After completing your daily reading, come back to chat with fellow Bible readers about any reflections you have on the proverbs, introduction, or questions from today.
Blessings and curses represent the outcomes that occur when life is lived according to wisdom or in folly. God’s good and perfect character assures us that both His blessing (or favor) and His curse (or discipline) is for our flourishing. How we live and what we do matters, and walking according to wise principles is how we can extend God’s blessing to others.
Reflection Questions:
How do these proverbs define blessings and curses? Write down any key words or ideas.
When have you seen flourishing come on the other side of God’s discipline?
How can your actions today reflect God’s wisdom and extend His blessing to others?
Leave a Reply
157 thoughts on "Blessings and Curses"
I am new to bible studying and such. I am trying really hard to understand these proverbs, but I feel more lost than before. Can anyone help break down each part of the reading?
God I pray for no more sorrow and to be rich in life , love , joy and in peace for me and my family
Amen
❤️❤️
I guess my question is if you are living in a house with the wicked, does that mean God will curse you so also even if you act in faith and in His word?
No. If you have been saved and follow God, he will bless you and you will spend eternity in Heaven. Pray and repent and don’t conform to the wickedness in your house. I will be praying for you.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
This versus stuck out to me today. Not to say as Christians we don’t experience sadness and sorrow, but to remember God is not evil and does not bring or wish anything negative against us. He is not a spiteful God.
Ladies, I am sending my responses to our reflection questions really late. Even though I did the reading, I never submitted my answers to the screen. Great, thought provoking read.
Reflection Questions:
1. Blessings are defined by the following key words- uprightness, faithful, loyal, fills the righteous homes, makes memories of righteous after death continued and never forgotten, unlacking, gives to poor, escapes poverty due to generosity, growing in riches, growing, covering the righteous heads, for the obedient, gain, growth, and accumulation in Gods riches. Curses on the other hand are the complete opposite – lack, poverty, want/need, violent mouths, the memories of a wicked person, sorrow, toil, labor, and punishment.
2. I have seen flourishing come in the other side of Gods discipline after we moved out of a loved one’s home we once stayed with due to financial reasons. It was a terrible decision in which we jumped ahead of God and assumed it was His Will. Big mistake!! Waiting on God is vital. The home was not conducive to that of a healthy spiritual environment for my family nor our kids. We suffered much. God told us it was better for us, despite the many resources that were provided with living there, that it was BETTER FOR US, to leave. Once we vacated the premises, financial blessings have begun to come showering down on my family. Our home will be paid off soon ( No Mortgage!! ) and our debt is dwindling. Thank you Lord for both your discipline and your abundance!
3. How can my actions today reflect Gods wisdom and bless others. Through good stewarding of the gifts that God has entrusted me with. Also being ready and available to be used by God. The Bible says how will they know you are my disciples- the love you show one to another. Another way I can reflect Gods wisdom and extend his blessing to others is implying by LOVING them with the love of Jesus. Love covers a multitude of sin. It’s the greatest gift according to Corinthians. It is a fruit of the Spirit given to an obedient Spirit- led believer.
I’m catching up on this week’s readings and really feeling convicted about my humility and obedience. As I started to read Blessings and Curses, I thought, “oh boy, this is going to sting.” Right as I began to read the scripture, a beautiful rendition of the Doxology by My Epic began to play. I looked to heavens and said, “You’re funny” and then proceeded to praise God for all of my blessings! I get so focused on what I’m not doing for Him that I take my eyes off of what He has done for me. “Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow.”
I’m playing catch up for yesterday’s study, as time simply got away from me. In reflecting on how my actions today can help reflect and extend, I thought of the idea of “pay it forward.” From a simple smile or kind word in passing, to slowing down long enough to hold the door open for someone. Offering help if I see it could be needed. Letting my words be lights rather than swords. I am guilty of my actions not always reflecting the light of God, but when I catch that I’m not being the light I work to turn it around
I love this
This is my first SRT study and it has been such a blessing studying and reading through the comments.
I think what really speaks to me today is the absolute joy and blessing that is found when we live in obedience to Him.
The more I press into Him, the more I strip away the sin and old beliefs and patterns of behaviour….the more peace and love I feel. I’ve witnessed blessings overflow into my life and my children’s lives the more I abide.
