Proverbs Study

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Today’s reading: Proverbs 4

Today’s focal verse:

Proverbs 4:23—Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

Today’s Focus: Guarding our hearts

This week’s memory verse: 

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

About six months ago, during a particularly stressful time, I got into a disagreement with someone and, in a moment of unchecked anger, sent an email I regretted. Although I immediately apologized, this individual shared the email with a large number of people, leaving me feeling exposed. (What’s that verse about sin being exposed? lol). (You can read about this here.) That night, as I fumed over this, God used the opportunity to slice straight to my core, showing me my un-Christlike reaction came from a dirty heart. I’d allowed angry and bitter thoughts unrelated to the event fester and those negative thoughts were beginning to affect my actions and reactions. Today’s post, written by multi-published author Delia Latham encourages us to guard our heart, because, as today’s focal verse reminds us, it truly does determine the course of our life.

The Treasure Inside
Delia Latham

Delia3 - web 

Proverbs 4:23—Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

As parents, most of us would give our own lives to protect our children. We do all we can to guard them against any kind of harm. They are treasures.

Any true treasure deserves special care and protection. It merits a bit of extra safekeeping. Its value makes it worth the excessive guard measures.

We put our money in banks for safekeeping. Those fortunate enough to own valuable diamonds and jewels keep then locked away in safes. We use security systems in our homes to safeguard against intruders. Even the information in our computers is protected with a password.

Why is it, then, that we are so careless with the greatest treasure we will ever possess?

Come with me, if you will, for a little stroll through a short Proverbs verse that holds wisdom enough to change the world, if enough people heed its message.

Let’s take a look at Proverbs 4:23 through several different “lenses.” Choose the one that speaks to your heart most clearly. Memorize it. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Frame it and keep it on your desk. Paint the words onto the walls in your home if necessary.

In short, do whatever it takes to remember what it says.

Proverbs 4:23—Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

Proverbs 4:23— More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it. (CEB)

Proverbs 4:23— Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. (NCV)

What a beautiful verbal kaleidoscope!

But when the flashy show of vocabulary fizzles into silence, and the last letter tumbles atop the mountain of others to lie in wait of the next shake-up, that final twist of the refractor reveals them all as delivering the same message. Each of the “lenses” shines a light on the infinite value of the heart and mind…the treasure inside.

The physical heart is absolutely vital to the body. When it stops, everything stops. In a very real sense, life flows from it. Protecting the physical heart is crucial if one wishes to live…at all, not just a “long, healthy life.” Without a heartbeat, there is no life.

The spiritual heart pumps lifeblood to our eternal souls. Surely such a treasure is worthy of the ultimate guard measures. But…what is it? And how should we go about protecting it?

“It” is the mind. We protect it by refusing to expose it to anything that’s not like God. I love the New Living Translation of Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart ABOVE ALL ELSE, for it determines the course of your life.” One of the other versions reads, “More than anything you guard, PROTECT YOUR MIND, for life flows from it.”

How?

We protect the innocent minds of our children against anything we think is too mature, too violent, too sexual, too…anything that might confuse or damage their young psyches. And yet we balk at doing the same thing for our spiritual minds…our “hearts.” The truth is, if we really set out to protect our heart as this scripture indicates, we must treat it in the same manner. We must refuse to expose it to anything that doesn’t edify, strengthen, encourage or uplift.

That might mean anything from being choosy about which television shows we watch and which books we read, to the company we keep, the places we go, the things we set before our vision. Becoming an “adult” does not grant anyone a magical ability to play with fire and not get burned. Every choice we make affects our spiritual lifeblood.

Feeling a little confused about what things to allow into your life? No need for confusion…the Bible spells out exactly what can be safely allowed into our hearts (minds), and it’s all neatly packaged in a single verse of scripture:

Philippians 4:8:  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT)

If ever there’s a question as to the right or wrong of a thing, this verse provides a failsafe test. Holding any question up to the magnifying glass of this single scripture will provide an answer, if we’re honest about what we see beneath that spiritual magnification. Whether it be a movie, reading material, our choice of friends, an environment…whatever–does it fall into one of the categories mentioned in Philippians 4:8? Is it true? Honorable? Right, pure, lovely and admirable?

No? Then…chances are it is one or all of the following: dangerous, detrimental or destructive.

