Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people).
Making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity), because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 Amp.
These verses are some that I have read often. I've read the book of Ephesians too many times to count and know a lot of them from memory. However, it seems like when reading this morning, these words practically jumped out at me: vague, thoughtless and foolish. Then there's purposefully and worthily and accurately. As I read them I started to think of my life and honestly, it feels like if I am wandering around in the desert or something. I believe I know what God has called me to do. I know He has equipped me but somehow I still can't seem to get things materialize and it feels pretty frustrating.
When I read these verses over and over I see that even though I am serving God with my heart, I can't leave my head out of it. Verse 15 says live wise, be sensible and intelligent, then verse 17 tells me not to be vague, thoughtless or foolish, but to firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. It is important to look for opportunities because they won't just appear out of nowhere. Looking back I believe that some opportunities came to me, but since they weren't labelled and wrapped up the way I would have liked, I let them pass by.
No wonder the word says be sensible and intelligent. I would also believe alert and sober can be inserted here.
A thoughtless and foolish person is one who doesn't understand what the will of God is. I don't want to be thoughtless or foolish anymore when God's will is available to me. I want to firmly grasp it so the understanding doesn't slip away from me. The Holy Spirit is there 100% to show me God's plan and path for me.
Praying is of the utmost importance, but I need to take physical steps to cooperate with God so that His plans for me will bear fruit.
I am getting up off my knees and putting some feet to my faith.
blessings,
vickie
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Pieces from Proverbs 5
Now then my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.
Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.
For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.
Proverbs 5: 7-10 and 21 & 22
Even as we find a lot of spiritual insight in this Wisdom Book, we find some great practical advice. Here Solomon gives advice against adulterous living. It is great to speak the Word when we have strongholds in our lives or we are faced with tempting situations; however after praying and fasting, after speaking the word, after confessing, we have to live it out. The writer says, 'keep to a path far from her/him, do not go near her/his house.' In other words, do your best not to pass on that street, lest you be tempted to go in. If you do have to pass on that street, walk on the other side. Keep far from the thing or person that could cause your downfall. Be careful, the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy. Let him that think he stand, take heed lest he fall. Don't trust in yourself. Take heed to the word.
For your ways are in full view of the Lord and He examines all your paths.
When we sin, we sin against God. Our deeds may not be in view of others but they are in full view of God, and He is watching.
I want my life to be an open book. I so want to be transparent before God and others. I haven't reached yet and I struggle in certain areas, but I am learning to work the word. I don't want to just know the word and continue to battle the same things over and over. I am learning to practically apply the word in situation after situation.
None of us may be facing the temptation of adultery now, but what will we tell the person who may come to us with the problem? Will we just tell them to pray about it? That's not enough. We need to employ certain practical strategies, and sometimes drastic ones for our soul's sake.
Let's hold on to this word. Let's work this word. Let's prove this word.
We see Jesus by faith, a faith that is often times silly to this world. How will they ever know that God is real? They will know when we practically apply this word and allow it to bring change that they can see.
That is the desire of my heart as I seek the wisdom of God; that men may see Him and know that He is real and He is alive.
Work the word and it will work for you.
blessings
Vickie
Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.
For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths.
Proverbs 5: 7-10 and 21 & 22
Even as we find a lot of spiritual insight in this Wisdom Book, we find some great practical advice. Here Solomon gives advice against adulterous living. It is great to speak the Word when we have strongholds in our lives or we are faced with tempting situations; however after praying and fasting, after speaking the word, after confessing, we have to live it out. The writer says, 'keep to a path far from her/him, do not go near her/his house.' In other words, do your best not to pass on that street, lest you be tempted to go in. If you do have to pass on that street, walk on the other side. Keep far from the thing or person that could cause your downfall. Be careful, the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy. Let him that think he stand, take heed lest he fall. Don't trust in yourself. Take heed to the word.
For your ways are in full view of the Lord and He examines all your paths.
