Peace and Happiness

On June 14, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 3: 13 – 18

Blessed is a person who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her produce better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are those who hold on to her.

Discussing Proverbs Monday with a friend of mine, I confessed that the hardest part is choosing which verse to select. Today’s proverb is an excellent example of that challenge. May I make a suggestion early in this Proverb Monday journey. Perhaps take the rest of the week to read the entire proverb. I am sure you will be very blessed. Then, maybe, on Sunday, reread the Word of the Day from that week. You are sure to glean some amazing truths from this exercise. So, what would that look like again? On Monday, read the Word of the Day’s Monday proverb. Throughout the rest of the week, read that proverb in its entirety. Then on Sunday, reread the Word of the Day. By Sunday you will see much more than you did on Monday when you first read it. Secondly, you will prime yourself for the proverb you will receive the next day.

I only wish to make one observation from today’s proverb and a couple of quick highlights. First, note that Wisdom is referred to with a feminine pronoun. Why is that? Is Wisdom a spirit of God? Is Wisdom a spiritual entity? Just things to ponder or journal.

And the highlights, verse 18 reveals wisdom as a tree of life. That would seem to be a huge revelation. Peace and happiness are with her so let us tenaciously seek wisdom.

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Seeking Wisdom

On June 7, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 2: 1 – 5

My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom; incline your heart to understanding. For if you cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God.

I may have told you that Proverbs is one of the first books I discovered when I began my journey with the Bible. This passage grabbed my attention early on. The idea that we could discover the knowledge of God set me on my ear. So began my voyage.

As we go through the proverbs, you may learn some astounding things. I hope you will be inspired and encouraged. The next verses of this proverb reveal that seeking wisdom is the path to success, protection and guidance. Through wisdom, you will stand in the comfort and security of the Lord. You will have assurance and confidence. You will see the way in which you are to go. Peace will flow to you and through you on the waves of God’s wisdom. Without effort you will glean truth.

Seek wisdom. Ask the Father, daily, to show you his ways. Be still and let Him share His wisdom with you. Glory! What a way to begin the week, and the rest of our lives. Go with God my beloved.

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Ivey Rorie has done it again with an insightful look into all the books of the Bible! She is a truly anointed writer with a wonderful way of applying the Word of God to my everyday life situations – right on my level. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about God’s Word, grow in their walk with the Father, and find practical applications to apply God’s Word in every area of your life.

Connie Hollingsworth, Pastor
Believers Faith Fellowship
Omaha, Nebraska

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The Proverbs

On May 31, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 1: 1 – 7

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

What better way to begin our journey through the proverbs than to discover the author and have him tell us the purpose for giving them? The book of Proverbs is the ultimate book of wisdom. Of course, wisdom is found throughout the Bible but this book succinctly discloses golden nuggets of wisdom for us.

Solomon begins his disclosure on how to receive wisdom in the very next verse when he tells us that the beginning of all wisdom is in reverential awe and respect of Yahweh. In God is all the wisdom of the universe so when we give our lives and time to Him, He reveals Himself and His wisdom to us.

Through this journey, we will acquire wisdom, discipline and insight. It’s going to be a great voyage!

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Wisdom for the Wise

On May 4, 2021   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

1 Corinthians 3: 19 – 20

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.”

I was struck today with just how simple we are in comparison to God. I have often wondered why He didn’t make us smarter so one day I asked Him. Do you know what His answer was? “You don’t need more intelligence because you were supposed to follow me with your spirit rather than your mind.” Wow! That set me straight. I thought today that perhaps we intellectualize so much because we are aware of how unenlightened we really are. We try to be smart because we are subconsciously aware that we really are not.

And as I was praying for people today I prayed that we would all just be led by God. Well, there is where infinite wisdom resides. We have seen that He stores wisdom for us and that He gives it to us willingly and freely. Let us not be wise in our own eyes because that only shouts how foolish we really are. Let us humble ourselves before the omniscient Father of all, allowing His wisdom and knowledge to guide our steps. Rest today in complete confidence in your ignorance because you have the all-knowing one as your ever present leader. Paul said that when He was weak, He was strong. In the same way that God substitutes His strength for your weakness, He provides His wisdom and knowledge when you have none of your own. Lean on Him and He will provide you all you need.

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Wise One

On November 20, 2020   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Matthew 7:24

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Those who are wise build their lives on the rock which is the teaching of Jesus. It is his words that form the firm foundation. Those who act on Jesus’ words are building their lives on that strong foundation.  Be clear.  The firm foundation isn’t built by a confession of Jesus.  It is constructed through deliberately, routinely acting on his words.

