The Daily Dose

            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

            He loves your prayers

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.  Proverbs 15:8

Did you know that it brings joy to God when you pray?  Today’s scripture says that your prayer is His delight.  It actually gives the impression that He looks forward to hearing from you.  It is His great pleasure when you come to talk to Him.  Think about it in a natural sense.  When your own child comes to you to talk or just be with you for a while, how much pleasure does it bring you.  What about if they come to you only when they want or need something.  You will begin to have thoughts every time they come around that they must need something, that’s why they are here.  Of course, you are always there for them, but maybe you wish in your heart that they would just come to have fellowship sometimes. However, that’s not the way it is with God.  In verse 29 it says, He hears the prayer of the righteous.  The word prayer means to bring a solemn request for help.  It can also be and expression of thanks or praise and worship.  It just doesn’t matter what we come to Him about, He is always ready to hear and to help.

Verse 11 in this chapter says, Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men.  How much more is He aware of what is on our hearts.  All things are before Him and nothing is hidden from Him, but when one of God’s children come to Him, everything else has to step aside.  He receives us immediately and gives us His full attention.  He is never distracted by world crisis or the current epidemic.  His thoughts and interest are always with His people.  Even if you don’t see an immediate answer to a request you brought to Him, continue to stay with Him and when the problem comes up again, just go ahead and thank Him that you were able to talk to Him about it already and that you trust and believe that He is working it all out for the good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)

Today I want to encourage you to set aside special time to visit with and talk to God.  Always keep in mind that God is waiting to hear from you.  He loves you and greatly enjoys spending time with you all throughout the day.  Also, don’t forget to spend time listening.  Sit quietly for a few minutes after you ask Him if there is anything He wants to speak to your heart.  Pay attention to any thoughts that come after that.  Maybe a scripture or a song?  It could even be the answer to your current requests, but it is up to you to receive and move in the direction that He points.  The wisdom of God is always available to you and sharing it with you is His delight!

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 15

Build your house

The wise woman builds (up) her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.  Proverbs 14:1

This seems like a random statement at the beginning of this chapter.  It doesn’t look like the wise woman is mentioned again throughout the entire chapter. However, it leaves me with questions.  How does she build her house up?  What makes her wise? I believe the answer to these questions is in verse three.  It says that lips or the words of the wise will preserve/keep (build up) them just like the mouth of the fool is a rod that carries pride.  The words of your mouth are vitally important.  With your words, you are either blessing others or cursing them.  Your words are easily swayed by your surroundings, but even more so in the home.  Home is where the real you comes out.  It is where you are most comfortable and expose all that is in your heart. 

So what exactly does it look like to “build up” your home?  I like how it is unpacked in the book of Titus.  Titus 2:3-5 says, the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.  That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the Word of God. The list of things in this passage are directly related to words.  Reverence is shown by the way you talk to someone.  Not slanderers and teachers of good things are also directly related to our words. The words that we speak in our homes and to our family members are the way we build our house or pull it down.

One last thought concerning this verse.  It says the foolish pulls the home down with her hands.  When you become so focused on keeping a house in perfect order, it leaves little room for grace.  In verse 4 of this chapter it says Where no oxen are, the trough is clean, but much increase comes by the strength of an ox.  It means that you can keep your barn in perfect condition if you have nothing living in it, but it is also of no use.  Likewise, if you keep your home in pristine shape, you may be missing what is really important, the way you are impacting and nurturing your family. Building your home is all about the people in it and your relationships with them.

Today I want to encourage you to be wise and build your house.  Speak words that build up and encourage.  Don’t use your words to control and manipulate others around you, instead, use them to draw out the gifts and strengths out of those you love.  Become wiser everyday by seeking the direction and insight of the Holy Spirit to show you how you can build your house with the wisdom of God and in the process, help those around you to become wise also and build their future homes.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 14

Walk with wise people

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.  Proverbs 13:20

Wow!  This is good news!  I can walk with wise people and be wise.  I need that, but how do I “walk” with wise people?  What if I don’t know any wise people?  Where do I find them?  Many times, we see good advice and instruction in the scripture, but have no idea how to actually get it to show up in everyday life.  Today’s verse is a good example of what I am talking about.  How do you get connected with wise people?

