Proverb to Ponder

I've never been so excited to see the end of a month.  This has been challenging.  I'm really glad to be finishing it up.

Okay - I can't resist this one. Many times as I read about the Proverbs 31 woman, I feel inadequate, less than and just all around not good enough. Tonight as I read, verse after verse I had thoughts like - I wish, or working on that, or maybe someday. Of course, if God wills - someone might rise up and call me blessed. Only by God's grace and mercy. But as I read this verse:

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

I can't help but think - this has been the headliner of my resume for the past year. A certain member of my family finds herself thirsty often, and sometimes it is dark. I provide her food and deliver it (mostly) with a smile on my face, whenever she needs it.

I'm hoping for this one tomorrow. Please Lord, I need this.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

This is one of my life goals:

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

And if I only get one wish - It would probably be this:

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Thanks for enduring my ponderings. From here on out, I'll try to be more deep and focused. Beth and I are working hard, so I'm sure I'll have something to share from the life of Paul sooner than later.

Till then - Think about this one. As Resurrection Sunday draws near - Biblegateway.com is really pulling out the good stuff.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”- Isaiah 53:5-6

Studying Scripture

If I had unlimited time and funds, I would go to seminary.  Not because I wanna be a preacher, but because I love God's Word and would love to understand it at that level. 

Since time and funds are an issue, I would love your suggestions for studying Scripture.  Is there a commentary that you love?  Some other tip or resource that would help me to really dig in, in the comfort of my own home?

I love Beth Moore and her fantastic in depth studies.  I think I'm on my 5th, right now.  She does exactly what I would do, if I knew where and how to do it.  There are certain verses that I would like to be able to understand in the original language, compare key words with how they are used elsewhere, and have a better understanding of the original cultural climate they were written in.

Acts 17:11
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

I was in a church, many years ago, that tweaked things to suit their (his - the pastor's) liking.  I would really like to have the capability to do what the Bereans did.  If you have any suggestions for examining the Scriptures, I would greatly appreciate them!  Thanks.

If you have a problem you need help solving, head on over to We Are THAT Family for the reverse edition of Works For Me Wednesday .

Did you hear the news? And a Proverb to Ponder

If you didn't see my last post, you should click here.. Or perhaps, just scroll down...

And for the pondering....

30:8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

I've probably said this close to 30 times in the last month, but this is one of my favorites!!

I have an announcement.....

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No, I'm not pregnant.
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I FOUND MY WEDDING RING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's actually a pretty great story.  One of my besties was over for an evening of hanging out.  I thought for sure she would want to play Scrabble.  For some reason, I thought she liked that game.  

She doesn't.  

I was a little bummed.  I had been looking forward to whopping someone besides Frank at Scrabble. 

 "We could play cards."  She offered.  

"I've got Yahtzee..."  I said.  

"I could play some Yahtzee." She replies.  

So I go to Fetch the Yahtzee.  I have two of them, and one was perched at the top of my closet.  The other (I got my grandma's when she passed away.) was on a lower shelf though I almost missed it, as it was behind some other stuff.  So as not to over exert myself, I got the box that was on the lower shelf.  I got back up to the kitchen table, opened the box and..... 

 YAHTZEE!

My wedding ring was in the Yahtzee box.  

Yes.  I'm serious.

What on earth was it doing in there? It's a valid question you ask.  My sister and I played Yahtzee less than a week before Christmas.  In fact, I bet it was the 22nd or 23rd.  We played on the couch in the living room where the wood burning stove is.  I'm assuming I got hot and took off my ring.  My fingers always swell when I'm warm.  Now.  Why I thought it would be a good idea to put it in the Yahtzee box?  Yeah, I'm not too sure about the answer to that one.

I may have said the following to my ring while playing Yahtzee.

"I thought I'd never see you again!"

Brings new meaning to Yahtzee!

Proverb to Ponder

But first, one of the best verses in the whole Bible is Biblegateway's Verse of the day today:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”- 2 Corinthians 5:21

Hallelujah!

29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

This, along with gentleness, is an ongoing battle I fight. I blew it again this weekend and am reminded that even when it seems I have come a long long way, there is still a long long way to go. I have to be so vigilant when it comes to my tone, and airing my frustrations.

