Tag:

proverbs

God’s Word For the Day: You Are Safe When You Trust

by Lily Benson December 1, 2023

You Are Safe When You Trust. Finding safety and strength through unwavering trust in the Lord is our promise in scripture.

What Does the Bible Say?

‘The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.’ Proverbs 29:25 ESV

In a world teeming with uncertainty, fear can creep into your heart and attempt to steal away your peace. It whispers lies, weaving a web of doubt, and seeks to keep you confined within its grip. But you are safe when you trust in the Lord.

These powerful words hold a truth that has been true throughout the generations. They invite you to cast aside your anxieties, relinquish your worries, and place your unwavering trust in the Lord.

Trusting in the Lord is not a passive act; it requires a conscious decision to surrender your fears and place them at His feet. It is a daily practice, a deliberate choice to fix your gaze on the One who is faithful and true.

Scripture reassures time and time again of God’s unwavering commitment to protecting His children. Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” This beautiful imagery is a reminder that God is not only your protector but also your hiding place. Trust in Him, and He will envelop you in His love and shield you from the storms that rage around you.

Trusting in the Lord does not exempt you from trials or shield you from life’s challenges. However, it grants you a profound peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). When you anchor your trust in God, you gain the confidence to face any storm, knowing that you are not alone.

Prayer

Today Lord I place all my trust in You, knowing that You are faithful and true. God, I ask that You help me to surrender my worries and fears, knowing that true safety in this world can only be found in Your perfect Presence. Give me strength to trust in you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Word for the Day: Seek Divine Wisdom

by Lily Benson November 8, 2023

written by Lily Benson

Uncover the invaluable treasures that await as you seek divine wisdom and embrace God’s guidance in every aspect of your life.

What Does the Bible Say?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

Have you ever found yourself in need of guidance and divine wisdom? We live in a world filled with endless choices and complex challenges, thankfully, you have access to a boundless source of God’s wisdom. In James 1:5, you are encouraged to seek divine wisdom, promising that God will generously provide it to those who ask in faith.

James, the brother of Jesus, understood the value of wisdom and its significance in our daily lives. He invites us to approach God with humility and faith, knowing that He is eager to bestow His wisdom upon us. By asking for wisdom, you acknowledge your dependence on God and surrender your limited understanding to His infinite knowledge.

Divine wisdom surpasses human comprehension. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding rooted in God’s truth and eternal perspective. God’s wisdom encompasses discernment, insight, and practical guidance to navigate life’s decisions and challenges. As you seek His wisdom, you align yourself with His purposes and experience His guidance in every area of your life.

How Do You Seek Divine Wisdom?

The key to seeking divine wisdom lies in approaching God with unwavering faith. When you ask in faith, you demonstrate your trust in God’s character and His ability to provide what you need. Faith acknowledges that God is the source of all wisdom and that He desires to guide you along the path of righteousness. As you cultivate steadfast faith, you open yourself to the transformative work of God’s wisdom in your life.

Seeking wisdom involves the diligent study of God’s Word, prayerful meditation, and seeking counsel from mature believers. It is a process that will unfold as you grow in your relationship with God and develop a sensitivity to His voice.

As followers of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to seek God’s wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us of God’s generous invitation to ask for wisdom, assuring us that He will provide.

Bible Verse of the Day: Pleasant Words

by Lily Benson November 3, 2023

written by Lily Benson

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that pleasant words have the power to nourish the soul and bring healing to the body.

Today’s Verse

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:12

What is God’s Message For Me Today? Click Here

Prayer

Lord, today I seek your guidance as I read Proverbs 16:12, which reminds me of the power of pleasant words. Just as a honeycomb brings sweetness to the soul and health to the bones, may my words be a balm to those who hear them.

Teach me to use my tongue wisely, for it holds the ability to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. May my speech be seasoned with kindness and grace, reflecting the very essence of Your love. Help me be mindful of my words’ impact on others, understanding that they possess the power to bring healing and restoration to wounded hearts.

May my words be as a sweet honeycomb, bringing comfort, joy, and strength to all who partake of them. May they testify to Your goodness and grace, drawing others closer to You. Amen.

Reflect

Take a moment to reflect on how your words not only how they affect others but you also.
Do you speak to yourself kindly and with compassion?
What is one word of encouragement that I can give someone today?

Watch God TV here

November 3, 2023 0 comment

Faith God's Word for the Day

God’s Word for the Day: A Cheerful Heart

by Lily Benson November 3, 2023

written by Lily Benson

Uncover the transformative power of a cheerful heart and discover the healing and joy it can bring to your life.

What Does the Bible Say?