When we sin, we sin against God. Our deeds may not be in view of others but they are in full view of God, and He is watching.
I want my life to be an open book. I so want to be transparent before God and others. I haven't reached yet and I struggle in certain areas, but I am learning to work the word. I don't want to just know the word and continue to battle the same things over and over. I am learning to practically apply the word in situation after situation.
None of us may be facing the temptation of adultery now, but what will we tell the person who may come to us with the problem? Will we just tell them to pray about it? That's not enough. We need to employ certain practical strategies, and sometimes drastic ones for our soul's sake.
Let's hold on to this word. Let's work this word. Let's prove this word.
We see Jesus by faith, a faith that is often times silly to this world. How will they ever know that God is real? They will know when we practically apply this word and allow it to bring change that they can see.
That is the desire of my heart as I seek the wisdom of God; that men may see Him and know that He is real and He is alive.
Work the word and it will work for you.
blessings
Vickie
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
WFW - Pieces From Proverbs 4
5.Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Love her, and she will keep you.
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
A crown of glory she will deliver to you."
Proverbs 4:5-9
In all your getting, get understanding.
I don't know if it could be any clearer or plainer. We are encouraged today in this piece from the proverbs not to neglect getting wisdom, not to neglect getting understanding.
Look at the benefits of getting the wisdom of God: promotion and honor just to name a few and a crown of glory she will deliver to you.
I just want to simply reinforce what I've said the last couple of days. Let us get back to the word of God and do what it says. This word is spirit and it is life. Wherever you are in life today, whatever is lacking, find the answer in the Word. Whatever decisions you face today seek the wisdom of God and you will have the peace of God in all you do.
Have a blessed WFW.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pieces from Proverbs 3
My son do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and humankind. Proverbs 3:1-4
I want to live a long life. I want to live to see my children and my grand-children grow and live long lives too. I've changed my eating habits over the last 8 months or so, I now go to the gym a couple times a week and recently I've started walking for an hour between 5.30 and 6.30 in the mornings. After years of struggling to discipline myself, I now take my vitamins daily and all in all I have lost a total of about 13 pounds fitting better in my clothes. I've done all this to help improve the quality of my life and hopefully the length of it. However there's one other thing that's more important than all of these. There's one other thing that will profit me more than any of the things I've mentioned above, and that's keeping God's commands in my heart.
The book of Proverbs plainly states that keeping God's word hidden in your heart and applying it, leads to long life, peace and prosperity. Which of us wouldn't want to live until Jesus came? Which of us wouldn't want to live that life in peace? Which of us wouldn't want to live long, peacefully and prosperous as well? I would, for sure I would. The word promises not just length of life, but quality of life. There's the absolute assurance of favor with both God and man if we would wrap ourselves in the His word.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
I never for one moment think that my feeble attempts at eating better and exercise etc is all that's sustaining me. Everyday I thank God that He is the One Who is giving me life, health, breath and strength to even do these things. It's the word of God applied to our lives, it's His wisdom when we use it that will bring nourishment to our bones. As good as our vitamin D levels may be they're no match for a steady dose of the refreshing, life-giving word of God.
Friends it is never too late to start. It took me years before I got to the point of making it a habit to eat healthy and take supplements to make up for what I wasn't getting in my food. Start now. If your health is poor, if your life is lacking, if you need a boost, take God at His word. His commands will not only give you quantity of life, it will give you quality as well. If your priority has been your physical man reset your priorities and concentrate on your soul. Paul tells us bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Tim. 4:8)
As I mentioned yesterday, it is no good storing up treasures for this life only because they get corrupted and the thief will come and steal them. Wisdom was one of the first of God's created works. He used wisdom in creating the heavens and the earth. HE used wisdom in setting this worlds' order and He is willing to give us that same wisdom. That wisdom will revolutionize our lives.
Just ask for it, receive it and use it.
Have a blessed weekend. Don't forget to fill up on the Word of God.
