Proverbs 13

Prov 13 v 20:  He who walks with wise men will be wise.  But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

I read someone's blog recently that encouraged us as Christians to see past our circle of Christian friends and spend time with the unsaved because we might be the only 'bible' they read.  I completely agree with this.

However, I have seen how sometimes my Christian friends seem to spend time with worldly people and slowly but surely compromise their walk with the Lord to please these friends.  I'm not saying this happens all the time.  But it does happen.

I think we should be ourselves with worldly friends but stand firm in our faith when these moments arise, as they do, where we have a choice to make!  Watching DVD's at your worldly friends?  Did you let them know beforehand what you won't watch?  What if its some seriously compromising movie full of blasphemy and more?  Do have a plan of action should this issue arise?  One that won't offend?

Sure you want to be there?

What if your worldly friends invite you to a place that you normally would not be seen dead in?  Are you going to go or politely decline?  You know, although they may not say it, those friends lose respect for you if you compromise your faith and values, and then your witness becomes weak.  (They may nag you for being a goody two-shoes, but when they are in need of someone to trust or rely on, you are the person they will come to, not their other worldly friends whose mission in life is just to have fun.)

The point I'm making is we need to be strong, firm in the Lord and resist worldly temptation if offered through our worldly friends.  But more importantly, we should be influencing them to Christ.  Let them see you can have fun and enjoy one another's company without age-restricted pleasures.

Its a tough subject and I think each person needs to judge for themselves if they are strong enough to be in the world but not of the world when socializing.  There is that saying from St Francis of Assisi, "At all times preach the gospel - and if necessary - use words!"

In other words, let your life, what you do, how you behave, the language you use, let THAT lead others to Christ.  Back to the scripture above:  The converse is also true - spending time with godly, wise people, whom you respect and esteem, will influence you positively in your life and walk and you will be all the more blessed for it.  That is what our worldly friends should feel after being with us - not less respect because we compromised - but curious as to why we are different and firm in our faith.

Hope that all made sense.

God bless
Tracy

Be Content in all things!

Phil 4 v 11:  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have LEARNT in whatever state I am, to be content.


1 Tim 6 v 6:  Now godliness with contentment is great gain.


Heb 13 v 5:  Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be CONTENT with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

I have been really struggling lately with being content.  Its not that I am discontent with what I have.  Its more an inner discontentment brought on by not being in control of my circumstances.  I'm a person who likes routine.  I don't like change much either.  But my family is chaotic.  They thrive on chaos.  They cannot even spell the word ROUTINE!  (I think God deliberately puts people together that are opposites to smooth off rough edges).

So, I live in chaos and daily wake up thinking, "today, I'm going to do X,Y, and Z and then I need to get A,B and C done, then fetch my one teen and come home and maybe get something I 'want' to do done!"  I'm an optimist that way!

Yeah right!  Like that is going to happen.  I suppose my discontentment comes from resentment, but self-imposed resentment.!

I know how to get over this!

My husband once asked his mother what she though her gift was and she answered, "Contentment!"  Not what he was expecting I'm sure, but think about it....it is a gift, a blessing to be content no matter what!

You always hear how people shouldn't settle for the status quo.  "Don't be average."  "Reach for the stars."  Etc. But you know - for me - average is cool.  Now I don't mean 'strive to be average at what you do and who you are'.  I mean 'I'm where I'm at and I'm happy there!'  I don't need to be the best cook/admin person for my husband/dresser/veggie grower.  I need to be MY best but I don't need to strive to be SOMEONE ELSE'S best.  Should God promote me, I must be happy in that space too.

Back to my point - I know how to get over my discontentment!

PRAISE JESUS!

• Praise the One who IS in control
• Be grateful/thankful for all I have within my chaotic space
• Remember that my strength to cope comes from the Lord

Listen to this scripture:
Phil 4 v 13:  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Okay, now read it in the Amplified version:

Phil 4 v 13:  I have strength for ALL things in Christ who EMPOWERS me [I am READY for ANYTHING and EQUAL to ANYTHING through HIM who infuses inner strength into me.  I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency!]