How do these proverbs define blessings and curses? Write down any key words or ideas.
Blessing on the dwelling of the righteous and faithful, curses and rot on the house of the wicked.
When have you seen flourishing come on the other side of God’s discipline?
Waiting for the right timing or even just hearing Him say to stop and listen has helped a lot. Feeling the backlash of Him saying no one in the many ways He does had made it apparent that I need to not rush in all the time and make snap judgements. I need to slow down and think carefully more often than not.
How can your actions today reflect God’s wisdom and extend His blessing to others? Slowing down and listening to Him and His word. Understanding takes time and I need to value that more thank trying to get things done quickly.
If we lead with love and kindness as He asks, the blessings will be bountiful, when we live in the house of darkness and negativity, our lives will reflect that.
How do these proverbs define blessings and curses?
You can only live a blessed life by living faithfully to the Lord in the way we treat others with love and kindness, or through our obedience to God’s word, walking humbly, acting justly and not chasing or idolising things of this world. Blessings will abound, the fruits of the Spirit will grow, and more responsibilities will be given. Because of what God can do through us, can leave a legacy of glory to God.
When have you seen flourishing come on the other side of God’s discipline?
I lost my full time teaching job in 2020, and experienced substantial income loss whilst working part time at a cafe. Times were tough. We found out we had to move out of our rental. So we decided to look on the market (again – as earlier in the year we had been looking to buy) to buy, this time, a much cheaper home that needed work. A friend from church had just become a mortgage broker and helped us buy our first home. It has taken a lot of hard work to make this home comfortable. I now am back full time teaching, praise God. When we follow our conscious and make decisions through prayer, and not try to hold on to things of this world, even when it doesn’t make sense (in a worldly lens) at the time, God will provide, make a way and bless. All that we have is because of Him. When God says wait, or not just yet, there is good reason for it. We now are weeks away from welcoming our first child into the world. God’s child.
How can your actions today reflect Gods wisdom and extend His blessing to others?
Acknowledging that all we have is because of Him, the source of life, the giver and taker of all things, means we have no right to withhold anything, or rob those around us from joy, sharing resources or showing love through our actions. Proverbs also highlights that our words matter and have power to glorify God or bring shame and wickedness. Proverbs 28:27 is a beautifully powerful reminder.
Congratulations! And great testimony of God’s provision during your job loss!
Thank you for sharing. Such a wonderful testimony of God’s hand in your lives.
God really cares about how I handle the resources he has given me and if I will choose to chase after material things. He wants me tn trust that he will meet all of my needs, and I don’t have to meet my needs on my own. I pray that I would choose to trust in God in all my ways and with all of the resources he has given me.
Update on our son’s friend with stage 4 pancreatic cancer: A praise that their baby was born last week and mom and baby are doing well!
Please continue to pray for them as they are transitioning to parenthood amidst his diagnosis and treatments. Prayers for complete healing and saving faith in Jesus, and for that faith to spread to/be strengthened in all of their friends, family, and all who know them. All glory and honor to God Almighty.
Praying fervently for providential healing
Thank you so much!❤️
How bittersweet for these new parents! Praying in agreement, B! ❤
Thank you!!❤️ It means so much.
❤
How hard for them in the Joy and sorrow mixed. But God knows, and will be there. Praying!
Thank you!!❤️❤️❤️
Praying for a healing miracle and peace for this precious little family! ❤️
Thank you!! That is definitely what they need. ❤️
❤️
Wow this study has been phenomenal. Bravo SRT! What engagement and knowledge we have. I am so thankful for the collective wisdom that I get to tap in. Couple of things that got my attention today:
1.“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse” -Proverbs 28:27. God promises that generosity doesn’t lead to lack. To “hide your eyes” =pretends we don’t see the need, ignoring suffering, or deliberately avoiding opportunities to help. Proverbs 19:17 : “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed”. Matthew 25:45: Jesus said that neglecting “the least of these” is neglecting Him. God sees how we treat the poor, because it reflects how much we trust Him and how much His love has shaped us. Withholding reveals our fear that God won’t provide. We should not wait till we are rich to give, give where we are. Jesus praises the poor widow with the two cents who gave the most.
