Blueberry

Old Glory Berry Pie

11:41 AM


Old Glory Berry Pie

Pie dough, enough for 2 crusts
4­ 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1­ 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup corn starch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, divided
1 large egg, beaten
Sanding sugar

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out the dough for one of the pie crusts and line the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the corn starch until well-mixed. Take ¼ cup of the sugar mixture and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract, and add to a small bowl with the blueberries. Toss to coat. Add the remaining sugar mixture and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract to a medium bowl with the strawberries. Toss to coat. Fold a piece of aluminum foil in half several times to create a 2-­inch-wide strip. Fold the ends in so that the strip fits inside the pie dish, and place into the dish, dividing the crust into ⅓ and ⅔ sections. Press gently into the dough. With your hand on one side of the foil, gently pour the blueberries into the ⅓ section. Pour the strawberries into the remaining ⅔ section. Gently level out the fruit and carefully remove the foil. On a lightly-floured surface, roll out the remaining pie crust into an 11-­inch circle. Cut 5 ¾-inch wavy strips of dough to make the stripes of the flag. Place the strips over the strawberry portion of the pie, leaving space in between each and trimming as needed. Fold the bottom crust over the edge of the strips and crimp the edges with a fork. Using a 2-inch star cookie cutter, cut 7 to 8 stars from the remaining dough. Arrange the stars over the blueberry portion of the pie. Brush the pie with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with sugar. Cover the edge of the crust with a crust shield or a 2-­inch strip of aluminum foil.Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil/crust shield. Reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue to bake for 60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cool the pie for 1 hour before serving.

Hiding God's Word in our Hearts

Scripture Saturday~A Child is born to us...

12:00 AM

Saturday, June 30, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verses are Isaiah 9:6...

 For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NLT)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Bible

Delight in His Love - Song of Songs 1-4

9:00 PM



While doing a bit of research I learned that Solomon composed some 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), and this was the greatest among them: “Song of Songs”. 

Many different interpretive approaches have been used in understanding this great song. It seems that Bible translators cannot even agree on a name for the book. Some call it “Song of Solomon,” some “Song of Songs,” some even use the Latin word for songs, calling it “Canticles.” (Enduringword.com)

-The early Jewish rabbis taught that Song of Songs pictures God’s love for Israel. 
- M. Henry wrote: “This book is a Divine allegory, which represents the love between Christ and his church of true believers, under figures taken from the relation and affection that subsist between a bridegroom and his espoused bride; an emblem often employed in Scripture, as describing the nearest, firmest, and most sure relation”   “There is no character in the church of Christ, and no situation in which the believer is placed, but what may be traced in this book, as humble inquirers will find, on comparing it with other Scriptures, by the assistance of God the Holy Spirit, in answer to their supplications. Much, however, of the language has been misunderstood by expositors and translators.”
I remember when I surrendered my life to Jesus I did not even want to date. I was SO IN LOVE with God that nothing else mattered! He was my EVERYTHING, from the first day of His calling: 
“Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
    and come away,” (2:10, 13)

I felt deep inside of me: “My beloved is mine, and I am his;” (2:16)


Three months before this day, I had been on a date with a young man (whom now is my husband), and although he seemed very interested I really wasn’t. Later on when I surrendered my life to Jesus, this man showed up again and he insisted that he cared for me and wanted to get to know me better, for he intended something serious (formal).  I had to tell him that I was not going to date him anymore for I was IN LOVE! Yes, I was deeply in love with Jesus!! I was on my last year in the University and working part time, and my free time was His! But this man wanted to know more about this “new love of mine”, so I witnessed to him. He continued calling and we began to see each other to chat about Jesus and study God’s Word; then we ended up going to Church and as months went by we were engaged! It was God’s love growing in us and among us!! We married and we offered our lives and of our future children to Him. In our 34+ years of marriage there have been great challenges, but let me tell you His Love and Faithfulness have been greater!
“Catch the foxes for us,
The little foxes that spoil and ruin the vineyards [of love],
While our vineyards are in blossom.” (2:15)