Awesome!

Now, the last point, in Heb 4 v 11 Paul says he has LEARNT to be content in all things.

Did you see it?  LEARNT!  It did not come naturally to him.  I have to learn to be content within chaos!  When things are not going my way - be content!
Going through a desert - be content!
Going through a harvest - be content!
Going through any kind of trial - be content!


How?
Praise Him - Thank Him - Remember from whom your strength comes! - Rejoice in Him

Phil 4 v 4:  Rejoice in the Lord always (delight, gladden yourselves in Him) again I say, Rejoice!

God bless
From a slightly more contented Tracy

KNOW the WORD!

There has been a lot said lately about preachers misleading Christians with false doctrine.  These preachers are more dangerous than the obvious nutcases out there who are really way out!  Why?  Because we sit in their churches not even considering that they would say something contrary to the bible!

That  is why it is imperative to KNOW THE WORD!

If we know the word of God...
  If something is preached that is not correct, not in the bible, we can know that it is not the truth.

If we know the word of God...
  We will not be mislead into believing an untruth or accepting an untruth, or even worse, repeating that untruth and influencing another child of God into falseness.

If we know the word of God...
  We will not be led into fear because of 'predictions' made by 'spiritual people' who claim to know the 'truth'.

For example, the claim that was made that the world was going to end on a certain date at a certain time (eg, this past weekend).  We, Christians, know that the word says in Matt 24 v 36:  But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

The word also says in Deut 4 v 2(a):  You shall not add to the word which I command you, not take anything from it.

The word also says in 1 John 4 v 1:  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.


1 Peter 5 v 8 says:  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

At bible school during exams, some of the questions were multiple choice and many of the answers seemed MOSTLY right.  But the lecturer advised us that if the statements were not 'completely' correct, then they were not the answer!  It must be the complete truth!
The same goes for what is being preached to you or told to you by whoever you may be listening to.

If it is not the whole truth as proclaimed in God's word - then it is not the truth!

The world, TV, media is conditioning us to accept many things we should not be accepting thus making it easier to be mislead.

My encouragement to you is to study the word of God, absorb it, so you won't be mislead.  If ever you are in doubt about something someone says, measure it against His Word, the bible.  The Word of God is your protection.

His Word - our protection!

His Word should be your only truth source!

God bless
Tracy

Proverbs 12

The verse that stands out for me in Prov 12 is verse 25:


v25:  Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good/encouraging word makes the heart glad.



Being a relatively new blogger I find it amazing how happy I am when people leave comments.  I suppose, because of the nature of the blog and those I seek out (specifically Christian women's blogs), the nature and content of the comments are positive.





The lesson in this for me is that a gentle word, a positive word, can have a huge impact especially on people who are depressed or going through some personal crisis.  If positive words have such an impact on somebody, imagine the impact of negative words!

I'm sure everyone of us can remember someone's negative words to us.  Maybe it handicapped us briefly or permanently.  We need to learn from that and turn to others with positive/encouraging words.

The bible says much about words.  In this chapter alone:
v6 says:  The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly SAVE LIVES.


v13:  The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.


v14(a):  People can get many good things by the words they say.


v18:  Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise BRING HEALING.


v25:  Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes the heart glad.

There are many many other scriptures in Proverbs alone that refer to words and their use for good or evil.

So, as my mother used to say 'If you have nothing good to say about someone, don't say anything!'

I know the use of my words are something I have to work on constantly.  My encouragement to you is to look for opportunities to speak positively to someone.  You may just make their day.  And the added benefit to you is inner peace and joy.


Use your words to God's glory.

God bless
Tracy
(Ps:  I hope my Mom's sage words don't put you off commenting!)