2. “Whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished”- Proverbs 28:2. Is God against get-rich-quick scheme? Interesting thought. From this principle yes. God also says there will be a punishment! Ouch. This is such a big wake up call. I saw so many videos on youtube with titles like “how I made $10,000 in a week”. These videos are selling the dream, but not the truth! Beware! I am bursting some bubbles here. Proverbs 13:11 says “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it”. God consistently warns us against shortcuts. By-paths will drag us away from trust in God, patience, and diligence. Sowing and reaping has its due season. There is an alarming punishment. “Wealth gained hastily” without work, wisdom or discipline often doesn’t last. Facts show many lottery winners, gamblers go bankrupt from lack of discipline and skills to manage wealth, also broken relationships (family members’ extreme envy and constant demand for money, jealousy, conflicts). We personally know someone that got into deep depression and loss of purpose, with estrangement from family. This is a real, what the Bible warns us is really real. On the other hand, wealth gained slowly, with faithfulness and diligence will bring gratitude and joy to our heart. Be careful of the trap to get rich quick scheme, it is false hope that our culture entices. God isn’t against wealth, He is against idolatry and shortcuts. His pattern for us is always faithfulness, patience, stewardship, and generosity. Praise God for His rich wisdom. Will try to catch up on your comments :)) Be blessed dear sisters.
As the old saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” ❤
Right!?
I did watch a documentary on lottery winners that always end up worse off and it destroys a lot of the time. I have a nephew that is a “professional” gambler. Plays poker for a living, and things are a mess for him right now. BUT, ya’ll have prayed for him, and he still needs your prayers for a trial at the end of Sept.
This is Laura G’s comment from yesterdays study. So good and I needed to read this.
~
When God talks about storing up his words/commandments I think about the scripture memorization. The better we know/understand God’s word the more likely we are to align our choices with God’s choices. The idea of binding them on your finger, as a way to remember them and writing them “on the tablet of your heart” is a really meaningful visual.
The church I grew up in as a young christian did not emphasize scripture memorization, and so it’s only more recently that I have begun to appreciate the benefits of it – of being able to recall a scripture at the right time to help correct my head or heart posture and/or confirm the direction I’m going is the correct one. I still have a long way to go when it comes to scripture memorization, at least now I can better understand the importance of it.
❤️
Yep, I loved this and said I was practicing memorizing scripture for the first time in all my Christian life. It is SO important and I think we take it for granted. Lord help me to write it on my heart!! Your instruction is more valuable than gold.
I didn’t know people memorized scriptures until five years ago, and I’m still getting better at it. I have yet to recall most of them.
I have been traveling. Good to be back! Do you ever feel like you strive to be living for God only to see yourself mess up day after day? That is what I feel like. I can’t blame my surroundings, but it would be easier to be drenched with Christian friends. The accountability would be there. I cringe when someone tells an off color joke, or speaks about someone in a gossipy way. I’m surrounded by it.
~
I’m looking forward to this study. I will have to play a little catch up. My book was delivered to FL and I need to let that go. I love writing in them. Now isn’t that letting something silly halt myself in studying…
Hi Traci, I need more Christian friends too. I am so grateful for my church and coming here with all the ladies. And this Proverbs study is such a good reminder of how God wants us to live.
I always am saying I love my life revolved around Christian friends…otherwise I am lost. I do not like to be in bar restaurants and community pools where you hear cursing and worldly music. Even the beach, I now go to secluded ones where I can walk and sing praises with my hands up! lol
I have a subscription box so mine arrived well in advance and this is the only day I have missed so far. I did go a little deeper using my She Reads Truth Bible and they’re pretty similar to the ones we have for today.
Good morning ladies. I’ve been reading along, and praying with you for sometime now but never commented before. Today’s conversation brought to mind a very brief one I had with my sister in law some ime ago. While she was raised in the church most of her childhood, at the time, she was living far from God and bemoaning her life circumstances. She then looked at me, upset with me, and said, “you wouldn’t understand, you live a charmed life.” I immediately responded, “It’s not charmed, it’s obedient.”
