Overtaken by Blessing

On August 9, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 10: 22      GW

It is the Lord’s blessing that makes a person rich, and hard work adds nothing to it.

My friend, Chuck, brought this to the attention of myself and a book group we were involved in. Chuck, you see, is Jewish and has studied God’s word all his life. He is a Messianic Jew, a Jew who believes in Jesus as the Christ. The thing is though, through his rich understanding of scripture, Chuck was able to illuminate this verse for us.

Many Christian translations of this verse reframe the meaning. I think translators were uncomfortable with the literal translation. The verse is actually pretty clear when we simply take it as it is. It is the blessing of God that makes a person successful in any facet of life, including but not limited to finances. Rich, in this verse is much larger than financial prosperity but it cannot be eliminated either. That, again, is denial or equivocation. The verse says what it says, and we just have to get comfortable with it.

Many translations read something like this, “It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it” (NASB). Well, the first part is substantially correct, but the second phrase is where we struggle. Think of the Puritan work ethic. We believe we are supposed to be hard workers. However, somewhere along the line, and actually many years ago, we began to believe that our hard work actually produces something. It does not. It is simply our part of the equation. God blesses the work of our hand (Deut. 28: 12), but it is important to understand that it is God’s blessing that causes the increase.

My friend, Ann, and I have been discussing how the blessing literally chases us down in the street. I have got so many people blessing our bike team that one has to recognize the blessing of God. You can’t out give or out bless these folks. No matter what I do to thank or recognize them, they up the ante. That is the blessing of God chasing you down. We are not blessed because of anything I have done. It is not the work of my hand that is causing this blessing. It is the blessing of God working within incredible individuals and my labor has only been obedience. I must obey God in order to be in the right position to receive but it is God who is causing great things to happen. I wish you could just follow along behind me and watch what God is doing. It is amazing! You would very clearly see that it is the hand of God.

The blessing of God makes rich. Hallelujah! I have no performance anxiety or pressure because it isn’t about me. It is about Him and what a relieve that is. I hope you will copy this verse down on a card and post it where you can see it because this verse will set you free. It will give you wings. Work hard just because you want to honor God. Go where He sends and do as He directs but do not worry about the outcome because that is on Him.

Proverb 10:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+10&version=NASB1995

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Wisdom Monday

On August 2, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 9: 10 – 11             TPT

The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before.

Happy Monday. Wisdom is speaking again today. The beginning of the proverb tells us she has spread her table and put out the welcome mat for us. Those who desire to live a good life, will turn their feet to her house.

We have seen previously that the beginning of wisdom is having reverence and love for God and His ways. Truly, that alone is an expression of wisdom. Further, all wisdom, revelation and insight are in the Lord our God. He is the brilliance in good ideas. He is the anointed touch. Therefore, to receive revelation and wisdom one must connect with the source. That is why wisdom begins with following Yahweh.

The second verse is what I wish to highlight. I cannot understand why some people don’t engage in a relationship with God. Others profess to believing in Christ but don’t seem to have much of a relationship with him nor pursue the relationship. I think they will see how Great and Wonderful our God is and how much He blesses everyday life and that alone will cause them to seek Him, but it just does not work that way.

I am so grateful for the truth of this proverb. Not only does wisdom extend our lives but also the life lived with the Lord enriches our very existence. It is a life of health in the face of adversity. It is wellbeing in life, friends, finances, and so much more. When I see all the little touches of God’s benevolent grace, I am overwhelmed. It is God and His beauty that causes great things to happen.

If there is any goodness in me, any kindness, wisdom, proficiency, energy or skill, it is because of Christ within me. I am humbled because I know that I can do nothing without Him. I know that it is the blessing which follows me around that causes good things to happen. Can I just say, the Lord blesses my life and I do what I do hoping that I can spread a bit of His beauty and grace to others? I wish every person would relentlessly pursue God because His touch adds wisdom, grace, beauty and life to every step. Glory to our most holy and loving Father.

Proverb 9:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+9&version=TPT

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Wisdom Calls

On July 26, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 8: 32, 35

Now then, sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. For one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.

There is a lot to love in this proverb and, again, it has been a challenge to choose a verse or two. I will continue to put the link for the proverb at the bottom so that it is easy for you to click and read the entire proverb. The part about wisdom being created and when she was created is fascinating. I chose these two passages, though, because they speak to how we live our lives and the choices we make.

The first idea to take note of is that we can choose to seek wisdom. James 1: 5 reads, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So, we can receive wisdom by asking Father for it. That is what Solomon did. In 1st Kings, chapter 3 you can read the story of Solomon’s request and God’s grant of wisdom. Solomon became the wisest king of all time because he asked.

There is, perhaps, a little more to seeking than a one time request, however. If you read the story in 1st Kings, you will see that Solomon was devoted to the Lord and had a longing for the things of God. He sought God and in that seeking He found the Lord. I think seeking is done with the heart rather than the mouth. Request is made unto God through speech, but it is with our hearts that we reach out to Yahweh. When we seek God with the strength of our spirit, then we are always going to find Him. Seeking wisdom is the same. When we seek her with determined purpose, our hearts set on our desire, then we shall receive.

The fruit of wisdom is beyond comparison. I remember as a young adult reading these passages from proverbs, and they invigorated me. They still inspire. In wisdom’s palms are treasures of every kind, but life and the favor of the Lord certainly make up the grand prize. What shall we desire once we have the favor of the Lord?

