What a man desires is unfailing love. Wow that’s so true. We get that through Christ, but we also crave it in our human relationships. I think that’s why it’s so important that our closest relationships and Christ-centered and have Christ as a foundation, because that foundation leaves to something as close to unfailing love as we can get on Earth.
23The fear of the Lord leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied;
he will not be visited by harm.
I’m learning that fear of the Lord means understanding and recognizing his power, a healthy fear, and his sovereignty and his strength. But this verse also helped me see that fear of the Lord means there is nothing else to fear in this life, for I worship the LORD of all
Proverbs was so great but reading Acts really pushed me today. This was the first time I really focused and thought of the others who were with Saul when this happened. I can’t stop thinking about what the impact may have been for them to hear God’s voice also.
There are a couple of interesting points over time here but I don’t know if I see every one of them center to heart. There’s some validity but Let me take hold opinion until I take a look at it further. Excellent post , thanks and now we want much more! Added onto FeedBurner also
“3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,
yet their heart rages against the Lord”. This is something I have done. I’ve caused my own problems- then been mad at God. I’m grateful I’ve had my eyes opened and I can change. And I will never be mad at God again when i don’t understand evil or ugly messes in the world – or in my life. He never wants those situations either! He hurts for me. I pray we all find wisdom and avoid our own ruin!!
Proverbs 20:6 6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
I believe that they are referring to god as that faithful “man” we can not physically be able to find him but we can find his presence and his own love and mercy for us.
Proverbs 19:22 says “what a man desires is unfailing love” and that is what Jesus gives us. His sacrifices allowed us to live in salvation and He loves us, no matter how deeply we are buried in sin. God is so good!
Today’s theme: how our physical body is involved in holy or wicked living. Some examples:
MOUTH/LIPS:
-Fools have deceitful lips, worse than poverty
-Slackers are surrounded by nourishment (wisdom?) but can’t even get it where it will be useful & help them grow or become strengthened by it
-The wicked swallow sin as if it’s no big deal, getting it out of sight as if they can hide it & its effects/results
-Treasure is found in words of knowledge & wisdom (treasure is searched for–it’s not right on the surface & may take some looking into)
-Fraud looks sweet initially but becomes impossible to swallow/hide the consequences
-Big mouths share secrets & tell tales: don’t tell your secrets to someone who physically can’t keep his/her mouth closed!
HEART/INNERMOST PARTS:
-going our own way (foolishness) leads to anger against God
-we make plans & pursue our desires, but the Lord will determine what will happen
-How difficult it is to claim to have kept a pure heart, to have been cleansed from sin (oh, thank you Jesus–your death made this possible!).
-Nothing is hidden from the Lord as He searches our deep, hidden places
-Discipline trains our hearts (and is necessary and painful to clean up the mess buried deep inside)
BACKS:
-Fools & mockers should expect punishment & harsh discipline
FEET:
-The Lord puts our feet on the path we should take (these paths will be consistent with His Word & character, and are beyond understanding in this life).
EYE/EAR:
-The Lord made them to hear and see, respectively. They should be used wisely!
-Open your eyes to the opportunities around you-don’t pretend to have none while sleeping & ignoring them
HAIR (specifically gray hair!!) :)
-A distinguishing feature of age, more prominent and stunning than youthful strength
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
I love this!! It shows that no matter your actions in the past, when you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Saviour, you are made new. Your life will change and people will be amazed!
Wow acts is so riveting! I should concentrate more on proverbs, but I have been reading through proverbs faster than usual so I can get to acts. Are there any good books about acts?
I love the story of Saul’s conversion. Ananias’ story though stuck out to me more this time I read the story. The faith and willingness that he served and followed the Lord with is something that I want to strive for.
Same, Anna Marie! His willingness to follow God’s voice, even when it seemed crazy, is such an inspiration to me. And to think of all the times I suppress His voice to do my own thing. May we all be more like Ananias!
I started this journey in February, instead of January, and today I finally caught up! So happy and excited for the months to come. Thank you for all your comments, ladies, you have given me some wonderful insight while reading.
Personally I think all of it is saying ‘if you punish the evil you will just have to keep punishing it but if you help the evil understand good it will gain knowledge.’
