The Daily Dose

Refining time

Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.  Proverbs 25:5

This verse is so fitting for our current circumstance.  It is talking about removing the impurities of life.  Those not so productive habits that we hold on to in our lives.  The impurities of life can also be attitudes of our heart that may be well hidden but come to the surface when pressure is on.  When silver is heated to a certain temperature, all of it’s impurities are brought to the surface and can be pulled out to bring the silver to its purest form.  The impurities were there all the time, but they were not able to be seen until the silver went into the fire.  As the silver is melted down, the impure parts separate from the precious and valuable part and can be drawn out and thrown away forever.

This is how it is with people.  We may look refined on the surface, but deep down there are impurities that we try to keep hidden.  When the pressures of life come, that’s when the not so nice things come to the surface.  Maybe it is anger, maybe its anxiety, it could even be a habit that is consuming all your precious time.  This is the time we are in right now.  Refining time.  The pressure is on in the form of epidemic.  Maybe it doesn’t really feel like pressure, but the fact is that life as we once knew it has changed, and for the time being, it seems like some changes could stick.  In this time when we have been forced to pull back from the busyness of life, we can see the things that need refining in our lives.  Make this time a time to remove some of the things that hold you back from accomplishing all you want to accomplish in life.

Today I want to encourage you to identify some of the areas that need refining in your life.  Maybe it isn’t necessarily bad things, but just something that isn’t moving you forward in your walk with God.  Use this time to refine yourself to your greatest potential.  Don’t come out of this pandemic the same as you went into it, become a better parent, a better spouse, a better child, a better employee and a better friend.  Use this time to become the best version of you that God created you to be.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 25

Pray for the king

My child, fear the Lord and the king.  Don’t associate with rebels, for disaster will hit them suddenly.  Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?  Proverbs 24, 21&22

Here is another scripture that backs up the law that the “king” works for God.  It also gives instruction not to associate with rebellious people and to consider/submit to the consequences that will result from standing against authority.  This includes conversations disapproving of current restrictions that are being imposed.  It doesn’t mean that the king, president, governor, mayor or any other leader is always right, but as it says in Romans 13, these are in position for your good to uphold law and order in the land.  So again, I want to reinforce the importance of praying for those who make the laws and decision for our towns, our country and our world.  As we pray for them, not only does our heart change toward that authority, but we become thankful for our leadership and our land.

The scripture only gives one exception to this principle, it is when laws are made that you worship other gods.  God gave the law that we are to have no other god before Him and we can see examples of people in the scripture that were being forces to worship images to the point of death.  When king Nebuchadnezzar issued an edict that everyone was to bow down and worship his golden image, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused.  However, they did maintain their respect and honor for the king.  They didn’t go off talking behind his back saying:  “who does he think he is telling us we have to bow down to his image?”  When they were brought before the king, they didn’t take on a rebellious and prideful attitude fighting all the way.  They spoke to the king with respect and humility.  They actually were submitting to the law because they were willing to pay the price.  They said  “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  They maintained their honor for the king and submitted to his law that they would have to be thrown into the fire because of who they worshiped.

Daniel was also faced with a similar dilemma when there was a law that the people could only pray to the king or face the lion’s den.  Daniel still honored the king, and submitted to that law that if he prayed to His God, he would accept the decreed consequences.  Here’s the thing about submitting to authority, submission is only required when you don’t agree with the authorities.  When you agree with everything that is going on, you have no need to submit because you are in agreement.  However, when there are laws that you don’t agree with, such as driving 55mph or social distancing, that is when you can clearly see how submissive your heart is. 

Today I want to encourage you to submit your heart not only to the local, state and federal authority, but mostly to God’s ways and laws.  This is where true submission starts.  If you say, “I’ll submit to God, but not to the laws that are in this world right now”.  This is not submitting to God because He said to submit to authority.  Make a decision and commitment to your Heavenly Father today that you are not only going to submit to authority but also pray for them.  Not just the ones you like and agree with, but for all of them.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 24

    Set your mind on things above

Do not overwork to be rich, because of your own understanding, cease!  Will you set your eyes on that which is not?  For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.  Proverbs 23:4-5

I need a constant reminder not to focus on what is temporary in this world.  To not be running after more.  More things, more money and more entertainment.  These things are a distraction from my purpose here in the world.  Yes, finances are important, not only to sustain life, but also to support the ministry I have been given and to build the kingdom of heaven.  However, my part is to trust God to provide and to supply every need.  He leads me to the right employment; He gives me the hours that I need.  I don’t need to be thinking how I can earn more or increase my wages.  I ask Him and He provides and leads the way.  If I need to make adjustments in my course, it is my responsibility to take time to listen to His direction and then follow it.  It is the faith life and daily walk.  Sometimes I think if I just had a little more, I would be happier only to realize that riches fly away quickly and true happiness is only in the peace of God.