‘A cheerful heart is good medicine…’ Proverbs 17:22

It is refreshing to discover the simple yet profound truth: laughter is good medicine for the soul. Proverbs 17:22 speaks of the transformative power of laughter, inviting you to embrace its healing and uplifting effects. Laughter contains a transformative power that is like medicine to your soul.

Laughter is not merely a human invention or a fleeting emotion; it is a beautiful gift given to you by your good Father. When you engage in laughter, you tap into a deep wellspring of joy that will transcend circumstances and will lift your spirit. It is a reflection of God’s goodness and His desire for you to experience abundant life.

Laughter has a remarkable ability to heal and restore your soul. Physically, it releases endorphins, those wonderful natural chemicals that bring about feelings of joy and well-being. Emotionally, laughter will help you to release tension, reduce stress, and gain a fresh perspective on life’s challenges. It will connect you with others, foster deeper relationships, and create a sense of unity and belonging.

Embrace laughter as medicine for your soul. Allow laughter to flow freely in your life, and open yourself to the transformative power of joy. Laugh with a faith that triumphs over despair, laughter that brings healing to your own heart and to those around you. May your life be a testament to the goodness of your Heavenly Father, as you walk in the joy that laughter brings, illuminating the world with the light of Christ’s love.

John Cooper Encourages Everyone To Take Refuge In God’s Word

by Rhoda Gayle October 30, 2023

written by Rhoda Gayle

Skillet lead singer John Cooper encourages everyone to take refuge in God’s Word.

God’s Word

In a recent video uploaded on John’s YouTube channel, he discussed Proverbs 30:5 to encourage everyone to take refuge in God’s Word.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

When life gets challenging, many tend to find refuge in things that take the edge off. When a problem arises, the first thing we look for is someone to talk to or something to make us forget about what’s happening. But the truth is, our refuge can only be found in God.

“I’m telling you, brothers and sisters, it’s the reason you’re so stressed out… If you’re a little stressed out and you don’t feel peace in your heart, and God promised me peace but I’m not feeling it, it just might be because you are not trusting the Word of God like you ought.”

(2023). Reading Bible [Photograph], Retrieved October 30, 2023, from: www.canva.com

John Cooper

Every word of God is true. No matter how we feel about His Word, everything in it is true and His Word is a shield for those who take refuge in it.

“Is it possible that the Word of God is true even if you don’t feel like it’s true? Yes… If I trust the Word of God, I know that He is going to be a shield because that’s how you take refuge in Him.”

Whenever we’re faced with difficult situations, take refuge in His Word and surely, there you’ll find peace beyond your understanding.

“When we’re being attacked, when we are scared when we don’t know what to do with our job, we don’t run to the Word of God and prayer… and trusting the Word of God. What do we do? We run to someone else… I run to my wife, I run to my pastor… Maybe it’s even worse, maybe we don’t even run to a person, we run to a thing that is not good for you… I run to alcohol, I run to drugs… Whatever sin thing you think is going to satisfy you to give you what you need when what you need is actually in the Bible.”

S&S Ep. 3 - Finding Refuge in Trouble

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference: YouTube | Cooper Stuff
Header Image: John Cooper [@CooperStuff]. John Cooper. Instagram, April 29, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CrmBiodrulA/

October 30, 2023 0 comment

Faith Featured

The Power Of Your Words

by Kate Muguira July 4, 2022

written by Kate Muguira

We see in Proverbs 18:21 that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Our words are powerful. If we could fully understand this scripture and speak life over our lives, it can seriously affect every area of your life!

There have been a few times in my life where the Lord has called me out on this. He showed me how to speak over my situation and guess what?? I saw my situation change!

Speaking Over Your Situation

One of these times happened about 3 years ago. I was working at an amazing company but hated the job I was in. You read that right, I HATED it. And I would think it all the time.

I was completing a task at work and yet again was thinking about how much I did not want to do it. The Lord spoke to me in that moment. I felt Him say “What if instead of saying you hate your job, you said you love it?”

I felt the conviction of the Lord right when He said that. It wasn’t a harsh correction, but a kind reminder to speak life over my life.

I decided to repent from saying I hated my job and began to say “I love my job”.

At first it was really hard for me to change my words. It was hard because I knew the power of words and didn’t want to end up liking my job. But that’s what ended up happening.

Every time I would get the feeling of hating my job, I would speak or say in my heart “I love my job” until the feeling of frustation left me. I even put little post it reminders to keep me accountable. Every day I would speak life over my job.

Testimony of Speaking Life

A month into changing the way I spoke about my job, a co-worker from another team approached me. She said that her team was hiring and she thought I would be the perfect candidate.

I decided to apply for it and I got the job! It was for the same awesome company but I got to do something I enjoyed and it came with a nice pay raise!