Anyone have any thoughts on Pr 20:30? It seems to go against several of our laws. It doesn’t seem to match with forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
Terri, I did some cross referencing for this verse and it lead me to Isaiah 53:5- “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace.” When we think of how this verse in Proverbs describes what Jesus did for us it makes perfect sense :)
My note in my study Bible says: “Stern punishment is necessary to restrain evil. Proverbs often refers to fools whose backs are beaten (10:13; 14:3; 19:29; 26:3), but even then, because they are fools, they may not change their ways.” (cf 17:10; see 27:22 and note).
I don’t think this means we are supposed to beat people, but I think this was the way the writer of the Proverbs is saying that there are some people that are more stubborn and might require tough love.
It struck me this morning, reading in Acts, that God says straight out from the beginning that Saul/Paul will suffer for the name of Jesus. This makes all the calamities of his life make a lot more sense. And makes me see how little most of us really”suffer” for our faith.
I highlighted that verse. It made me think of the question so often asked, “Why does God allow so much suffering?” This is why–for His glory! In our own will, we sometimes don’t allow our own suffering to be used in that way, but this is a great reminder that we should.
I will say that today is the first day in what I hope to be many of starting my day with God’s Word. This is a new journey for my even though I have always been a Catholic. Reading the comments above is helping me to understand other’s interpretations of the readings but also come to develop my own understanding as well.
I commend you! I have read through the Bible each year since 1987. The plan was to read each day but I did not always get it done each day. It has proved to be a mighty work for and in me. Each year reading becomes more dear and precious to me. May you be blessed!
I grew up Catholic and came to know Jesus and baptized in the Holy Spirit while attending the Catholic Church. Keep reading The Word every day. God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him.
Welcome, Kim! I start each day by reading the comments first, that way, the reading is already “highlighted ” by these wonderful women of Christ Blessings!
Proverbs 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. – I believe God wants us to have big goals and work towards greatness but to first learn our craft and become good at it. He doesn’t want us to “want” for the sake of wanting alone. We have to slow down and enjoy the process.
Such great insight Katrina. I have the tendency to stress about something not happening “fast enough” but then I realize I’m not ready for the next season until I learn all I am to learn in this season. Thank you for this. I know you wrote this 12months ago, but I needed to hear it today.
So thankful for the conversion account of Paul! It brings hope to my soul knowing that there is no person who is too deep in sin to be rescued by our Savior!
Yes! Isn’t it amazing that He chose to use an enemy, really, when He already had eleven “men in training “? That just shows the power of the God! I can only marvel at His plan that looks crazy to the world, but is oh so good!!
I agree Lauren…it can be difficult to give freely…whether it’s forgiveness or monetary…when the recipient seems unworthy. I’ve definitely struggled with that as well. but then I am reminded that I most certainly am not worthy of the Grace that was given to me…and I am humbled. yes…I believe we are to give freely, and God will work it out. sometimes we may not see the results in this life…but I believe when we go Home…it will become clear.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is the repeated emphasis on being kind to and looking after the poor. I’m questioning whether I do enough or give enough. The temptation is to judge whether or not the recipient is worthy, but perhaps I am just supposed to give freely and let God work it all out.
I feel the same way, Lauren. I WANT to help the poor, but I’m often times not so sure what that looks like – how do I wisely give to those in need, in a way that both satisfies the root of their need and glorifies Christ?
I’m still learning about this! But I’ve heard that sometimes just being friendly and not avoiding eye contact is a help to the poor. They are often so ostracized and people actively avoid all contact with them. By meeting the poor people around your area in a food kitchen or something might be a good way to start that friendliness. This has been on my heart also
19:11 – “A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offence.”
This resonates with me – I have definitely seen that this is true. When I have an insight into how someone acted, I am much more willing to let it go and forgive (mostly) freely. But I am so stubborn and know this about myself that I think sometimes I deliberately refuse to have any insight. I don’t always want to forgive, so I make it easy for myself not to.
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
✅
✝️
What a man desires is unfailing love. Wow that’s so true. We get that through Christ, but we also crave it in our human relationships. I think that’s why it’s so important that our closest relationships and Christ-centered and have Christ as a foundation, because that foundation leaves to something as close to unfailing love as we can get on Earth.
21Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. -ellie
23The fear of the Lord leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied;
he will not be visited by harm.
