I’m Content With You

JUNE 19, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 15:17-19 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Would you like a really romantic word? Here’s one for you: CONTENTMENT. What, you say, how is contentment a romantic word? You may wonder; if I walk into the house, look at my spouse, hold their hand and say, “darling, I’m content with you,” is that going to be romantic? OK, probably not, but truthfully, it is a main ingredient in holding your home together.

     What causes a man, or woman to stray from what was a loving relationship? A couple that at one time could not keep their eyes, and probably their hands off one another, now one, or maybe both are out looking for someone else? Why does this happen? It’s because they have for some reason become less content than they were in the past. They are no longer satisfied with the other person. Why aren’t they satisfied? Most often, it’s pride. They believe they deserve more.

     The Bible is clear on the intimate life of a husband and wife. It should be exciting, ongoing, or never-ending. Our text says, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” It is being content in knowing that God has given us who He knows is best for us, and not looking around thinking there is something better out there. God has and will supply all that you will ever need in life.

     What then is it that keeps people from looking elsewhere? CONTENTMENT! Knowing that God has put you together with the right person. Understanding romance starts in the morning as you greet each other, and continues all day, so that when something happens in life, your spouse is the first person on your mind. It’s falling in love and staying in love. It’s letting God know you’re happy with His choice for your life. Contentment with God, and His decisions brings real peace and lasting joy.


THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Make it a point today to go the extra step and be sure that the special someone knows you love him or her. You will be much happier if you do. For some of you, you might want to be ready to call 911. It might shock them into a heart attack.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 19, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Psalms 22 – 30     /     Proverbs 15:17-19

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 26-27     /     Acts 2:1-36

One Lie Feeds Another

JUNE 18, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 15:13-16 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     When I was a boy my mother would tell me, “don’t tell lies, because you’ll have to tell another lie to cover the first lie, and then yet another to cover that one. You’ll end up telling so many lies, you’ll not remember the original lie you told. Then, when you get caught in your lies, no one will believe you nor like you.”

     Those might not have been her exact words, but they’re close enough. She could have just quoted the commandment written in Exodus twenty, which says we’re not suppose to lie. However, my mom knew there was more than just one reason written in the pages of God’s Word for telling the truth. In fact, she knew God’s Word is the truth.

     She was simply taking Proverbs 15:14-15, and putting it into her own words. “The mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness,” and, “all the days of the afflicted are evil.” A lie told will have to be covered with more lies. A lie is an untrue story, the imagination of a sinful heart. It’s the opposite of the truth, and becomes foolishness. Every day that follows the lie becomes another twenty-four hours of trying to remember the lie, and living or exaggerating its folly. 

     By exact contrast, the heart of them who understands that God is all about the truth, will seek the wisdom, and knowledge only God can give. Then, a clear conscience, not trying to remember lies, will bring about days of joy and contentment. It will be a continual feast of enjoying the Word of God, and living by its principles. The truth really does set you free.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Seek the truth. Tell the truth. Live the truth. Obey the truth. Moreover, let the real Truth of God, His Son, dwell in you richly.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 18, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Psalms 15 – 21     /     Proverbs 15:13-16

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 23-25     /     Acts 1

Something Smells Fishy

JUNE 17, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 15:9-12 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     What is an abomination? We find this word written in the Bible several times, yet it’s not a word that we use too often today. According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, it means; “to stink.” It gives several examples. Some of which are; something filthy, and not acceptable for worship, rotting meat, that which is detestable, or something disgusting.

     One of the examples is like water polluted by dead fish. Of all the examples for me, that one hit home. Let me share why. For many years I have lived in Michigan, about two miles from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. However, every single year with the thaw of Winter snow and ice by the Spring sun, also comes the stench of dead fish. During the Spring, literally hundreds of thousands of fish wash up on the shores of the beautiful beaches. It is absolutely one of the most disgusting things to look at, and to smell. These beautiful sandy beaches, and wonderful shorelines, completely ruined by these stinking dead fish. Someone has to go out there, and clean them up every year so the shores of Lake Michigan are enjoyable again.

