NOTE TO SELF--and anyone else interested

A sweet tribute to the women in our life who have made a difference. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/258740185039629/

Kudos, my dear! From God and me. TODAY'S PROVERB: Give her the fruit of her hands. Let her deeds be her praise at the gates. Proverbs 31:31 It's official, my brothers. What we women diligently work toward, it's okay to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It's okay for our deeds to be recognized. God says it in Proverbs. In fact, He's given it a one of the most notable places in this book -- the very last verse. Any writer will tell you th at just as the first sentence is important to draw a reader in, the last sentence must carry the powerful conclusion. To end with an instruction to encourage the hard-working woman is pretty amazing, don't you think? For thousands of years, women's efforts in the home, field, workplace, ministry, and community have often gone unsung. But, women don't do what they do for the glory, they do it because God has given them the passion or necessity to do it. We, of course, would love for our menfolk to notice our efforts,...

"Talking 'bout my generation" and Daniah's and others. We're all connected in more ways than separated, we just have to try a little harder to communicate! Great discussion. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/368759277035228/

Where does our generation turn their eyes? TODAY'S PROVERB: There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully. Proverbs 30:13 Ah, yes. The proverbial rolling of the eyes. The "whatever" attitude we see growing alongside an overall disdain for others different than us. But is this something new? Are the upcoming generations all that different from the previous generations? Yes. And no. Each generati on has a choice and a voice in speaking up for Biblical values. Each generation can turn away from truth and treat it as irrelevant to their life. OR, each generation can fine-tune the working out of truth in their lives. To examine the relevancy of society, rather than Scripture fitting into society. Sometimes when we see the actions of the younger generations we can be critical, or maybe anxious. But, I think we need to remember, these younger folks -- from children to adults -- were not raised in a vacuum. World events affect...

Today we talk about why discernment and seeking GOD's truth are so important when we need to exact justice. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/391236558301983/?notif_id=1548682154515827&notif_t=live_video_explicit

Are you oppressed or offended? TODAY'S PROVERB: If a king judges the poor with truth, his throne will always be secure. Proverbs 29:14 This proverb provoked a theme that might be a bit controversial. Nevertheless, I believe it's important. We're living in a world of dichotomies and being aware is the first step to change. On the one hand, there is more oppression and persecution than ever. Hunger and tyranny in Third World countries. Women sold into prostitution and slavery in nearly every country -- including our own. Children also sold for pornography and prostitution. Brothers and sisters of the faith being tortured and martyred for their faith in Jesus. We seldom see these poor souls in the news or headlines. Their voices are seldom heard or represented in order to receive some type of relief or justice. On the other hand, the definitions for oppression and persecution have broadened to include a new group of people -- the offended. Those who feel...

We tackle several of the helpful hints to be aware of the things we can do to lose focus. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/552896985225339/?comment_id=552910085224029&notif_id=1548682168592956&notif_t=mentions_comment

7 Ways to Keep a Soft Heart TODAY'S PROVERB: Blessed is one who is always cautious, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble. Proverbs 28:14 You know what? Sometimes life can beat us down. Sometimes life is so complicated we want to check out of the daily grind and ignore our responsibilities. It's hard work to do right by our faith, our family, our job -- to God. Yes, our salvation is not through our works, ou r salvation is through the hard-won redemption of His Son. However, our sanctification is through very real efforts on our part to seek God's will in all things. We're to be purposeful -- cautious -- in our walk. There are times when we get lazy, or busy, or distracted, or tired. We can be less attentive and veer off our path. If we don't mind our walk as carefully as we should, we can stumble and fall. Whether we veer off course or stumble and fall, guess who's there? Our Heavenly Father. Not to condemn or accuse us, but to guide us...

Does "straying" affect others? TODAY'S PROVERB: Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man that wanders from his home. Proverbs 27:8 What a vivid picture this provokes. A bird that flies too far from the safety of its home leaves itself vulnerable to predators. That analogy for us is serious. When we stray from the safety of the LORD's loving embrace, we leave ourselves open to the greatest predator. The one who robs, stea ls, and destroys (John 10:10). There is another level to this analogy. The bird who strays too far from its nest leaves its young unprotected. When we stray -- when we sin -- there can be repercussions for our family. Sins like adultery, theft, fraud, and murder understandably will have outcomes that affect our spouse, parents, or children. But, what about taking the LORD's name in vain, envy, disrespecting our elders or leaders, not honoring the Sabbath? These sins are more subtle, yet can also have long-term affects on our family. At ...

Just when we thought it was safe to assume . . . TODAY'S PROVERB: Do you see one wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than him. Proverbs 26:12 What a set up! The first eleven verses of chapter 26 wax poetic about the folly of fools. And just when we're feeling like, "Boy! I'm sure glad I'm not a fool!" BAM! This verse comes along. My takeaway? Short and simple. Don't be complacent. Just when we think, "I've got this wisdom thing " we've just entered the wise-in-his-own-eyes zone. For me, I know I'd better keep my behind in the Place of Grace and Gratitude. Which also happens to be the place of humility. One way to keep myself accountable is to have friends on the Wisdom Journey with me -- like my friend, Daniah. Another way is to surround myself with kids from time to time. Children have a wonderful way of keeping us humble. And that is a good thing. May we stay humble, my friends. Proverbs 26:12, Tree of Life Bibl...

Are you lame or reliable? TODAY'S PROVERB: Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is confidence in the unfaithful in time of trouble. Proverbs 25:19 I have a "trick" ankle. There appears to be no rhyme or reason when it decides to give out. I'll take a step and it's like the bones turn to rubber. A misstep on stairs or a ladder or while carrying something can be treacherous. If I knew what caused the weakness then I could avoid  placing demands on it. But, alas, I don't know, so I can never fully trust it. Today's proverb counsels us about "trick ankle" people. Do you have people like this in your life? For the most part, they are reliable, but at unpredictable -- and inevitably important moments -- they are not reliable. Even when we forgive them for these events, we're still unsure if we can depend on them. It leaves a small residue on our ability to trust them completely -- at least for a season. My ankle is a vivid reminder of the import...