Praise

In the last few days God has made me aware of praise and the impact it has on peoples' lives.  I know for myself that there have been times when I have felt God wanted me to praise Him despite my circumstances.

On the one hand, its not so easy because I don't 'feel' like praising and it 'feels' false and my feelings dictate.  On the other hand, its very easy.  If you make your mind up to 'just do it' and 'not over think it' and most importantly, not be influenced by negative feelings, you can 'praise God' despite your circumstances.

In an earlier post I spoke of how, instead of a bunch of new year's resolutions (which I never achieve anyway), I chose to resolve to - Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, and all the rest shall be added - Matt 6 v 33.  It makes no 'worldly' sense to operate in this manner.

The same 'no sense' principal applies to praising God despite your circumstances and trusting Him to work out the problems and hurts for you.  These are Godly principals and God never lies.  So, if He says 'praise Me and let me worry about what needs to be done', then that is what we should do.  Like little children listening to their parents and trusting them no matter how things look.

Ps 34 v 1:  I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Well, that says praise no matter what the circumstances (at all times).

Ps 146 v 2:  While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Praise Him your whole life!

Heb 13 v 15:  Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruits of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Why does the writer say 'sacrifice' of praise?  I believe its because sometimes to praise is not easy as we are hurting or angry or hassled and our feelings can prevent us from praising.  So praising God is a sacrifice for us.  A sacrifice that God loves.  Also, God would rather have us make a 'sacrifice' of praise or thanksgiving than something materialistic that we think is precious.  David said that God would rather have a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving than the normal offerings made at that time!

My encouragement to you is to praise God no matter what your circumstances are.  Do it in faith and watch how God works in your life in ways you could never have imagined.

God bless
Tracy

Proverbs 11

As I read through this chapter, each verse has so much value.  When I read V9, I kind of moved on but it niggled.  So I started thinking about it.




V9:  With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbour, but through knowledge and superior discernment shall the righteous be delivered.



At first I thought, "What chance does the neighbour stand if someone chooses to set about destroying him by talking rubbish about him?"  The rest of that verse tells me that the righteous does stand a chance.  Not only does he stand a chance against his godless neighbour (anyone in your sphere of life), but God says through knowledge and discernment (His), He will deliver the righteous man.  This is a great reason for seeking godly wisdom and knowledge - your protection against the devil's tricks!



Another verse that stands out for me is V25:  The generous person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.

A lot of us are SAHM who don't really earn and income.  So for me, this verse says to be generous with what I DO have to offer.  It could be time - I can sacrifice some of my time, or worded differently, I can sow some of my time.  I can sow my talents to help others, eg. can you cook, sew, paint a wall, baby sit, whatever?!

The more you 'water' the more you will be 'watered'.  I would like to point out that what you reap does not necessarily happen immediately, but sow, knowing that God does not lie and His word is true.  Therefore, you will reap in due season.




Another point to remember:  Sow, not to receive a reward.  Sow, because God loves you and you love God and you want to demonstrate that love to others

God bless
Tracy

Calm, in the face of circumstance!

This is an excerpt from "God calling" by the Two Listeners.  An awesome book by the way.  Very powerful:

 All agitation is destructive of good.  All calm is constructive of good, and at the same time destructive of evil.

When man wants evil destroyed so often he rushes to action.  It is wrong.  First be still and know that I am God.  Then act only as I tell you.  Always calm with God.  Calm is trust in action.  Only trust, perfect trust can keep one calm.

Isn't this profound?  This is exactly opposite to my normal response.  Friday blogger was down, my last posting and comments gone.  My number plate on my car disappeared, nearby places would not make a new one because its a personalized plate.  Everyone needed me to do this or that, my char is 6 months pregnant and is not telling me, etc etc.

