continuing in proverbs

March 23, 2017 / proverbs 18 - 19

18:10 the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe

18:21 the tongue has the power of life and death

19: 23 the fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble

I read some excellent proverbs this morning that I wanted to share about looking towards God for our strength.  There are some practical lessons in the proverbs for everyday life.

Just the very name of God is our strong tower, our place to find strength.  Jehovah God the existing the real God, the mighty God, the God who is our fortress and place of security.  It is He in whom we should run to.  When life throws us a bunch of insecurity, and you know it can and will, where we can find that stability, that stronghold, Yes it is in Him.

Secondly is the lesson of the tongue.  You and I have to power to use words that give life or words that give death.  The sometimes unfortunate thing is once you say it, it cannot be put back.  Just like you can’t put a peel back on a banana or put toothpaste back in the tube, once our words are out there is no putting them back.  You and I have the capability to help someone’s day or hinder it, encourage them or discourage them, and speak life or speak death.

The last lesson in these proverbs I read today was that fear leads to life.  How is that possible you ask? Well the wisdom is that when you and I have fear (reverence and respect) for the one who created us it give the ability to see and trust God for who He really is.  Who is He really?  He is the one who created you and formed you inside your mother’s womb, He is the one who give your life meaning and purpose, He is the one who has promised to never leave or forsake you, He is the one who loves you so much that He gave His Son as the sacrifice so that YOU could have eternal life.  When we find this out, when we let this marinade in our hearts and minds then, and only then can we be content in Him, unwaivered by trouble.

I hope you enjoy these insights today to some proverbs and that you have a blessed day and weekend.

proverbs on friendship

The resounding theme in my reading today had a lot to do with friendship, true friendship that is.  It is not in the easy times of life when you find out who your true friends are, but in the hardest of times.  One of the best Biblical examples of friendship can be found with David and Jonathon in 1 Samuel, where Jonathon was willing to stake his friendship against his father the king.  However, I found some very challenging verses in Proverbs today.

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. (17:9, CSB)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time (17:17, CSB)

Point 1: if a friend trusts you enough to tell you an issue, problem, or sin they are dealing with then you need to keep it to yourself.  Trust is not easily gained and much more easily lost.  If you are like me I have a very hard time trusting someone.  So if someone trusts you enough to tell you something personal about themselves, you owe it to them to keep it to yourself.

Point 2: if you hear gossip about someone that you call friend, nip it in the bud.  Gossip is gossip and doesn’t need to be shared or listened to.  Be willing to put an end to it.

Point 3: be a friend that loves at all times, there are enough fair weather friends out there, be the one that is always there and let them know “hey I am here for you”, we are all imperfect people who can at times be hard to love.  This is when agape (unconditional love) comes in handy, even if your friend is being “unlovable” they still need to be loved.

Point 4: a brother is born for difficult times, be more than a friend be a brother (or sister).  Difficult times are when you and I need someone close the most.  Unfortunately difficult times are also when you figure out who your real friends are.  It is during the darkest hours of our lives we figure out who are willing to stand and be a friend and those who are not.  Not every friend you have is born for difficult times in your life and that is a reality we have to face.

Scripture challenges us with friendship, what it really means and how we apply it.  Sometimes in life we have friends for a season and friends for a lifetime.  The friends for a season you look back on and appreciate what you had when you had it.  The friends for a lifetime are the ones you keep closest to you, they are the ones who know you and love you for who you are.  The friends for a lifetime are the ones who will stick by you when you need them the most.  At the same time YOU need to be that friend, I need to be that friend.  I need to be that friend that is born for difficult times.

I am fortunate to have many people I can call "friend" and know that no matter what time of day I needed them they would be there, the above picture is just 3 of them but I know I have many more and I thank you for always being there for me.

Have a great day, and be that friend people need :)
chris

be the difference

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is put out (13:9, CSB)

A Joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit (15:13, CSB)

Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones (15:30, CSB)

These verses jumped out at me as I was reading through some proverbs today.  The lesson in them is simple and yet profound.  You and I have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day.  We can do it with a smile, a kind word, a card, a note, a hug, or anything random and kind.  We never know the impact our deeds have.

There is a light that is supposed to shine brightly within is, that light is Christ that has taken up residence in our lives.  The goal of the wicked is to try and stop us from making a joyful impact on those around us.  We have within us the ability to cheer the heart, and strengthen the innermost part of people.

There are enough people around that enjoy tearing other down, be different and build them up.  Would you take a moment today and share an encouraging word with someone.  Would you take a moment today and smile.  Would you take a moment today and be the difference in someone’s life.  It only takes a moment, and you and I have much to be smiling about even though it is cold and dreary out.