The problem is that I tend to get distracted when I look at all the world has to offer.  Even though I know it can never satisfy or fulfill the desires of my heart.  I often have to stop and remind myself that beyond today is eternity and only investing my time and resources in that will last,  Proverbs 23:17&18 says,  Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;  For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.

God’s not against us enjoying this life and He’s not disappointed when we have nice things according to the world’s standard.  He only wants what is best for us and to protect us from the deceptions of this life.  He never planned for us to gain the whole world but loose our soul and He didn’t bless us so we could consume it all on ourselves.  We are blessed so we can reach the world with God’s love and bring hope to a people that have no hope.

Today I want to encourage you keep your mind set on things above.  Make a plan to spend a portion your time and resources on eternal things and let them be your focus and mission in life.  Set a goal to encourage and impact at least one more person each day.  This is not difficult or overwhelming.  Then ask God for help and to lead you to that one who needs His love today.  Don’t worry that its not enough, it will be a little more than you did yesterday and that’s progress!

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 23

A good reputation

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.      Proverbs 22:1

A good name!  it’s better than great riches!  What does it mean, a good name?  Is it a good strong name like Jones or Smith?  Is it a family name like John Jr. or William the second?  No, a good name is the name you have made for yourself.  It’s your reputation.  Your good name is the conduct you live your life by.

So what is your “good” name?  What are you known for?  When people speak of you do they use words like kind, generous, godly?  Or do the words gossiper, stingy, or selfish come up?  Whatever words people say about you good or bad, it can change over time.  For instance, you could be a gossiper today, but if you decide from now on (and ask God for help) that you are going to speak kind words about others and not talk about other people’s business, (even if you do see it on FB) in just a short while other will begin to say better words about you.  Your reputation will improve.  Likewise, if you are kind and generous, but suddenly you begin to be afraid of losing or get offended, your reputation can change almost overnight.  Especially if you fall into sinfulness.  One devastating act of indiscretion can ruin your name in an instant.

The first church selected disciples to serve and the requirements were a good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; (Acts 6:3)  This was not a quality needed for salvation, in fact, most come to salvation from a bad reputation.  However, to be placed into a position of leadership your good reputation is necessary for the confidence to lead and for others to follow.

Today I want to encourage you to celebrate your good reputation.  Choose to have it over great riches and favor.  If you are in a place that your rep isn’t the greatest, begin today to take steps toward changing it.  The best place to start is to surrender and submit to the plan of God on your life.  By taking steps of faith in the things that God leads you to, you will become known and trusted by those around you.  If you are not sure what to do next, follow the examples of integrity and wisdom in today’s Proverb.  In it there are many insights that will lead you into a good reputation.  When you listen to and obey God’s Word, you will never go wrong.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 22  

Pray for the king

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wills.   Proverbs 21:1

This is a powerful scripture and one I think of often when things are looking a little dicey politically these days.  The heart to the king/political leaders is in the hand of the LORD.  That is really good news.  Even though it doesn’t always look like it, we can be confident that God knows what is going on and actually has His hand in matters of politics.  It even says He turns the king’s heart whatever direction He wants to.  Amazing!  It often makes me wonder, what God is up to?

In the new testament we are commissioned to pray for our leaders and civil authorities. For he is God’s minister to you for good.  The second chapter of 1 Timothy is an exhortation to pray for all men including kings and all that are in authority.  If God has his hand on the king’s heart, why do we need to pray for them.  Could it be that our prayers of faith are the force behind the hand of God to turn the hearts in the direction He wants them to go?  I guess that depends on how we are praying for them.  If we know the will of God, (and we can) we are then able to pray in agreement with what God’s will is and therefore see the hand of God moving the heart of the king.  So to continue to read in 1 Timothy 3 verse 2 says God’s will is for us to be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  We also know that it is God’s will for the leaders to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth as stated in verse 4 of that same chapter.

As you read through Proverbs 21, you can also identify God’s will by what is good and wise vs. what is evil and wicked.  These are also things we can be praying over all those in charge.  Whether Christians or not, prayer is the only way to change things and praying God’s will is a sure thing for getting an answer.

Today I want to encourage you to pray for our leaders.  From our president down to our local first responders.  Pray the goodness and wisdom of God on them and that God is turning their hearts to hear His direction and plan. Pray for their salvation and to come to the knowledge of the truth of God’s Word. In the days we are living in, we know that our only hope is from God.  Wouldn’t it be a good thing if the leaders of the world were in agreement with Him.  Even if you don’t believe anything would change, It is still better that criticizing and complaining about everything going on in the world.  At the very least, you will ensure that you are in line with God and His plans and that you are doing the right thing by becoming part of the answer not part of the problem.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 21

God’s light

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart.  Proverbs 20:27

I see this scripture in two different “lights”.  It says a person’s spirit is what God shines His light/lamp on to search the thoughts and intents of our heart/spirit.  What are our motives for what we do each day?  Only God our Father knows what motivates and inspires us to do good or not so good.  Is it fear or faith, panic or peace, grief or grace?  He can see if you are responding to feelings or moving forward led by His peace, faith and grace.