So my first response was to get all antsy and cheesed off that no one could be bothered to help me, and why was my number plate off anyway?  Its supposedly pop-riveted on so how did it come off?  Did someone steal it?  I was annoyed at the car dealership, the government, the potentially annoying traffic officials, my char for putting me in an awkward position, etc.  And if it wasn't for the fact that everyone's blogs were affected, I'd probably have taken that personally too.

While all the time, calm should have reigned!  I should have, with each additional hassle, turned to Jesus and said' "Its okay, You're in control.  So long as I am focusing on You all this will work out."

Well, its a few days later now!  I have a new number plate on, everyone is helping themselves.  I've had a discussion with my char and we've worked out a plan (she's due in September).  Blogger is up and running.  Everything is working itself out.

But if I can't get "calm" right with the little things, how are the big things going to affect me?

I think this statement is 1/2 true.  I think we sometimes freak out at the little things because they're, well, little! But when it comes to the big things we either freak out (the 1/2 true bit), or ... focus on God and try to do things His way through the trial.  Sometimes you only find out how strong you are in Christ at those times or maybe how shallow your faith may have been to that point.  That's when God prunes us, gets us to dig down deep, or ... God forbid, we decide to go our own way.

I think part of the point of trials and tribulations is to grow us so when the next one comes along we handle it better, etc.  The problem for us 'people' is that its not necessarily the same problem.  But at the end of the day its our attitude through the different trials that should remain the same.  It our attitude that is being trained to calmness in Christ!

I Like what it says in excerpt above:  Calm is trust in action

Isaiah 30 v 15:  For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:  In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength.

God bless
Tracy

PS:  If you blow it, or blow up - don't worry - you're just like the rest of us - But don't give up!

Proverbs 10

In my quest to blog my way through Proverbs, I am now 1/3 of the way and finding it difficult because I want to just insert the whole chapter as so much of each chapter is so relevant.  Its like someone told me recently, nothing in the bible is there by mistake.  It all serves a purpose.

Having said that, the verses that stand out for me today are the following:

V8:  The wise man in his heart will receive commands - but a prating fool will fall.
- We need to have a teachable spirit.

V9:  He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.
- God will bring evil into the light!

V19:  In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
-  The less said the better (especially when angry!)

 V29: The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.
- Again, a reminder that evil will be brought to the light.

In my bible there is a heading for this chapter and the next few that says "Proverbs contrasting the Godly and the Wicked."  And that is exactly what it is.  Each verse says the godly man does this and the fool does that, and what the result is for each action.  It is most definitely for me a 'manual' if you will, of do's and don'ts.  But I don't believe its there to ruin our lives and spoil our fun.  Its there to protect us and give us a better chance at a good, upright life.

It makes sense - its practical - its a parent's love for His children

God bless
Tracy

Perseverance!

Consider the postage stamp.  

It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

-Josh Billings

What does the word say about perseverance?

Rom 5 v 3-4:  and not only that, but we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.

If what we go through produces perseverance, character and then, hope, that tells me that all tribulation serves a purpose.  To refine us and bring out the best in us and get rid of the worst.

Ever heard the saying, "Women are like teabags, you don't know how strong they are until they land in hot water!"

Eph 6 v 18:  Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

I think God is saying here to persevere in prayer.  Never give up!  Waiting for a break-through?  Waiting for an answer?  God's word says 'never give up praying - be persistent!'  Not only for yourself though, for others too!  I think God says to pray for others persistently too so that we don't get too inward and focus on ourselves  and our problems only.

Heb 10 v 36:  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

What is this promise?
Col 3 v 24(a):  Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. 

Heb 12 v 1:  Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

I reckon persistence/endurance/perseverance is the result of pushing through those trials and tribulations, to the finish line, eternity with Christ!

Be like the postage stamp - stick to it, the race - and get to your ultimate destination.

God bless
Tracy

Proverbs 9

Prov 9 v 8:  Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

There are 2 scenarios here:

1. Rebuking someone
2. Being rebuked by someone

What I take from scenario 1 is that you have to think about who you are wanting to have 'a word' with.  Is it someone who just sees critism or someone who thinks they're right all the time?  Don't bother!  You are wasting your breath!  If you really feel that you have to say or do something, then first seek God in prayer, or better still, just pray for them.