Are words popping out of your mouth, or into your mind that shock you? Things that don’t sound like you, and certainly don’t sound like God? Then chances are your heart has been tainted by exposure to impure elements.

God’s grace is amazing, and we are blessed that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentation 3:22-23). But it is our responsibility as Christians to make every effort to live in a way that glorifies our Father. To put our hearts under spiritual lock and key, and guard them every bit as fiercely as we protect the earthly possessions that are most important to us.

Let’s do it together. Every moment of every day from this point forward, let’s make a conscious, single-minded effort to guard the treasure inside…above all else, and at any cost.

Father, thank You for creating a clean heart within me. Please help me to guard that treasure above all else, to keep it pure and right, a place You’ll be pleased to dwell within…for You, Lord,  are my Rock, my Shield, my Fortress, my Resting Place. I truly want everything I do, every word I say, every thought I think to reflect and glorify You. I ask that You make it so, in Your precious name. Amen

Delia’s latest release, Jewels for the Kingdom:

perf5.500x8.500.inddPia Peretti’s past could destroy her future. Thanks to her pre-Christian lifestyle, she can’t marry a believer, and she won’t marry a non-believer. Minister David Myers wants to help Pia release her guilt and trust that God has forgiven her…but the young minister is working through his own trial of faith.

After a failed counseling session with a wounded soul, David’s confidence is shaken. He accepts a new pastorate, and moves to Angel Falls to find a haven for his wounded heart.

Is it possible these two hurting hearts are meant to mend each other’s brokenness with some divine intervention?

Delia was born and raised in a place called Weedpatch, Delia Latham moved from California to Oklahoma in 2008, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her simple country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. The author enjoys multiple roles as Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. She loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website or send an e-mail to delia AT delialatham DOT net.

Find out more about this author at www.delialatham.net.

Blog:  www.my-book-bag.blogspot.com

Newsletter:  www.bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com

***

I wish we had more time to camp out in chapter four as it’s filled with so many great truths and thought-provoking verses!

Here are some questions to ponder and discuss. A few of you involved in our Yahoo study group have mentioned the benefits of storing God’s Word in your hearts. Some have talked about how God uses the verse throughout the day to bring new truths and understanding to mind. Others have mentioned how God has used your focal verse to show you areas you may have strayed or times when your thinking hasn’t quite lined up. A few days ago, Beth talked about centering our hearts and minds on God’s promises right before we go to sleep so that our sleep can be peaceful and restful.

But all of these things seem to point back to our hearts.

In today’s devotion, Delia talked about guarding our heart from sinful influences. What other things do you think we must guard our heart from?

I’ll share my areas of weakness. For me, my biggest heart-tarnishers aren’t obvious sins like infidelity or thievery. Most often, my heart becomes polluted slowly, almost unknowingly, by things such as pride and selfish ambition. But the end results are the same–a slow but steady detour off of God’s good path and a decreased ability to hear His voice.

What are some ways we can guard our hearts?

Similarly, what are some ways we can strengthen our hearts?

Pause for a moment and pray, asking God to reveal to you the depths of your heart. Are there things you are clinging to or allowing in that hinder your growth? Your service?

Pause to consider verses 10-11 in light of Delia’s devotion and what we’ve already discussed regarding wisdom.

Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many.
11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.

I love the image this provides. Today’s focal verse and verses 11-12 seem to tie up a great deal of what we’ve learned so far. Pause to consider these verses in light of what we’ve already read and discussed. When we are centered in Christ, focused on His wisdom, and allow that wisdom to penetrate deep into our core, we have no fear and can move forward with boldness, knowing He will guard our paths, grant us common sense, while protecting and shielding us from the sins of others and our own sinful nature. There’s no need for insecurity or indecision, for, when our hearts are committed to following God and our minds are filled with His truth, He will lead us along straight paths and will keep us from stumbling. 🙂

Let’s talk about this! What thoughts came to mind as you read today’s chapter and/or Delia’s devotion? Consider your life, your day. Do you feel as if your steps are unhampered? If not, what’s slowing you down, and what promises/truths might help you move forward with courage and peace?

You can join the conversation by leaving comments below or by joining our Yahoo study group.


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And if you have a few moments, I encourage you to prayerfully listen to the following song, making the words your plea.