Yes, we will face trials in our Christian walk, but He promised to be with us!  “If you have any sign of spiritual life, if you have any tender grapes upon your branches, the devil and his foxes will be sure to be at you; therefore, endeavor to get as close as ever you can to two persons who are mentioned hard by my text, namely, the King and his spouse. First, keep close to Christ for this is your life; and next, keep close to his Church, for this is your comfort.” (Spurgeon)
It has been through God’s Amazing Grace, Love and Faithfulness that our Family is walking with Him and we pray our children’s children will, too! As Christians we are now part of His Church: His Bride ( Matthew 9:15; 25:1; see also Revelation 21:2,9; Ephesians 5:27).
So let me encourage you to take a step of faith to His calling, to pour your love out to Him and place your life and the lives of your family on the Altar and delight in Him!!
“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good;
How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.9 O [reverently] fear the Lord, you His saints (believers, holy ones);
For to those who fear Him there is no want.” (Psalm 34:8-9)

 “But to hear Christ turn round upon his Church, and seem to say to her ‘Thou hast praised me, I will praise thee; thou thinkest much of me, I think quite as much of thee; thou usest great expressions to me, I will use just the same to thee. Thou sayest my love is better than wine, so is thine to me; thou tellest me all my garments smell of myrrh, so do thine; thou sayest my word is sweeter than honey to thy lips, so is thine to mine. All that thou canst say of me, I say it teach to thee; I see myself in thy eyes, I can see my own beauty in thee; and whatever belongs to me, belongs to thee. Therefore, O my love, I will sing back the song: thou hast sung it to thy beloved, and I will sing it to my beloved.'” (Spurgeon)
Yes, let us delight in our God, for He is Worthy!!

Mari

Becky Austin

Life Is Not Fair.(Ecclesiastes 9-12)

4:50 AM


You learn at an early age that life is not fair.  Solomon, in his wisdom, gave a lot of thought to what he observed in life.  It troubled him that it didn’t seem to matter if you pursued selfish, sinful actions or if you tried to pursue righteous, loving actions.  
Dedication to God did not earn anyone exemption from the ups and downs of life.  
“It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice... (v2)

We may not know what is coming at us, but as Christians, we know that God does. 
“But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God... (v1)

The enemy will try to derail your trust in God and get you to focus on how your circumstances differ from others. From these comparisons can arise many enslaving sins such as pride, bitterness, envy, disillusionment, anger, etc.  when we focus on what we think we are missing out on, we struggle to focus on the purposes and blessings of God.  Even in the midst of our trials and sorrows, God continues to love us and promises to help us. The key is to not focus on the unfairness of our circumstances but to look to God to guide us through those circumstances, using those circumstances to make us more Christlike as well as honoring and glorifying Him. 

Solomon realized that life was unfair and the pursuits of man often meaningless.  But, God had given Solomon great wisdom and Solomon also discerned that there was an ultimate purpose to this life. 

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (v13 )

Life may not be fair,  but God is fair and righteous. Regardless of our circumstances, our duty as Christians is to trust and obey.  Evil will not always prevail. Eventually, all that happens in this life will be judged and evil will be eradicated. In the meantime, we are the representatives of Christ on this earth. Others can see Christ when they see us choose to honor him and remain focused on our riches “ in Him” no matter what life circumstances we find ourselves in. 

Thankful Thursdays

7:54 PM

God's Word says to give thanks in all things for this is God's will for you-I Thess. 5:18

The other day was a tough one, I was very discouraged but when I started thanking Him for who He is and what He has done in my life, my heart attitude changed.  I found by being thankful and praising Him I had so much to be thankful for.  So I ask you today, what are you thankful for?

defeat

Never, Ever, Ever Accept Defeat {Ecclesiastes 6-8}

8:30 PM


Let’s face it, the Book of Ecclesiastes is a strange book, or better put, just not your typical book found in the Bible. There truly doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to his writing at first glance, but when you look a bit deeper, you’ll begin to see two themes, or perspectives that jump out. The first being - life apart from God, and the second, of a life lived before Him. 
I tend to think Solomon’s purpose in writing Ecclesiastes was to force his readers to take a sober look at their own mortality, and thus decide how they’re to live in light of this brief existence and eternity.