You know this but here is part two. If you have acted on the teachings of Jesus, if you continue to build your life on the rock, then you should expect your house to stand through the rain and wind. By God’s grace, you should expect to be able to weather the storm.

God has wisdom available for His kids and He gives His wisdom freely. We don’t have to blow in the wind. We can have a strong foundation which allows us to weather storms. Don’t misread me to say that I think we should act foolishly in a hurricane, tornado or any other life-threatening event. What I mean to say plainly is that when you listen to Jesus’ teachings and act on them, when you tune your ear to the voice of the Lord and obey what He says, you can, and should, expect your house to withstand the pressures of the storm.

It’s gonna rain folks. Winds will slam against our lives, but lean on that rock and you will be alright. Expect your house to stand.

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Fear, Faith and Wisdom

On October 6, 2020   /   Word of the Day   /   1 Comment

1 Corinthians 1: 30

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God.

My friend, Ann, brought up a really good point recently. She expressed concern over whether we are walking in faith or fear. This is always a good question but especially now during the corona virus situation. The virus is a real thing and has impacted every life. However, we must stand in faith if we are to eradicate it. Fear will undermine our fight. So, are you praying in faith or fear?

Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word,“ (John 14: 23). If this means anything it means we walk in a way which is consistent with his teaching. This necessarily means we must walk in faith. This is where Ann’s concern lies. Are we praying about our health, the virus, etc. and feel that we are praying in faith but then cowering in fear in our daily walk? Do we expect God to protect us and our families or are our actions colored by fear? Jesus teaches us faith and wisdom and that is the model which will get us through.

No one is suggesting that any of us go expose ourselves to the corona virus intentionally and dare it to infect us. That is not faith. It is foolishness. We are to be led by God in Godly wisdom. When you walk in God’s wisdom there is no reason to fear. Fear contaminates faith. We are either in faith or fear but not both. If we pray in faith and then succumb to fear, it will contaminate our faith. So, we must build ourselves up on our most holy faith (Jude 1: 20), but how do we do build ourselves up in holy faith? Jude says it come by praying in the Holy Spirit (ibid). If you feel fear arising in your heart, pray in the Holy Spirit. Allow the Spirit of God to fill you.

Let’s be smart. Let’s walk in wisdom. Take your vitamins, eat a healthy diet of whole foods, drink plenty of water, wash your hands, wear your mask, etc. but don’t let those things be an excuse for failing to feed your spirit with the faith it needs. Then stand in your most holy faith knowing that your God is for you and with you. Let faith and wisdom speak to your heart and guide your prayers. Sing in faith and let not fear have a root in your heart. Your faith overcomes mountains. Let God guide your prayers and devotional time. Let Him speak to your heart and build you up. And, bless the Lord.

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Peaceful Ease

On June 5, 2020   /   Word of the Day   /   Leave a comment

Proverb 3: 23 – 24

Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

This is a picture of what Christian life should be. It is a life of peace, tranquility and security. The fully realized Christian is able to lie down and sleep in peace because there is no fear or worry. They enjoy sweet sleep. Good sleep alone is a reason this verse is attractive, but I really like the picture it paints of a whole life lived in peace.

One cannot help but think of the Hebrew word Shalom. It is perfect peace. Shalom is not the same as tranquility. We use peace to mean calmness, quiet and serenity. In the Hebrew mindset those are the result of Shalom. When you have God’s kind of peace, serenity and those other things are the byproducts.

The image this verse conjures for me is one of quiet confidence. The person in this verse walks with the Lord from the moment she awakens and continues through the day. Of course she can place her foot securely as she walks her daily path. She is walking hand in hand with God, led by Him.

This verse is about embracing wisdom and understanding. Peace, ultimate, unfathomable peace is the result. Embracing wisdom and understanding means we don’t walk in the light of our own brilliance but in the glory of God’s insights and wisdom. This does have its challenge because it means we must pause to check in with Him. We must begin first thing in the morning getting our hearts and minds aligned in and with Him and then continue in that flow all day. It is the absolute best and most enjoyable way to live but it does not come automatically. We have to dedicate the time and invest the discipline to check in with our Father at the start of the day. This can be a challenge but that is the challenge I hope to encourage you to accept.

Walking in perfect peace, knowing that where you are about to place your foot is good solid ground is a joy. It comes with the Father’s perfect peace, Shalom. All things are as they should be, everything in its proper place. Your steps are divinely ordered, and your heart resides in ease. When you lie down, your sleep is sweet and your dreams, divine. This is the inheritance of the saints.

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