Category: Proverbs

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Good Fruit & A Solid Foundation

I love the stories of the Bible!

Jeus taught in visuals because they made an impact. This morning, I have two to share with you; listen to what Jesus has to say.

“‘A good tree does not produce bad fruit. And a bad tree does not produce good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.

46 ‘Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47 The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.

49 “But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.’” Luke 6:43-49 ERV

These are just a few of teachings that come from what many call the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus had a large crowd who had come to hear Him teach. In the verses just prior to these He taught on the importance of not judging others, of loving their enemies and of hungering for the things of the Lord.

Now He was using an analogy they could understand and visualize. The teaching on the tree reminds me of a tree we have here in Arizona, the ornamental orange tree. It’s a beautiful tree with brightly colored oranges. Upon closer look you will see that it has large thorns, like spikes on its branches next to the fruit. If you try to eat the fruit it is horrible tasting, not even the wild animals who are herbivores will eat it. It looks good but it is bad to the core.

Jesus compared the bad fruit to a bad heart. When our hearts are good, our fruit is pure.

He went on to use one more analogy. A truth that contractors still use today. Dig down and build on a firm foundation. Houses with shoddy construction are the first to fall in a storm.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety—” Proverbs 18:10 CEV

Building on a firm and solid foundation, we can stand during the storm and provide shelter for others. Kind of like the three little pigs – house of straw, house of sticks and a house of bricks.

Linking the two analogies together we get a solid house built on a foundation of God’s word, surrounded by trees (our lives) filled with good fruit. A very inviting place to live.

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Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

This morning’s Bible reading had me looking at the right way to make decisions. One instruction came from Solomon and the other from Jesus.

“My son, remember your father’s command, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching. 21 Remember their words always. Tie them around your neck and keep them over your heart. 22 Let this teaching lead you wherever you go. It will watch over you while you sleep. And when you wake up, it will give you good advice.

23 Your parents give you commands and teachings that are like lights to show you the right way. This teaching corrects you and trains you to follow the path to life.” Proverbs 6:20-24 ERV

Then we have these words about Jesus.

“ Jesus said to them, ‘Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father’s work is.’ 50 But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them.

51 Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things. 52 As Jesus grew taller, he continued to grow in wisdom. “God was pleased with him and so were the people who knew him.” Luke 2:49-52 ERV

God was pleased with Jesus. He obeyed his parents and grew in wisdom. Solomon said listen to your parents they will give you good advice.

Let me take this one step further. We, who are older, wished our children listened to our advice, but we shouldn’t forget that we are the children, and our heavenly Father has given us a whole book of good instruction.

After reading those two sections of Scripture my mind took me to these godly instructions.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

Confidently rely on the Lord! The One who knows the beginning from the end, the One who sees the hearts of men, the One who blessed Solomon with wisdom will direct our paths as well.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMP

The secret is to get passed the way I think things should be done and trust that HE knows how things should be done! When our thoughts line up with His they don’t always make sense but they are successful.

It didn’t make sense for David to go at Goliath with a sling shot and some stones. It didn’t make sense for Joshua to march around the city of Jericho. It didn’t make sense for Peter to bring Jesus five loaves and two fish. It didn’t make sense for Naaman to dip in the Jordan River seven times.

Most of the time the things of God don’t make sense to our natural way of thinking but when we roll our works over on the Lord and commit to His way of thinking we will see success!

And once we’ve made the decision that He brings to our heart it’s time to rest, trust, and be at peacel.

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” Isaiah 26:3 AMP

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

The key to making the right decision is to make the first step one of trusting God!

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Time of Resting

It’s been a wonderful weekend. No agenda, no schedule – just enjoy the beauty we saw and each others company.

I hope you know how to relax. The Lord wants that for you!

“I will always look to you, as you stand beside meand protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate,and I can safely rest.” Psalm 16:8-9 CEV

Jesus took time to rest and if He needed to it is incumbent that we follow His example.

“My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. You will walk safely and never stumble; you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.” Proverbs 3:21-24 CEV

As we travel home I pray that your day is filled with peace and rest.

This is the day God, our Father, has made. Rejoice, relax and be glad in it.

