Talking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Trust God Over Worldly Possessions

“Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.” – Proverbs 28:25New Living Translation

            There are those in this life who are self-reliant, self-directed men. They neither take nor offer advice to anyone else. They strive for the mountaintop not knowing what pitfalls await them. They are referred to as self-made men, however we are cautioned by the words from Proverbs 14:12, which say: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” 

            Many folks have grabbed and clawed their way to the pinnacle of their profession as if that’s all it would take to satisfy their desire for peace and satisfaction. Unfortunately, failed marriages, used up friendships and emotionally depleted children lie in the wake that trails them. They fight business partners, ex-wives, lawyers and siblings to hang onto that which they had amassed. In the end they will lose everything and never achieve the contentment they have so desperately sought.

            They never realized the importance of having God in their life. In some cases they profess to be Christians but in fact were Christians in name only. They never really trusted God to handle what they considered the inner intricacies of their life. The consequences they must face just may cripple them in more ways then one. If you desire prosperity you must trust the Lord to lead you in the way you should go. It’s the only way it works flawlessly so you can receive the desired results.

            Let’s not confuse prosperity with amassed wealth. It is far more important to be spiritually prosperous then financial so. The Apostle John states the following in his 3^rdletter to some Gentile churches: “I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” The King James Version uses the statement that ‘you may prosper even as your soul prospers’, but I believe the Living Translation is more accurate. Trust God in all you do and you will prosper in all the ways that he knows you need to prosper. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

REFLECT UPON THIS

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” – Proverbs 27:19 New Living Translation

            This is an excellent visual illustration for us to grab ahold of. At one time or another in our lives we have no doubt looked at ourselves in a puddle or lake or some other tranquil body of water. What we see is exactly what anyone who looks at us sees, our physical appearance. In the same way the heart of a man reflects what is inside. Spiritually speaking the condition of a person’s heart will indicate that individual’s true inner nature and character. 

            “Jesus spoke a great deal about the heart. The heart is a metaphor for the inner life. The word Jesus used means the seat of the physical, spiritual and mental life. The heart is the center and the source of the whole inner life – thinking, feeling, and willing.”⁽¹⁾ God, who according to scripture knows all things that can be known, has the ability to not only see that which is in the deepest recesses of our heart, but also the intentions and motivations of that heart. In other words we could never hide anything from the Lord. He knows what we are going to think, say and do before we even think, say and do it. It definitely requires faith to believe that because that’s some heavy stuff there. 

            Knowing that about God should be an incentive to live our life according to the standards he has laid out for us in scripture. It’s not meant to scare or intimidate us, for aside from any negative implications; the fact that God knows us so intimately is actually a wonderful blessing. He knows why we trip up and administers compassion and grace to us as a means of encouraging us by his spirit to get up and go on. Those who feel shame or guilt are the ones who try to do something they know in their heart they shouldn’t do. The Lord understands and is willing to forgive. So when you look at yourself in the mirror, know that God sees what you see and much more.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resources:NIV Study Bible Notes; Reformation Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com.

(1)Taken from the website https://www.bibleinoneyear.org/bioy/commentary/810.

Other verses re: the heart -

Matthew 5:8 New Living Translation -“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”

1 Kings 8:39NLT -“ … then hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know, for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men, …”

1 Chronicles 28:9NLT - "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”

1 Samuel 16:7NLT - “But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Proverbs 21:2

“Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

Revelation 2:23NLT – “And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

ALWAYS CONSIDER OTHERS

“Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, ‘I was only joking.’” – Proverbs 26:18-19 New Living Translation

            Throughout scripture can see that God places a high premium on telling the truth. It doesn’t matter if the consequences end up good or bad; being honest is paramount in the life of a believer in Christ.

            In looking at this verse the first question I ask myself is how are we to define the term ‘madman’ in this case? This usage has a negative connotation. A madman in this case would be a person who acts in a ‘violently destructive way’. Now a person that crosses our path from our neighborhood, at work or school wouldn’t necessarily fit that description, but they might be classified as being ‘reckless’with the truth.

            A person who lies, then fluffs it off as a joke is acting irresponsibly. He hasn’t taken anyone else’s feelings or emotions into account. It is like a man who randomly shoots fiery arrows into the air without any knowledge of where they will land. The damage caused by such an act will depend on where they land. It should be noted that it is never proper behavior to lie and especially at the expense of another person’s feelings.  

            We all like a good laugh, but lets not be loose with the truth in order to get that laugh, thus tainting the way others may look at us. Believers in particular should be focusing on representing the Lord in the most favorable light. May the Lord continue to teach us all how to be more like the Savior in our daily lives. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: MacArthur Study Bible; Believer’s Bible Commentary; Barnes’ Notes; The Life Application Study Bible; American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language and www.biblegateway.com.