If the person you feel you need to speak to is a wise person, a person who has a teachable spirit, then after praying, speak your mind.  Do it in love and with grace.

Then scenario 2:   Which person am I when receiving a rebuke?  Teachable and striving to be wise?  Willing to listen and consider someone's words?  Or am I the know-it-all who doesn't need any advice/critism, thank you very much!

I think my reaction depends on who is rebuking me.  That is not right!  My reaction should be the same no matter who is have 'a word' with me.  I should be wise and mature enough in the Lord to filter out the rubbish (somebody just criticizing me) from the truth (someone genuinely concerned about me in whatever way).  I'm not there yet but plodding along tentatively.

What do you think? 

I'll take your words to heart maturely I promise! (gulp)

God bless

Tracy 

Re-posting of Friday's Post - Are you reaping or sowing?

Hi.  As blogger deleted my last post almost as soon as it was on, I have reposted it for today and will post again tomorrow.  Hope everyone has a blessed Monday.

God bless
Tracy

Are you reaping... or are you sowing?

Almost 4 years ago now we had a major family fall out.  It is still that way and there is much hurt.  This one family member lied so much about us and so convincingly that it tore the wider family apart!  Through it all we have tried and continue to try do things God's way.  We have most definitely failed along the way but slowly but surely, the truth is seeing the light of day.  Our goal was that things would unfold God's way and in His time (however difficult that has been) and that we wouldn't seek 'revenge'.  We would wait on God.

During this whole saga I asked myself, "Are we reaping?  What did we do to deserve this?"  It was during this time of thinking we had somehow brought this on ourselves that I read a comment by Joyce Meyer.  She said when something goes wrong, ask yourself the question, "Am I reaping, or are they sowing?"

WOW!!!  That released me there and then from unfounded condemnation!  I had NEVER done, nor would I EVER do, to my worst enemy what they had done to us, never mind to my own family!  So, they are sowing!  One of the many scriptures I have clung to through this is:
Rom 8 v 28:  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

I know that I must check my heart and check my motives and sort our any wrong in this situation caused by me! But I rest in the knowledge that this is not us reaping.   God judges us by the intent or our hearts and mistakes and all, our intentions for this family member were good and WE WILL REAP THAT in God's timing.  But his intentions for all he has done and is still doing is to destroy us.  He will reap that.

Having said that, God is merciful and maybe this whole thing is about this person's ultimate salvation.  After nearly 4 years, hard as it has been, we do pray for his salvation.  I can only see it happening in a Damascus Rd sort of way but that is for God to decide or to bring about in His time.  I said to my husband today that if this person were to come to salvation, I would be happy because God does not want anyone to be lost.

My encouragement for you today is if you are going through something uncomfortable or painful, at the hands of someone else, ask yourself, "Am I reaping, or are they sowing?"

God bless
Tracy

Proverbs 8

Prov 8 is a little hard to 'summerise' but the gist of it is in v32 and v35:

V32:  Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
V35:  For whoever finds me(wisdom) finds life, and obtains favour from the Lord.

God says seek wisdom - it is there to be found and when you find it, you find life and favour from the Lord.

Daily walk through life!

I think daily, as we walk, those things that come up as they do, that require decision making, are where we need to start seeking and practicing wisdom.  Start small and practice wisdom in the everyday nitti-gritties.  For example, if I leave for school 10 minutes earlier, I'm likely to avoid some traffic, thus get to school in a pleasant enough mood to send junior off to school with a genuine smile and knowing I have the extra time I won't stress so much and maybe be the one to offer a gap graciously and make someone else's day a little easier!

Another example of implementing wisdom is using your time cleaning up or driving to sing praises.  It guards your heart, focuses your thought on the One who cares, and as you do what you do for Him, your inner peace will grow.