Here are just a few steps to get yourself connected with wisdom.  Number one is to press into the Holy Spirit of God.  He is the ultimate wisdom and will guide you into all truth.  Cultivate your relationship with Him daily by spending time in God’s Word and praying.  Learn to hear His voice on the inside as you go through your day to day activity.  Next, look for those who have accomplished things that you want to in your life and learn from them.  Whether its in relationships, finances or promotions, surround yourself with those who have been successful before you.  Imitate the success principles they have used.  Lastly, get involve in small groups and serve in your local church to learn and connect with other Christians that walk in the wisdom of God.  Pay attention to who is walking in wisdom around you and then move in their direction.

Today I want to encourage you to walk with wise people and be wise.  Evaluate any area of your life that you need wisdom, then ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to where that wisdom can be found.  Recognize those around you who have been successful and connect yourself with others who are walking through life in the wisdom of God.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 13

Right in their own eyes

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.        Proverbs 12:15

This verse reminds me of those who say they have their own reality.  That there is no absolute truth.  Those who would argue that truth is always dependent on social or cultural context rather than being absolute and universal.  Truth is always partial and related to the current issue not complete and certain.  The idea is ludicrous and opens up a reality with no law or boundaries where everyone does what is right in their own eyes.  So sad that there are so many out there that actually subscribe to such a philosophy.  It is beyond anything I can imagine.  I am so thankful for the written standard of God that gives us a guide to measure our lives against to keep us from destruction.

This entire chapter of Proverbs exposes the lifestyle of any who would take on that post-modernism belief.  It describes that life as rottenness in his bones, despised, overthrown, anxiety, depression, devoid of understanding, devise evil, proclaim foolishness and their way leads them astray.  How true it is.

In contrast this chapter shows us that the individual who would line their life up with the instruction and the ways of wisdom, obtain favor from the LORD.  They will be commended and satisfied in life.  They will come through any trouble and their shame will be covered.  Their speech promotes health and the truth of their words will be established forever.  The results of living right before God are not only rewarding, but also the safest place to be in this world.  You can be right in the middle of a war zone or pandemic, but if your life is lined up and in right standing with God, you are in the safest place you can be, abiding under that shadow of the almighty.  His wisdom will always shelter you and bring you through every crisis!

Today, I want to encourage you to seek God’s righteousness and wisdom.  Connect yourself with wise counselors that you trust to speak into your life regularly. Someone that will not only tell you the right way to go, but give them permission and be willing to listen if they see you heading in a wrong direction.  Do not depend on your own understanding.  Be wise and listen to the spiritual mentors in your life.  To learn, you must love discipline and instruction.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 12

What is your reward?                                             

If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner?  Proverbs 11:31

This verse pretty much sums up chapter 11 of Proverbs.  It is all about the rewards of living according to God’s ways or the results of an ungodly life.  It starts out talking about honesty and justice, then goes into humility and pride.  These all go back to the believe that God’s ways are what produce success in life.  He created the earth and everything in it, and He knows the way to succeed.  Righteous living produces life and godless living produces death. This is not about works for salvation.  It is only about the way of prosperity and success here in this world.  If you listen to wisdom and live life according to God’s ways, you can be “successful” in this world even without salvation.  However, true riches are measured in the untouchable gifts that only come through receiving salvation through the blood of Jesus and God’s Holy Spirit. 