Father, I pray that you would give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I would know you better. As I know you better, Father, I pray I would become more like your Son. I especially pray that I would be gentle and loving and kind with my words, both what I say and how I say it. Lord, I've never found my human efforts to be effective in transformational change. I'm relying on You and Your power, Father. I ask for it in Jesus name. Amen

Proverb to Ponder

28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Isn't this a constant struggle? It seems I need to be reminded of it continually.

Proverb to Ponder

27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Proverb to Ponder

I know the Word of God cannot contradict itself. I believe that.

These two verses, which you'll notice are RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER make me scratch my head every time I read them.
26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will be like him yourself.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
or he will be wise in his own eyes.

What are your thoughts?

Proverb to Ponder

25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.

I got some good news today. I'm hoping, make that PRAYING, for more tomorrow.

Proverb to Ponder

24:3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;

Instruments

The Lord spoke to me on Sunday, and I've been thinking about it a lot. All I heard was, "Instruments of Glory".

The word instrument has stuck, and it keeps coming up. Here are a couple of the most fitting definitions of the word, courtesy of dictionary.com.

~ a mechanical tool or implement, esp. one used for delicate or precision work: surgical instruments.

~ a contrivance or apparatus for producing musical sounds: a stringed instrument. 

~a device for measuring the present value of a quantity under observation.

All of the above are excellent examples of different types of instruments;  mechanical instruments, musical instruments, measuring instruments.  Though all very different items, they all have one thing in common.  

They can do nothing by themselves.

Our garage is filled with all sorts of tools.  Woodworking tools, garden tools,  an entire box of tools used for various things, all of which my husband uses in his role as Mr. Fix It.  The tools don't fix it.  Mr. Fix It, using the tools, fixes it.

We don't really have any musical instruments around this house. We love music and I, especially, would love to play an instrument, but I don't.  So you see, it would be silly to have instruments in a house where they would just sit.  Instruments don't make music, talented people who play instruments make music.

We do measure a lot of stuff around here, particularly in the kitchen.  I have more measuring cups and spoons then should be permitted by law, and you know what?  Not one of them can do a thing with out my help.

Something bigger, stronger and more clever has to use all of the above listed items in order for them to do what they're meant to do.

And so it is, when we are instruments in our Father's hands.  

He wills us to breathe, you know. 

The difference between me and the hand shovel?  No difference.

The difference between me and the guitar?  No difference.

The difference between me and measuring cup?  No difference.

The shovel, guitar and measuring cup all need someone to pick it up and do with it what was meant to be done.

Uh-oh, I just thought of a difference.

The shovel, guitar and measuring cup are always willing to be used for what they were created for.  

Hmmm.....  Interesting.

The last definition has somewhat of a negative connotation to it, but for my purposes, it is the very best one.

 ~ a person used by another merely as a means to some private end; tool or dupe.

Our Creator made us for a purpose.  By allowing Him to work through our surrendered lives, we become instruments of His love, grace, mercy, and kindness.  When we allow him to do with us what was intended, we become Instruments of His Glory.  Together we become and ever building symphony of beauty that has the potential to change this world.

Jesus said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."  John 15:5

Proverb to Ponder

23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

This is another one of my favorite proverbs. I just love it.

I'd also like to report that I'm slowly but surely plugging along on Proverbs 3. I'm really happy with how it's coming along. I'm focusing on what I have done, not what I have to do. I definitely think it's gonna be awhile....

Proverb to Ponder

22: 6 Train [a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Lord, I pray that you would continually reveal to Frank and I how to do this. Father, more than anything, we want to represent you and lay a foundation of trust and love that will point to you and make it very easy for Chloe to lay her her life in your hands, once that is her choice to make.

22:17 -18 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.

I'd say this is one of the greatest benefits of reading and rereading the Proverbs. You can't help but meditate on them and have them available when they are needed.

Oopsie #2, This time with new and improved excuses....

Seriously. 