I had been working so hard to submit my everything to God. I knew what it was like to live in conflict with Him (as did my husband), and when we got married, we were committed to living for Him alone. This conversation was the first time that I realized that through obedience God truly brings blessings, and that can be a WITNESS to those around us. Now hear me, things were NOT as charmed as she assumed they were, but the peace of God that covered us, and the circumstances we found ourselves in because of our obedience to God’s order (married, then house, then kids, etc) we were an example to those around us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is absolutely my life verse. This is obedience and submission is not just for us, but as an example and a hope for those around us. <3
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'
I also meant to say that this conversation was an encouragement for me as well. Because sometimes we can get so overwhelmed and stressed by life that we forget to step back and see all of our blessings. And her saying I lived a charmed life helped me see and focus on just how kind God truly has been to us, and gave me the determination to continue on that path of submission, to this day.
I like that…living an obedient life.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Kari Jae! ❤
That’s so good! Sometimes people think they have to have a dramatic testimony, but living obediently for God and loving him leads to blessing with are an AMAZING Testimony!!! Whoop Whoop!!
Thank you sharing this and for posting :) An obedient life is such a great response ❤️
Lord, please help me today. Please help me to live righteously. Help me to give others around me Grace, just like you give me everyday.
All too often do I struggle with giving others grace, so please help my heart and mind work together to be a Blessing to others and to myself.
Yes, I agree. I used to not extend much grace and people just annoyed me! Now I see them differently, with unseeing eyes, no Holy Spirit to guide them! Now I have empathy and grace for them, as my Jesus did for me!! I was the One he left the 99 for! Not that I get it right all the time of course, just saying that helps me remember.
I was so afraid to open my eyes upon waking, but God has blessed me so richly (and did not curse me). My eye is so much better today. Thank you for your prayers, sisters. I have a follow-up appointment on Monday, and I think my “bandage” will be removed. (I wear contacts and know that sometimes they can be finicky, so…)
.
I am not as righteous as I should be, for sure, but I strive for that daily. I don’t want Him to ever call me “wicked”. That would be absolute awfulness, don’t you agree?
Praying dear Adrienne. This exact same thing happened to me. So painful and very inconvenient with unexpected swollen eye and compromised vision. I hope your condition will improve. My doctor advised for the care routine was lots of eye drops, Systane ointment before bed (from walmart) applied over bandage contacts or without, opening eyelids very very slowly when waking up (even to put eyedrops before opening). Also another doctor advice was to put castor oil topically outside the lids before going to bed, so I lathered that and it helped with dry eye condition which caused my abrasion to begin with. Hugs and prayers to you.
Yes on the castor oil on eyelids!
❤️❤️, Rhonda!
Thank you, Mercy! ❤️ I do all of that, except the castor oil. (I wear contacts generally and wonder about a “residue”?) I use Systane’s gel drops, but had gotten out of the habit of that… no more… It is a habit re-instituted!) I did try to squeeze some drops in before I opened my eyes his morning. I wore a sleep mask too. And we didn’t have the ceiling fan on as much, either. It was so painful yesterday, but things feel pretty good today. Even the “bandage” doesn’t feel so awfully thick today! I do still have a headache, but it is smaller. (It is amazing how you eyes and poor vision can do that!) I’ll have to post today’s pic on our FB age, I forgot…
Our actions today—whether in speech, integrity, generosity, or humility—either reflect God’s wisdom and extend His blessings to those around us, or they sow discord and harm. When we choose to speak truth with kindness, walk in honesty, and live with a generous spirit, we become vessels of blessing in the lives of others.
The good news of the gospel is that in Christ, we are freed from the curse of sin (Galatians 3:13). Now, as children of God, we are invited to walk daily in wisdom, extending His blessings through how we love, serve, and live in integrity.
Speaking of God’s blessings…I had to go to Walmart this morning and there was a sale on some dresses , for $16. I bought 2 of them…now I’ll be able to have some dresses for our anniversary get away in October. God is so good.
Praises, woohoo!! I bought one, but need to return, maybe I should just bless someone with it!
That would be lovely
❤️❤️
Reading thru Proverbs has been a tremendous encouragement to me. I’ve been struggling with discouragement for a bit, today really hit hard. I am encouraged to know that these proverbs are here for a reason, as a warning, but also as encouragement, to keep doing the right thing even when things are hard, unknown, or seems like nothing is changing.
Yep, don’t let discouragement keep you down Hannelora! We are lifting you up sister!!