Vickie
I want to live a long life. I want to live to see my children and my grand-children grow and live long lives too. I've changed my eating habits over the last 8 months or so, I now go to the gym a couple times a week and recently I've started walking for an hour between 5.30 and 6.30 in the mornings. After years of struggling to discipline myself, I now take my vitamins daily and all in all I have lost a total of about 13 pounds fitting better in my clothes. I've done all this to help improve the quality of my life and hopefully the length of it. However there's one other thing that's more important than all of these. There's one other thing that will profit me more than any of the things I've mentioned above, and that's keeping God's commands in my heart.
The book of Proverbs plainly states that keeping God's word hidden in your heart and applying it, leads to long life, peace and prosperity. Which of us wouldn't want to live until Jesus came? Which of us wouldn't want to live that life in peace? Which of us wouldn't want to live long, peacefully and prosperous as well? I would, for sure I would. The word promises not just length of life, but quality of life. There's the absolute assurance of favor with both God and man if we would wrap ourselves in the His word.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
I never for one moment think that my feeble attempts at eating better and exercise etc is all that's sustaining me. Everyday I thank God that He is the One Who is giving me life, health, breath and strength to even do these things. It's the word of God applied to our lives, it's His wisdom when we use it that will bring nourishment to our bones. As good as our vitamin D levels may be they're no match for a steady dose of the refreshing, life-giving word of God.
Friends it is never too late to start. It took me years before I got to the point of making it a habit to eat healthy and take supplements to make up for what I wasn't getting in my food. Start now. If your health is poor, if your life is lacking, if you need a boost, take God at His word. His commands will not only give you quantity of life, it will give you quality as well. If your priority has been your physical man reset your priorities and concentrate on your soul. Paul tells us bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Tim. 4:8)
As I mentioned yesterday, it is no good storing up treasures for this life only because they get corrupted and the thief will come and steal them. Wisdom was one of the first of God's created works. He used wisdom in creating the heavens and the earth. HE used wisdom in setting this worlds' order and He is willing to give us that same wisdom. That wisdom will revolutionize our lives.
Just ask for it, receive it and use it.
Have a blessed weekend. Don't forget to fill up on the Word of God.
Vickie
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Pieces from Proverbs 2
My son if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding - indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 2:1-5
We hear a lot. There's a lot of information that comes at us daily from various sources, whether it be from a loved one, or we read it in a book or read it on the web. There's no denying it, we hear a lot, but how much of it do we really listen to? The writer of the Proverbs pleads with us to accept the words of wisdom and store up the commands of the Lord. Accepting the words of wisdom is not just hearing them, but receiving them and applying them. When we are encouraged to store up God's commands, it tells me we need to get a whole lot of it. There's no storing up if we just take in a favorite verse here or there, or a chapter once a week. Storing up speaks to me of getting a regular supply to put away. A regular supply that we can draw from in times of tests, in times of need and in times of lack.
We put ourselves at a great disadvantage when we seek after everything else more than the Word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19 & 20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Treasures on earth are our own desires and goals and plans without His wisdom. No one can steal the insight and the understanding that comes from the Word. A store of the Word of God provides us with a guard for our path in life and protection for the way we would walk.
When we don't have the Word as a garrison around us, the enemy is able to come in and steal our peace and our joy.
indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Understanding the fear of the Lord is not an automatic thing as a believer. We are called to be purposeful and intentional about seeking the wisdom of God. Calling out for insight, crying out for understanding, searching for it like searching for hidden treasure all involves a lot of effort. To find hidden treasure calls for digging deep. It involves more time studying the word than reading other novels, as good as they are. It involves more time in prayer than a quick morning devotion. God's wisdom is His word and if we are diligent about seeking it He promises that we will find the knowledge we desire.
It's my desire to know more of Him but how can I do that if I don't get more of His word? How can I write or speak for Him if I don't spend adequate time with Him?
He is generous in His giving to those who are willing to receive. His greatest gift is more of Himself, His ways and His thoughts.