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Today’s reading: Proverbs 3:21-26, Isaiah 31:1-3, Habakkuk 1:11
Today’s focus: Surrender
This week’s memory verse: Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

LillianAmbition is good. Without it, infants would never learn to crawl and children would never master language. Ambition, when centered in Christ can be a wonderful thing, but, when centered in human pride and self-reliance, it can become our greatest weakness. Today multi-published author Lillian Duncan reminds us, no matter what we do or don’t accomplish, no matter how strong or weak we believe we are, God remains in control, and He wants us to rely on Him, not our gifts, talents, strengths, or accomplishments.

WHO’S IN CONTROL? by Lillian Duncan
Proverbs 3: 26
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

I’ve been thinking a lot about control lately.

If you ask me, who is in control, I would, of course, give the good Christian answer—GOD . If you ask me who is my provision, I would, of course, give the good Christian answer—GOD. If you ask me who the source if my confidence is, I would give the good Christian answer—GOD.

And I believe that but….

On the other hand, I like to think of myself as self-reliant. I started working the same week I graduated from high school in…cough…stammer…uhm 1973 . I found a job the same week and have worked since then with the exception of one quarter in college when I saved enough money to take a break.

I put myself through college along with a few grants and scholarships—no loans. ME and MY WORK. I save my money—bought my houses-bought my cars. ME and MY WORK

So, even though I say and believe God is in control, believe He is my provision, I’m not so sure I’ve ever depended on HIM the way HE wants. Because after all, for almost forty years, it’s been ME and MY WORK.

That is until lately.

I’ve been retired and only working part-time for the past few years. That was really awesome! I had time to write and enough money not to worry! And then it happened!

NO JOB! I actually didn’t freak out at first. I assumed something would come along at the last minute. But it didn’t.

The last check came and then it wasn’t ME and MY WORK anymore! Just me! Oh, that’s right, I admit it—I forgot about God for a few anxiety-filled weeks. I worried, I grumbled to myself. I was more anxious than I’d been in years!

And it was driving me crazy!

Suddenly, my peace and joy was replaced with worry and aggravation. A lot of it and I didn’t like it. But I didn’t stop me from doing it until one day when I realized by worrying I wasn’t trusting God. I was NOT placing my confidence in God as my provider.

HE had been my provider all along but as with us fleshly humans, I forgot that for a while..

So, now each time the worry comes back, I say a quick prayer: “I know You love me. You are all-powerful and I know you will work this out for my good.” Sometimes, it’s simpler and even quicker: “I need you or Your Will be done.”

The anxiety and worry are slowly being replaced by the peace and joy again. And that is wonderful!

We don’t, can’t, and won’t always know why things happen the way they do, but we always have a choice in how we react to them. We can choose to believe God’s promises. We can choose to believe God loves us and will take care of us. We can choose to stay in faith.

My life circumstances may still a mess, but as long as I keep my eyes on God, my faith remains steady. I now know that GOD truly is in control and my times are indeed in HIS hands.

Psalm 105:4
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

TheChristmasStalking_h11248_680CTHE CHRISTMAS STALKING by Lillian Duncan:

Overzealous fan or crazed stalker?

Country music superstar Destiny appears to have it all. Beauty, money, and fame. But it’s not all glitz and glamour. Being a celebrity comes with a price—loneliness, and now threats from an unknown stalker.

With Christmas approaching, and as the danger escalates in Nashville, Destiny has no choice but to disappear. She escapes to her grandparents’ cabin in the Adirondack Mountains near the tiny Village of Serenity & Peace. It seems to be the perfect choice for a hideout. Longing for the serenity and peace she experienced there as a child, Destiny sheds her celebrity persona and resumes her long-forgotten identity as Holly Stone.

Unfortunately, fame follows her to the tiny village—along with her stalker.

Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: http://www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: http://www.PowerUpWithGod.com

***

Let’s talk about this. As I read Lillian’s devotion, I thought of my daughter. She’s in highschool, and if you remember your highschool years, I’m sure you’ll understand, things can get tough. Especially for a Christian surrounded by those engaging in promiscuity and drug and alcohol use. My Mamma-bear longs to yank her out–to keep her home where I can shelter her.

But I have to remember God’s in control. That’s hard. It’s hard enough to relinquish control of my own life, but it’s even harder to surrender my daughter to God. And yet, it becomes easier when I remember God’s nature and promises. (Aren’t you glad we’re memorizing Scripture? 😉 )

Let’s talk about this. How is God speaking to you through today’s reading? You can share your thoughts in the comments below or you can join our Yahoo Proverbs study group:


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Some questions to ponder and/or discuss:

What about you? What area is hardest for you to relinquish control?