Luke 6:45 tells us that it’s out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. I believe the reverse is also true. We have the power to change what’s in our heart with the words that we speak. You can see in my testimony that I experienced this first hand.

I want to encourage you to speak life over whatever situation you are walking through today. If you keep speaking negative over life, it’s going to stay negative. Your thoughtlife and view will stay negative.

Change the way you speak and you will see it affect every area of your life.

______________

The Warning In The Book Of Proverbs You Should Never Ignore

by Christel Berns September 1, 2020

written by Christel Berns

The Book of Proverbs in the Bible is well-known for its wise sayings speaking the truth in this world, especially in contrasting the wicked from the righteous. Solomon and wise Godly men in the past greatly contributed to the words of wisdom inside this book.

Now, the book of Proverbs does mention over 100 times the wickedness of an unrighteous person. It warns the people against following the crooked path of the wicked. According to the Lion of Judah Ministry, the summary of this is written in Proverbs 6.

7 Things The LORD Hates Written In Proverbs

Proverbs 6:12-14 describes the wicked as “worthless, perverse, devises evil continually and sows discord.” Then the writer points out in Proverbs 6:16-19 the seven things the LORD hates.

Satan And The Demons Exposed In An Intense 5-Minute Video

“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”

1. God hates pride.

God hates it when we are puffed up with pride. Even more so when we undervalue others. The Scripture says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

2. God hates a lying tongue.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Therefore, anything apart from the truth is evil for Satan is the father of lies.

3. God hates hands that shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17).

The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Hence, using our free will to end the God-given life of an innocent person is a great abomination before God.

4. God hates a heart full of wicked schemes.

The will of God to man is perfectly good. So any scheme in our hearts to destroy a brother or sister is a rebellious act against the will of God.

5. People are quick to run to evil (Proverbs 6:18).

The path of the righteous is narrow while the path of the wicked is wide. No wonder a lot of people are tempted to go the easy way and only a few desire to run away from evil. But always remember that only God’s blessing endures until the end.

6. God hates perjury, slander, spreading rumors.

These things only spread pain, offense, and harm. Our tongue is a powerful weapon and we must use it carefully (Pro. 18:21).

7. One who sows discord among brethren.

Let us keep in mind that while God hates these things, it is solely because He knows it will destroy us. He hates the sin, not the sinner. God loves us so much that He never wants us to live a miserable life. He knows that when we play god in our own lives and don’t allow Him to guide us, our sinful ways eventually wreck us. So, always choose the path that leads to God—a life that honors Him. And take heed the warnings written in the book of Proverbs.

The Warning In The Book Of Proverbs | 6 Of The Worst Sins You Should Never Commit

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference: Lion of Judah

September 1, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Casting Down the Stones – How to Remove the Obstructions in Our Lives

by Jennifer Alden April 17, 2019

written by Jennifer Alden

Has something or someone caused you to have an obstruction in your life? Have they taunted you with their words, suppressing you emotionally, therefore leaving you spiritually in pain? Do we, ourselves, cause others to stumble and fall?

In the natural realm, it is an offense to obstruct the free passage on the highway. Obstructions are objects that have been unlawfully placed on a road or a street. The definition of free passage is the ability to travel a highway or a road without being hindered.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, each one of us can face the truth, obey God’s Word and make positive changes for our own spiritual well-being.

Are we willing to take these necessary steps to remove the obstructions in our own lives? Are we willing to trust in Him, surrendering all, not casting stones, but following His commandment to love our neighbors, even as ourselves?

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

The Book of Ephesians is clear in stating that as a prisoner for the Lord, we are urged to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. We are to be completely humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love. We should make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, and just as we were called to one hope, there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God, the Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

With the world in such disarray, I am grateful for those who do choose to stand out in their living for the Lord. It may not be the most popular choice in the world today; but, it is a stand worth taking.

We do all have a reason to join King David in his prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

We must remember that the salvation Christ offers is not a reward for our effort, but a gift to all who in light of the evidence put their trust in Him, and in all things. And when I do seek to discover the best in others, it does somehow bring out the best in me.

Overcoming Obstructions

“Casting Down the Stones,” metaphorically, explains my heart, and what I believe the Lord continues to show me. It is so important that we, as the Body of Christ, do not allow these offenses in; but, instead, we must learn to guard our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23-27 teaches us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

His Grace Is Given to Everyone

Let us allow love to be the glue that binds us in the middle of adversity. The Lord has shown me such mercy. I can’t help but believe there is a flicker of light and hope in all of us. As followers of Christ, we should share this hope that is first found in Him.