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Speak life, not death

“To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” – Proverbs 25:12 New Living Translation

            Criticism for criticisms sake is unnecessary. Some folks simply like to criticize others. They don’t have a good word for anyone at anytime. It could be a reflection of their own life and situations that they are going thru, but one thing is for sure, they don‘t seem to see anything wrong with freely offering destructive criticism.

            There is, however, such a thing as “valid” or constructive criticism. It is based on seeing someone seeing bad behavior in action and trying to persuade them from continuing. Either way, there is nothing wrong with valid criticism as long as it is done with grace and mercy. 

            To constructively criticize someone is to encourage and edify by way of instruction. Those who offer criticism of correction are offering life-giving correction. If you keep your focus on Christ you will be more prone to the positive side of things then the negative. Offer life rather than suffocating the spirit in someone. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: www.biblegateway.com

Note:  “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” - Proverbs 15:31 New Living Translation

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

Honesty is the best policy

“An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.” – Proverbs 24:26 New Living Translation

            I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but lying seems to have become a raging epidemic. We see it in movies, on television, in the news and with the people we encounter on a daily basis.  At least most of the time the truth wins out and the lie leads to some very serious consequences. It is man’s ungodly nature that gives them a false sense of security. Like no one will ever find out. 

            In additional to truth telling and lying comes encouragement and edification. It can take just as much effort to build someone up with an encouraging word than to fabricate a lie. The only encouragement Satan will ever give you is to do wrong, never to do right in the sight of God. 

            I admit it can be easier to lie than tell the truth at times, which makes it a dangerous temptation.   What’s right is always right and what’s wrong will always be wrong. And taking the easy way isn’t always the right thing to do. Man is incapable of determining what is universally right behavior. Unfortunately, man doesn’t think that’s the case at all. They can fix things if given the proper amount of time and resources. That’s not possible because man’s time and resources are both limited. God’s are endless.  He is the one who has laid out those behavioral words, actions and reactions that need to be practiced.  Lies hurt you and everyone around you. The truth bolsters ones faith and hope. If the truth involves some bad news, at least the recipient knows the truth and not some fake story that only delays the eventual pain that will come at some point anyway.

            It takes integrity to be honest at all times regardless of the consequences. Knowing a person you can trust is a priceless gift. As true believers we must be truth tellers and encouragers. Give positive responses and seek to be a blessing each day. This is our calling as believers in Christ. He didn’t take on our sin to cleanse us forever just so we could continue down the same road. Christ must be our all in all. Our relationship with him needs to be the most important thing in our life. Nothing is to come before God in our lives. Nothing. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: www.biblegateway.com.

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Random Snippet

                  Satan has been working overtime to minimize God in the lives of people today. People take the Lord’s name in vain regularly seeing it as normal. All around me at work people say “O my God!” as a regular exclamation of surprise or upset. They have even shortened it to “OMG!” thinking nothing of it. They curse and lie as if it were completely acceptable behavior. These things in and of themselves don’t make them bad people, just ignorant and ill informed. 

            I’ve heard some believers say to those taking the Lord’s name in vain “please don’t take the name of my Lord and Savior in vain.” While I don’t object to that response, I wonder what they think they are accomplishing? Those words more than likely will never bring about a conversion. Those guilty parties bristle at the rebuke and think various negative thoughts about the offended party. One thing I have come to understand and accept is that those in the world say and do what comes natural to them. They do not have a regenerated spirit and soul, so their first inclination is to say what they’ve always said. They don’t know any better.
          We do, which is why true believers should feel a sting of conviction when WE do what is offensive to us when said by others. There is something very poignant in Jesus words on the cross when he says “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” We must love those who don’t know what they are saying or doing and pray for them to see the light of salvation in their lifetime. Don’t come off as prideful or arrogant in your belief of Christ. Show mercy and grace, just as Christ has shown it to you. rlkeller

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Random Thought

          According to the Word of God, fluctuations from what God set in place are forbidden. Christ died for all; however, sin cannot abide in his presence. So in spite of the fact that the LBGTQ community has their own churches and ministers and profess to love God, are they loving the same God that we are? The answer to that is ‘no’. Nowhere in scripture does the Lord recant on his statements in the Old & New Testaments regarding homosexuality. (See scriptures below) So who changed the rules? God? Absolutely not! Man? Without question. Wherever you look on TV, in the movies, at school or work, you find gays, lesbians and transgender individuals more prevalent. Media in general, the great propaganda machine that it is, has injected our movies and TV shows with LBGTQ members and even show the non-members how to treat them. Example: On The Good Doctor last night we saw the son of an ER doctor wearing a tee shirt sporting the words “Life is Better as a Female”. That was the set up for you to find out that the son plans to have a gender change. The dad, of course, is supposed to have no issue with this. In the end he embraces his son telling him he loves him. We are being trained how to treat those we “don’t understand”. 