Chloe pulled an all nighter on Thursday and we're just now recovering.  She honest to goodness didn't sleep but two hours all night, and since they were spent laying on me on the couch, I say they don't even count.  She watched about 6 episodes of Sesame Street and 2 episodes of Miffy and Friends, and can you believe she DID NOT fall asleep while watching them?

Totally insane, her love for Elmo, Murray and Friends.

So, I'm back.  

Hopefully for good this time.  

I'm skipping the ones I missed, and picking it up on Proverbs 21.

21:9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

21:19 Better to live in a desert
than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.

I just love hearing what it's like to live with a grouchy lady from a man's perspective.  How about you?  I'm kidding, a little bit.  Mostly because it reminds me of one summer day in Cabin #1, the best cabin there is at Bayshore Camp, for those of you who didn't know.  You see, that day, the lovely Ashley, then a senior in high school, was perusing the proverbs reading the funny ones.  "These are hilarious!" She would say.

I wonder what she'll think of them when she's the grouchy lady and the Lord uses those "funny" drippy faucet, desert and corner of the roof proverbs to convict her.  

I don't usually find them funny, but I often check my attitude at the door upon reading them.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go upstairs and spend some time with my hubbie.

He's in the living room, not on the roof.

Proverb to Ponder

1810 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

Let us always remember that things in life will always be changing. It is the one guarantee here on Earth. When things are spinning, focusing on an unmoving object helps to gain perspective and keep our composure. In this ever changing and uncertain world, let's remember that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. To keep our focus on Him is to make sure we will be steady and immovable when things around us get shaky or start spinning.

18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

With the above in mind, make sure (self, I'm talking to myself here) that what you say is a result of the truth that God is the same and He is our Strong Tower. Let us always speak blessing over others, may we always lift up and never tear down, and may we always be a light in this dark world with our positive and encouraging words. People are reeling, and we have an opportunity to point them to our Father. Let's live our faith and speak truth into all who cross our paths.

Proverb to Ponder

17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Speaking of using words with restraint...

Pondering Proverb 16

3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

I was just thinking about this verse today. I think the important thing to realize is that when we are truly surrendered, obedient and trusting the Lord - we are ultimately living out His perfect plan, not ours. I'm guessing that's why it will succeed. Just a hunch.


28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.

It's so true. I'm still thinking about gossip. I'm praying that God's people would realize that gossip is from the pit of hell. Stealing, killing, destroying, dividing and conquering? I know that calling card when I see it.


And on a lighter note...

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.

This is why I don't dye my hair... I'm not trying to cover up my splendor! Okay - there are 10 reasons I don't dye my hair, and that isn't one of them. I think it's ironic that it's verse 31. I'm 31 and that's too darn young to be fretting about dying your hair. Well, I'm not fretting - but a few others are doing it for me. Not my hubby, though. He calls me a silver fox!

Oh - one last thing. Beth Moore has been reading my mail. Isn't that illegal?

Oopsie...

I forgot to Ponder yesterday.  I didn't even read Proverbs 15.  Since starting this challenge, I've been reading my Proverb of the Day on Biblegateway, so as not to be influenced by all the writing I do in my Bible.

I'm happy to report that I didn't spend much time on the internet yesterday, and that is my excuse.  My apologies.

My favorite verse from chapter 15, which incidentally, may be in the running for longest running sticky note on my mirror award...

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

And oh, don't I know it.

What I did read yesterday, was Romans 2 and 3.  I came across a link to a section from Romans 3 that made me stop in my tracks last night while reading, and now this very early morning, the Lord has brought me back to it again.

Romans 3:21-26 (New International Version)

Righteousness Through Faith

21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

What struck me last night was the fact that I knew 23 by heart, but I didn't know 24.  I appreciate the Romans Road to salvation as much as the next guy, but I have a small problem with it.  It kind of leaves you stranded on the side of the road, happy to be going to Heaven when you die, but with no idea what to do with yourself until then.

I digress.

My point is - verse 23 is the bad news.  Why didn't someone tell me to memorize and share the next verse?  The freeing, life giving, as always JESUS SAVES THE DAY rest of the sentence.

sigh.

I may have a small root of bitterness lodged somewhere toward my early "church upbringing".  

Grace grace grace.