It's all about getting up again! https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/776392926052926/

What does God think when we mess up? TODAY'S PROVERB: For though the righteous one may fall seven times, he gets up again, but the wicked stumble in adversity. Proverbs 24:16 I love this passage. I've taken great comfort in the picture of the Creator of the Universe as our Dad. In one verse, we can see His love, compassion, and mercy. Scriptures tell us that He's fully aware of our frailties. He knows we're dust (Psalm 103:14). He  knows we're flawed, prone to mistakes. He knows we will trip and fall. And yet, knowing all that, He loves us so much. Do we doubt that? Especially when we make mistakes -- big mistakes? As a young parent, I waited in anticipation for our daughter's first steps. At no time did I think that she would simply stand and run into my arms without a missed step. I knew she would stumble and fall. And my goal was to be as nearby as possible to catch her or encourage her. Don't you think that's how our Heavenly Father is with...

Such a great conversation about how to make a difference in God's Kingdom by mentoring a child. We talk about ways you can begin. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/287203841948654/?notif_id=1548250351753185&notif_t=live_video_explicit

Want to do great exploits in God's Kingdom? TODAY'S PROVERB: My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart also will be glad. Proverbs 23:15 Whether you're a parent or an influencer in the life of a child, there's something precious when an adult and a child have that heart connection.  You know that moment: when what we've shared or taught a child, is lived out in their life. Knowing we were part of the process for that child's developmen t -- whether a large part, or tiny part, is a blessing. There were many positive, Biblical seeds we sowed into our daughter's life -- and, unfortunately, a lot of mistakes. So many mistakes that there were times I wondered if any of the good seeds would grow. I remember the sweet message from our Heavenly Father that all was going to be fine. Of all things it happened in a public bathroom. When I use a public washroom, after I finish washing my hands, I always try to wipe off the wet counter. It's something my mom ...

Today we talk about the difference between favor and favoritism. https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/349126752573802/?comment_id=349135465906264&notif_id=1548163852482815&notif_t=mentions_comment

Does favoritism sow injustice? TODAY’S PROVERB: One who sows injustice will reap trouble, and the rod of his fury will perish. Proverbs 22:8 There are many types of injustice. Systemic sin — like prejudice against a race or faith — by a government creates injustice and affects nations. It’s easy to think that we aren’t guilty of that — few of us make decisions that affect even our hometown. However, if we dig down to the root  of injustice we find that one of the lowest common denominators is favoritism .  Favoritism is different than favor, although left unchecked favor can develop into it. Favoritism happens when we select a favorite. Once we choose someone as our favorite, our attitude and perception changes. Jacob chose a favorite from his children — Joseph. His preferential treatment created dissension between the brothers and eventually hatred. Joseph’s brothers felt they were unfairly treated by their father and there was nothing they could do. Which created frus...

We're unpacking!! https://www.facebook.com/tlvbiblesociety/videos/545984342550073/?comment_id=545993929215781&notif_id=1548077452413101&notif_t=mentions_comment

It's time to open some boxes! TODAY’S PROVERB: Whoever strays from the path of wisdom ends up in the congregation of the dead. Whoever loves pleasure becomes poor. Whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich. The wicked is a ransom for the righteous and the faithless for the upright. It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome, worrisome wife. Proverbs 21:16-19 Last month Daniah and I discovered one of those precious moments—those amazing moments when the Holy Spirit provokes us to spend more time with a passage. In this case a pericope [a pericope is a set of verses that forms one coherent unit or thought]. What’s especially sweet is that we both happened upon it together, at the same time. We said we wanted to unpack this more in January. So, for this blog, I want to simply open a few boxes. Take a quick peek inside and see if we can’t glean a few treasures of truth before we begin unpacking. Your comments from last month’s blog and video were very e...

Why are weights and measures so important? TODAY'S PROVERB: Unequal weights and measures—both are an abomination to ADONAI. Proverbs 20:10 Here's another "Blink Proverb." You might be thinking, "Who cares about unequal weights and measures?" GOD does. Proof? He includes it three times in Proverbs -- twice in this chapter (Proverbs 16:11; 20:10, 23). He includes it four times in Israel's core values, the Torah (Leviticus 19:35, 36; 26:26; Deuteronomy 25:13, 15). In fact, He gives us a valuable incentive to practice it: "You must have a full and honest weight and a full and honest measure, so that your days may be long on the land that ADONAI your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 25:15 So, we see it's important to Him, and here's why. Messing with His weights and measurements is messing with His values. It's not just cheating each other out of a few coins or dollars. It's trying to alter how He set up His system of values...

True or False -- which kind of friend are we? TODAY'S PROVERB: All a poor man’s relatives despise him—how much more his friends avoid him. Proverbs 19:7 This is a sad and uncomfortable proverb. What struck me this morning was that the "Poor Man" at one time had friends. Something happened to change the nature of his friendships. Perhaps: **He wasn't always poor. **Over time he has become a moocher or complainer. **Or, perhaps a combination of the two things. For the sake of today's blog, let's say Poor Man (PM for short) has fallen on hard times. In the past, he was able to provide for his family, but for whatever reason that has been taken away. What do we do as his family or friends? In this chapter alone we are counseled in the realities of how to live a life of need and how to and not to respond to the needs of the poor. In verse one, those in need are not exempt from uprightness. Rich or poor, God expects us to be people of integrity. In verse...