I’m learning that fear of the Lord means understanding and recognizing his power, a healthy fear, and his sovereignty and his strength. But this verse also helped me see that fear of the Lord means there is nothing else to fear in this life, for I worship the LORD of all
Love ❤️
Proverbs was so great but reading Acts really pushed me today. This was the first time I really focused and thought of the others who were with Saul when this happened. I can’t stop thinking about what the impact may have been for them to hear God’s voice also.
Thankful for this reminder to let God handle my battles.. as I want to repay evil but it’s not my place.
21Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
There are a couple of interesting points over time here but I don’t know if I see every one of them center to heart. There’s some validity but Let me take hold opinion until I take a look at it further. Excellent post , thanks and now we want much more! Added onto FeedBurner also
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
“3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,
yet their heart rages against the Lord”. This is something I have done. I’ve caused my own problems- then been mad at God. I’m grateful I’ve had my eyes opened and I can change. And I will never be mad at God again when i don’t understand evil or ugly messes in the world – or in my life. He never wants those situations either! He hurts for me. I pray we all find wisdom and avoid our own ruin!!
Proverbs 20:6 6 Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
but a faithful man who can find?
I believe that they are referring to god as that faithful “man” we can not physically be able to find him but we can find his presence and his own love and mercy for us.
❤️
Proverbs 19:22 says “what a man desires is unfailing love” and that is what Jesus gives us. His sacrifices allowed us to live in salvation and He loves us, no matter how deeply we are buried in sin. God is so good!
Beautiful reflection
Today’s theme: how our physical body is involved in holy or wicked living. Some examples:
MOUTH/LIPS:
-Fools have deceitful lips, worse than poverty
-Slackers are surrounded by nourishment (wisdom?) but can’t even get it where it will be useful & help them grow or become strengthened by it
-The wicked swallow sin as if it’s no big deal, getting it out of sight as if they can hide it & its effects/results
-Treasure is found in words of knowledge & wisdom (treasure is searched for–it’s not right on the surface & may take some looking into)
-Fraud looks sweet initially but becomes impossible to swallow/hide the consequences
-Big mouths share secrets & tell tales: don’t tell your secrets to someone who physically can’t keep his/her mouth closed!
HEART/INNERMOST PARTS:
-going our own way (foolishness) leads to anger against God
-we make plans & pursue our desires, but the Lord will determine what will happen
-How difficult it is to claim to have kept a pure heart, to have been cleansed from sin (oh, thank you Jesus–your death made this possible!).
-Nothing is hidden from the Lord as He searches our deep, hidden places
-Discipline trains our hearts (and is necessary and painful to clean up the mess buried deep inside)
BACKS:
-Fools & mockers should expect punishment & harsh discipline
FEET:
-The Lord puts our feet on the path we should take (these paths will be consistent with His Word & character, and are beyond understanding in this life).
EYE/EAR:
-The Lord made them to hear and see, respectively. They should be used wisely!
-Open your eyes to the opportunities around you-don’t pretend to have none while sleeping & ignoring them
HAIR (specifically gray hair!!) :)
-A distinguishing feature of age, more prominent and stunning than youthful strength
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
I love this!! It shows that no matter your actions in the past, when you believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as your Saviour, you are made new. Your life will change and people will be amazed!
Wow acts is so riveting! I should concentrate more on proverbs, but I have been reading through proverbs faster than usual so I can get to acts. Are there any good books about acts?
I love the story of Saul’s conversion. Ananias’ story though stuck out to me more this time I read the story. The faith and willingness that he served and followed the Lord with is something that I want to strive for.
Same, Anna Marie! His willingness to follow God’s voice, even when it seemed crazy, is such an inspiration to me. And to think of all the times I suppress His voice to do my own thing. May we all be more like Ananias!
I started this journey in February, instead of January, and today I finally caught up! So happy and excited for the months to come. Thank you for all your comments, ladies, you have given me some wonderful insight while reading.
great job! yes, the comments are certainly helpful.
Pay10 thank you for that insight!
Personally I think all of it is saying ‘if you punish the evil you will just have to keep punishing it but if you help the evil understand good it will gain knowledge.’