What biblical promises might make this easier?

When have you been forced to surrender something, and what were the results?

As I read today’s devotion and thought about today’s focus, I was reminded of James 1:5-8.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I also thought of Habakkuk 1:11.

“They sweep past like the wind and are gone. But they are deeply guilty, for their own strength is their god.”

This verse is talking about the Babylonians, but I suspect it could apply to each one of us as well.

One of our Yahoo study group members asked if I could provide a schedule for our upcoming reading. I figured some of you may appreciate having a schedule as well:

I plan to stay in ch 3 until the 10th; then we will read and focus on ch 4 on the 11th; chapter 5 on the 12th, 13th, and 14th; ch. 6 on the 16th, 17th, and 18th; reading ch. 7-8 on the 19th and focusing on ch. 8; chapter 9 on the 20th;
chapter 10 on the 22nd and 23rd; chapter 11 on the 24th and 25th; ch. 12 on the 26th & 27th; ch 13 on the 28th and 29th; ch. 14 on the 30th and 31st; ch. 15 on Feb. 1st and 2nd; ch. 16 on the 3rd; ch. 17 on the 4th, 5th, and 6th; ch. 18 on the 7th and 8th; ch. 19 on the 9th and 10th; ch. 20 on the 11th-13th; ch 21 on the 14th-16th; ch. 22 on the 17th; ch 24 on the 19th-20th; ch. 25 on the 21st; ch. 26 on the 22nd; ch 27 on the 23rd-24th; ch. 28th on the 25th; ch. 29 on the 26th; ch. 30 on the 27th; ch. 31 on the 28th.

I also suggest, for those of you wanting more reading, that you read the other suggested passages provided on the days when our reading from Proverbs is shorter. The reason I am doing this is so we have time to really digest and
apply what we are focusing on, hoping by doing so, it will be more likely to
become a life-habit. 🙂

You could also go back and re-read previous chapters or read ahead.

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Today’s reading: Proverbs 3; Psalm 23

Today’s focal verses: Proverbs 3:24-25

Today’s focus: Resting in Christ

Once again, thanks to Proverbs Bible Study member and our group’s prayer coordinator for today’s beautiful post. As I prepared today’s devotional, I thought of those special nights when my daughter was young, and I rocked her to sleep. As she nestled in my arms, completely relaxed, I’d sing softly, and my heart swelled with love. I loved to watch her eyelids droop, to listen to the steady sound of her breathing, to feel her tiny body close to mine. This is the image I have this morning, only this time, I am the child and God is the parent, holding me, soothing me, cherishing me. Cherishing you.

If you read my opening post for our Proverbs study, you’ll remember my primary motivation for memorizing Scripture this year. One night, while feeling particularly anxious, I began to recite God’s Word in my mind. As I did, my anxiety waned as peace filled my heart, crowding out my anxious thoughts with God’s truth. And yet, I had so little of God’s truth stored within, and in that moment, I wished I had taken the time to memorize more! And that was when I determined to be more diligent about my Scripture memorization.

Yesterday we began a new week of verse memorization. How are you doing? Persevere my friend! Because as Beth reminds us in the following verse, the benefits God grants are so worth it!

In the following devotional, Beth reminds us to center our minds on God and His truth, cherishing His Words before we go to sleep so that we can sleep in sweet peace.

 

GE DIGITAL CAMERABeth Ann Farley is a dear friend of mine and one of our Yahoo Bible Study group members. She is married with three grown children. She lives in Kansas City, MO where she serves as librarian. She loves to read, write, decorate and spend as much time as possible outside with her Peek-A-Poo. Beth is a lover of the Lord. “He is my-everything and I can’t start a day without visiting with Him.” Beth came to know the Lord when she was 30 years old and has served Him on committee’s such as Missions Outreach, Local Missions, Diaconate Committee, Youth Committee, and was a church secretary for several years. Beth loves Women’s Bible Studies, has hosted several in each one of her homes that she has lived in and has led a few as well. Beth is now taking time in life to move forward with her writing in whatever way God directs her.

Visit her online at: http://firsthalfday1.wordpress.com/

Proverbs 3:24-25 What Do You Think Before You Go To Bed?

Proverbs 3:24-25…When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant. Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes. HSB

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. I love this version. It’s the English Standard Version. Our sleep will be sweet!

