Day 4 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Fear and Respect

Proverbs 1:7 [NKJV] The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge, [But] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The term “fear of the LORD” is used 14 times in the book of Proverbs – at least that is how many my search came up with. That is almost half of the total of 30 times it appears in the entire Bible. The word used for “fear” hear can mean terror. It can also mean respect.

Our Father God can command both. In times when we see the nation of Israel breaking God’s commandments, especially in worshipping idols and other gods, the Father became a God to fear. His punishments were often swift and devastating. We see our Father God sending plagues, sending snakes, having the earth swallow whole families, sending conquering armies and so much more to punish disobedience. He commands the death penalty for sin. The disobedient should fear God.

But for those who show respect toward God and His commandments and instructions, there is no reason to fear. He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Those who respect God know that we can come to Him for forgiveness of sin and removal of the death penalty at any time because of the sacrifice of Jesus and His precious blood which covers our sins.

Those who respect the LORD, study His word in order to understand it and Him better. We then grow in respect for both. His word gives us knowledge and wisdom. His word instructs us in how to live so that we don’t incur His wrath.

The CSB uses the word “discipline” instead of “instruction.” The Hebrew word translated “instruction” in the NKJV and “discipline” in the CSB is Strongs H4148 and means “discipline, chastening, correction.” According to Hebrews 4:12 [NKJV] … the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God can be cutting. For those who respect it, it is used to cut out our carnal nature, evil thoughts and sin – the parts that God calls us to remove.

When we allow God’s Word to do both the instruction and disciplining, we can proactively bring our sins to God and receive His forgiveness. Then, we have nothing to fear.

Remember the song RESPECT? A little respect for one another goes a long way toward guiding us to be better neighbors, coworkers, friends and mates.  Respect for God and for God. It all starts with respect.

Prayer — Father God, thank you for the Bible – Your words of instruction and discipline. I have the greatest respect for your Word. I seek to follow your instructions for me. Please guide me by Your Word, instruct and discipline me through it that I may see my sins and remove them from my thoughts, heart and life. As I bring those sins to You, I ask for forgiveness by the precious blood of Jesus in whose name I pray. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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Day 3 - 90 Days in Proverbs - Riddles

Proverbs 1:5-6 [NLT] 5 Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance 6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.

I really loved learning algebra. It was one of my favorite classes in school and I tutored more than one family member through their own algebra classes. It was like solving a puzzle or finding a treasure to me. Following the steps outlined, we solved the mathematical riddle. I enjoyed algebra even though there was one piece of the instruction I never really understood – the practical application of it.

The wiser people of this world, according to Proverbs, speak in riddles, proverbs and parables. The book of Proverbs was written to help us explore and understand their meaning so that we can apply them to our lives.

Proverbs is like key to an algebra problem in that it is a key to a good life, helping us figure life out. Its practical application is to make our lives better, wiser – to guide us.

Do you have a favorite proverb? A wise saying that has guided you? Feel free to share it in the chat. Here is one I like from Maya Angelou When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People can be a puzzle, but sometimes they show us the truth and we need to believe it.

Solomon took it upon himself to be our tutor through the puzzle of life. Ultimately, it seems that he didn’t always follow his own advice. For example, even though within the book of Proverbs he warned often against temptations of the opposite sex and those who would draw a person into sin, he didn’t take his own advice. Instead he gathered many pagan wives who he eventually followed into the sin of idolatry. 

Proverbs 1:5-6 tells us that even those who are already wise can and should learn from this book. We Church Ladies should be always on a quest to understand God’s word better, to gain more knowledge of scripture and life lessons, and to apply them to the riddles of life – whether those riddles are people or events or opportunities.

God doesn’t expect us to just understand the proverbs. He doesn’t want us to just solve the riddle of living a good life. He wants us to apply these lessons, to be guided by them into a better and happier life – because all the pieces of the puzzle fit together when God’s word guides us.

