Proverbs 24:32 – ³² When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:

Today, our oldest Son begins a new and exciting journey in his life. Today is “R Day” (reporting day) for him as he reports to the United States Coast Guard Academy.  Over the next 4 years, he will receive grueling instruction and training in preparation for his service to our country.

Today’s verse tells us, “³² When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:” As Christians, each day is “R Day” as we train and receive instruction so we may better serve our Lord. Take your quiet time, your prayer life and Bible time seriously as it equips you for the battles that lie ahead. Remember, we all serve in the greatest army in the world; the Lord’s army!

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 24: – ²⁹ Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”

There is a philosophy that some have which is “do unto others before they first do unto you”. In other words, treat people the way you “think” they may treat you. As Christians, this can cause many problems in our churches, small groups and even in our families.

In today’s Word, we are warned, “²⁹ Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” Jesus set the example for all of us to follow. We are to show all God’s love, grace and mercy regardless of how they treat us. Our actions towards them may be what gets them to see Jesus.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 24: – ¹⁶ For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

For many years, I coached high school football. Specifically, I coached quarterbacks. I would always tell my players the same thing — “I don’t care if you throw an interception, I care about what you do after the interception”. Would they buckle under the pressure and give up? Or, would they rise to the occasion and become a stronger and better quarterback because of their error?

In today’s scripture we are told, “¹⁶ For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again,” Just like a QB, we are all going to throw “interceptions” (sin) in our lifetime. The question is what will we do next? Will we repent and draw nearer to the Lord or will we give up and fall slave to our sin? Mistakes can be good if they make us stronger.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 24:1-2 – 24 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; ² For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.

May today’s passage be a reminder to you for those times when you are jealous.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 23:29 – ²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?

It is no secret that we will all go through trials, pain and suffering in our lifetime. Regardless of whether or not we are believers, we will all suffer at certain times in our lives. In fact, as believers, the Bible promises we will. But, What makes our struggles different?

“²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?” We all do, but only believers have Jesus. And Jesus makes all the difference in the world.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 23: – ²⁶ My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways.

There is an “unwritten obligation” to return a gift with a gift. In other words, if someone gives you a gift, we feel compelled to give that person a gift also. Birthday for birthday. Christmas for Christmas. We repeat this pattern all throughout the year. As you give your gifts out, is there someone you are forgetting?

In today’s verse we are told, “My son, give me your heart”. God gave us the greatest gift of all time — Jesus Christ. But, what can we give Him? Well, nothing will ever match Jesus, but there is one thing that the Lord desires — “your heart”. If you truly want to give thanks to God, give Him “your heart”.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

 

Proverbs 23:10 – ¹⁰ Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;

New is always better, correct? It is true with technology, medicine and many other areas. But, is it true for all things?

Several times in the Book of Proverbs we are told, “Do not remove the ancient landmark”. This passage reminds me that we should remember and honor the traditions of those that came before us. Respect our family values and commitments. Make Sundays about church and not “anything but church”. Remember to take time with your children before they are grown and gone. Our “ancient landmarks” are important to directing our future. Make sure your future is guided by the landmarks of the past.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 22:17 – ¹⁷ Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;

Regardless of how much we may know about certain things, there is always going to be times in our lives when we need guidance. While there are many people that will always be willing to tell you what you should do, there are far less that you should actually listen to.

In today’s scripture we are reminded, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise”. It not only makes sense, but is also Biblical that we seek the guidance from those that Godly people. Since knowledge comes from the Lord, shouldn’t we seek help from those that seek the Lord? The next time you need help, listen…… Listen to God’s Word and God’s people.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Proverbs 22:2 – ² The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.

It seems that we as a society are working harder at differentiating ourselves from one another. Whether it be political views, societal opinions or heritage, there seems to be a trend of moving away from each other, not closer together. Believe it or not, we even see it amongst churches and denominations. Why are so many people working so hard at making us all so different?

In today passage, we are reminded that “² The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.” In God’s eyes, we are all the same because we all come from Him. May we spend our time and our days working towards becoming one body of people serving and honoring one God. The Lord never intended us to move away from each other, it is His desire for us to be one.

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!

Matthew 25:20-23 – ²⁰ “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ ²¹ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ ²² He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ ²³ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Several of the high school students at our church have graduated over the past several weeks. After 13 years of hard work, tests and homework, they were recognized by their schools, classmates, families and friends for their great accomplishment. With great fanfare, each was given a diploma recognizing them as a graduate. They looked forward to this day for many years and it has finally come. As Christians, we too have the opportunity to look forward to our “graduation day”.

In Matthew we read several times, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant;” After many years of trials, struggles and battles those who remain faithful can look forward to another “graduation day”. It is that day when we enter Heaven, face our Lord and He says, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant;”  Congratulations to all of those who graduated from a school this year. For those of us looking forward to our next graduation, keep working, praying and honoring the Lord!

I pray for blessings today for you on your Journey!