"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor."
Proverbs 21:21
My Take Aways
Something to Old:
Have pure motives in what I do because the Lord's light will expose any hidden motive.
Something to New:
Proverbs 21:30 "No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord." So thankful I have I have the Lord on my side.
Something to Do:
Pursue righteousness and unfailing love so that I may discover life, righteousness, and honor.
Word-nerdness (I made up this word.)
righteousness and unfailing love (2617)
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
pursue (2124)
to be behind, follow after
Dictionary.com
follow close upon, attend, strive to gain, seek to attain or accomplish, to proceed in accordance with
find (1231)
to find, secure, acquire, get, to find what is lost, to meet encounter, to learn
life (2617)
living, alive
lively, active, revival, renewal
honor (3519)
abundance, riches, splendor, glory dignity reputation, reverence, glory
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The Mailbox.
24 Comments:
Today I have some wonderful and exciting news. Ok, maybe you all won't think that much of this but Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep".
Last night my dad downloaded the updated version of the Adobe Flash Player. For a few weeks I haven't been able to listen to Youtube or some of the online ministries I listen to. I'm back in business. Sharing songs that bless me with others is one way I like to encourage people and I've been blessed by the songs you all have suggested the rest of us to listen to. Thankfully I've still been able to listen to the vlogs and the songs Wendy has put on her blog.
A short while ago I listened to the song One Thing I Know by Selah. One of you had suggested it but I can't remember who. For some reason I'm thinking it was one of you who email me. This song was wonderful and tears started to fill my eyes and my heart was filling up with love. I just wanted to hug somebody. Unfortunately I'm not comfortable hugging my dad but I'll make sure to thank him for doing the download for me and let him know it works.
Something else that really touched me last night. My friend Holly, One of my three best friends, emailed me and said she and our other two friends wanted to come and visit me for my birthday but all three of them will be out of town. My birthday is next Tuesday June 8th. I'll be 41 and I really don't feel like I should be that old. I don't feel that old. On the morning of my Birthday I have a doctor's appointment. My doctor will have me go get blood work done to see if my cholesterol has gotten lower. If not she may put me on medication. I will be doing something very special on Sunday and I can't wait. My dad is also planning something for June 12 and if it works out I'll let you all know about it later.
Oh my, I've written a lot and none of it is on today's reading. I'll be doing the reading later. I'm still at my dad's and will be going home this afternoon.
Yay, Jennifer, I'm glad that your computer is working for you again!
Wendy, I like Proverbs but agree that there are SO MANY good things to think about. Sometimes I think my focus gets split instead of multiplied.
I thought today about how many verses (it was maybe only two, but still - it was more than one) dealt with discipline, even the physical variety, and how beneficial that is. Our society today considers it wrong and parents can get in lots of trouble for spanking or other types of 'unusual' discipline modes, but God says that discipline, whatever you interpret that to be, is a good and healthy thing. It's hard to be the 'meanie' who sticks to the rules for the kids, but they need it and it's good for them in the long run. Sometimes it's good to hear that reiterated.
On the other hand, it can be easy to get so caught up in all the negative things our kids to that we forget to praise them for the many good things they do. We talked about that last night at Bible study. I'm making a conscious effort today to do better. We use Renee Swope's nugget system, which works very well for us. :-)
I'm having a Ball House Party on Saturday and canned a batch of salsa last night in preparation, but I ran out of gloves. My left hand is on fire from the jalepenos. Never had that problem before. Anybody have any ideas to make it go away? This could make for a very long day!
Thanks!
Popping in to get comments to my email...busy morning. Will be back later today to watch the vlog and read comments.
Hope you all have a great day!
Brandee, TN
Praying for our spouse/loved ones list today.
Good morning, GIGs. My dearly beloved, who is now with the saints above sitting at the feet of Jesus, said, when you have your quiet time of a morning, then you find a nugget that speaks to you, you can stop there, and chew on it so you get all the juice out of it. That is one of the reasons that I enjoy this study, we find something that we have already known, something new, and something then to chew on all day.
Jennifer Renee, I will remember to rejoice with your rejoices all day today.
Donna - TX
Hi all! I noticed all of the verses pertaining to being wise with money, with having caution in guaranteeing others' debts, with not being lazy but reaping the benefits of working hard for what you have; etc... coming from a banking background for the last 25 years I have seen all of these verses brought to life in the real world. Such true words. Work for what you have; don't expect a shortcut (I see this ALOT with all of the money scams and the gambling addiction)...God really knows what He's talking about in His Word.