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Don’t Compromise

Don’t ever, ever, ever compromise on the Word of God!

It is the only thing that is infallible, faithful and true – it will never change and the only time it seems to be void of power is when we fail to believe it but even then, it does not change. God’s word is a firm foundation for all who will stand on it.

When I was thinking about this topic I did a search of “don’t compromise your faith”. The following list came up first thing.

To avoid compromising your faith:

  1. Be solidly committed to God’s ways.
  2. Actively grow in your relationship with Him.
  3. Learn His truths.
  4. Rely on His power to help you walk without compromise.
  5. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Good advice for any time or generation. These line up perfectly with Scripture.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.

24 Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right. 25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. 26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. 27 Don’t go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 ERV

“God is not a man;  he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

and one final word of encouragement

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

God’s word is trustworthy – all the time. No matter the circumstances or situations God and His word do not change. Trust Him and don’t compromise!

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Finding Strength

We all face hard times and discouraging circumstances. This morning, I was reminded to look up especially when we feel like hanging our heads and giving in. We need to look up in order to find the way out.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 KJV

God’s name is a place! His name means ever present, peace, healer, righteousness, provider, I AM!

Run into that place – run into God and find safety and peace; find help, find rest!

“Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! 2 I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me. 3 You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies. 4 Let me live with you forever and find protection under your wings, my God.” Psalm 61:1-4 CEV

I’m not sure why this is the message for today. I just kept hearing the Father say, “I’m the way out – I’m the provider – I’m the deliverer. I AM all that is needed.”

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

This is our confidence – this is our strength. These are the words of our Father, the one who never lies!

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Some Things Should Be Cleaned Out

This weekend Dave is off on a weekend with our son so I am making good use of my time by doing some deep cleaning. I don’t like clutter and I don’t like mess.

Friday, I got out the leaf blower and cleaned up the deck and the patio. Dave’s really good at keeping that done but Thursday night we had a monsoon come through with winds, blowing dust and pine needs, rain and more dust.

Then yesterday it was time to hose off the patio chairs because of the dust, the rain and the tree pollen. After my prayer time and Bible reading this morning, I got up to get another cup of coffee and the refrigerator caught my eye. Since I’m going to be joining Dave and Koy on Tuesday I thought I really should go through the fridge and get rid of anything that might spoil. Yep, I went down that rabbit hole but it’s done now.

Brought myself back to my chair and laptop and these words came to mind. “Cleanse yourself from these things”. I knew the Lord was speaking to me spiritually.

“ In a big house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day. 21 If a man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.

22 Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart. 23 Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble. 24 A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.” II Timothy 2:20-24 NLV

That part about those who want to argue hits home. In high school and college, I was a debater. You choose one opinion, and I would debate the opposite side, whether I believed what I was saying or not. I was good at it. The Lord continues to teach me not to argue!

“There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven that are hated by Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who are without guilt, 18 a heart that makes sinful plans, feet that run fast to sin, 19 a person who tells lies about someone else, and one who starts fights among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NLV

That’s a big list – pride, lying, murder, evil plans and running to carry them out, gossip and discord.

Now, I’m not trying to step on anybody’s toes but Scripture is given for our instruction and correction. Even the things that are silver and gold need to be polished so they keep their luster.

The Father wants what’s best for us! As the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, we should be willing to clean some things out.

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How Common is Common Sense

Wisdom – a commodity to be treasured. Some call it common sense but it’s far from common. Good judgement, practical thinking – whatever the term, it’s not as common as it used to be.

People seek for knowledge but don’t know what to do with it – not sure how to apply it. The application of that knowledge is wisdom.

I was reading this morning about Solomon.

“God made Solomon very wise. Solomon could understand more than you can imagine. 30 He was wiser than anyone in the Eastor in Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone on earth, even Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol—Heman, Calcol, and Darda. King Solomon became famous in all the surrounding countries. 32 By the end of his life, he had written 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs.

33 Solomon also knew very much about nature. He taught about many different kinds of plants—everything from the great cedar trees of Lebanon to the little vines that grow out of the walls. He also taught about animals, birds, and snakes. 34 People from every nation came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. Kings all over the world sent their people to listen to him.” I Kings 4:30-34 ERV

When the Lord asked Solomon what he wanted Solomon didn’t ask for money or strength or power, he asked for wisdom so that he could rule well. God blessed him in that way and added the other blessings also.