            I am not advocating hate or disassociation with such individuals, but let’s not lose sight of what we believe to be the truth. Much of the world is willing to believe in a loving God, but that’s where our similarities end. We’ve invested a lot of time to find out the entire picture about God. We aren’t perfect and neither is our knowledge of spiritual or biblical things, but we know enough to know that there is judgment coming to those who do as they please and not what pleases God. I’m not God and neither am I the eternal judge of all things. I treat members of the LBGTQ community like anyone else, however, like the Lord, I am disappointed by their life choice and saddened about the condition of their soul. If true believers are right, their end will be far different than their beginning. rlkeller  

Romans 1:27 “In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. “

Matthew 19:4-6 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh‘? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Leviticus 18:22-24 “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.”

Leviticus 20:13 “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 “Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.”

(This is not an exhaustive look on this topic. It is simply what God laid on my heart today at work.)

Random Snippet

          When you are concerned that you are not living your life for Christ the best you are able you should rejoice. The fact that you care at all is testament to your relationship with God. The Spirit gently convicts and reveals to us areas that need cleaning up. It’s our responsibility to listen for him, listen to him and act accordingly. Too many believers think things are just fine and do not ever take a spiritual inventory of themselves. Those folks are foolish, for one day we will stand before the Mercy Seat of Christ to give an account of the life we lived for him. If you are continuously conscience of your thoughts, words and actions you are on the right path that leads to heaven. So rejoice for you are greatly favored by God. rlkeller

TAKING A WALK THRU PROVERBS

SURRENDERING TO GOD

“O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.”– Proverbs 23:26 New Living Translation

            According to the definition of the heart, we are being asked to surrender what can be defined as “the vital center and source of our being”.  It’s said to be the place where our deepest and most sincere feelings and beliefs lie. It enables our emotions, disposition and character to shine forth. Our heart generates sympathy, generosity and character.

            Scripture tells us in Proverbs 16:2,“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.” The Lord says thru his prophet Jeremiah, “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." It is futile to think one can keep anything from the mind of God. It’s simply not possible. So when we voluntarily give our heart over the Almighty God, yielding to the prompting of his Holy Spirit, we begin to understand what true freedom is. A whole new realm is opened up to us.

            Once we have determined to follow the Lord and his standard for living, we will begin to see everything around you in a different light. It’s as if God’s Shekinah glory is illuminating everything we look at. Only the most ardent follower of Christ will experience this. You feel his presence and not just in church, but when you fellowship with him anywhere. Following the will and the word of God is an exciting adventure. Plug in and go. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

Resources: www.biblegateway.com.

NOTE: Shechina or Shekinah, n

1. (Judaism) the radiance in which God's immanent presence in the midst of his people, especially in the Temple, is visibly manifested;

2. (Judaism) the divine presence itself as contrasted with the divine transcendence. (Collins English Dictionary)

TAKING A WALK THRU PROVERBS

STRIVING TO BE LIKE CHRIST

“The Lord preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.”- Proverbs 22:12New Living Translation

            For the sake of clarification, ‘knowledge’ here stands for those who live according to God’s standards and speak the truth in love. Being a Christian is far more than just going to church. It is a lifestyle change. It is a 180-degree turn from the way you were living. Without God’s directives we have no clear idea what good and evil are. We speculate and always end up in the same place, which happens to be exactly where we started.  

            A true believer in Christ will always strive to model the behavioral characteristics of our Lord. Scripture tells us in Matthew 11:20 that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Christianity isn’t a list of do’s & don’ts. It’s not meant to be burdensome or restrictive. For the true believer it becomes easy to follow the path laid before us because he enables us. Frankly, Christianity isn’t a religion at all … it is an intimate relationship with Almighty God. If you actually read scripture asking the Lord to reveal to you what he wishes you to know for that day it will amaze you how clear some passages will become. 

            Those individuals who are constantly seeking shortcuts and devious ways to get ahead will come to ruin in the end. God will personally see to it. He could, but will not force anyone to follow him. That’s the purpose of the free will he provides. Do as you please understanding that every decision we make comes with associated consequences. It’s not a threat, but rather a fact of life. We make choices each day and every one of them come with associated consequences. Why would it be any different with God? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible.

Word for the Day

"If it wasn't for the struggle you wouldn't have the strength. God is always building you even when it seems like he is breaking you down."