I sat at my keyboard for a while and decided to look up the word sweet. Here’s what I came up with…Merriam Webster’s Dictionary

(1) Pleasing to the taste

(2) Being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is typically induced by disaccharides and is meditated especially by receptors in taste buds at the front of the tongue (Okay whatever!!!)

(3) Pleasing to the mind or feelings: agreeable, gratifying-often used as a generalized term of approval

(4) Not sour, rancid, decaying, or stale: wholesome

Now let me see if I can tie this all in to what I’m talking about in my mind; in other words, let me get my thoughts onto the paper here and not lose y’all in the process.

My sleep will be sweet, (agreeable, gratifying and will be wholesome like sweet milk) when I lie down at night and cast my fears upon him. I read the following: Wishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer:

“As you lie in bed preparing for your nightly slumber, remember that the last thought you have in your mind can last up to four hours in your subconscious mind. That’s four hours of programming from just one moment of contemplation prior to going into your unconscious state. Create a reminder like a prayer or mantra to place by your bed. Write these words and read them as you get comfortable: keep that sign there to remind you how to spend your pre-sleep moments nightly.”

I love that! What if we took our memory verse, read it just before we went to bed, and let it resonate there for four hours! Sweet!

Vs 25) don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes…HSB

I think of a prayer that Elizabeth George wrote in her book on The Powerful Promises for Every Woman.

Take comfort! The Lord who is always present is there…in the stillness beside a quiet stream…and in the shaking of the mountains; at the heart at home…and in the hospital,; in accusation…and in acquittal; in trial…and in triumph; in pain…and in pleasure; in seasons of activity…and in again; in prison…and in paradise. He is there when you pass through the waters…and through the rivers…and through the fire!

Beth’s addition: He is there when you sleep; you need not be afraid nor fear sudden danger, for God is right there with you.

I feel blessed and honored to kick off week #2 of our Proverbs Study with a devotion. Please allow me to remind all of you, including myself to slow down, listen to what God is saying through His Word, and through our words with each other. Remember, you can share your prayer requests to

Bethfarley_3@yahoo.com, and I will post via email at the end of each day. If you have a very personal request and only want to share it with me, I will humbly pray with you and keep it private. Beth

We’d love to hear from you. We all struggle with anxiety at times, and yet, God promises to grant us peace, to make our sleep sweet.

What are some ways we can grab hold of that peace?

What are some things that threaten our peace?

Suggested application: When you begin to feel anxious or stressed, grab hold of those anxious or stressful thoughts and toss them out. Or, in other words, make a determined effort not to entertain those thoughts. Pause to pray, telling God how you feel, what you are concerned about, and asking Him to take those anxious or stressful thought and feelings from you. Next, replace those thoughts with God’s truth, determinedly focusing on and mentally (or verbally) reciting His Word. And when you lay down to sleep, go through the same steps, making thoughts of God or communication with God your last activity for the night.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or join our Yahoo Bible study group. We’d love to have you!

 


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Today’s reading: Proverbs 3; Micah 3:6-15

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:9-10

Today’s focus: Giving God our best

1381091_time_is_moneyThis week’s memory verse: Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine (NLT).

Let’s face it, there’s only so much of us to go around. We’ve only got so much resources, so much time, so much energy. At any moment in your day, you’ve got to choose–who or what will you focus on and who will take a back seat? If you’re like me, you often feel like you’re running in circles chasing fires, always one too many steps behind.

So what do you do when your day spins out of control?

You stop, give it to God, and determine to do things differently, placing Him and the things of Him at the top of your to do list.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says:

Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Although this verse is talking about our material wealth, I believe the principle applies to all of our resources, including our time, gifts, and talents.

It can be quite easy to write a check to a ministry. Serving in that same ministry or carving out devoted time for prayer can be another matter.

I’ve been involved in children’s ministry for almost 15 years now. That’s fifteen years, 780 weeks, 2,340 hours of craft prep, snotty-nose wiping, mess-cleaning, game-playing, and yes, there have been times when I’ve felt burned out, when my flesh wanted to take the easy way out, to absent-mindedly go through the motions without fully engaging. But then God’s spirit within me pricks my conscious and reminds me, no matter what ministry I’m doing, I’m serving Him, and He deserves my absolute best.