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that [day of death] is the end of every man, and the living will take it to heart and solemnly ponder its meaning. Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad (deep in thought) the heart may be happy [because it is growing in wisdom].” – Eccl 7:2-3 AMP

Solomon seems to me like a cynical old man as he writes, and one reading just these verses alone might think he didn’t believe in life after death, but if we move along just a bit further into the next chapter we’ll see that’s not so at all.

 Solomon also saw the “wicked” succeeding during his lifetime, and understood our flesh can be tempted at times to believe that life would be better apart from God, which is why in Ecclesiastes 8:12, Solomon warns us saying, “Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.” We can see here, he is speaking about the eternal judgment.

He knew we have so much more to live for than the here and now. It was his mission to assure us that our lives on Earth are just a tiny blip on eternity’s timeline. When we look at our lives through that perspective, we realize that doing whatever it takes to get ahead in this life is just as Solomon described—meaningless.

It’s our relationship with Jesus that is far more valuable than any temporary treasure. 

Those of us who follow Jesus may not always be given immediate reward for following Him, nor will people receive immediate judgment for walking away from Him. BUT in spite of whatever hardship we may endure, one day, because of our relationship with Jesus, we will find it was worth it all! Every bit this life threw at us!

I wonder, has there ever been a time when you believed the lie that your life would be better without God in it? If so, you are not alone. Many are these days. The church is shrinking as more and more believe the lie that they will be far better off enjoying this life today and not worrying about the next.

We’ve all heard the quote, “And if there is no resurrection, "Let's eat and drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!" This was actually written by Paul in 1 Cor 15:32, but many think it was Solomon that coined that phase. What Solomon actually said was,

“Behold, here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] reward.  Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive [this as] his [allotted] portion and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God [to him].” –Eccl 5:18-20 AMP
And
 “Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this:
God has made the one as well as the other.” – Eccl 7:13-14a

I believe Solomon was trying to tell us that we should accept whatever God gives us and understand that God means it for our welfare! For He knows the plans He has for us! Plans to give us HOPE for our future! (Jeremiah 29:11) If it’s a tough battle you’re in just now, I hope you'll begin to cry out to God and others for help. 

Trouble starts when we find ourselves near-sided and only able to see what’s in front of us at the moment and fail to gain the “big picture” or better yet, an eternal (God's) perspective. 

 If you’re struggling at the moment to gain God’s perspective in all you’re dealing with, please share and let us encourage you and pray for you. Please don’t ever give up on God without speaking to other followers first!
I can promise you-- He will never ever give up on you!

Blessings!

sue

Eternity

Eternity {Ecclesiastes 3}

8:30 PM




June 26, 2018

I have got to be the luckiest person!  I discovered that I got to write on Ecclesiastes 3 right after a discussion with a young person who wanted to change the world through politics, I just about screamed!  The Lord set me up alright!

You see, she just could not accept that “nothing is new under the sun.”  But you know, God has planted eternity in her heart.  She may not be a believer yet, but she is seeking something better. 

What does it mean to have eternity in our hearts?  Each one of us have a God-given awareness that there is “something more” in this transient world.  With that awareness of eternity comes a hope that we can one day find a fulfillment not in the “vanity” of this world.

 Image result for ecclesiastes 3:11


How do you know if you have eternity in your heart? 

“God has put eternity in our hearts to remind us that there will be a time in the future.  We can’t know it all.  Our lives are comprised of opposite experiences in balance; God has appointed each to its season.  Each season is to be considered as part of a whole.”  (Got questions.com)


In trying to explain to this young person that our passion for politics doesn’t align with hers because we have come to realize that seasons come and seasons go and nothing in this life truly satisfies us.  Just as Solomon answered in 1:2, all is vanity.  You know though, through the ups and downs and changes of this life, we have a glimpse of stability – “God has set eternity in the human heart”.  And just as James says in 4:14, “Life is but a vapor”.  But we know there is something past this life because we have a divinely implanted awareness that the soul lives forever.  