I’ve actually been thinking about blessings and curses lately. A brother of my late (first) husband calls himself cursed. He has alienated his entire immediate family through verbal abuse and poor life choices. He persists in blaming God and everyone else for his current situation. Restraining orders, money problems, jail time, homelessness etc. It’s sad to see.
Recently a stranger gave him money to get some badly needed gas and he never made the connection that , that unsolicited gift was a grace from God. It broke my heart
Wow
Yes, I see this all the time.
People like to say it will all work out. No- unfortunately it doesn’t and we need to tell that truth. Disobedience leads to death, the same as not following God at all. The world seems to think after people die…oh, we all we be in heaven one day. No. It’s says only a remnant, and that is why we are told to go and tell the world. We must not remain idle. Praying for this man. I go to homeless a lot, many don’t want to hear it, yet the seeds we plant, and through the Holy Spirit, they may come.
I say, “Wow.” too. How very sad.
Individuals who do not know God can’t see something as a blessing. Satan has him completely blinded. It’s easy to get frustrated at the person yet we also need to remember
that the enemy is out seeking whom he may destroy. All you & his family can do is to continue to pray that God makes a way for him to come to know Jesus as his personal Savior. No one is EVER TO FAR GONE. Then, thank God for keeping you from that path and continue too (because we all are capable of a life such as his through circumstances. The old never say never applies)
Sincerely, the mother of an addict
♥️
Thank you, SRT for this first week in Proverbs!
.
This statement from today’s intro is a great one to summarize this week:
“How we live and what we do matters, and walking according to wise principles is how we can extend God’s blessing to others.”
.
I am thinking of “The Blessing” this morning- partial lyrics:
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family
And your children
And their children
And their children
(May His presence)
May His presence go before you
And behind you
And beside you
All around you
And within you
He is with you
.
.
He IS with you/me!!! TINA’S reference to Psalm 91 prompted me to share one of my favorite verses:
Psalm 121:5 NLT
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
.
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Love that Psalm! Yes, this is a great first week in wisdom and guidance!! Thank God we have a book of our Lord God talking to us!!
❤
Now that song is running through my head. There are worse things, of course…
❤ Yep, lots worse things!
oh I really really love this song. Thank you for the reminder :)))
❤
He IS with you/me!
Thank you forthat Psalm and The Blessing song! ❤️
❤
When have I seen flourishing come on the other side of God’s discipline? Hmm….not sure if this more of discipline or simply obedience. About three right around this time, I was contemplating not paying my Tithes. I had many bills to pay including a several hundred dollar credit card balance due to a necessary car repair (no longer have that vehicle) and other expenses. I reached out to a couple of trusted friends. These godly sweet friends did not say “go ahead and pay your bill” instead they prayed for me (literally in person). They prayed, I would trust my God and His leading. Of course I paid the Tithe that already belongs to my JESUS and guess what? Oh my goodness…….. During that time I was taking a college course (do some of you remember that?) Well….I received and email for the local college where I was taking the class and there were some funds that were given to the college students at the time to pay for any expenses!! I was floored to say the least! My Jehovah Jireh was faithful. It reminds me of a visual that I’m sure most of you have seen of Jesus and a little girl. The little girl is holding a “little” teddy bear and Jesus is asking for it, while He has a BIG teddy bear behind Him, ready to bless her with. I was that little girl! And still am! Happy Friday sweeties.
I forgot to mention, that check, the blessing from my Jesus covered the entire balance of my bill. God is good!
God is good, trust, and He will take care of us in the most unexpected ways! Great testimony!! Keep telling!
And Happy Friday..I know it’s your favorite day!
❤
❤️❤️
Wow! Amazing!❤️
❤✝️
There is no doubt which “side” of these verses we should desire to live on. Wicked, evil, sorrow, violence, curses in comparison to blessing, righteousness, wealth, faithfulness and no lacking sounds much more appealing. But I have a choice to make if that is the outcome I want and its choosing to follow after the way of wisdom and God’s plans. There are hard lessons to learn when I don’t and they are refining and an opportunity to understand God’s grace all the more but ultimately, God’s desire would be that I walk with Him. To not have the heartache and consequences that accompany the foolish ways. Seeking and pursuing living a life of righteousness keeps me on the path that leads to the better way for myself but can also speak volumes and be an example that draws others to the heart of Jesus.