The second view I have of this scripture is kind of the same but different in that it is God’s lamp that is in us (our spirit) and shines out to the outside world.  The acts of love and kindness we show to others each day is the lamp of God shining through our lives into the lives of others.  When our heart and life is fully surrendered and submitted to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit, it comes out of the heart and chases away the darkness of the world. It is also reflective and shines back on those around us exposing their motives and deceptions.

As you read through this Proverb today, make note of the motives and intents that are mentioned in it.  Things such as wrath, anger, quarreling, understanding, integrity, judgement, deceitful gain, mercy and lovingkindness.  As you notice these acts and feeling, identify how they relate to your life and daily walk.

Today I want to encourage you to shine the light of God into the dark world by showing acts of mercy and lovingkindness.  Live a life of integrity and walk by faith not by sight/feelings.  Let peace lead you not anxiety and put away feelings of grief for showing the grace of God in all your conduct.  Not because it is a requirement for your salvation because it isn’t, but it is God’s ways and His desire is for us to act like He does by shining the light and loving one another!

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 20

Lend to God

He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and He (the Lord) will pay back what he (the giver) has given.  Proverbs 19:17

I work for God!  It is really pretty cool!  It’s like a partnership.  God, of course being the senior partners and I am the jr.  I do some of the things that He wants to accomplish in the world one of them being giving to the poor.  In doing so, I am lending to God the gifts and ability I have and in exchange, He gives it back to me.  Then I can turn around and do it again, or something else He wants me to do.  It is an amazing process and one God has used since the beginning of time.  Think about it, the entire Bible is full of  faithful people in place to get our Heavenly Father’s plans accomplished.  Prophets, Kings, various women, He has even used animals such as whales (great fish) and donkeys.  Even Jesus said I came to do the will of my Father. (John 6:38)

Is that the way God still works today?  Certainly, He still has many that do His work here in the world.  Even you and me are at work for Him daily spreading the love of God where ever we are.  Giving to the poor and the work of the ministry around the world.  It is the reason we are here in the earth right now.  Doing our part for our time to keep the message passed on from generation to generation.  Much of the book of Proverbs looks like a list of do’s and don’ts and rights and wrongs.  However, it is really the keys to walking out your mission successfully and accomplishing all God has planned for you to do.  It is part of the blueprint of your mission in the world.

Today I want to encourage you to keep this idea in mind as you read this chapter in Proverbs and every time you read God’s Word!  These are your instructions and the plans for you to do while you are on the earth.  Don’t be like me and have to cram all your years of partnership with God into the last half of your life, begin today to give all your gifts and abilities to Him, so He can continue to supply you with all you need to complete your assignments and mission in life.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 19

            Speak life                                

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Proverbs 18:21

This is a hard chapter to just choose one verse to focus on.  It is jam-packed with so many good verses, but the entire chapter is mostly about the words we speak.  The verse I choose for today is verse 21.  It was one of those eye-opening, hard to believe moments the first time it became real to me.  Yet I had passed over it for years whenever I read this chapter, never considering the depth of it.  So, what does it mean?  Death and life are in the power of the tongue?  Seems pretty simple, but as we break it down it will become even clearer.  The tongue obviously is our words. (It is not talking about the muscle that moves around in our mouth).  Power means that our words carry the ability and strength to accomplish what we speak.  Death and Life mean that our words are capable of promoting and even bringing about death or life.  Hmm, what about that?

The second part of the verse reminds me of Galatians 6:7 that says we will reap what we sow.  Yikes!  So whatever we speak has the power to come back on us.  Makes me want to be a bit more careful about my words.  It is bad enough that I could be speaking death over another person when I speak, but I certainly don’t want it to come back on myself.

So, what does it look like when speaking life or death?  Simply put, any words that are not building up, edifying or encouraging are not life words.  Even to repeat a matter that is negative, such as the news for example, is taking the side with death or life stealing words.  Think about it, when someone speaks to you negatively, if make you feel discouraged and even beaten down.  In contrast when someone speaks positively, you feel upbeat and encouraged, ready to take life on!  What it all boils down to is that negative words such as criticizing, complaining and condemning are words that promote death where positive encouraging words bring life.  This is not superstition or folklore; this is the Bible!  The Holy Word of God!