Unknown

Word for the Day

Random Snippet

          It is curious to me that once someone finds out you’re a Christian they begin to size you up based on what they think a Christian should be. They then make the tragic mistake of comparing themselves to you and invariably coming to the conclusion that they are not so bad, thus negating the need for change. These people become increasingly difficult to reach for Christ as time goes by as they become more deeply ensconced in their own version of the truth. As impossible as it may seem nothing is impossible for the Lord. So pray for these folks that God would open their eyes to the correct version of the truth so they might know the peace and freedom that comes with that. One must never compare themselves to any other person, but rather to God who is perfect. While we will never measure up to God's standard, at least we will have that standard to strive for. rlkeller

Word for the Day

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

RELYING ON GOD

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” –Proverbs 21:31New Living Translation

            One flaw man has is thinking that the more he prepares, the more likely his success in an endeavor will be.  While preparation is a vital part of the equation, the true believer should understand that without the Lord at the helm of the ship, it will eventually crash on the rocks. We must never fall into the trap of relying on our own efforts to prepare without first relying on the guidance of the Lord. Any victory that is to be had is thru him and him alone. The victories won without God are temporal and will not be blessed.

            The realization that our resources will never be enough must come to us along with the understanding that the resources of God will never, ever run out.  It’s based on our faith and trust in God that he knows all things and is more than prepared to guide us wherever he desires us to go. We must understand that the Christian is no longer steering the ship, but has relinquished control to a higher power. There is nothing the Lord cannot do. But he will do it in histime, hisway. 

            There is no doubt we humans tend to get antsy.  We don’t want to wait; we want it taken care of right here and right now. But this is not how the Lord works. Unless you have chosen to stand on the platform that relegates God to a lesser position with you being the head, you must step down off the throne of your heart and allow God to do his thing. Prepare yes, but all the glory must go to God and him alone.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resources: www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible; MacArthur Study Bible; Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Notes; Reformation Study Bible.

Random Snippet

           Every day the true believer in Christ enters the battlefield called life. But it’s not just ‘life’ per se … it’s life in a sin sick, tainted world controlled by “the Prince of the Power of the Air”, better known as Satan. There are a multitude of potholes and trip wires that we encounter with each step we take. This is why it is so important to immerse ourselves in God’s word each day. It’s our one wall of defense that can keep us from making a silly mistake that has the potential to mushroom into crippling event. Avoid questionable situations and always think twice, referring to the Spirit who will guide you. And as always, to God be the glory forever and forever. Amen. rlkeller

Random Snippet

"The life of a Christian has its ups and downs just like anyone else. It’s how we react to each situation that shows the world who we’ve placed our faith and trust in. 
Hint: It’s not ourselves."

rlkeller

Random Snippet

          When seeking God’s will you should never assume God will bless whatever endeavor you take on. It’s never a matter of doing what you want and asking God to bless it, but rather asking God what he would like you to do knowing full well he will always bless his own will for you. Patience will probably need to be employed as you wait for his door of opportunity to open wide for you to walk thru. Blessing always follows when his will is performed.  rlkeller

Random Snippet

          Have you ever felt like you were a hamster on a wheel just running, running, running but never getting anywhere … never accomplishing anything of value. Been there, done that and made the movie. At times I look around me at work and hear the same music playing, do the same job, with the same people, and the chatter around me is in a foreign language. This is a microcosm of the world we live in. The challenge for the true believer in Christ is to rise above the noise and shine with the glory of God so we appear to be different … so people see a difference in our countenance and demeanor. What good is it if we act no differently than the world?  rlkeller

Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

SHUN DISHONESTY

“False weights and unequal measures — the Lord detests double standards of every kind.” “The Lord detests double standards; he is not please by dishonest scales.” – Proverbs 20:10, 23 New Living Translation

            Two times in Chapter 20 it is said that God is displeased with any form of dishonesty.  We are commissioned to be different than the world in all our daily dealings as a believer in Christ.  Otherwise how would people see any difference in us at all?  We should always be honest and straightforward in our dealings with others.  Integrity plays a critical role in all this.  

            Integrity is a strict adherence to a moral or ethical code.  God has provided that code for us to follow. A new year is upon us.  If you have been less than moral or ethical in certain areas of your life don’t you think it’s time to lift that up to the Lord and be cleansed of it?  If you are lacking in integrity others consider you untrustworthy. Once you are seen as untrustworthy it is very difficult to gain back that trust.  

            The Lord isn’t a hard taskmaster, creating binding restrictions for his children to follow.  He is a life giver who knows what is absolutely the best for us at all times. Any ill-gotten gain is temporal with lasting repercussions.  The Lord knows this and tries to lead us away from such poor decisions.  We cannot expect God to bale us out of every bad choice we make.  Each choice has consequences that must play out.  God is there and will provide for us, but he expects us to be responsible, planning and acting according to his directives in scripture. It is for our ultimate and eternal good whether we realize that or not. Trust in God to lead you into 2019 and follow his plan for you and you will succeed in all you do. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resources:www.biblegateway.com; The Life Application Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.