Lord, your Way is the better Way and is the life I desire to live. Guide me and teach me, keep my heart tied to you Father. Forgive me for the times that seek out fleshly desires and the things that cause a separation in my fellowship with you. In ways that only you can work, by your grace and mercy, use me to point others to you Lord as I seek to bring honor and glory to your name. Amen❤️
When I looked up the definition of curse, it made reference to the infliction of harm or punishment on someone or something. I like the explanation in todays reading of a curse as it is described in Proverbs as discipline (for correction/guiding us towards better choices) rather than just punishment (making someone suffer for wrongdoing) for punishments sake or as one commentary that I found put it discipline is about restoration while punishment is about retribution
Saying that I noticed that Proverbs 28:20 does specifically use the word punished (or rather “not go unpunished”). Knowing that sometimes the original translation (in Hebrew for example) can mean something slightly different I was interested to go back I was curious to dive deeper into the word in the original text which from research is “לֹא יִנָּקֶה (lo yinnakeh)” and refers to an individual not escaping the consequences (of their actions)
On a different note, when I read (as we did today) that someone who is faithful “will abound with blessings” and one who gives to the poor will “want not” I am reminded that “blessings” come in different forms and that we may not always be blessed in the way we expect to (or in some cases hope to). I think this why I recoil a bit when I hear people preaching the prosperity gospel (ie come to God and you will be guaranteed health and wealth). I worry when people come to know Jesus because of that promise they may be turned off when they find that financial blessing is not a guarantee of a life spent loving and serving God. Instead God chooses to bless us in ways that meet much deeper spiritual longings that we have deep in our soul, because only God knows that we truly need.
Lauren–Good points! We are blessed in so many ways–family, friends, co-workers, beauty in nature, etc. To focus on one area discredits all God has for us to see, live, appreciate.
I loved this distinction…I am coping your comment. I want to use this first 5 days of Proverbs for Jail Ministry, I think it would be good. We can lead ourselves and make our choices, but there are consequence/results to all. And all sin has bad consequence, but when we repent and turn to him, though some may remain for our good or disobedience he restores as he wills as well because he loves us and a repenting heart!!
I was thinking of the dangers of a prosperity Gospel, as I was reading your comment… then you mentioned it too. It (a prosperity Gospel) is scary, isn’t it?
And certainly not biblical
Yes, it’s amazing how popular they are…well, not really. I used to think after the rapture it would be so obvious with all the churches empty, but now I know, there will be many full or near full buildings still. Separation is in the church, what is the parable, the tares from the wheat??
I found this sentence that put Proverbs 3:33 together with James 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:5
“Pride shuts us off from God’s favor, but humility opens the door to His blessing and grace.”
God’s discipline has always produced a stronger faith in me and a deeper willingness to learn what honors God in my life. For the past several years I have been meditating on the Fruits of the Spirit and learning what it truly looks like to live those out.
My actions today can reflect God’s wisdom and blessings to others if I walk humbly with the Fruits of the Spirit as my guide.
I am re-reading Bruce Wilkinson’s Secrets of the Vine (devotional). I absolutely see the parallels between the teachings in Proverbs and bearing fruit for God. I pray to have an open heart and mind to hear the prompting of the Spirit.
Good word Jennifer
Thanks for the referral of that book!
Sweet Jesus, may I be a blessing to others today. Not for my sake but for your glory. May all the ladies in this group be salt and light, that they reflect your beauty and share your love with this lost and broken world. May they be a system of support for their families, friends, coworkers and even help any strangers in need you might place in our paths today. Father, we need your strength and mercy and goodness. Thank you for the blessings of your love and forgiveness!
Amen❤️
❤️
Amen! ❤.
Amen! (heart)
Amen! ❤️❤️
❤️
Amen!❤️
Beautiful prayer Allison. Thank you!
Are people falling off already?! I’m waiting for more comments to come in to glean from! The first day it took so much time to read them, more would pop up and on and on!
Don’t stop commenting new She’s! It’s only day 5! We learn from your thoughts!
❤
❤️❤️
❤️
To me it’s always easy to compare the Father’s love me us, just as we do our own children. Most parents want to love and bless their children, but direct them and help them as they grow. When my toddler son and I would go grocery shopping he learned early on that if he was well behaved and patient he would get a small toy he wanted as a reward, if not he would get nothing. God wants to bless us but we need to be obedient and take instruction from our Father so he can do his business! (he is busy after all, lol)
By the way the did backfire in my case as far as creating a monster. I notice my son to this day loves treating himself non-stop, apparently he believes he is good! (I see what he orders on Amazon through our account! He is 25). He needs a little self-discipline!