Pause to prayerfully consider this week’s memory verse. Think of your daily Bible reading and prayer time. Have you set aside a time for God when you are at your best, most alert? If not, when would be a good time to do that?

Think of the ministry you serve in. How might your service be an act of worship? And how might viewing it as such change you how approach it?

Think of your gifts and talents. Are you using them to glorify God or to glorify yourself? For example, I believe God has gifted me with a desire to write. This week and last, the Proverbs Bible study has taken a large chunk of my time. Time I could’ve spent working on articles or my current manuscript, and yes, there have been moments when my flesh fought for dominance, inviting me to join it’s pity, “what about me!” party, but I chose not to listen. I chose to obey what I believed God had called me to do–engage in the Proverbs study, giving it my absolute best, trusting Him to take care of the other stuff.

I don’t regret it, for every moment I follow wholeheartedly after Him, I feel His peace, His love, His presence.

Let’s talk about this. Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion in our online study group.


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Let’s take a moment to consider our progress. Don’t try to answer or contemplate all the questions below as often, when we attempt to do too much, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and lose effectiveness. Instead, focus on the one area you really want to see growth in.

I know many of you are following along with our Proverbs reading and Bible study.

How are you doing with your Bible reading and verse memorization commitment? Have you established a routine, and if so, has it helped you to be more disciplined? (You might find it helpful to review January 1st’s devotional.)

As you continue to read through Proverbs and store God’s Word in your heart, are you noticing a difference in how you approach and view your day? Are you consulting with God more throughout the day, seeking His wisdom? (You might find it helpful to review January 2nd’s devotional.)

How are you doing with your Bible reading time? Are you taking the time to really digest it and dig for God’s meaning? Have you tried using a lexicon? Reading verses and/or passages in different translations? Any new discoveries? (You might find it helpful to review January 3rd’s devotion.)

How has your trust level grown? Are you choosing to think about and focus on God’s truth and unchanging nature? And if so, has that helped you experience increased peace? (You might find it helpful to focus on January 5th’s devotional.)  

What’s *one* thing you choose to focus on today?

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Today’s reading: Proverbs 3:1-8, Psalm 139 , James 1:2-8

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:5

Today’s focus: Choosing to trust

This week’s memory verse: 
Proverbs2memoryverse

 This has been an interesting year for me. I’ve seen healings I’ve fervently prayed for not come to pass. I’ve seen a family with young children lose their mother to brain cancer. I’ve seen hurting and hungry children and broken adults. I’ve experienced some health challenges and watched helplessly as my daughter cried out in pain from a bad case of shingles. Worse, I listened to her express her broken heart as she wondered why God would allow her to experience such pain. And there were times when all I could pray was why. Why, Lord, would you let these things happen? Where is Your healing? Can you see us? Do you care?

One morning, while asking those very questions, God gave me this answer, found in Ezekiel 36:9 “See, I care about you and will pay attention to you” (NLT).

And truly, that was all I needed to hear. You see, we won’t always receive answers this side of heaven. Nor will we always be rescued. But we will always be heard. And held. So what do we do when life doesn’t go as we expect? We choose to trust. When we don’t understand the what or the why, we must focus on the Who–knowing God is in complete control and that at every moment, He has us in mind. He is attentive to our cries, and He has a loving purpose for everything He does and everything He allows. But more than that, one day He will set everything right. One day He will wipe away every last tear, will heal every disease and heartache. So hold on, beloved, for our bridegroom is coming and oh, what a party He has planned for us!

Today as you read Beth Farley’s devotion, prayerfully direct your thoughts onto the nature of God. Choose to trust Him, for He is worthy.

GE DIGITAL CAMERABeth Ann Farley is a dear friend of mine and one of our Yahoo Bible Study group members. She is married with three grown children. She lives in Kansas City, MO where she serves as librarian. She loves to read, write, decorate and spend as much time as possible outside with her Peek-A-Poo. Beth is a lover of the Lord. “He is my-everything and I can’t start a day without visiting with Him.” Beth came to know the Lord when she was 30 years old and has served Him on committee’s such as Missions Outreach, Local Missions, Diaconate Committee, Youth Committee, and was a church secretary for several years. Beth loves Women’s Bible Studies, has hosted several in each one of her homes that she has lived in and has led a few as well. Beth is now taking time in life to move forward with her writing in whatever way God directs her.