What is it that you find yourself asking the Lord for?

Do you ask Him for wisdom – direction to finish a project, the ability to lead well, understanding of the unknown? The Lord desires to aide us in our day-to-day life and He will give us the wisdom we ask for – it comes from Him.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind. ” James 1:5-6 ERV

I found it “coincidental” that as I was reading about Solormon’s great wisdom that I also started reading Proverbs again. Look at the first few verses there.

” These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.

7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.” Proverbs 1:1-7 ERV

Let me encourage you to spend time each day reading in Proverbs. Learn from the wisdom that God gave Solomon. It is definitely a game changer. Let’s regain our use of common sense!

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Heart Smart

So many advertisements and commercials encourage us to be “heart smart”. I agree but it won’t come from eating a certain cereal, taking a low grain aspirin everyday, or any other thing that man can advertise. My watch even tells me my heart rate when I’m out on a walk.

To be truly heart smart, take a good dose of Scripture every day.

” Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61 ERV

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

Good eating habits, exercise and relaxation are good for the bones and the emotions. Being founded on God’s word and focused on God’s presence is good for the entire person – spiritual, soul and body.

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 CEV

Keep your heart healthy today.

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Sweet Fruit

Yesterday we talked about resting – waiting on the Lord to renew us. He likes to do that, remember what King David wrote? “He makes me lay down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores me soul.”

When we rest in Him, He also restores our joy. We laughed so hard our sides ached. It’s good to laugh – joy is a sweet fruit and it’s healthy.

“A glad heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 NLV

Do you want to enjoy life?

That was a question King David presented in Psalm 34.

“Who is the man who has a desire for life, and wants to live long so that he may see good things? 13 Keep your tongue from sin and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Turn away from what is sinful. Do what is good. Look for peace and follow it.15 The eyes of the Lord are on those who do what is right and good. His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:13-14 NLV

As I read that over again this morning, the thought came “Lord that’s a pretty big request. Can this really be possible?” The Lord reminded me of what we have been given by the Holy Spirit.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Once we are receive God’s forgiveness, we become new in Christ and He gives us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. With the Holy Spirit comes this fruit which is the very character of God. We will naturally bear fruit, as naturally as an apple tree bears apples, we will produce the character of Christ. It’s in our God-given DNA!

The verse in Psalms 34 tells us to stop doing evil – many times the word evil brings thoughts of something sinister or diabolic but really it just means bad, not good. The Apostle Paul refers to it as selfish.

God wants His goodness to be displayed in our lives, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to do that very thing. Jesus went about doing “good” and His life is an example for us.

As we follow Him, our lives will produce sweet fruit and a bountiful harvest.

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Confidence

“We are certain God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. 15 And if we know God listens when we pray, we are sure our prayers have already been answered.” I John 5:14-15 CEV

Today is May 31st. The fifth month of the year is over; only seven more months and the year of 2025 will come to an end.

I told the Lord this morning that my mission, my goal, my quest, my desire, my ambition is to honor Him and bring Him glory with my words, my actions, my thoughts and my prayers. And then I began to pray – pray confidently.

Go back and read the verse I opened with, please. There is certainty and confidence in the words of John, the beloved apostle of Jesus. When we ask for what pleases God he listens to us and He answers our prayers.

Now some would say that we can’t possibly know what pleases God so we can never be completely certain that He will answer our prayers. However, Scripture tells us in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians…

“ We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say, ‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’ But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:15-16 ERV

And Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came He would lead us into all truth.

“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future.” John 16:13 ERV

God has given us His word so that we know what pleases Him. He wants us to know His will so He had it recorded for all to read. Confidence in prayer comes from knowing God’s word. He will not lie or break His promises.

“The Lord is not being slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.” II Peter 3:9 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:30-33 CEV

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

If this blog has touched a chord with you, circle this day on the calendar and say, “Father, I will pray with confidence, knowing Your word is Your will. I will trust You to lead and provide. I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in all truth. Thank you. In Jesus name.”

Confidence in the Lord is never misplaced!

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