Let God give direction

Proverbs 20:24 “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How can anyone understand his own way?” We all should live our lives with the constant thought—God direct my steps.  If any of us actually live the words of the famous song—I did it my way—we will find ourselves living both purposelessly and accomplishing little.  If our life instead is lived—I did it His way—not only will we have a successful purpose on this earth, but we will gain the rewards of an eternity of blessing.  

Dishonesty and God

Proverbs 20:23 “The Lord detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.” God could never accept anything other than honesty and you and I should be the same.  Never does lying accomplish anything positive.  Though lying is very common, it is the downfall in any relationship–never let it be a part of your life.

Rare jewel

Proverbs 20:15 “Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.” Isn’t it a joy when we hear a wealthy celebrity or heroic athlete or successful businessperson profess a Christian faith for all the world to hear?  Their faith always outshines their recognized accomplishments.  They are appreciative of their earthly blessings and talents, but recognize their true wealth lies in their relationship with their Heavenly Father.  They are a rare jewel–as are you.

Use your talents

Proverbs 20:13 “Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.” Everyone has God given talent.  To use that talent will result in blessings which produce a life of abundance.  Living a life of poverty is not the life God has intended for anyone.  God did not create desperation.  God created man/women to live a life full of joyful abundance, to be appreciative and to give glory to Him in their (our) daily living.  Faithfully using our talents cannot do anything other than living a blessed life. Have a great weekend.

Be true

Proverbs 20:6 “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find.” To manipulate is a common trait of a person who is defensive and lacks both honesty and integrity.  That person will find himself friendless and broken.  Is there hope for such a person? Yes, but his entire mentality must change, and that change is both difficult and rare.  However, for that person hope must never be abandoned.

wine and beer

Proverbs 20:1 ” Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led by them is not wise.” Never give yourself the opportunity to not think clearly.  Distorted thought is never an asset which can be admired.  Addictions, no matter what the addiction, never allow improvement, never allow happiness and never create a benefit.  Any recovering or recovered addict will always agree 100%.

Never stop learning

Proverbs 19:27 “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from words of knowledge.” There is never an age where anyone can think there is no need to gain more wisdom or knowledge.  We all should live wanting to learn and then wisely apply that wisdom to ourselves while at the same time helping others do the same.  We should all be both learners and teachers.

Life is precious

Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” There is not one of us who doesn’t want to live a life of contentedness.  We spend our time securing a nice home, a comfortable retirement plan, toys to enjoy whatever activities we desire, developing the most comfortable lifestyle we can, doing all this sometimes forgetting where our true and lasting contentedness lies.  Having a close relationship with our Heavenly Father guarantees total peace and contentedness.  That relationship is certainly at the very top of our priority list. 

The joy of life

Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Throughout Proverbs God reminds us of the wonderful peace and contentedness found by placing Him first in our lives.  Doesn’t it only make sense to do exactly that?  We can’t let ourselves be fooled to think the pleasures of this world are what we should strive for.  Pleasures are blessings, but we live for Him!! Have a great weekend.

Who doesn’t want to be loved

Proverbs 19:22a “What a man desires is unfailing love…” Have you ever heard anyone say—I don’t want to be loved now or ever!  No one has ever said that.  Why?  We all want to have value and with any value comes love.  The ultimate value and love any of us experience is that which we receive from our Heavenly Father.  He has given us value, purpose and eternal love.  How could any of us not fall in love with Him?

God’s purpose for you

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Many live with the thought–I determine what and when and where I live, I am going to live and do it my way.  That thinking leads to a purposeless and wasted life.  Instead, you and I should be asking–Dear Heavenly Father, let me accomplish the purpose You have for me.  Guide me and let me serve you in accomplishing your purpose with my life.  Then our lives become purposeful, contented and successful.

Listen and learn

Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” A talented team will not only make life more enjoyable but will also make wiser thoughts prevalent as different perspectives are always seen by different minds. Sharing and learning from a talented team is always to all our advantage.