Image result for Hebrews 13:14

Boredom

The Humdrum of Life {Ecclesiastes 1:1:2:26}

12:00 AM


Imagine being the greatest and richest king of all time. Everything you wanted to see, do, or own was yours for the taking. This was the life of Solomon. He had the world at his feet. He experienced everything life had to offer and denied himself nothing, “All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure” (vs. 2:10) 

Yet even with all of that, Solomon grew bored with the humdrum of life. He found nothing new to see, nothing knew to do, nothing worthwhile at all. Over twenty times in the book of Ecclesiastes the Preacher, traditionally known as Solomon, laments about his boredom with life on earth. “That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been is that which is done. So there is nothing  new under the sun.”(vs. 1:9) Disillusioned, Solomon learned that no how many times humanity tries to “reinvent the wheel”, it’s all been done before.

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (1:2) After taking a hard look at life, including his own, the Preacher declares it to be vanity; meaningless, futile, and nothing more than a puff of smoke. To hear a man so great and blessed by God as Solomon despairing over the futility of life isn’t exactly an uplifting message to read. If a powerful king who has access to every desire finds life pointless and boring, what help is there for the rest of us?

The truth of the matter is Solomon’s lack of luster for life came as a result of his lack of luster for God. Instead of turning to the Lord to heal the emptiness in his heart, he tried to fill it with the trappings of the world. But far from making him happy Solomon found the more of the world he had, the emptier he felt. Even his many accomplishments couldn’t give him the satisfaction he yearned for. “I considered all my activities which my hands had done, and the labor which I had exerted and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” (vs. 2:11) 

We were created for fellowship with the Lord, to have a close and personal relationship with Him. And nothing this world could ever offer, not power, wealth, nor fame, can fill the place reserved for God alone It is only through Him will we find meaning and happiness. Not even the simplest things in life bring enjoyment separate from our Father. “For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?” (vs. 2:25)

If we aren’t walking with Him, life becomes nothing more than a rat race. A boring cycle of wash, rinse, and repeat. Like Solomon we’ll find ourselves in the doldrums; stagnant and depressed, just going through the motions. We too will try to fill the emptiness with worldly things that at best can only offer temporary satisfaction.

God never intends our life with Him to be a dull one. He wants to do wonderful and meaningful things through us and for us. Looking for excitement? Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12) How about that?! Each day brings with it a new and exciting opportunity to not only carry on the work of Jesus, but through the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish even greater things. And I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound too boring to me!


iWorship Bible

SoulSearching Sunday~Prioritize

12:00 AM

Sunday, June 24, 2018


Week Twenty-five

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Proverbs 21 - 31...

 1. What are your priorities? How could you change your daily activities to align them with God’s priorities of godliness and love? Ask God to help you put first things first. Meditate on His promise that “life, godliness, and honor” will follow.

 Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21)

 2. List things that you don’t understand about God. For which questions would you be able to find answers? Which questions require submission and trust? Humbly praise God for His unsearchable greatness and His mysterious and wonderful ways.

 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in His fists? Who wraps up the oceans in His cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is His name-and His Son’s name? Tell me if you know! Every Word of God proves true. He defends all who come to Him for protection. (Proverb 30:4-5)

 3. What people do you regularly encounter who could be described as poor and helpless? In what ways could you speak up for them? How do you feel when you consider the fact that service to others is service to God Himself?

 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. (Proverbs 31:8,9)


Apples

Broccoli Apple Chicken Salad

8:14 AM



Broccoli Apple Chicken Salad
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, (about 2 medium heads)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 large apples, finely chopped (I used gala apples)
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chicken, (cooked and chopped)
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 cup low fat Greek yogurt
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a large bowl combine broccoli, carrots, red onion, apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and chicken. In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the salad and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

Ecclesiastes

Scripture Saturday~God's Work

12:00 AM

Saturday, June 23, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verses are Ecclesiastes 3:11...