Visit her online at: http://firsthalfday1.wordpress.com/

Proverbs 3:5 in several versions

New King James:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

New Living Translation

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.

American Standard Translation

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

Amplified Bible

 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

No matter how many ways the above scripture is written, it means the same thing; trusting in God and not myself. I had an opportunity to chat with a close relative the other day about the shooting in Connecticut. She is a mother of three young children and about ready to have another. She told me that she didn’t want her kids to go back to school and did not understand why God would do such a terrible thing.

I had to let her words soak in for a few before I answered. I wanted to be very careful and wise because she is not really a believer. She is not sure what she believes in. Before answering, I quickly asked God that His words come from my mouth, not my own because I was sure to botch it up.

I told her that I believed that God did not make that happen. He may have allowed it but for reasons we can’t possibly understand and won’t understand until we meet Him face to face. I shared with her the above scripture about trusting in God and not in her own thoughts and strengths.  I also spoke to her about Isaiah 55:8 where God tells us, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” NLT I also told her that so often I will have circumstances arise and not know why but if I do trust in the Lord then I know everything will work out fine.

Today I pray as you continue to study Proverbs 3 that you will ask the Lord to give you the strength and discipline to trust in Him and not in yourself. I pray that when you are approached by an unbeliever or someone who is just not certain about events that make no sense, that you are trusting in God to give you the best guidance possible. I pray that if you are hit yourself by something during this study that tempts you to quit, that you just trust and not give up.

Are you truly trusting God in all that you do? In all that you say? In all that is going on in your world right now? I ask myself these questions as well. I have to trust. Without trust, I have nothing.

Remember; no matter how many versions of Proverbs 3:5 you read; it all comes down to the one important word…

TRUST!

LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS!

1) List five things you know to be true about God. Now pause and prayerfully think about His nature in light of whatever difficulties you are facing. Fill in the following:

Because He is loving ___________________________________________________.

Because He is faithful __________________________________________________.

Because He is all-knowing _______________________________________________.

Because He is with me __________________________________________________.

2) Yesterday, we learned the heart means the inner man, or the core of who we are. What does it mean to trust in the Lord with *all* your heart?

3) Psalm 139 is one of my favorite passages. Take a moment to read the chapter. Do any verses stand out to you? What might God be trying to say to you this morning?

Here’s what stood out to me:

God examines my heart–searches deep to my very core and knows me intimately, even better than I know myself. (v. 1)

He goes before me, to guide me, and stands behind me, to catch me when I fall or slip. Like a loving, attentive, gentle father, He places His hand upon me. (v. 5, 10)

He knows what I will face tomorrow, why I will face it, and how He will see me through it. Nothing I encounter is by accident, and because God’s loving hand is always upon me, I can rest assured everything I encounter is truly for my best. (v. 16)

God is constantly thinking of me. (v. 17)

4) Now I will ask you again, what might God be trying to say to you this morning? Will you trust Him? Will you walk with Him, not dragging behind, complaining about the journey, nor forging ahead in impatience, but instead, humbly matching your step with His, trusting He knows what is best for you?

5) Pause to consider the following passage:

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I’ve given you a lot to think about this morning. I’d love to know how God used this devotional or the suggested passages to speak to you. Join the conversation here, in the comments below, on Facebook, or at our online Bible study Group.

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Today’s reading: Proverbs 3:1-8

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:1

Today’s focus: Remembering what we’ve learned

This week’s memory verse: 
Proverbs2memoryverse

This morning, as I was thinking over my spiritual goals and what I’ve learned through Proverbs 1-3, I was tempted to add more to my goal list. After all, if I’m developing a habit for Scripture memorization, why not also develop goals and habits for cleaning, and exercise, and diet, and … 😉

They say most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after three weeks. I suspect one of the reasons for this is people set unrealistic expectations and overload themselves with too much change without giving themselves time to really develop new habits. This is why I am purposefully going quite slow through my Proverbs reading. I know if I attempt to make too many changes too quickly, if I focus on too many things without giving myself time to really absorb what I’ve already learned, I’ll likely fail. So today, I’m going to really pray about and meditate on what God has already shown me. As you read the following devotional, written by Beth Farley, I suggest you do the same. 🙂

GE DIGITAL CAMERABeth Ann Farley is a dear friend of mine and one of our Yahoo Bible Study group members. She is married with three grown children. She lives in Kansas City, MO where she serves as librarian. She loves to read, write, decorate and spend as much time as possible outside with her Peek-A-Poo. Beth is a lover of the Lord. “He is my-everything and I can’t start a day without visiting with Him.” Beth came to know the Lord when she was 30 years old and has served Him on committee’s such as Missions Outreach, Local Missions, Diaconate Committee, Youth Committee, and was a church secretary for several years. Beth loves Women’s Bible Studies, has hosted several in each one of her homes that she has lived in and has led a few as well. Beth is now taking time in life to move forward with her writing in whatever way God directs her.