Thank you Lord for your continual direction and guidance. You love to bless your children, but we also need boundaries and correction! For you are good, and want to give us all that you have, and will one day!! Oh Glorious Day that will be!! We will see streets of gold! But until then, we are to strive to be Holy and Righteous as we know Lord Jesus has made us through the blood! It is not something to take for granted Lord, help me to keep my sights on the heavenly Kingdom and learn what I should each day here. Your love and goodness shall follow me all the days of my life! Bless me abundantly and my Sisters here. Help us to heed to your will daily, and to see and hear things in your way! Keep sanctifying me so people see the difference in our walk! In Jesus’ name Amen.
❤
❤️
I sent you a FB message earlier. ❤
“we are to strive to be Holy and Righteous as we know Lord Jesus has made us through the blood! It is not something to take for granted”
I often realize I take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted. I think just knowing it most of my life makes it seem routine…forgive me Father!! It should cause me daily joy!
Yes amen! Just heard the song on the radio…”The Blood” by David Funk, it gets me every time!
Where’s your comment today B?!
These passages reminded me to be a blessing to those around me. I think blessings build on each other & fruits of the Spirit multiply. So I pray we all go out & bless others with our kindness, mercy, & love this weekend.
Amen❤️
Amen
Blessings and curses come in many forms, and may not always look like we imagine, or like the world defines them. One example that comes to mind is the celebrity status that most of us only see from a distance – the world view is of how blessed they are with fame and fortune, no worries about financial needs like transportation, housing, food. Yet what are the headlines we see for the majority of the rich and famous? Pretty much nothing good, just the misery they are surrounded by.
.
Lord, may I see Your blessings and curses the way You see and intend them for me. Please guide me in my choices and decisions.
Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
.
TERESA DONLEY – praying for Amanda and med staff during the radiation treatments. And your reply to Mary on the job conflict “my word is my word” – I was raised that way, and it used to be a common trait. Sadly, the world has forgotten the value and importance of integrity.
ADRIENNE – praying for healing of your eye!
CAROLINE BRIDGES – good to see you! When the questions give me trouble, things usually sort themselves out in my mind as I read through our sisters’ comments and insights.
CEE GEE yes, lead on Good Shepherd!!
SHARON JERSEY GIRL “when it suits me” … ouch. Thank you.
RHONDA J – amen to yesterday’s prayer
KELLY (NEO) yesterday’s insight, thank you
INDIANA ELAINE – praying for long term pain relief, sister.
Thanks for the Isaiah verse!
Great word, SEARCHING! ❤
Thank you, Searching. ❤️❤️
Great reflection. Amen. Praying along sister ❤️
Today’s verse’s bring a reminder to me on how to receive God’s blessings and how to avoid curses. The postings from all She’s are so helpful to me, keeping me grounded in Christ. Praying you all have a blessed day.
Reading in Leviticus 26:3…obedience brings providential blessings
Thank you Sandi for this. I just read the entire chapter. The curses for walking “contrary to God” were intense! BUT God wanted a relationship with them (and us) so badly that he offered a way for them to make it right starting in verse 40: “But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers in their treachery that they committed against me, and also in walking contrary to me, …42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacob…
Which reminded me of 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
Thank God that He made a way for us to be in right relationship with him in spite of our sin.
So true, I look back of my selfish, stiff-necked ways rather than just following God and his ways. Oh the heartaches it would have saved me and those I hurt.
Exactly
Blessings and curses seem to be God’s responce to either righteous or wicked actions. However, the whole council of Scripture tells us that they are God’s response to our heart attitudes.
.
Being aware of those around me and acknowledging them would be a good start to extending God’s blessing to others.
.
INDIANA ELAINE – praying your PT is a help in relieving the pain.
.
TERESA DONLEY – continuing to pray for Amanda.
.
ADRIENNE – praying for your eye! My husband did the same thing a few years ago. Ouchy.
.
MARGARET W – sorry to hear of Judy’s set back. Praying for a quick turn around and return to recovery.