My life always seems to lack routine and as I am a routine kind of person, this unsettles me.  So what can I do to infuse the situation with wisdom?  God's word says in Prov 3v6:  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

So in acknowledging God, giving Him thanks, acknowledging who I am in Him, reading His word, He will give me ideas to implement.  He will show me ways that will help me balance my family chaos with my need for routine.

Thus, He will guide me.

This is one of the reason I love Proverbs so much.  It points to God all the time and gives you lots of practical advice.  Really simple, easy to follow, easy to understand advice.

So, practice wisdom constantly throughout your day in all the little things.  They are, after all, what most of our lives are made up of, the little things!

God bless
Tracy

Do we have rights?

Today everyone speaks of their 'rights'.  "Its my right to do this or say that or receive this or demand that."  Someone once said to me that when we give our lives to Jesus, we give up our 'rights'.  So, if we have the attitude that we don't have 'rights', we won't think more highly of ourselves than we sometimes do.  The whole world today is geared more and more to 'the rights of the individual'.  Its not a biblical world view at all.

So what does the bible say?

Gal 6 v 3:  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.


Rom 12 v 3(a):  As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning:  Be honest in your estimate of yourselves.


Prov 15 v 33:  Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honour.
At this point I'd like to suggest that the opposite is also true - if we honour ourselves we will be humbled!

Just brag about how good you are at something and see what happens!

James 4 v 10:  When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honour.

Humility is an expression of our dependence on God, for His guidance; and an acknowledgement of Him as our creator and Saviour.  To be independent (self-reliant) shows we think more highly of ourselves than we should and this will ultimately lead to some form of humbling.  Demanding our 'rights' tells others we think our circumstances or our time, or whatever, is more important than theirs.  And honestly, we don't like it in others, but still do the same things ourselves.  I tend to express my 'rights' in the traffic a lot.  Sometimes when I eventually get to the front of a queue I express my 'rights' to get better service etc, but in reality I'm coming across as insensitive and self important.  I don't like it when I see someone else behaving like that!

I leave you with this verse,
1 Sam 66 v 2:  I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My word.

I may have gotten the attention I demanded in the queue but I received no blessing for it!  Thats for sure!  I am realizing more and more, I'd rather have God's blessing any day over my 'rights'.

My encouragement to you is to consider yourself as not having 'rights' in this world and you will find that you won't be in a place where you might be humiliated, rather you are more likely to be blessed and raised up as God blesses you in your humility.

God bless
Tracy

God's Word

What is it?
It is God's inspired word for us, written by people chosen by God to correctly record what it is God wants us to know.  His word gives us life.  God is His word!





What are we to do with it?
Read it - Absorb it - Desire it

Someone said to me the other day that nothing is in the bible 'by mistake'.  Everything in it has a purpose and as and when God wants to, He will reveal it to us.  But He cannot reveal 'His word' to us if we are not reading it!

Ps 42 v 1:  As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.

Col 3 v 16:  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

What does the bible say about God's word?

• Matt 24v35:  Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will by no means pass away.
• Ps 119v105:  Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
• Ps 119v50(b):  ...for Your word has given me life.
• Prov 30v5(a):  Every word of God is pure (tested, refined)...
• John 1v1:  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
• Phil 2v16(a):  Holding fast the word of life...
• Heb 4v12:  For 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.  [WOW]
• 1 John 5v7:  For there are three that bear witness on earth: The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
• Rev 19v13:  He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

There are tons more scriptures but these should give you a feeling of how important God's word is. 

God's word is God.  It is good.  It is life to those who read it.  It brings healing, joy, peace, edification, teaching, admonishing, guidance, etc.  There is so much more.  The more you read it, the more you want to read it and the more you realise how much you need God!

