Proverbs 15:16-17

Proverbs 15:16-17 

English Standard Version 

  It's always sad to read about people that win the lottery and then see their lives fall apart due to relational stress or other causes of strife.  It's easy to look at that and think that I'd handle it differently, but none of us really know how we'd deal with suddenly having $300 million.  We wish we had that problem, but I'm willing to bet that there's a decent number of people out there who wish they'd never won if it meant the strife didn't come with it.  

  The Proverbs tell us that we're better off having a little and a good relationship with God than having a lot and all the troubles that can come with it.  We're better off breaking bread at a barren table that is surrounded by love than sitting down to a laden table where everyone is full of strife.  Food doesn't taste very good when we're in the midst of a fight.

  May we learn to be satisfied with what we have.  May we focus on building a strong foundation, so that whatever comes our way, be it a little or a lot, we're prepared to live with faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:29-30

Proverbs 14:29-30

English Standard Version 

  Psalm 131 paints an image of the Christian as resting in the arms of Christ as a child rests in its mother's lap.  We should have this kind of peace -- the peace of people who so completely trust God that we don't fly off the handle at every little thing that goes wrong.  When we are fully trusting God, we can be patient with the world.  This doesn't mean we shouldn't get upset at injustice or conflict in the world -- but we do it from a place of control, knowing that we don't have the last word over things.  We don't have to set things right -- we have a Savior who has done that.  So we can exhale, picture ourselves resting in Christ's lap, and be at peace as we go into a conflicted world.

Proverbs 12:5

Proverbs 12:5

English Standard Version 

  In defensive driving, the trick in a crisis is to look where you want the car to go, because you'll steer towards that.  If you stare directly at a tree or telephone poll, you'll likely end up steering the car into that.  

  Your thoughts will shape your future.  If you dwell or obsess on bad things, bad things will likely happen.  If you mentally toy around with sin or temptation, you'll likely eventually fall prey to that.  If you focus on faults, those will become larger and larger in your mind.  If you allow wicked people to influence your thoughts through their advice, you'll likely end up in bad situations.

  Similarly, if you dwell on good things, if you focus on the Word of God throughout the day, you'll end up wiser and more prepared.  You'll be more likely to sense how God might be leading you.  You'll notice the working of the Holy Spirit more often.

  Choose what you think on.  Try and pay attention to your thoughts today -- when they wander, as they inevitably will, how can you steer them back to God's Word and God's peace, rather than letting them run away on their own and lead you far from peace and joy?

Proverbs 11:24-25

Proverbs 11:24-25 

English Standard Version 

  I was out watering the grass last night, and it only works because it's connected to the spigot -- if I only had the water that was in the hose when I started, I wouldn't get very far.

   I think it was Martin Luther who talked about us having fingers in our hands so that our blessings placed into our hands could run through our fingers and leave room for more blessings.  

  When we're faithful with a little, Jesus tells us, we'll be given more.  Giving is an automatic ticket to receive more, and we shouldn't give just for the expectation that we'll receive, but if we give with a grateful heart, we'll receive the riches of God's peace, a treasure far greater than money.  What would you give you to have true peace in the depths of your hearts?  That's a treasure, and we want for it... one of the ways to gain that is to give generously, for it teaches us to be grateful to God for every good blessing.