Fast and Pray,
Morgen
ps...yay Jen-Ren...and you and Michelle have fun!
Wendy, I love your word searches; I too love words that are new to me, like those from Matthew Henry. I spend a lot of time looking up "his vocabulary choices", but I love learning about those "outdated" choices of his. I really learn when I go word by word--that was something I tried to teach to my 9th graders about sentence structure and understanding it. I loved and learned so much about this one verse. I did the word thing this morning also with Pr.20:5 and 20:11---> resolution, loth ( a fav.),intimates, bent(as a noun), amiss, herein.
Donna, I've already written the advice from your dearly beloved; how true that statement is...I loved the juice part. Our loved ones are still teaching us by what they left us with---their love and heart for Jesus. Halleluia!!!
Tell us more from him so that I can learn more from a man of wisdom.
Loving this day He has given us,
Jeanne,NC
Good morning, GIGS! Loved the proverbs today! Lots of nuggets out there!
This one spoke to my heart--"A youngster's heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away." Pro. 22:15. Let me tell you why! Having two sons--both of which are bigger than me!--MIGHT find time to goof off and do foolish things. Not good! But, our physical discipline is involvement in sports! Not a spanking! When they are doing swim team or cross country or track...they HAVE to be disciplined in order to do well in competetions...same as me in my trail runs. That's the beauty of this proverb. They are so focused on the training aspect (and physically worn out!!) that there is no time for the foolish things! This is across the board as well...not just in sports!
OK-- that was my Godstop today! Wendy, thanks for showing us Mary Beth's new book! I read about it yesterday in Encouragement Today! Sounds great!!
Praying for the rest of you and your hubbies today. And, Jen Renee, honey, you are NOT old! Mercy! Enjoy this age--it's a fun one!
Hugs!
Susan
June – WOW!!! And, yes, it is summer here in the valley, too!
Amy, Thank you, for talking about Stormie’s book last weekend! I pulled my copy out – and was amazed at how God spoke to me through the prayer she wrote yesterday! 30 prayers - 30 days…just like the Proverbs -31 - one a day, I’m loving this idea!
May Ann, I think of “Jesus as my greatest friend” too. It is such a comfort knowing He is with us wherever we go. He is always available. It used to be where I’d grab for the phone to “vent.’ Now, it’s becoming a habit to go to Him. There is such tranquility in this, also. No getting worked up or wasted energy “talking about it,” with someone else. Not to mention wasting my time! God wants us frugal with our time, too. I think of my past, and the time I spent wasting as I “chatted with others” when I could have been talking with God, and going about my day being productive with my time.
GP, I too know about the divine connections that God brings about! It’s so good, that you know it only could be GOD. He is mighty to bring about friendships made in heaven! Those of you desiring a best friend, ask. Each morning, request God to bring about a Godly friend that you can share His goodness with. He will pour blessings over you and give you much to rejoice about!
Thank you sweet Brandee! You’ve been a daily prayer friend of mine now for over a year, and truly it was friendship made by God! I love you!
Speaking about rejoicing…Jennifer Renee, I’m so happy you got the Adobe Flash on your computer! Like you said, you’re back in business! I can see you rockin’ out to the songs, sweetie!
Rhonda, get ready for the fastest year of your life…seriously, you will blink and his senior year will be behind you! For some reason, every year seems to go by faster. I’m wondering when it starts to slow down! Smile!
Keeping you tucked in my prayers sweet Michelle. Praying for a miracle too for Denise to be at the wedding. If it is God’s will she will be there.
The verses that popped out to me (so many nuggets I know) “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way” (20:24). And, “No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD” (21:30). Our Sovereign Lord is busy working with each one of us according to His perfect plan. So, many times, I just want to know all of the details, rather than relish the moments knowing everything will work out in the end, because He has a plan.
Wendy, thank you for your lesson today…heading out to walk now in pursuit of thankfulness that I can begin my day pray-walking! I know He will renew me. He is alive and active in us, dear sisters! With us, wherever we go! Thank you, dear Lord for being me all day long. Hugs coming your way sweet sisters! Love, Lori
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Dear Friends,
I have an urgent prayer request for a dear friend of our family, Mike.