     That somewhat depicts how the Lord sees the ways of the wicked. What God had created to be beautiful and wonderful, is destroyed by the filth and stench of a life of sin. Until the blood of Jesus is applied to that life, and the sin is removed, it is disgusting to Him. Underneath all the debris of the world and it’s sinfulness it leaves on the shore of your soul, is a wonderful person waiting to be enjoyed. Nevertheless, someone has to clean it up. Someone needs to remove the abomination.


THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Jesus died to clean the sin from the shores of your soul. However, you need to give Him permission to come in, and do so. Once you invite Him to do just that, then He, and all those around you will see the wonderful, and beautiful you that He intended for you to be?

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 17, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Psalms 1 – 14     /     Proverbs 15:9-12

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 20-22     /      John 21

Are You Really Listening?

JUNE 16, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 15:5-8 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     Just as important as it is for us to use the proper words and tone of voice when talking with someone, it’s also important to be a careful listener. I’ve seen children, and some adults, put their fingers in their ears and go “lalala, lalala,” while someone is talking. As if to visibly, and audibly tell them, “I’m not listening.” Sometimes adults will be a bit more subtle. While a person is talking to us, we’re looking everywhere but at them, as if to say, “What you’re saying is not important.” Yet another poor listening skill is to only partially listening to what a person has to say. As someone shares something meaning one thing, we hear only parts of it, then fill in the blanks and twist it in our minds to remember something completely different. Then when we don’t seem to understand one another we wonder why.

     It’s so important to have not only good speaking skills, but good listening skills as well. When people come to share their heart, we need to hear more than words. They may be looking for someone to trust, and confide in, and all we see is someone doing a lot of talking. It might be God brought them to you, and needs you to listen, and help. Then again, it may be that God has brought this brother, or sister in Christ around to help you in an area in which you are struggling. Instead of accepting their gesture with love, we get defensive of our private struggles. In our verses, it says if we’ll listen, fathers give instruction, and “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.”

    Today’s verses also tell us God loves to listen to us. It says; “the prayer of the upright is his delight.” He is listening to every word, and enjoying the time spent with just you.

     Listening, just like reading and writing, is a skill that needs to be developed. Are you listening to your own heart right now?


THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     How can we practice listening? Experts say if you’re not sure of someone’s statement, repeat it back to them in the form of a question. Let’s listen to God, and when in doubt, ask Him.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 16, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 37 – 42     /     Proverbs 15:5-8

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 17-19     /      John 20

Choose Your Words Wisely

JUNE 15, 2020

DAILY PROVERBS:

Proverbs 15:1-4 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

     I remember as a child watching a movie that had a line in it which said something like; to say what you mean, and to mean what you say are not the same thing. For example, to say, “I see what I eat” is not the same as to say, “I eat what I see.” The same words are used, but the meaning is completely different. To see what you eat is logical, and right for a sighted person. However, to say I eat what I see, well that could have you over in a field eating grass, just because you saw it..

     Words are very important. Not only are words important, but it’s also important how we use them in conversation. In our verses today, it says; “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Much too often we as Christians speak before we even think of how this will affect someone else. In defense of this rudeness, we say things like, “Well the truth will always be the truth no matter what,” or I’ve heard, “I just don’t candy coat things, I give it to people just like it is.” While both of those statements can be good at times, there are times we need to think a bit before we speak. The Bible tells us to tell the truth. However, Jesus tells us to use the truth with Love. (Eph. 4:15)

     Love will always cause us to stop for a moment and ask ourselves the question, “How will the one I’m saying this to, or the one I am talking about understand what I am about to say, and the way I say it?” We must always remember to be considerate, and to love one another. If we do, then we will use the truth wisely to help, and not hurt each other.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     In James chapter 3, we are warned about an uncontrolled tongue. Let’s begin today by using our tongue wisely. Let’s try to remember to first use it to speak with God before we speak with, or about others.

GOD TALKING TO ME:  JUNE 15, 2020

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 31 – 36    /     Proverbs 15:1-4

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 15-16     /     John 19:31-42