Prayer — Father God, thank you for this instruction book. Help me to follow its wise advice and heed its warnings. Let me gain wisdom from this study and to steer my life with its practical applications. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can walk the path of wisdom every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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90 Days in Proverbs - Day 2 – THE BIG WHY

Day 2 – THE BIG WHY

Proverbs 1:1-6 [CSB] 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  2 For learning wisdom and discipline; for understanding insightful sayings;  3 for receiving prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity;  4 for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man --  5 let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance --  6 for understanding a proverb or a parable, the words of the wise, and their riddles.

Breaking from the ways of my parents, and of many from their generation, I told my children that they could ask me “why?” when I gave them instructions, rules or punishments, as long as they did it respectfully and listened to my responses. My hope was that a further explanation when they didn’t understand would allow them to grow in wisdom. Frankly, I also hoped it would help prevent them from rebelling against my reasonable edits. (At least, I thought I was reasonable.) I also understood that my explanations to my children would help me to ensure I was being fair and reasonable.

It didn’t always work so well or provide the desired effect. However, I believe it was still worth the effort to for me to give my children better understanding and for them the opportunity to gain better understanding.

God doesn’t always give us the “why” of His answers to our prayers. He doesn’t always tell us why we go through a particular trial. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, He tells us we walk by faith, not by sight. However, He inspired the writers of the book of Proverbs to tell us why the book was written. He lets us know that these wise words are here to change our lives.

Verse 6 indicates that what we learn here, will help us unravel the next scripture or book. It will help us build up our knowledge. Proverbs bids us not only to listen and increase learning, but also to obtain guidance. In other words, that learning isn’t just so we know stuff – it should guide our daily lives so that we live lives of righteousness, justice and integrity.

God also gives us the answer to what I call “the big why?” – Why are we here? Or why did God create us. We find the answer at the very beginning: Genesis 1:26-27 [NKJV] 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His [own] image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Our lives are a journey on the path to being made over into the image of God. Genesis 1 indicates that we look similar to Him physically now. However, His work did not end with the physical image. God continues to work with us through His word and His spirit so that our hearts and minds are crafted more in His image. It is a process we participate in by spending time in the Bible and by praying to Him.

Wherever today’s steps lead you, sweet sisters, I pray God will guide your path. I hope that in our time together in the book of Proverbs will assist you in your journey and transformation.

Prayer — Father of all wisdom and knowledge, I come to you to learn. Teach me through the words of this book to be wise and discerning. Write the wisdom of this book in my heart and mind so that its wisdom becomes a part of me. Fill me with integrity in all my endeavors and guide me on my journey of life as I make my way toward being more in Your image each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org. Have a Blessed Day!

Day 1 – A PROVERB’S PURPOSE

Proverbs 1:2-4 [NIV] 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.

I like start by reading the overview of a book before I buy it. Not the same as a review, which is opinion, an overview is more of a summary. It lets me know what to expect: mystery, history, romance, etc. Is it based on or woven around a historical event? After that, I will read some reviews, to get a feel for how others felt about the book, including the editor of the manuscript and some who have spent invested time in the book. The book of Proverbs comes with just such an overview of its purpose – its purpose is wisdom and understanding, instruction in right behavior.

We should take this seriously. A Christian needs God’s own wisdom and His guidance on right behavior. God does not leave us without the guidelines of how we should think and act, what we should say and do, and what we shouldn’t.

The book of Proverbs is crammed full of nuggets of wisdom. It has many practical instructions for our daily lives. Many books of the Bible are steeped in mystery, but the Proverbs are pretty clear and concise. Even the least wise of us can gain wisdom in its verses.

Taken together, it is as good a start as any for a New Church Lady’s manual for living. We should not be tempted to rely solely on Proverbs chapter 31 for guidance on how to be a Church Lady of great value.

