Chapter 2; May 2, 2011

Proverbs 2:11-12 "Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things"

Discretion. Seems like that's a word we don't hear as often as we use to. That's a shame. If we listen to His word, we develop wisdom and discretion. To me, discretion enables you to make the correct choice when the options are difficult to discern. Verse 13 talks about those who "leave the path of righteousness". Sometimes the leaving is a distinct turn, sometimes it is a gradual slippage off course. Be careful!

Bin Laden

I prayed the morning prayer at breakfast today with my wife. I confessed to the Lord that I was feeling conflicted about the death of Osama Bin Laden. Rejoicing seemed so inappropriate. My wife Donna emailed me the following scripture. I am so glad she did - it helped me and I didn't have to wait till May 24th:
From Proverbs 24:17-21 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; or the LORD will see it and be displeased, and turn His anger away from him. Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked; for there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out."

Proverbs 1; May 1, 2011

The last verse of Proverbs spoke to me today, especially after the sermon today. Our pastor talked to us today after spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." See how Proverbs 1:33 complements it: "But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil." I have been on staff for 9 months and Pastor Craig did something new this week - he had his sermon ready to go as usual by Tuesday and I had the music selected and ready to go. Then there was Wednesday. He felt God telling to preach a different sermon. So, on Wednesday a whole new sermon and new music to fit it. When God tells you to change something, you do it. And, His people should really take heed to the sermon!

To me, Proverbs 1 in total encourages us to follow The Bible and listen to what The Lord has to say. In doing so we can have peace of mind. We can be confident in overcoming Satan and his snares.

Proverbs in May

Welcome! I had a wild idea to read a chapter a day of Proverbs in May and invite anyone on Facebook or who knows me to do the same. Everyday I will write something about my thoughts and encourage you to do the same. This ought to be fun (and rewarding)