Anyone have any thoughts on Pr 20:30? It seems to go against several of our laws. It doesn’t seem to match with forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
Terri, I did some cross referencing for this verse and it lead me to Isaiah 53:5- “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace.” When we think of how this verse in Proverbs describes what Jesus did for us it makes perfect sense :)
My note in my study Bible says: “Stern punishment is necessary to restrain evil. Proverbs often refers to fools whose backs are beaten (10:13; 14:3; 19:29; 26:3), but even then, because they are fools, they may not change their ways.” (cf 17:10; see 27:22 and note).
I don’t think this means we are supposed to beat people, but I think this was the way the writer of the Proverbs is saying that there are some people that are more stubborn and might require tough love.
I was challenged this morning! I need to be like Saul and not let what other people think of me to ruin how I am living my life!
It struck me this morning, reading in Acts, that God says straight out from the beginning that Saul/Paul will suffer for the name of Jesus. This makes all the calamities of his life make a lot more sense. And makes me see how little most of us really”suffer” for our faith.
I highlighted that verse. It made me think of the question so often asked, “Why does God allow so much suffering?” This is why–for His glory! In our own will, we sometimes don’t allow our own suffering to be used in that way, but this is a great reminder that we should.
I just started this year-journey. Thank you!
Esters. May you be blessed through this year of reading! It is one of the most comforting things I do each day!
Spell check is to helpful some times… Estera
I will say that today is the first day in what I hope to be many of starting my day with God’s Word. This is a new journey for my even though I have always been a Catholic. Reading the comments above is helping me to understand other’s interpretations of the readings but also come to develop my own understanding as well.
I commend you! I have read through the Bible each year since 1987. The plan was to read each day but I did not always get it done each day. It has proved to be a mighty work for and in me. Each year reading becomes more dear and precious to me. May you be blessed!
I grew up Catholic and came to know Jesus and baptized in the Holy Spirit while attending the Catholic Church. Keep reading The Word every day. God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him.
Welcome, Kim! I start each day by reading the comments first, that way, the reading is already “highlighted ” by these wonderful women of Christ Blessings!
what a great idea Karen!
Thank you for the suggestion Karen! I think I will take that approach tomorrow
Good idea!!
Proverbs 19:2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. – I believe God wants us to have big goals and work towards greatness but to first learn our craft and become good at it. He doesn’t want us to “want” for the sake of wanting alone. We have to slow down and enjoy the process.
Such great insight Katrina. I have the tendency to stress about something not happening “fast enough” but then I realize I’m not ready for the next season until I learn all I am to learn in this season. Thank you for this. I know you wrote this 12months ago, but I needed to hear it today.
Needed to hear this 6 years down the line. Thankss so much Katrina for sharing thiss.❤️
So thankful for the conversion account of Paul! It brings hope to my soul knowing that there is no person who is too deep in sin to be rescued by our Savior!
Amen!
Yes! Isn’t it amazing that He chose to use an enemy, really, when He already had eleven “men in training “? That just shows the power of the God! I can only marvel at His plan that looks crazy to the world, but is oh so good!!
I agree Lauren…it can be difficult to give freely…whether it’s forgiveness or monetary…when the recipient seems unworthy. I’ve definitely struggled with that as well. but then I am reminded that I most certainly am not worthy of the Grace that was given to me…and I am humbled. yes…I believe we are to give freely, and God will work it out. sometimes we may not see the results in this life…but I believe when we go Home…it will become clear.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is the repeated emphasis on being kind to and looking after the poor. I’m questioning whether I do enough or give enough. The temptation is to judge whether or not the recipient is worthy, but perhaps I am just supposed to give freely and let God work it all out.
It’s hard, though.
Agree! I try to help when I can also thinking about my safety when I’m out and about alone
I feel the same way, Lauren. I WANT to help the poor, but I’m often times not so sure what that looks like – how do I wisely give to those in need, in a way that both satisfies the root of their need and glorifies Christ?
I’m still learning about this! But I’ve heard that sometimes just being friendly and not avoiding eye contact is a help to the poor. They are often so ostracized and people actively avoid all contact with them. By meeting the poor people around your area in a food kitchen or something might be a good way to start that friendliness. This has been on my heart also
19:11 – “A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offence.”
This resonates with me – I have definitely seen that this is true. When I have an insight into how someone acted, I am much more willing to let it go and forgive (mostly) freely. But I am so stubborn and know this about myself that I think sometimes I deliberately refuse to have any insight. I don’t always want to forgive, so I make it easy for myself not to.