Mike's sister and 2 of her children were in a housefire. The youngest child, 18 months old, did not survive. The other child and the mother (Mike's sister) are in critical condition. The mother has no brain activity and is on life support. The remaining family members, a husband and third daughter (middle school age) were not in the fire. Please dear friends pray for this family!
Thank you for your prayers!
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Jodi...I am praying now...my heart is breaking...
Jodi, praying for Mike's sister and her family. Lord, we just lift them up to you, a family who is suffering from a great loss. Father we cannot even imagine but only You can bring them comfort. Please surround them with Your love. Praying for healing, and peace. Just carry them during this time, Father, they need You desperately. Thank you that You have heard us.
Jennifer Renee, that is great news. The week seems to be shaping nicely for you leading to your birthday. Yay!
Jeanne, way to be a word-nerd. I haven't been hanging out with Mr. Matthew Henry's commentaries of late since I've found Jon Courson.
Jacque, what you shared yesterday was very touching. I will pray for Maureen's family.
Lori, welcome back we missed you! Amy, sounds like a busy day ahead. Morgen, amen on the borrowing and lending. I've seen that time and time again, too.
Donna that is a great tip to just park on a Proverb since there are so many. After all, we can't possibly discuss all the verses this year - we'll have to leave some for next year.
RunnerMom, I admire your family's discipline. It takes a lot of commitment to do sports! (Can't get past the waking up at the crack of dawn part. Love my sleep too much - hey, didn't I just read a proverb on that?)
My nugget today is Prov 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." For the moms who are letting go for the first time or those about to (Rhonda, I see you) next year, this is the promise I hold on to. This is my son's first year away from us and boy, did I have to remind myself of this. He has made choices with which I do not agree but eventually, God will bring him back to the right path. So, moms with little tykes (Brandee, Jodi) keep at it. It's not easy training these little ones but they need the foundation built on God's word and His truth. The world will always tell them otherwise.
As an added insight, I read Jon Courson's take: "The implication of this passage is that if you train up a child in the way he should go, even when he's old, he'll keep walking in it. There's a difference between training and teaching. A teacher tells what to do. A trainer shows how to do it. 'Follow me as I follow Christ,' Paul would say (1 Cor 11:1). 'Walk in my footsteps. Do what I do.'"
"Notice that we are to train up our child int he way he should go - not in the way we wish he'd go. Dad's we're particularly vulnerable to making our sons walk in the way we think they should go. But wise is the dad who studies his kids carefully to see how the Lord made them specifically. Parenting is not so much about molding as it is about unfolding." (p.249 Jon Courson's Application Commentary Old Testament vol. 2)
Have a blessed day everyone.
Okay Runner Mom...I LOVED your post. Never had I read those words that way...I always took them to mean "spanking" or some form of physical punishment. I absolutely love your way of thinking about them! Physical discipline...exactly what you're doing! Great!
Jodi...I SAP for Mike's family. So sad..
G&P...I just GOTTA get me those Jon C commentaries! I just eat up everything you share from him...
Okay...about time for my prayer/walk too Lori! Lifting up prayers for all my Sister Believers!
Morgen
Jodi, I echo the prayer of G&P for Mike's family. Father God, cover them with Your comfort and peace.
Lori, I also was drawn to 20:22. It's so hard to wait but He always comes through at just the right time.
Jen Renee, I am so happy that you will be celebrating your birthday for a whole week. I like that kind of celebrating!
Wendy, thank you for your words each day. Always gives me something to chew on throughout the day.
This pureed food isn't bad as my son is coming up with foods that aren't bland like baby food. He even pureed Sloppy Joe for me! :)
Eating slow and swallowing easier.
Teeny in NC (VA)
Morgen, Jon Courson commentaries are worth their weight in gold. You can probably tell but I highly recommend them. :)
Teeny - hello, dear friend! Pureed Sloppy Joes, eh? Hmmm, interesting... Well, as long as you're eating! Have you had those Naked Juice smoothies they sell at the grocery store? They're really good & don't taste like baby food.
Take care, Teeny.
Jodi,
Praying for your friends.
I wasn't able to read yesterday post until today due to my husband working from home. Yesterday post was a great reminder. Proverbs 17:17 has always touched me deeply. Loyalty is the key. Thank You Lord for the friends you have placed in my life, there are precious and I am grateful.
