Have you been March-ing through Proverbs this month? I have enjoyed the challenge that Pastor John gave us to read one chapter of Proverbs each day during the month of March. The purpose of Proverbs was for us to gain wisdom and insight for behavior, for living, for learning, for life. What wisdom did you gain? I decided at the outset of the challenge that I wanted to pull, a minimum of, one key verse from each chapter. As I look back over my key verses there is definitely a recurring theme.
Wisdom is discussed 55 times. Wisdom from the Lord brings knowledge and understanding
Discipline appears 16 times throughout the book. Without God’s discipline we will lack understanding. God’s correction keeps us grounded toward Him. Without it, we could be led astray.
Humility; 3 times humility comes before honor was stressed
As we prepare to celebrate and share in the most important day of our Christian faith, the day Jesus defeated Satan and the gift of our salvation was freely given to us. I wonder, do I fully comprehend the gift given me. In my devotional, by Billy Graham, he states that Easter is, “the wonder of His resurrection symbolized in the hope that beats in the hearts of believers everywhere as they sing triumphantly: “Christ the Lord is risen today.” (Billy Graham Devotional, Hope for Each Day, Words of Wisdom and Faith)
Do we live our lives so that people know we hold Christ in our hearts? Are we able to sing praises to God? I think about the transitions of life, the rough times, and how we have to work through them. Have I learned, and able to apply, the wisdom that is taught throughout God’s Word? Sometimes I get so bogged down in these transitions that I do not live my life as though God is first. If I can apply the verses of wisdom learned from Proverbs, and many other books, I can easier transition from one phase to the next. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
I need to remember that Christ came, walked this earth, felt the same pain and emotions that I do. That He gave His life for me. Jesus experienced “the rough times” and He prevailed.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Proverbs 2:9-11, “9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Fully committing to live our life for Christ is a big transition. To physically & mentally turn from sinful ways, to accept God’s discipline that convicts us and prepares us for handling “the rough times” is hard. During this Easter season if you have not fully committed your life to Christ, please talk to Pastor John, Brian, Ben, anyone on Ministry & Oversight, myself, or someone you can trust to help you. Allowing God to be Lord of your life will be your biggest & best decision ever.
Things to know for April:
The months that have a 5th Sunday, we will hold monthly meeting during the Sunday school hour. This month, monthly meeting will be on April 29, 9:30 am.
Quarterly we will be having a mini financial statement in the bulletin. Please look for it in the bulletin on April 29, as well.
Bowling for Belize will be April 21, to financially assist our team going in July.
We will have a group of men in Belize April 9 – 13. Please be praying for safety as they work to put a roof on the church building at First Stone Church, Western Paradise, Belize.
Blessings to you & your family this Easter season,
Jenni
Wisdom is discussed 55 times. Wisdom from the Lord brings knowledge and understanding
Discipline appears 16 times throughout the book. Without God’s discipline we will lack understanding. God’s correction keeps us grounded toward Him. Without it, we could be led astray.
Humility; 3 times humility comes before honor was stressed
As we prepare to celebrate and share in the most important day of our Christian faith, the day Jesus defeated Satan and the gift of our salvation was freely given to us. I wonder, do I fully comprehend the gift given me. In my devotional, by Billy Graham, he states that Easter is, “the wonder of His resurrection symbolized in the hope that beats in the hearts of believers everywhere as they sing triumphantly: “Christ the Lord is risen today.” (Billy Graham Devotional, Hope for Each Day, Words of Wisdom and Faith)
Do we live our lives so that people know we hold Christ in our hearts? Are we able to sing praises to God? I think about the transitions of life, the rough times, and how we have to work through them. Have I learned, and able to apply, the wisdom that is taught throughout God’s Word? Sometimes I get so bogged down in these transitions that I do not live my life as though God is first. If I can apply the verses of wisdom learned from Proverbs, and many other books, I can easier transition from one phase to the next. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
I need to remember that Christ came, walked this earth, felt the same pain and emotions that I do. That He gave His life for me. Jesus experienced “the rough times” and He prevailed.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Proverbs 2:9-11, “9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Fully committing to live our life for Christ is a big transition. To physically & mentally turn from sinful ways, to accept God’s discipline that convicts us and prepares us for handling “the rough times” is hard. During this Easter season if you have not fully committed your life to Christ, please talk to Pastor John, Brian, Ben, anyone on Ministry & Oversight, myself, or someone you can trust to help you. Allowing God to be Lord of your life will be your biggest & best decision ever.
Things to know for April:
The months that have a 5th Sunday, we will hold monthly meeting during the Sunday school hour. This month, monthly meeting will be on April 29, 9:30 am.
Quarterly we will be having a mini financial statement in the bulletin. Please look for it in the bulletin on April 29, as well.
Bowling for Belize will be April 21, to financially assist our team going in July.
We will have a group of men in Belize April 9 – 13. Please be praying for safety as they work to put a roof on the church building at First Stone Church, Western Paradise, Belize.
Blessings to you & your family this Easter season,
Jenni