Visit her online at: http://firsthalfday1.wordpress.com/

Proverbs 3:1 NLT
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give a long and satisfying life.
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep from my commands (HCSB).

Many years ago I was called to home-school my children. I had no idea what I was doing other than being obedient to God’s calling.

I began each day with reading, writing and memorizing scripture with my kids and then giving them some time to reflect in their journals. That was the most rewarding time of my life, not only being with my children, teaching them my values but knowing I was being totally obedient to God.

The above verse is one that I remember so well because in teaching my kids the Ten Commandments, I also tied in Proverbs 3:1. I explained to my kids that you can’t have the Ten Commandments without remembering what God has taught you. You can’t have the Ten Commandments without storing them in your heart. We can memorize scripture all we want but if we don’t store them in our hearts with God’s commands then it’s just a scripture memory challenge.

What do you think? Can you memorize scripture without storing God’s commands in your heart?

How do you encourage the believer who appears to be keeping the commands that might be very ill or has lost a job or loved one about living a long and satisfying life?

In joining this group, I am really challenging myself to really take the scriptures and not only memorize but meditate and applying them to my daily life.

***

What about you? What has God shown you this week? Are you applying what you’ve learned? How might He want you to do just that *today.* Find some time today to prayerfully consider this, then write down a few thoughts.

Here are some questions to ponder as you write:
1) How has your relationship with God grown this week?
2) Have you noticed a difference in your attitude? Do you feel more at peace? More joyful?
3) Do you find yourself thinking of God and the things of God more throughout the day?

On January first, we talked about discipline and creating routines. (You can read Jan. 1st’s devo here.) What new routine have you created in an effort to become more disciplined? I’m working on memorizing Scripture, and in my effort to do so, have begun reciting my week’s memory verse as I cook dinner.

One of our Yahoo group members mentioned time was a big limiting factor for her, and she suggested multi-tasking as a way to solve this. I think this is true for most of us. Thinking of the benefits of establishing a routine, I’d like to propose a few suggestions. I suggest you choose *one* to try. By choosing one new activity rather than many, there’s a higher probability this will stick and become habit.

1. Make your shower time your prayer time. If you need help remembering to do this, attach a sticky note to the outside of your shower door with the reminder to pray. Or, if Scripture memorization is your goal, use packing tape to attach a notecard with your verse either in your shower or bathroom mirror. (where it won’t get wet. 🙂 Or you could perhaps use dry erase marker, lipstick, or something else that will easily come off to write the verse directly on the shower glass or wall. As you shower or get ready, recite the verse aloud a few times.

2. This suggestion is similar to the first. Is there a mundane/mindless task you complete each day? Make that your prayer or verse memorization time.

3. Program alerts in your phone, perhaps to go off over your lunch break or every three hours. If your goal is to be more consistent with prayer, pause to pray for five or ten minutes (whatever is manageable for you), whenever the alert goes off. If your goal is verse memorization, pause to recite the verse three times when the alarm goes off.

If you do this enough times, they should become habit, with your heart reminding you to do the action.

On January 2nd, we talked about seeking and waiting for God’s wisdom. You can read the post here. In our Yahoo Bible study group, we also talked about “doing life” with God, or, in other words, of being conscious of His presence, talking to Him throughout the day, and asking Him to align our thoughts, hearts, and will with His.

And today, we are remembering all we’ve learned as we seek to live out God’s truths. We will be camping out in Proverbs 3 for a while–through Jan. 10th, to be exact. I encourage you to read this chapter each morning over the next couple of days, allowing it to really sink in. I also encourage you, when you have time, to go back and review chapters 1-2. Keep a notebook at hand and jot down thoughts that arise as you read.

Let’s talk about this! You can share your thoughts in the comments below or in our Yahoo Bible Study group. We can continue this discussion in the comments below or at our Yahoo Bible study/verse memorization group:
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