Grace.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverbs 14

16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil,
but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

23 All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.

I. Love. This.

26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.

Proverb to Ponder

10 Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.

18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.

24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Some of my favorites from Proverbs 13.

Proverb to Ponder

4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverb to Ponder

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

25 A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverb to Ponder

9 The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.

19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Love 19. Love it!

Proverbs 3 update...

This is a little harder than I thought it was going to be. I'll will keep you updated on my progress. Not to toot my own horn, but to stay accountable. I already know I will be tempted to give up.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverbs 9:9

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverb 8:7
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Praying for wisdom.

Proverb to Ponder

Wow.  This everyday blogging commitment is hard.  I can't imagine cooking in the crock pot everyday and then blogging about it everyday too.  No thanks!

But back to Proverbs.  Alright already with the adultery.  Sheesh.  

I guess I have to go with 1-3

My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.

I love verse 3.  I've seen this or something similar in many different passages of scripture.  The point?

Remember.

Remember this wisdom when it really matters.  Do what you've got to do to remember it.  Even if you have to tie a ribbon on your finger or tattoo it on your person.

Remember.

Proverb to Ponder

It's been a long day... I wish I'd had an opportunity to sleep, slumber or fold my hands...

Not so much with my grouchy baby.


Proverbs 6
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Sorry dear friends, that's all I have for you today.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverb 5:11-14

11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.

12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!

13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.

14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."

I know this entire proverb is talking about adultery, but it doesn't stop me from thinking about my students, every time I read it.

Have I ever mentioned that I used to be a 7th grade teacher at an inner city school? Many of my darling children spurned corrected and would not obey or listen to any of us...

I hope some of them figure it out before it's too late.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

" The heart should be guarded for out of it (a wellspring) come one's actions (cf. Luke 6:45). Here the word "heart" means more than mental capacity; it also encompasses one's values (cf Matt. 6:21)."

~The Bible Knowledge Commentary

For more excellent insight on this verse and what it truly means to guard (nasar) your heart (leb), click here. 

Jessica had time to do the word studies, whereas I, with my sick baby and sick self, did not.  I don't know her, but found her and her most excellent post, when I googled this verse.   Isn't the internet grand? 

Holy 3rd Proverb, Batman!

Well - I'm sure glad I got to this earlier than later. I couldn't choose just one if Jack Bauer felt inclined to make me.

I'm pretty sure this is my all time favorite Proverb, and I'm also pretty sure  I could park it here for the rest of the month and still not have it all down.  I think I'll memorize the whole chapter.  Hopefully, by the end of the month.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.

So...

I love verse 3.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Oh, how I would love to live in this for more than 15 minutes. Love. I get it. I Corinthians 13 makes it pretty clear. Without Love... Ya got nuthin'. Or something like that... ;) So why do I snap at my husband, judge my neighbor and kick the dog on a daily basis? Just kidding, of course... I'm more of a once a week dog kicker... Ha! Sorry - cracking myself up over here...

Moving on.

5 and 6 are classics...  I dare you to show me a christian cupboard that doesn't have a mug with these verses on it in it.  Right?  Yours doesn't?  Mine either, but you get my point.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

I'll resist the urge to repeat a bunch of stuff I said in this post.

I love this next section. 13-18

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

She and her are referring back to wisdom (and maybe knowledge). Makes you want to get some of that, right? All her paths are peace? Come on, now! I'm there.


One more and then it will be class dismissed.... 21-24

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;

22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do you see what I mean about this one? Wowza!

Here's a recap:

love

faithfulness

wisdom

understanding

sound judgement

discernment

Quite a to do list.

Speaking of, this bad boy has 35 verses.  I may need more than a month.

Class dismissed.

Proverb to Ponder

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.


I love this one. I don't know about you, but I dig some wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Wow - I'd love to expand on that, but I'm tired. I have a date with Beth Moore and Jesus, before I can go to bed - so you provide the commentary...

Night night!

Proverb a Day Challenge - Day 1

I hope some of you have decided to join me this month! One Proverb a day for 31 days. You can do it!

Proverb to Ponder

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline.

I don't know about ya'll, but I'm not trying to be no fool.

I'm just sayin'...