Today I want to encourage you to consider your words.  What words are you speaking?  Life or Death?  Consider as you read this chapter the wisdom of what you are speaking.  Start making a conscience effort in your daily life to speak life words always.  Refuse to give voice to the enemy by speaking the negative talk that lines up with the worlds way of thinking and talking.  Instead speak the words that bring life and line up with God and His ways and Word!

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 18

The gift of speech

He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.  Proverbs 17:27

Words!  What a precious gift from God.  James 3:9 says that with our words we bless our God and Father and we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  Of course, James goes on to say this isn’t the way it should be.  Our words do carry blessing or cursing with them and it is up to us which message come out.  I think you know what I am talking about.  When we are happy or in worship, we speak words that edify and build up.  When we are angry or sad we speak words that belittle or tear down.  Most of the time we speak feelings, out of habit or what is popular at the time depending on who is with us. 

Verse 27 of Proverbs 17 says that if you want to look smart or better yet be smart, use your words sparingly.  It goes on the say that the way to do that is to keep your spirit (heart) calm.  So, the process of using your words in a way that blesses is to be purposeful about what you say.  I like the way verse 28 says that even a fool looks wise when he holds his peace or considers his words; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.  Again, it is back to being purposeful with speaking and guarding your heart to keep it calm/peaceful.

The solution is to determine ahead of time the way you will communicate with others.  This process all starts in the heart.  If you allow thoughts of bitterness and contention into your heart, no matter how hard you try to keep them from coming out, eventually those feelings are going to be exposed in your words.  You must make the decision that you are going to use your words for blessing and begin to filter out all the negative feelings.  The best way to do this is to have scriptures that you turn to when those feelings come.  For instance, when someone wrongs you in some way, stand on Mark 11:25 that says instead of holding a grudge against someone, forgive them.  Instead of harboring negative feelings at all, pray and ask God for the wisdom and strength to do and say the right things concerning the person.  Also, if you learn to pray for the person that is hurting or offending you, you will find that your heart changes for that individual and will begin to fill with compassion.

Today I want to encourage you to use your voice and words to bless God and others.  Use your words sparingly and on purpose.  Decide to be that person that always encourages and builds up.  Be the one that others come to for the good news not the bad. Many people are using their voices right now to speak their disappointments and disapproval of governmental decisions.  Speaking out those feelings are not using the words of your mouth for blessing but rather for cursing.  This is just an example, and the solution is to spend time praying for the ones in the positions of making decisions and for God’s best to be the outcome.   Speaking words of life over them and the current condition of the world gives you a voice in the spirit realm that will make a difference for good.  There is power in our words, so let’s use them for good and not evil! 

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 17

                        Preparation time                  

The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.  Proverbs 16:1

Proverbs 16 starts out by talking about preparing your heart.  It says that it is the responsibility of each person to prepare or make ready their heart.  However, after the preparation is done, God takes responsibility for the outcome.  This concept isn’t easy for me to accept or understand.  Still, I believe it by faith because I believe God has established it.  So today I want to talk about preparing your heart.

What does it mean to prepare your heart and how is it done?  Verse 3 says we start by committing all our works or actions to the Lord, then He establishes our thoughts and idea.  The Words of our mouth come directly from our thoughts.  If God is the one in charge of our thoughts, then it will be His answers that we speak.  Preparing your heart has to be done on purpose.  To get the best results, a special time of each day needs to be set apart for this process.  It is the time that you commit to filling your heart back up with God’s Word, ways and most of all His love.  You need to fill your spiritual tank each day and it makes sense that you do it first thing in the morning.  When you make your quiet time with God the priority of the day, you are preparing your heart for the day.  You commit your words and works to Him, He takes care of the rest.  This is a most precious time that you treasure because it is the most important relationship in your life.  It is the time you have set aside to get to know your Heavenly Father more and to focus on His love for you.

Verse 9 tells us that a man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.  Even though your day may already be planned out with things such as work and other activities, as you begin the day with your preparation time, God will direct your steps in the right direction to keep you from evil and harm.  As you purpose to follow His direction, you are assured of success.  This is not to say that there will never be any trouble.  Jesus said, you are in the world, there is going to be trouble.  The good news is that God has a way to get you through it, but you have to know and follow His voice in your heart. Spending time with Him at the start of your day will help you to become very familiar with His leading and direction. Psalms 37:4 says that when you delight yourself in the LORD (enjoy spending time with Him) He will place His desire in your heart. You will want to line your life up with His plan.

Today I want to encourage you to prepare your heart, commit your works and follow the steps where the LORD directs.  Get up a few minutes earlier each day to have that quiet time with God and offer up your heart and day to Him.  Not only in the times of trouble, but in every season of life.  The good times and bad.  The success of your life is in God’s ways, doesn’t it make sense to commit your all to Him?  Not to bless your ideas, but to get His blessed plans and follow them. 

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 16