Knowing that the book of Proverbs was written to give us wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; helps us with understanding both the purpose of and usage of its verses over the next 90 days

Prayer — Father, I know I need true wisdom. I need your instruction. I need understanding when it comes to the words in recorded in the Bible and how I should conduct myself in this world. Help me to live a life of prudent behavior, of doing what is good and fair. Help me life a life of knowledge and discretion – a life that glorifies you. Help me to learn from this precious book, how to be a woman of great value – one that glorifies you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Your thoughts —  

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You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org. Have a blessed day!

90 Days in Proverbs - A New Church Lady Devotional by Nancy White

Hi! This is Nancy Ellen White, N.E.W. Church Lady.

I have an exciting announcement. Beginning Monday, May 18, I will post a daily devotional, based on the book of Proverbs live on Facebook, with the text of the devotional here. It’ll be just a few minutes each day that we can spend together in the book of Proverbs. We’ll close with prayer and then I hope you will do a bit of journaling. Whether you choose to start your day with a devotional, end it with a devotional or take a mid-day break in the word of God, I hope you will join me for 90 Days in Proverbs - A New Church Lady Devotional. starting Monday, May 16.

Your comments are welcome both on Facebook and here. And you can always write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org

#90Days #Proverbs #NewChurchLady #Devotional

TEN POUNDS OF ROCK

My husband, Wes, has two frequent sayings that apply to the lesson I want to get across today:

• “Don’t put that rock in my bag.” This applies someone tries to place responsibility on his shoulders and it doesn’t belong there.

• “You are trying to put 10 pounds of rock in a five-pound bag.” This is usually said to me because I try to do too much in a given day and am never satisfied that I have done enough

  As a Christian, are you letting others place burdens on you that they should not?

In the early New Testament, there was great debate over whether or not the Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised. Acts 15:24 [KJV] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment: You can read more about that in Acts 15. 

It was debated among the leaders of the day, who concluded that circumcision was not required. [See Acts 15:28-29] Perhaps the Apostles were appropriately wary of adding their own requirements to God’s because they had seen Jesus take the religious leaders to task for doing just that. 

Here are two examples of Jesus calling the religious leaders of His day for adding burdens to the law and the lives of the people:

Matthew 23:2-4 [NIV] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Luke 11:46 [NIV] Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

Sisters, don’t let others put burdens on you that the Father and Jesus have not called you to bear – not other Christians, not non-Christians, not the religious leaders of our day. 

• As Christian, are you, yourself, taking on burdens that you should not? 

I am one of those people who may get 20 things done on a Sunday, but still feels bad that there were five more things on my list left undone. I’m the same at work. At work, this can create a topnotch, star employee who contributes a lot. However, it does not create a balanced employee and it opens up the very real possibility of burn out.

As repentant believers, sometimes we continue to carry the burdens of past sins, when we should be letting go. Jesus does not load us up with burdens. Matthew11:30 [KJV] For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light. We have to let go of what is behind us, that sin we have already repented of, if we are to move forward, following the example of Paul. Philippians 3:13-14 [KJV] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The burden of sin, once repented of, is gone. We should not burden ourselves by continuing to carry it around. We have other burdens we ARE supposed to be bearing and we cannot do that if the 5-pound bag of life already has 10 pounds of unnecessary burdens in it. 

Sisters, do not carry burdens that Jesus Christ died to take away – that He carried to the cross so that you would no longer have to carry them.

• As Christians, are we bearing the burdens we should bear?

We have a responsibility to help each other bare the burdens of this life. Galatians 6:2 [NKJV] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. That is difficult to do if you have 10 pounds of rock in your own bag or if you are carrying unnecessary burdens others have placed on your life.

Bearing the burdens of others – helping to share their load by providing comfort, prayers, food or whatever else we can – is what we are called to do. The needs of others is all the burden we are to be carrying. 

Sisters, let’s think about what we are carrying and cast off the unnecessary burdens of guilt or responsibility or service that we or others put on our lives. Only when we lay down the burdens that don’t belong on our shoulders can we then be free to help others with the burdens in their lives. 

I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. You can write me at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org.