We should offer this hope to others, always, as there is no sin greater than He who came to blot out that sin. We should encourage one another in their gifting, reminding them of the grace that is given to each one of us by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is time to allow Him to do some major pruning in our lives, and I am gaining more clarity on what that looks like for me. I do believe that others are learning this lesson, as well.

It is necessary in moving forward, and in removing the obstructions in our own lives.

April 17, 2019 0 comment

Faith

The Way That Seems Right Vs the Way That Is Right

by Al Roever January 9, 2019

written by Al Roever

It’s easy to get turned around on a road full of “signs”

Late on a Sunday night, I left the community in south Mississippi where I had recently been hired as an associate pastor. The route to my home in Ft. Worth, TX was clear in my mind: Go North on highway 98 toward Hattiesburg; continue on to Jackson; turn left past I 20 toward Dallas/Ft. Worth; end up on the West side of Ft. Worth – home sweet home, for a few more days.

Arriving at Jackson about midnight, I decided to spend the night and leave at 6:00 am. I found a motel on the left, stopped and registered for the night. Full of excitement at the prospect of seeing my wife in a few hours, I left the motel and drove under the overpass and turned left – toward Meridian, MS. I knew I was to go through Vicksburg on the way to Dallas/Ft. Worth. I knew the sun comes up in the East, not the West. Every road sign said E. I-20. There were two mistakes messing me up: I had passed under I-20 the night before and it just “felt” right.

After driving happily along for about an hour, I “came to my senses.” This is wrong, wrong, wrong!

Wisdom in Proverbs

The Proverbist wrote about this sort of dilemma thousands of years ago:
“There is a way which seems right to a man,  but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,  but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15)

Not quite so long ago, a popular song asked the question: “How can it be wrong, when it feels so right?”

Sadly, the world is moving in the direction spoken of by the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

One might add, without fear of “adding” to the exact meaning of the Scriptures, “Woe to those who call the unnatural natural and the natural unnatural!”

The inevitable truth remains, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” It is time for the Church to arise and fearlessly proclaim The Way that IS right as opposed to the “way that seems right.”

January 9, 2019 0 comment

Articles

Do Wise Men (And Women) Still Seek Him?

by Kerry Cole December 25, 2018

written by Kerry Cole

Proverbs 4:7 tells us that getting wisdom is the most important thing we can do. With that wisdom, we are instructed to develop common sense and good judgment.

The book of Proverbs is full of wonderful nuggets of wisdom. Its truth is so blatant and simple for us to apply to everyday life.

Proverbs 9 describes how, “Wisdom has built her house.”

I’m so glad, through Jesus, our Father God has given us all a firm foundation on which to build our lives upon. A foundation that cannot be shaken. Neither does it reposition itself with the winds of shifting culture. It stands resolute. The same yesterday, today and forever.

Recently, I found a prayer book that I was given when I was seven. On one page was a blank space on which you could write your own prayer. I laughed when I read the unsophisticated pencilled writing. ‘I love you Jesus. Sorry that I am silly.’

Left to do what is wise in our own eyes, we can all easily be reckless, stupid and irresponsible. In my youth I did my fair share of crazy things and had to deal with the consequences.

Encountering Jesus and opening my heart up to His Holy Spirit has proven to be the wisest thing I could have ever done.

In my twenties, I read the book of Proverbs many times. I applied its simple truth to my life and I can say with certainty that it has worked!

There is a huge difference between being knowledgeable and wise.

1 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that, “knowledge puffs up but love builds up.” Our Western culture heavily promotes the importance of getting an education. The pursuit of knowledge is big business. But knowledge without wisdom is a very sandy foundation. I know many people who have studied to a high level of education, but their inner lives are very broken.

As a mum of three grown-up children, I was never as concerned about their grades as much as their love and understanding of their Creator and His plan and purpose for their lives. To me that was real success – to see them grow in wisdom, love for God, and a healthy love for themselves and love for others.

Jesus taught in simple wisdom

It’s great how Jesus’s teaching is so down-to-earth and easy to comprehend. Things like:

“Look at a tree and see it’s fruit. Is it good or bad?”
“Where your treasure is, there is your heart.”
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
“Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
“Build your life on the rock, not the sand.”

To have a reverent, healthy fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. To honour and be aware of Him in all we do, will give us rich reward in our souls. While we have breath in our bodies, we would be wise to do as Isaiah instructs us, “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

Wise men sought Him around the time of His birth. Wise men and women still seek Him today.

Kerry is married to Chris Cole who is a trustee of GOD TV and together they founded Cross Rhythms Media Ministry. She is author of The Purple Veil, an art style book, and Exit Darcus. Through these books Kerry offers deep insight into the whole area of relationships.

December 25, 2018 0 comment