I don't believe God's word is a book of 'recipes for solutions'.  For example:  mix problem in bowl, add words of wisdom, lamp for light, bake at 180 degrees for 1 hour and hey presto, 1 x solution to your problem.  Sometimes you read His word and your confusion or hurt or problem remain.  But in pushing through and continuing to seek God in His word, He starts to bring about changes.  Changes in your circumstance, or your thoughts, or attitudes, or someone else's attitude.  Things just do start to change.  WHEN?  In God's time and HE IS NEVER LATE!  We just have to trust Him on that!


We all go through seasons, some good, some bad.  But my encouragement to you today is, no matter what your circumstance is, good or bad, do not forsake God's word.  It is meant for you, written for you, because God loves you!

God bless
Tracy


Something Similar...

Proverbs 7

I have decided to do this study through Proverbs differently.  As I go through each chapter, I will blog about what has gripped me instead of basically summerising the whole chapter.  So, here goes...

Prov 7 v 1-4:  Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.  Obey them and live!  Guard my teaching as your most precious possession.  Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.  Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.  

Why?

The rest of Prov 7 goes on to describe how a loose woman traps a stupid man devoid of understanding and how it leads to his destruction.

Well then...

If you hold onto wisdom with all your might, wisdom will keep you away from the path of destruction.  What I feel we as women should also take from this is don't ever be mistaken for the other person in this senario.  What are you saying to other men?  How are you saying it?  What are you wearing?  In this day and age we need to make sure nothing can be misconstrued by anyone.  Today, people take 1 + 1 and get 458!

Prov 2 v 11(a) says:  Discretion will preserve you.

Let us not be like birds, flying into a snare little knowing it'll cost him his life (Prov 7v23).

My encouragement to you... seek wisdom!  Its for your own good and God gives it freely to all who ask and mean it.  James 1 v 5-6:  If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking.  But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

What do you think?

God bless
Tracy

Emotions vs Actions

Jer 17 v7-8:  But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.

Wouldn't it be amazing to be this way?  To not worry when 'drought' comes.  To continue to bear good fruit.  To be all God created us to be despite currently being in adverse circumstances?  I think there are people like that out there...somewhere!  Right?  Yes, I'm sure there are.  I think that alot of us handle some things better than we used to, even if our circumstances are difficult.  I think that we beat ourselves up alot and when we are actually in the midst of a crisis and handling it well outwardly, inwardly our emotions/feelings are telling us, 'you're useless - you're a failure - you can't handle it - you're no good to anyone in need now - etc.'

But maybe, just maybe, you made a decision, an act of your will, to behave in a certain manner, and even though your emotions were telling you you're failing, you actually did ok!  You were able to witness to someone, or testify as to God's goodness in your life.  You did'nt drive that road hog off the road even thought you were sorely tempted!

What I am trying to say is sometimes what you feel, is'nt what is.  I'm making myself very clear are'nt I?(a little sarcasm here).

Ok, here's an example.  I had words (loud ones) with a family member.  It did not turn out well.  I did apologise but it changed things.  So fast forward a couple of years.  Different family member.  I went to give them a phone number and he jumped down my throat, yelling at me about something minor which he had turned into a mountain.  My blood boiled right to the top of my head (the previous situation in 3D in my head!).  I was not thinking nice thoughts!  But, I moved forward, put the piece of paper with the phone number on under his teacup.  Said, 'here's that number you were looking for', turned around and walked off.  I WAS SO PROUD OF MYSELF.  I was angry, my emotions were all over the place, but I did not do what I would ordinarily do.  My fruit, in this instance, was intact.  My witness not tarnished.

I believe I have a longggggg way to go, but there is progress.  I no doubt will fail along the way but as I strive to put my roots deeper into the living water (Jesus), I will grow from glory to glory!

My encouragement to you is twofold:

• Your behaviour does'nt have to match your emotions.
• To grow and change, keep yourself rooted in the word and you will produce good fruit even when there is a 'drought' in your life.

God bless
Tracy