.
MARTHA HIX – prayers for you and your family
Thanks, Kelly. ❤️❤️
Thank you Kelly! ❤️❤️❤️
Honestly, I know this may seem a silly example of blessing, but when I was allowed to drive again earlier this summer after not driving for three months I was blown away at how selfish people are even in our driving. I’ve tried since being back on the road to let people out or let pedestrians cross where they’re allowed to cross. It really doesn’t take much to be kind to one another, but it can be a mood changer for the person shown kindness.
This is my husband’s motto…be ye kind.
Driving very much reveals the conditions of people’s hearts. I do a lot of driving and I have to constantly check myself or repent for the thoughts that run through my head.
It’s very true! I get in my car and love to sing praises music and it is my happy place…and I excuse people. Then I ride with my husband…YIKES. He needs a chill pill as we used to say! Tomorrow we do our 19 hour drive to go back up north we do every Fall, and honestly I always dread it. Last year I had lots of prayers from my group (and a few here as well) and it was better. I try to just read and relax but it is hard, and really hard to sleep during the night when I worry if he will stay awake or not after working 10 hours before we leave. Anyway, if I could have your prayers please for patience and soft words, and no grabbing the sides of the seat, lol or sighs.
Will do,Rhonda
Praying for him to be calm in his driving.
It’s so hard not to grab the seat or door. LOL
Praying for a peaceful journey all around and for wakefulness while driving. Hugs, sister! ❤
Prayers. I get that. My husband has had defensive driving courses for work, but his driving still makes me nervous. I sit on my hands and wear sunglasses (and just keep my eyes closed, much of the time!)
.
His traveling mercies for you! ❤️❤️
Kindness is SO overlooked and SO vital when living in community with others! ❤️❤️
❤️
Blessings are God’s grace due to obedience, curses due to disobedience bring curses due to disobedience.
Amen❤️
Having spent a chunk of my childhood in a country steeped in tradition, black magic and the likes, I found myself going back in my mind to a time when ‘cursing’ was a thing.. (it probably still is).
There was a thumb action that filled me with dread. If that action came at you with words of horribleness and fear-filling, from someone you had upset.. wie betide you! If that same thumb action was aimed at you followed by not so nice words which involved a loved one.. Nana, Mama, Papa, siblings you legged it, as fast as you could, because trouble was brewing!
.
Okay!
.
That was the mindset of a 10/11/12 year old!!!
.
.
BUT PRAISE GOD!
Those days are far, far behind me, and I pray i am a little wiser.( please God)!
.
Here’s the thing, we, as humans do not have the power to curse.. BUT GOD did!
Our ‘cursing only works, if the other person believes..ie the sleepless nights over what has been said, done or implied. Words only hurt if we allow them to and believe them!
.
BUT GOD..
If we have God and believe in Him, trust Him, and know truly that He has our BEST at heart, those spoken words from a venomous mouth do NOT touch us.
Psalm 91:1,4 says.. He who dwells in the shelter of the most High God, will rest in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY,He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge..
.
I wish that the 10/11/12 year old me had know a little more scripture then, the fear was real. Today, that thumb action can come at me. (though I’d rather it didn’t) I know the grace, mercy and love of God, absolutely covers me and I will not be harmed by those ‘arrows of ‘cursing’ no matter what form they come in.
.
PRAISE GOD..
.
AMEN.
.
.
Happy Friday, my loves.♥️
Wiccan involves curses,and I’ve known people involved in that who believed they had that power. They were blinded by Satan,and paid the consequences later. Best to be a child of God and savor his blessings.
”I know the grace, mercy and love of God, absolutely covers me”
Amen, sister!
❤
Amen, Tina!❤️❤️
.
Good thing I made it to the end of the comments! I need to stop replying and get outta here!
❤️❤️❤️
Lots of reminders of righteousness in today’s verses. When we live ‘rightly’ or according to God’s ways, we will be a blessing to others as we consider them more significant than ourselves and look out for their interests. (Phil 2:3-4) We will help the poor and needs as we are able. (Prov 28:27) As James admonishes – we will be doers of the Word and not hearers only. (James 1:22)
May it be true of us today and everyday – Happy Friday Ladies!
Yes Amen Sally!
And Luke 12:48
❤️