 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. (NLT)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Angie Benjamin

Walking Boldly In Your Vision {Proverbs 27:1-29:27}

12:28 AM



Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]- blessed ) happy fortunate, and enviable) is he. [1 Sam.3:1; Amos 8:11,12] - Proverbs 29:18 AMP

It is always good to look forward to a brighter future , especially when things are not going great at the moment. The previous Scripture says where there is no vision, people perish.

Vision is something God plants in us supernaturally or something we see on purpose. It involves thinking about our past, our future and ourselves.

Believing God for a vision can be scary. People believe that they're setting themselves for disappointment. The truth is that, it could be more disappointing not believing. What does believing cost? Nothing. What do you have to lose? Nothing.

God alone can give us the confidence to walk boldly towards our destiny.




The Wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] right are bold as a lion [Lev. 26:17, 36; Ps. 53:5]- Proverbs 28:1 AMP

If we really want to succeed and enjoy our lives, we need the Holy Spirit to lead us. Only God, through His Spirit can lead us and help us to be all we can be.

Being led by the Spirit doesn't mean we won't make mistakes. It's not that the Holy Spirit makes mistakes...but we do. Being led by the Holy Spirit means learning only by "doing". Taking "baby steps"...stepping out believing in whatever we feel God is leading us to do. Following the Spirit is a process that requires experience and wisdom to hear God.

When you step out in faith the outcome could be great or not so great BUT even if it doesn't go as expected, there is no shame in stepping out to find out. If something doesn't work as desired we can always back off and pray some more.

We must be able to be wise and bold enough to pray and learn from our mistakes, for then, determine to go on. We cannot allow condemnation to freeze us with fear so we never reach our destinies.

God is calling us to be as bold as a lion. We cannot hide behind our insecurities, fears and mistakes.



Abide in God. Rely in God.  It is only with His help that we will be able to succeed [John 15:5]. Only by His guidance, that we will be able to get up and dust off when we have made a mistake.

We can be all what God has called us to be. We can have all what God has for us, if we do all what He asks us to do.

Today believe something good will happen to you. 

Let us ask God for a vision to pursue. Let us believe we can do whatever we need to do in life through Christ. [Philippians 4:13]

Enjoy your weekend sisters.



Becky Austin

Kindness & Self Control (Proverbs 25-26)

3:35 AM




Unkind, rude and sometimes just downright mean people are everywhere. We all have to deal with them and we all have to decide how we will respond to such unpleasant interactions. A very natural and common response is to immediately go into a defensive mode.  This is because these challenging people bruise our fragile egos and their threatening behaviors tend to trigger our fight or flight responses. When we allow these people to “push our buttons”, the usual result is a rash, emotion-charged self- preserving retaliation that signals our loss of self-control. 
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” 25:28

Loss of self-control means we have acted from the control center of “self” on the throne and we have forsaken the righteous conduct God desires for us to display as representatives of the love, grace, and forgiveness of Christ.  The unkind conduct of others is sinful and it’s impact can be very difficult and damaging. One of the potential dangers of this sin is that it tends to perpetuate more sin.  If we respond to sin with sinful reactions, then we fail to reflect Christ and His standards of righteousness.   “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” 25:26 

The Bible teaches us to respond to our enemies and those who sin against us with the love of Christ.  Instead of anger and retaliation, we are expected to bestow kindness.  Just as sin is harmful and destructive, genuine love, forgiveness and kindness can be healing and restorative. “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” 25:21-22 

We have important opportunities when we encounter the challenges of difficult, grumpy, angry, manipulative people.  It can be helpful to remember that such people are “ broken” inside. They are unleashing their pain, confusion, grief, impatience, etc on others.  We can choose to participate in the destructive cycle of sin with our own sinful emotions and responses that reflect our pain, anger and self-preservation.  We can also, with the help of God, make wiser and more Christlike choices.  A response of kindness and self-control can snuff out the flames of quarreling and contention.
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” 26:20 

It’s not easy to refrain from wrong responses when we encounter the cruelty or rudeness of others.  It takes self-control and surrender to God’s Spirit to extend the love of Christ.  Remember to pray for your enemies and to spread the healing balm of kindness wherever you go. 

building up

By Wisdom a Home is Built {Proverbs 24}

8:00 PM



One of the most beautiful pictures God ever designed has been His plan for the family, for here we have the picture of the trinity on display. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit- the three are One. On earth we have husband, wife and child(ren)- the three are one family. Can you see why God’s enemy is so set on destroying the family?

