Gossip seems like fun at the time but stirs up a world of trouble. Sin in the hands of a gossiper separates close friends and entices our neighbors to fight. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:28-29.
A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good. (Proverbs 16:28-29)
As a Christian, I look at life through the eyes of the Bible and prayer waiting on the guidance of the spirit. I also look from experience and the counsel of others always testing my own experience against the Scripture. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:25.
There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 16:25)
When I lived in a rural community, I found a few mentors and friends who loved Christ and was always thinking about Jesus. I learned much from them and found wisdom in their words. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:23-24.
A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise
and it adds persuasiveness to his words.
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:23-24)
I grew up with a lawyer in the family. So, I learned to argue. But I often lost, not because of the content, but because of the way I argued! Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:20-21
The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning,
and kind speech increases persuasiveness. (Proverbs 16:20-21)
A man took off on a short trip to a relative’s home. Three days later he ended up hundreds of miles away. Evidently, he would not stop to ask for help! Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
It’s easy to read this verse to say the highway of the uptight is to turn away from evil. To be upright is not to be uptight! As we avoid evil, we must do it with love. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to turn away from a sinful life;
the one who guards his way safeguards his life. (Proverbs 16:17)
There may be no way to change the past, but faithful loyal love given by God and used for others will help you overcome a troubled past. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:6-7
Through loyal love and faith iniquity is atoned for;
through fearing the Lord one avoids evil.
When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
he even reconciles his enemies to himself. (Proverbs 16:6-7)
You can have a plan for your life, but God is at work in every step you take. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:9
A person plans their way of life,
but the Lord direct their small steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Imagine going to the grocery store and buying a six oz package of raspberries. When you get home, you notice there are only five raspberries in your package. You weigh the pack and find out you only have two ounces of raspberries. Throughout the Bible we are taught to use the same measure on ourselves as we use on others. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:11-12
Honest scales and lawful balances are from the Lord;
all the weight stones in the bag are his handiwork.
Doing crime is an abomination to kings,
Because decisions are established in righteousness. (Proverbs 16:11-12)
I overheard a conversation at the store. He exclaimed, “When is it going to change? “ Not sure what he meant, but it is a good question. Today’s Thought is based on Proverbs 16:4-5
The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
I have refereed many fights. There is something that is almost always true. Both sides think they are right, and the other side is wrong.
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:2-3)
Do you pray before you speak? I used to attend many meetings. Some meetings were contentious. Before I would go into the meeting I would pray for wisdom, and that I would act as Christ would act.
To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. (Proverbs 16:1)
I had an acquaintance who said they had to talk. So, I listened. Complaints about children, spouse and so many other things. The person was frustrated and depressed and in need of a way to solve these issues. I said, “Here is what you need to do!” Guess what happened? Nothing! Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:31.
The person who hears the reproof that leads to life
is at home among the wise. The one who refuses correction is not interested in improving himself.
(Proverbs 15:31)
A person who sees the beauty of God’s creation and looks for the good that God has done is likely to be a happy person. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:30
A bright look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the body. Proverbs 15:30
Years ago, I received a call from someone claiming I had a virus on my computer. I said I had several and asked them which one. He said, “Your computer!” I said, “You should be able to tell me which one.” Today, these calls are commonplace and just waste my time, so I just block the number. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
Living God’s way brings answers that give joy and lead us closer to God. Reliance on God through faith in Jesus results in an upward path, but pride in ourselves can be our downfall. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:23-25
A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer,
and a word at the right time—how good it is!
The path of life is upward for the wise person,
to keep him from going downward to Sheol.
The Lord tears down the house of the proud,
but he maintains the boundaries of the widow. (Proverbs 15:23-25)
Years ago, a young man was attending our college group. He was oblivious to a young woman who appeared to be a perfect match to him. A whole group of us decided to talk to my friend. We told him to ask the young woman for a date. He said she would never say yes. We told him she would say “yes.” He took our advice and has now been married to her for many years. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with abundant advisers they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)
Sin often feels good at the time. A man once came in to ask me what to do. Evidently, he and his friends had drunk too much and dialed a 900 number. They had a great time until his wife opened the thousand dollar phone bill. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:21.
Folly is a joy to one who lacks sense,
but one who has sense follows an upright course. (Proverbs 15:22)
The disciples were so depressed. Jesus kept speaking of his death. Together they had partaken of the Lord’s last supper. Thursday was so depressing. But then, Jesus spoke words of hope. Today’s thought is based on John 14:1-6.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
I lived in two homes that were over 100 years old. They needed constant work. So, I often think about those ancient buildings that have survived thousands of years. The materials were made to last. Today’s thought is based on Matthew 20:17
Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:
“‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ (or capstone)?
Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” (Matthew 20:17,18
As Christian’s we need to guard against complacency. Complacency robs our lives and churches of purpose and love or God. Getting in a rut puts the program before God! Jesus reacted to this complacency when he cleared the temple. Today’s thought is based on Luke 19:45-46.
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer]; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers. (Luke 19:45-46)
What is better than riches? A living relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:16-17.
Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.
Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.
Some Christians seem to glow. Their hearts are happy and their faces show it. Years ago I knew two women who were close to death that still had that glow. Their hearts and minds were at peace, steadfast in faith and hope. Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:13.
A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
April 5, 2022 — The Sacrifice of the Wicked
I once met a man who believed faith was fire insurance. He openly said, “God doesn’t care if I sin a lot. I just sin then say I am sorry, give an offering to God and He forgives me.” Today’s thought is based on Proverbs 15:8-9
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
9 The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue righteousness.