by lighthouse | Sep 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 27: 25-26 “When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.” Invest. Prepare. Be wise. Have expectations. Natural results from prepared actions. What is God talking about? One thing leads to another. One’s life is constantly preparing for the future and then enjoying that future even as one enjoys the present. No preparation–no enjoyment. The ultimate preparation is preparing and looking forward to the ultimate joy of Heaven. The temporary joy is preparing and living an abundant life on this earth. Are you preparing and enjoying? If so, what are you doing?
by lighthouse | Sep 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 2718 “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects a man.” It is not at all unusual for a person to try and manipulate or fool or deceive another person. This is extremely common in the world of addiction. For a short period of time the lies might work, but not for long as just as reflections display who a person is, so actions and words become an open book into the true character of us all. Our hearts, like it or not, are always on display. Do you know the prayer—Create in me a pure heart……
by lighthouse | Sep 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” If a knife is dull the purpose of being a knife makes it difficult to serve its purpose. The same is true of you and me. If we become lazy in our thinking or activity, we don’t serve the purpose God intended for each of us. God wants each of us to help each other and encourage each other in gaining wisdom as we serve Him and serve each other.
by lighthouse | Sep 23, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.” It would be interesting if each of us defined the word friend. Would we all agree that a friend is one you can confide in, one from whom you can seek advice, one whose counsel relies on the solid truths of our God, one who is a joy to be with because his best interests never dominate-but rather yours, one whose solid conservation is enjoyable to listen to while at the same time thought provoking? Would we agree that your Best Friend’s name is Jesus? He is the best friend we will ever enjoy–let’s each of us learn from Him and try to be like Him. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Sep 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 27:8 “Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.” A home and a house are far from each other. A house is simply a structure while a home has a foundation of love, floors of stability, walls of security, a roof of warm protection, furnishings of beauty and comfort and an atmosphere of loving discipline and wisdom. Why would anyone stray from a home to a house? Enjoy your home!
by lighthouse | Sep 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 27:2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.” When a person finds himself telling others or even thinking on his own how accomplished he is, his fall is about to happen and his world will become lonely and depressed. When a person has a mindset of serving his Savior and helping others, a contentedness will be realized and boasting will never be a part of his life. Humility will always save from defeat.
by lighthouse | Sep 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 26:4 “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.” Never respond in anger or without thought. A wise person will always be thought provoking and thought seeking. When a fool talks there is no concern for expression of a God instilled mentality with careful thought being expressed. Follow our Teacher and let your words, thoughts and actions display the Christian character God intends you to be. This is a prayer request from Julie:Hi Rick. I hope you are doing well! I’m asking for prayer for Trent, the young man who almost entered your sober home in Hudson. He is drinking so heavily now that he can no longer hold a job and is being evicted on 10/31. My heart is so sad!
by lighthouse | Sep 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 26:1 “Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.” The traits or makeup of a faith filled person are consistent. Honor, integrity, wisdom are just a few of the admirable traits that are simply a part of a Christian. These traits are not left behind after a person leaves church or thinks joining the crowd would be more comfortable. Being a faithful child of God is the enjoyable privilege of every person who recognizes the unfathomable love displayed by our Savior as He suffered, died and rose. That unfathomable love dictates our consistent faith filled behavior. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Sep 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” The last of the 9 fruits of the Spirit which define the being every Christian strives for is self-control. You and I as adopted children ofour Heavenly Father realize we will fail when we practice pleasures controlled by our own whims and desires. We will fall into a trap which will lead to our own destruction. Each of us need to happily and voluntarily pray that the Holy Spirit direct our every action so that we live wise and honorable lives always glorifying our Savior and never ourselves. That is the conclusion of a successful life.
by lighthouse | Sep 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 25:20 “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” Often what a person displays on the outside is not what their heart is feeling on the inside. Life on this earth is full of sadness even though most of the time when asked–how are you–the answer is fine or ok at worst. Almost everyone you meet has issues which are obviously evident or are troubling internally. Especially when a person is hurting, and it is very evident, show that person empathy and understanding. Never ignore a hurting heart.
by lighthouse | Sep 13, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 25:14 “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.” If a person accumulates stuff as a hoarder, life becomes emptier and emptier, and the pure joy of giving is never realized. Giving, along with sincere appreciation, is one of the gifts in the treasure chest of life. Never sharing makes for a very lonely life and then when life on this earth is over, the question always asked is: who did he/she help? The answer will identify the person’s contentedness level while living.
by lighthouse | Sep 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
Proverbs 25:12 “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” Gold is the most widely known precious metal on earth. To own gold is to own treasure. Wisdom falls into the same category. To either give wisdom in conversation or to be the recipient and gain wisdom is a joy God graciously gives to His faithful followers.Question—Would you rather receive wisdom or gold? Which has greater value?