Seeking wisdom is not a one and done. It is a way of life. As life changes, we need refreshing. The wisdom of yesterday was for yesterday. Tomorrow the need will be different. Dedicate your heart and mind to seeking wisdom. Look for her and she will find you.

Proverb 8:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+8&version=NASB

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Inspiration

On July 23, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

It is most humbling seeing the kindness and generosity of your blessed and anointed hearts. Christ within you is so evident.  As your donations are coming in for the Bike MS event, not only am humbled, but I am also blessed and inspired.  I feel more impetus to get out on my bike and do my part for you and for those with MS.  I cannot do enough to thank you, but I will do my best.

Here I am on a recent ride.

This was at my 35 mile rest stop on a 50 mile ride.  That is my longest ride to date.  I am training hard for the 50 mile ride in September at the Tour to Tanglewood Bike MS event.  That ride will have alot of climbing, so I need to keep up the training.  It will be a big ride for me, but I have you and that truly does make a difference.

Thank you for inspiring me.  Thank you for your kind heart.  You have certainly touched mine.  I will keep working hard and together we will make a difference in the lives of those with MS.

For those of you who work for companies who do charitable giving matching, please consider asking your company for a matching gift.

You can follow my mileage and training rides on my MS personal page.  Here is my link: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/participant/Ivey-Rorie

Thank you again,

Ivey

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Keep your Distance

On July 19, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 7: 8

Passing through the street near her corner; and he walks along the way to her house.

Solomon gives an important insight to surviving against temptation in this Proverb. Keep your distance.

Everyone has their temptation, those things which weaken us. Regardless of each our particular weaknesses, there is a solid strategy, keep it far from you. Solomon advises us to stay far from that which tempts us. Don’t go near the temptation.

This is a small example but perhaps fits – I like soda, and it is a great temptation for me. So, I just cannot bring it in my house. Not all temptation is as simple as this, but it does all work in similar fashion. If you know something is detrimental to your life and faith, then you must stay away from the corner where it lives.

When we speak of temptation, we tend to think of the big things. This proverb speaks explicitly about adultery, but also, implicitly about anything which steals from your best life. Sometimes we have not taken fair notice of those things which encumber our best life. Maybe it is diet problems like soda, but there are so many things which cost us. Perhaps it is the lure of something as simple as television, maybe the attraction of sleeping in. I don’t call these sins but for some of us they may rank as such. They are still things which shackle us and prevent us from living the life Jesus died to give us, the life our Father destined for us. We become slaves to these lusts and give in to them rather than making wise choices, and that is what this book of proverbs is about, wisdom.

Take some time to look at life. What is the temptation which often wins the day? What would you like out of your life and what are those things which are stealing from you? Once identified, make a plan to steer clear of them. Figure out what you must do to follow Jesus’ ways and God’s plan for your life. Don’t get to the finish line with a truck load of regrets. Make today the day you take charge. Pray over the things which are temptations. Put them in the Father’s hands and receive His help. None of us, not one of us, can do anything apart from Him, so why would we even try? Get engaged with the Father and let Him help you to keep your distance from those things which would plot to steal your life.

Proverb 7

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverb+7&version=NASB

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Seven Things

On July 12, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 6: 16 – 19

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

Did you know that our Lord hates some things? We know Him to be love and preach Him that way, but there are things which he detests.

Our God is very passionate. I think we often paint Him as somber and stoic, but I do not believe that is an accurate representation. He loves and He hates, just as we do. The difference, though, is that He does not hate people. He hates behaviors. He can love the person whose “feet run rapidly to evil” even while He despises their actions. That is an interesting phenomenon, one that might give us comfort even as it challenges us to love as He does.

Take a look again at the things which move God to hate and perhaps put some other words in place. For haughty eyes you might think arrogance or self-importance; a lying tongue, well that one is simple. He hates lying in all its forms and doesn’t seem to see different colors or sizes of lies; not even little or white. For hands that shed innocent blood is it a reference to murder or might it extend to manslaughter?

I will let you do the rest for yourself but take note of two things. First, lying is in this list twice. That is quite a statement. Second, have a look at the strife issue. Apparently, God hates when people stir up strife.

I find this pretty eye opening but again, I hope you will read the entire proverb. There is much more in this proverb as with them all. Maybe look at Proverb 6 in its entirety (link below) and chose which verse or passage you would have chosen, and maybe highlight it in your Bible. Then when you see those Proverbs later, those particular verses will take you right back to this Journey through the Proverbs.

Proverb 6:

https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverb+6&version=NASB

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Happy Birthday

On July 5, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Galatians 5: 1

 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

I hope you have been savoring the sweet taste of freedom this weekend.  I imagine many of you have today off to celebrate our political freedom.  As you do, say a thank you to Jesus for your personal freedom as well.  You know, the two are interconnected.  Political freedom is not worth much without personal freedom.  The price has been paid by countless citizens for our religious, political and personal freedom but it was Jesus who created the platform by which others have been able to stand for the liberties we now enjoy.

I am so very grateful for those who paid the price and for all who continue to pray for our country and our leaders today.  Freedom still has a high cost but praise our Lord who gave us freedom so that we could pursue liberty.  Thank you Lord.  And Happy Birthday America!

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