If he can destroy the family, he robs God of His glory, but here at the beginning of Proverbs 24 Solomon gives three beautiful ways to help us, not only exist, or live, but to flourish in our marriages and families:

By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.


God’s plan for marriage is simple: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. I know some of you may be thinking it can’t possibly be that easy, but let’s do a bit of investigative work and you just may come around! I like how Chuck Swindoll defined these for us:


“By wisdom a house is built....”

First, let’s lay the foundation. The word built comes from the Hebrew word that means “to restore.” It’s the same word God uses when He took the rib from Adam’s chest and rebuilt it into a woman. God says it takes wisdom to build this kind of house. Wisdom essentially means “seeing with discernment.” It’s the idea of seeing the broad picture of something. When you choose to look at the broad picture rather than the petty details, you build a strong foundation.

“By understanding a house is established....”

Established in Hebrew means to set in order something that is cluttered or to stand upright something that has fallen. If wisdom is seeing with discernment, then this second piece is responding to what you see with insight. How can you do that? With understanding.

In other words, an irritation I would normally take personally, I don’t take personally any longer. A conflict that cuts into my plan will not irritate me if I have wisdom and understanding. I will see it as God sees it, as good or necessary for me at this time.

“By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

Knowledge implies “perception” here. It carries with it a sympathy that comes with learning. As I grow in knowledge of my spouse/children, I increase in my perception of him/her. I say with my actions: I am listening. I am learning. I am open. Knowledge, when it’s combined with wisdom and understanding, Proverbs says, fills your home with precious and pleasant riches. What does that mean? It means your relationship will be filled with the things that won’t burn up if a fire strikes.


As you read over this did you begin to see how crafty our enemy is? He’s convinced so many families today that all they need are more “things”- more activities, more money, a better job, home, surroundings. Families are busy, busy, busy filling their lives with good things! After all we all want well rounded children, but have we forfeited the very best for our families for “good things”?


  • If so, by wisdom it can begin to be restored.
  • By understanding it can be righted.
  • By knowledge the home can be filled with precious and lasting qualities.


We simply need to begin by asking the Lord to build within each of us a heart of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. May He begin in us, and then may it spread like fire through the rest of the family, neighborhood, community and beyond!

Blessings!

sue

Envy

Green with Envy {Proverbs 23}

12:30 AM

Tuesday, June 19, 2018


I don’t think you are intentionally envious.  But every now and then, you notice someone with new clothes or a new car or a new house, and you are caught off guard and find yourself with an envious comment on your lips or in your heart.  Or perhaps, you look at the successes and financial gain of others, and yet, you can’t seem to get ahead, and so you wonder why God would bless so-and-so, and not you.

Envy is just an illusion though.  Just look at what Satan did in the Garden; he continues to tempt people into not delighting in what God has given us, but to look at what He withheld.

 Image result for proverbs 23:17


We are not to envy sinners – those who do not know the Lord.  They have no regard for Him and see no need for Him.  This verse helps to alert us to the fact that our hearts are prone to look for pleasure in what others possess rather than what God has provided.

Envy is dangerous.  It is a temptation that calls us to point our finger at God and say, “what you have given me is not good enough.”  It calls us to entertain ways to get what others have.  To lie, cheat, steal, use others – and disregard God.  Envy is a bold sin.  And unfortunately, none of us are immune to it.  What is it that you envy in others?  Ask God to search your heart so that you might see it plainly.

