'S PROVERB: Like a lame man’s legs that hang limp, so is a proverb in a fool’s mouth. Proverbs 26:7 Just a reminder, a fool is someone who says there is no GOD (Psalm 14:1; 53:2). It doesn't matter how a fool tries to imitate wisdom, GOD's wisdom will not have "legs" in their journey. A fool has no authenticity because they mimic not emulate. That's why it's so important to live authentical ly in our Wisdom's Journey. To be authentic is to be: * REAL : we are who we say we are--which means we're careful with our words. * TRUE : we are transparent and honest, especially when we make mistakes. * CONFORMED : we conform to GOD's wisdom by living it each day. * TRANSFORMED : we're able to impact others with GOD's word because it transforms us. Remember the seven brothers who tried to cast out demons by using Yeshua's name, but not His authority in their life? "But some traveling Jew...
Do you struggle with moderation? TODAY'S PROVERB: When you find honey, eat just enough, lest you are stuffed and vomit it. Proverbs 25:16 Living life in moderation may seem boring to some, but apparently GOD thinks it's a wise thing. Did you know too much: protein is stored as fat? fiber causes bloating and--ahem--gas? Vitamin D causes nausea, vomiting, and weakness? Vitamin C causes diarrhea and nausea? Vitamin A causes intracranial pressure, dizziness, nausea, liver damage!, coma!, and even death! All the above are necessary to good health, but even these necessary things can be harmful in excess. What about other things? Like--eek--technology? Especially in the hands of children? Did you know too much technology: hinders a child's creativity? Tactile activities like crafts, drawing, and painting improve motor and analytical skills, and even verbal reasoning skills. can lead to loss of social skills? The minimization of learning how to talk one-on-one cre...
Do you "pay back" others who have hurt you? TODAY'S PROVERB: Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. Do not say, “I will do to him what he has done to me; I will pay him back for his deed!” Proverbs 24:28-29 What is the difference between justice and revenge? JUSTICE is a process to use the law fairly to judge and punish crimes and criminals. REVENGE seeks to hurt someone in return for an injury or wrong. JUSTICE is served by a court of law. REVENGE is enforced by an individual or group. JUSTICE aims to right a wrong to demonstrate the power of the law. REVENGE demonstrates the power and intimidation of an individual or group. JUSTICE is meted out by an impartial individual or group who can assess both sides. REVENGE is meted out with emotion by the offended person who can only see one side--theirs. JUSTICE leaves room for mercy and forgiveness. REVENGE shows no mercy or forgiveness. Now that we have a better...
Is your Father glad? TODAY'S PROVERB: Let your father and your mother be glad, let she who bore you rejoice! Proverbs 23:25 Let's have fun with this proverb. In this verse, the word "bore" is the past tense for "bear," as in bearing a child--giving birth to a child. That's the contextual understanding of this word. However, the first definition of bear is to carry. The next definition is to support. The third definition is to endure. It's only the fourth definition that is to give birth. The fifth definition is to change direction--e.g., to bear right or left. Raising up wise human beings is one of the most honorable responsibilities anyone could do. Whether your physical or spiritual child, being a part of the upbringing of a future adult who makes a difference in the Kingdom of GOD is a worthy endeavor. It takes a clear understanding of GOD's wisdom and love. It takes consistency. It takes faith and patience. It takes a willingness to ...
Do you know the delight of speaking wisdom? TODAY'S PROVERB: For it is delightful if you keep them within you, ready on your lips. Proverbs 22:18 Do you remember the first time someone asked for advice and you "heard" the answer? The wisdom and knowledge tucked into your heart and mind rose up, ready to respond? You could "see" the practical application to the words written thousands of years ago? Then, to step out in faith, and love, to speak them? Oh, what a delight! Do you feel comfortable speaking wisdom to others? Not reciting verses, but real, practical understanding? For those of you who regularly post on these blogs, with the insights I've read over the years, I suspect you are already doing a great job. But, of the hundreds of people who read these little devotionals, and the thousands who watch the vlogs, I wonder. Do you know the pleasure of wisdom entering your heart and knowledge delighting your soul (Proverbs 2:10)? It's you, YES...
Do you struggle with showing mercy? TODAY'S PROVERB: Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 My blog on 10/11 focused on the pursuit of righteousness based on Proverbs 11:5: "The righteousness of the blameless man makes his way straight, but the wicked man is brought down by his wickedness." In our pursuit of living a righteous life, we can sometimes hyper-focus on our works and int ernal examinations. So much so that we can look up and around us and be appalled at others' behaviors. I love how this proverb reminds us to also include mercy in our pursuit of righteous behavior. Mercy is defined as "compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm." Hmm. Feels a bit clinical. How do we pursue mercy? I came across some quotes that helped me define mercy in a more practical way. Hope they'll be an encouragement to you, too. C.S. Lewis said, "Mercy det...
Do we understand our way? TODAY'S PROVERB: A man’s steps are directed by ADONAI. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24 This proverbs reminds me of the dichotomy between free will versus GOD's sovereignty. In other words, is it free will if GOD is always in control? Yes. Actually, yes it is. You all know I'm not a Bible scholar. I'm a traveler with you on this wisdom journey. What I share is based on what I know as foundational, and then it's my wrestling with what the world throws my way and how I come to peaceful terms with those foundational truths. And sometimes that "answer" is: I don't know--maybe I'm not supposed to know. In this case, here's a bit of my wrestling over free will vs. GOD's sovereignty: GOD is omniscient. He has seen the beginning, middle, and the end. He's already seen it all. He's already seen every choice I'll make--good and bad. His plan for us is good (Jeremiah 29:11). So...