Matthew 5 45 says, “…for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”.  Jesus said the things that happen in the world happen for all people.  Whether you are evil or good, just or unjust, you still get rained or sunshined on.  The ways of God will work for you or the ways of evil will work against you.  It is truly the proof that “good works” do not produce eternal salvation.  This is how you can determine who are God’s people, not by their success in life or how good they behave, it is only by their personal relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you as you read through this chapter in proverbs. Consider any areas of your life that you can become more successful in simply by lining up with God’s ways of doing things.  Also, I would encourage you to consider your relationship with God.  Do you only go to Him with trouble and bail outs or do you press into Him and His ways to be successful in the plans He has for you.  Lastly, consider your works.  Are you depending on good behavior to secure your eternity or do you truly have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father through your Savior Jesus?  If you have never invited Jesus to be the LORD of your life, pray this prayer today and Jesus will come into your life and bridge that gap between you and your Father in heaven.  Then line up all your ways with His path and step into all the successes He has waiting for you.

Pray:  God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know you Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus for Your grace that has saved me from my sin and has given me eternal life.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide and empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading; Proverbs 11

  Happy Mother’s Day!

A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish child brings grief to their mother. Proverbs 10:1

Happy Mother’s Day!  Since its Mother’s Day, I thought it was fitting that the first verse in Proverbs 10 speaks about how children effect their mother and father.  Wise children make them glad and foolish children bring them grief.  As you continue to read through the entire chapter, there is quite a few details of what pleases parents and what grieves them.  Below I have listed some of the qualities mentioned in this chapter so you can see how you measure up as a child that pleases or grieves their parents.

                          Foolish                                                                                Wise

Verse 4:  a slack hand becomes poor                      vs.        diligent hand makes rich

Verse 5:  sleeps in harvest                                       vs.        gathers in summer

Verse 8:  prating (mindless drivel) fool will fall       vs.        receives commands/instruction

Verse 11: violence covers the fool’s mouth          vs.        right words are a well of life

Verse 12: hate stirs up strife                                    vs.        love covers all sins

Verse 14: mouth of the fool is near destruction     vs.        wise stores up knowledge

Verse 19: sin abounds in many words              vs.        the wise restrains his lips

Verse 21: die for lack of wisdom                             vs.        righteous lips feed others

Verse 24: the fool’s fear comes on him             vs.       desire of wise will be granted

Of course, that is not all of them, but as you read the entire chapter, identify which category you fit into.  (hopefully wise)  Notice how the attributes in the “wise” column are intentional qualities.  These are traits that you do on purpose because you are a person of wisdom and integrity.  Just because you want to be wise doesn’t mean it happens automatically. 

Today I want to encourage you to honor your mother in some way.  Whether you are young or old, make a special effort to let your mom know you appreciate her for your life.  Remember, that Ephesians 6:2&3 promises when we honor our parents, we will live a long healthy life.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 10

The beginning of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  For by Me (wisdom) your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.

Do you fear the Lord?  Not afraid so you run and hide from Him.  The kind of fear I’m talking about it a reverential, awesome fear.  That you know how powerful He is and how His kingdom rules over the just and unjust.  Not even in a bad sense but in a good way.  That you know His goodness is always happening, so you want to stay close to Him to be in it.

Today’s verses are about the fear of the Lord.  It says wisdom starts with fearing the Lord.  The very first place you start when you recognize your need for God and His salvation is fear of eternal separation from Him.  The wisdom that shows you to walk with the eternal heavenly Father is where good is and to reject Him is where evil lives. Its when you hold God in such a high regard that you are afraid to live away from Him.  That you know where your strength comes from.  You know that your protection and well being come from staying close to Him.  You know that without Him, you have no hope, no reason, and no purpose. The scripture says this wisdom multiplies your days and adds years to your life!  Glory to God!

Today I want to encourage you to fear the Lord.  Not the kind of fear that runs away from Him, but the kind that runs to Him.  He is your guard and your fortress.  In Him you have all that you need and in Him, you never need to be afraid of anything else.  Step into a new understanding today of the fear of the LORD and commit to staying there for all your multiplied days and added years of your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 9