There is a remedy for envy.  It’s not something new.  “…always continue to fear the Lord.”  If discontentment breeds displeasure with God, then the fear of God frees us to delight in Him.  Our posture cannot be looking over the fence at what God has given others, but rather we should be looking up at Him.   When we see the holiness of God, envy loses its power.  Envy of what others have is eliminated when we believe that God is the greatest treasure.


Contentious

Happy Or Right...You Decide {Proverbs 21:1-22:29}

10:51 PM


I remember watching an episode of Dr. Phil where a couple were arguing back and forth. Both of them were intent on making their point, and neither one was listening. Finally after hearing a laundry list of complaints from the wife, Dr. Phil looked at her and asked, “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” That simple question stopped me dead in my tracks. God laid a conviction on me right then and there. He wanted me to take at a look at my own argumentative nature and eagerness to give an opinion.

Throughout Proverbs Solomon warns about women he calls contentious or quarrelsome. And when we read what he says, we may even feel a bit indignant. After all what’s wrong with being a women with an opinion and not being afraid to defend it? But it’s important to know that never does Solomon say that women should be seen and not heard. That we shouldn’t speak our minds, or share our feelings. His point is this. Often times the problem doesn’t lie in the message, but rather the delivery.

“It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman” (Prov. 21:9) In Israel the roofs of the houses were flat. And although they had multi functions, the flatness left the roof without protection and exposed to the elements. Solomon says it’s better to live on this roof, facing all that nature can pelt you with, than live in the warm comfort of a house with an argumentative spouse. 

"It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman” (Prov. 21:19) Imagine the lonely existence of living in a desert land. Nothing to see but miles of sand. No one to talk to. Always searching for relief from the scorching heat and constant thirst. Yet again Solomon says this existence is better than living with a quarrelsome and exasperating person.

“A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike” (Prov. 27:19) Is there anything more annoying than the slow and constant drip of a leaky roof or dripping faucet? According to Solomon, a nagging wife is! Boy did this verse have my name all over it. This is the verse that made me change the way I communicated with those around me and especially my husband.

Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I’m a person with strong opinions, and one who’ll share them without any added sweeteners. I've been like a dog with a bone when I thought I was in the right and can argue with the best of them, including my husband. For some reason when I would share my opinions and thoughts with him, and didn't get an immediate  response, I was sure the answer was to repeat myself again, and again, and again. I took offense to his seemingly lack of interest and didn’t understand that instead of encouraging him to listen, my constant nagging became like white noise that he wanted to drown out.

It wasn’t until God gave me my Dr. Phil “aha!” moment that I really got down to the nitty gritty of my behavior. Through prayer, and the wisdom that comes with age, I’ve learned that being argumentative, contentious, and quarrelsome does nothing but push people away and shut them down. I learned, for me, the need to be right came from a place of hurt. From not being heard or allowed an opinion as a child, which in turn led to feelings of not being good enough or having anything important to say.

But you know what? To God we are all more than enough. He cares about every thought, every feeling, and every opinion we have. He blessed us with the ability to think and to feel and to communicate with others. Yet we are to do so in a kind and gentle way, never quick to argue or eager to quarrel. For as Proverbs 20:3 tells us, “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will argue.” So now when I catch myself being contentious, I ask myself, “Do you want to be right or to be happy?” And my answer is always, “Both!” Because instead of being right in the eyes of others it’s now more important for me to be right with God. And being right with God always makes me happy! 

Daily Seeking God

SoulSearching Sunday~Seek and Patience

12:00 AM

Sunday, June 17, 2018


Week Twenty-four

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Proverbs 10 - 20...

 1. When did you reap the benefits of discipline or correction? How could self-discipline improve your worship habits? What steps can you take to be more disciplined in your relationship with God?

 To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. (Proverbs 12:1)

 2. What goals and dreams are you currently pursuing? How do they fit in with what you understand of God’s purposes for your life? Ask God to help you worship through a life of plans committed to Him.

 Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

 3. When, recently, did you act without taking enough time to think and to seek God? What happened? What would you have done differently if you had waited on the LORD? Ask God to show you how to offer Him your gifts, time, and energy as a sacrifice of praise.

 Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way. (Proverbs 19:2)