on Proverbs 8

  God continues to guide and lead us. Life as we know it isn't a short jog, or even a medium sized race. Life is a marathon, and if you're like me sometimes you can get very tired from running. But, the good news of the Gospel is that we worship a Savior who will scoop us up in His arms and run for us in those moments. Let's look at Proverbs 8!

Proverbs 8:7. . . "My mouth speaks what is true. My lips detest wickedness."
I will say if you as a follower of Jesus can live this verse out and let it become the central part of your life. They you will be very near to reaching Christian perfection. Lying is one of the most damaging sins not always the most egregious, but it often has a role in many other sinful actions. Learn to find ways and people that will hold you to a higher standard and push you to be honest in school, on your taxes, at your job, in your home, and the list can go on and on.

Secondly, know your Bible. I think our country is mixed up and bankrupt morally, for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because people have lost a lot of Biblical knowledge. Know what God's word says about big things such as politics, money, the poor, and even smaller issues which often seem big such as Starbucks' Christmas cups. Your lips will detest wickedness when this occurs in your life.

Proverbs 8:13. . . "To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

This verse really hits home to me. Because, I struggle with this a lot. I'm not a very humble person, but I know in good's word we're told the first shall be last, the meek shall inherit the earth, and God gives grace to the humble. How does one avoid prideful decisions and pursue humility? Well, unfortunately there aren't classes or a magic formula that allows one to become more humble but here are a few things to consider.
1) Thank people for what they do for you. (Thank your barista, barber, parents, etc. This will take the attention off of you and put it on someone else).
2) Pray each day for God to use you for His glory. (Many of our prayers can be self centered, but this is a prayer God will say yes to).
3) Volunteer or do something without being asked. Many folks say well, "I'd love to help but nobody asked me." That often times is true, but. . . what a huge difference you could make if you volunteered!!! Ask your parents what you can do around the house. Ask your pastor where you can volunteer in church. Ask your coach or boss if you can pick up any slack. I'm sure there are plenty of things that need done, and they'll be happy to help after they get up from having fainted because this has never happened before.

Live intentionally for the Kingdom. Don't just coast or assume things and opportunities will come to you. Pursue them joyfully and be amazed as your heart overflows with joy.

on Proverbs 7

God's word is still relevant. One of my goals in this entire journey with you is to allow you to see how vital and active God's word is for today. Proverbs 7 is written with some amazing metaphorical images as well as with some great advice to people of all ages to live by and for their lives to be filled with great meaning and hope. Let's dive in!

1) Proverbs 7:7. . . I saw among the simple. . . a youth who had no sense. This series of verses uses the "adulterous woman" as the antagonist/villain in this chapter. One thing needs to be clear in all of this, the adulterous woman refers to more than just an adulterer, this woman can refer to someone who causes you to look at inappropriate things, go to sinful places, and do sinful activities that don't have to be sexual in nature.

The good news is the adulterous woman doesn't have to have the final word. They won't always win, but they are dangerous, very dangerous. So, know where and what tempts you. Know where you're vulnerable. Protect your Achilles' heel and seek out people in your life that will understand what you're going through. Finally, pray, pray, pray, pray, and when you're finished pray some more. Know that prayer does work, changes you, and changes the heart of God.

2) Proverbs 7:25. . . Do not let your hearts stray into her path. The heart is the key. It is the lifeblood of our lives and it also is the spiritual thermometer of our souls. Wickedness and evil deeds are always an indicator of a corrupt and evil heart. Guard your heart. Fill your heart with goodness. Speak truth at all times. Above all seek the face of Jesus with all your heart and see the face of Jesus in everyone you come across. I'll be the first to tell you life is hard, complicated, and messy but works of wisdom such as Proverbs help us navigate some seriously murky waters.