I had a healing miracle happen to me. I was diagnosed with Graves disease about 20yrs ago which is a auto immune disease, it effects the eyes. I have struggled with this hardship for a long time. I have been so grateful in the fact that my eye sight was never effected. I went through many surgeries and still after that i had a problem with my eye lid not closing completely at night when I slept.I had to wear a "patch" over my eye at night to keep my eye moist, due to my lid not closing all the way. Recently I decided not to wear my eye covering, (I went to three stores to buy the products I use and none of them had it)so the decision was made due to no success in buying the items. This is a healing because I was never able to sleep without my eye covering without much irritation, watering, red eyes, dry eyes, etc. Praise God I have been able to sleep now without any protection on my eye at night with no side effects of it. My eye is moist and feels great..
I Thank You and Praise You Jesus for this healing on my eye. I am eternally grateful..
In HIS Peace, Debra
Jodi,
I am just adding my voice to those who are lifting your friend's family to our Lord and Savior in prayer...words are not sufficient, but He is...His power, strength, mercy, comfort, peace be with them all...
In Him and through Him,
Michelle in VA
I'm bac home and have so much to do but I'm glad to be back in my "comfort zone".
I'm enjoying reading Proverbs, The following verses from Proverbs 20 are a few that caught my attention.
6 Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the Lord.
This one really made me think. I don't have my natural sight but I do have Spiritual sight and it keeps getting better with each passing year. In the past I have been told by others that I see better than some people.
19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.
22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
This verse made me think of Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Jen-Ren...I am so glad that you commented on the verse that spoke about "eyes to see are gifts from God."
I thought of you when I read it...and honestly wondered if it would hurt you to read that. I love your attitude and I felt the same way about you as the others who said that you "see" better than most. You are so insightful and full of grace. Thank you for setting such a good example for me. I thank God for my eyesight and I do not take it for granted since meeting you.
Blessings everyone!
Morgen
G&P, since you introduce me to M.H., I suppose you have to tell me how/ what book or site for commentaries you use for Jon Courson. I looked at his books at Barnes&Noble; they were huge in content, so I didn't know what to buy. I've looked him up on Google, and all I found was "listening" or videos. So your help is needed...again. I bet Jon uses good words too.;)
Jodi,I will pray that God is in the midst of all of this unfortunate, sad situation.
GIG, did any of you read today's devotion for Pr.31; one of the Power Verse's is Pr. 21:23!!
Jeanne,NC
Debra, Praise GOD for his healing! Wow. Thank you for sharing that. Whenever I hear of these praise reports, my faith just goes up a notch. May you continue to proclaim what He has done for you, sweet sister.
Jeanne,
Here's Jon Courson's the audio stream from the Blue Letter Bible site. I heard it's the same as the written commentary.
http://tinyurl.com/Courson-on-audio
But if you want the books, there are three volumes (2 for the Old Testament). Vol 1 is Genesis to Job, Vol 2 is Psalms to Malachi and one NT volume.
Here's the link to Amazon and if you scroll down you can see all three
http://tinyurl.com/Courson-commentaries
And here's his website for daily devotions: http://www.joncourson.com/
There is also a tiny book he wrote on prayer called Praying Through the Tabernacle. That's a good one too. Here's the product description: "Lord, teach us to pray." The disciples of Jesus made this simple request to Him. Why? Because they realized that everything that Jesus did was the direct result of His prayer life. Is this your request too? Do you desire a more effective prayer life? Do you want increased intimacy with the Lord . . . and greater power in your service to Him? In "Praying Thru the Tabernacle," Jon Courson reveals a Biblical model of prayer that can help us achieve these desires. This model is given to us in the Old Testament picture of the Tabernacle. As Jon guides us through each part of the Tabernacle, we can truly sense Jesus answering our simple request, "Lord, teach us to pray."
Enjoy and pursue!
Thank You Grace and Peace.
Amy - sorry I don't usually get on until the evenings - but lemon juice on your hands should help with the jalepenos. Just rub the juice on and let it sit for just a minute or two - and then wash. I believe the acid in the juiced neutralizes the jalepeno burn. Good luck!!!
Jen Ren - YAY!! I am so excited for you - You are such a blessing and show me that it is the small things in life that really bring us joy!! Praises for your simple joy!!! Happy early Birthday to you!!!
Find something simple to praise - God is Good and He will provide.
Praying for the husbands/spouses/children and also for Mike and his family in this time of loss.
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