He made known His acts to the children of Israel, but He made known His ways to Moses. I want to be known as a friend of God. I want to know His ways.
His Word = His Will = His Ways
I encourage all of us today, lets be more fervent about seeking after God, put Him first.
Blessings,
Vickie
We hear a lot. There's a lot of information that comes at us daily from various sources, whether it be from a loved one, or we read it in a book or read it on the web. There's no denying it, we hear a lot, but how much of it do we really listen to? The writer of the Proverbs pleads with us to accept the words of wisdom and store up the commands of the Lord. Accepting the words of wisdom is not just hearing them, but receiving them and applying them. When we are encouraged to store up God's commands, it tells me we need to get a whole lot of it. There's no storing up if we just take in a favorite verse here or there, or a chapter once a week. Storing up speaks to me of getting a regular supply to put away. A regular supply that we can draw from in times of tests, in times of need and in times of lack.
We put ourselves at a great disadvantage when we seek after everything else more than the Word of God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19 & 20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Treasures on earth are our own desires and goals and plans without His wisdom. No one can steal the insight and the understanding that comes from the Word. A store of the Word of God provides us with a guard for our path in life and protection for the way we would walk.
When we don't have the Word as a garrison around us, the enemy is able to come in and steal our peace and our joy.
indeed if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Understanding the fear of the Lord is not an automatic thing as a believer. We are called to be purposeful and intentional about seeking the wisdom of God. Calling out for insight, crying out for understanding, searching for it like searching for hidden treasure all involves a lot of effort. To find hidden treasure calls for digging deep. It involves more time studying the word than reading other novels, as good as they are. It involves more time in prayer than a quick morning devotion. God's wisdom is His word and if we are diligent about seeking it He promises that we will find the knowledge we desire.
It's my desire to know more of Him but how can I do that if I don't get more of His word? How can I write or speak for Him if I don't spend adequate time with Him?
He is generous in His giving to those who are willing to receive. His greatest gift is more of Himself, His ways and His thoughts.
He made known His acts to the children of Israel, but He made known His ways to Moses. I want to be known as a friend of God. I want to know His ways.
His Word = His Will = His Ways
I encourage all of us today, lets be more fervent about seeking after God, put Him first.
Blessings,
Vickie
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WFW - Pieces From Proverbs
The Purpose of Proverbs
1These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.
2The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. 3Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. 4These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.
5Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance 6by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.
7Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.
22"You simpletons!" she cries. "How long will you go on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools fight the facts? 23Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise. (Proverbs 1: 1-7, 22 & 23 NLT)
I so love the book of Proverbs. I am grateful to God that He didn't leave us here to fend for ourselves. I am thankful that God in His wisdom is willing to help us in any area that we ask of Him. The book of Proverbs as the first few verses so rightly stated has something for all of us. It is available for any human alive, any size, shape, age,color, race or height. The purpose is to teach all who is willing, wisdom, discipline and good conduct. If you are simple minded the wisdom of God will make you clever. If you are young you will gain knowledge and discover your purpose in life. If you are wise, adhering to the truths in this Book will make you even wiser.
Only the fool would ignore the wisdom and discipline of the Lord.
I have made so many mistakes in life by failing to apply God's truths and His wisdom appropriately. Over the weekend as my husband and I read and meditated on these verses, and saw the admonition in verse 22 & 23 we repented before God. We repented for remaining in a simple and foolish place many times when the wisdom of God was available to us. We repented of ignoring promptings from the Holy Spirit when we were about to undertake certain projects. We repented for being emotional so often in our decision making and never truly changing our way of thinking.
The wisdom of God is available to each of us, all we need to do is ask. He is a generous and willing God. Why stumble around in the darkness when light is offered to us? Let's take Him up on His offer. In verse 23 He says, "Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise!" Isn't He a great, big, wonderful, awesome God?
There are so many wonderful truths in the proverbs. It's not just a book with nice, cute sayings, it has very practical application for life. The quality of our lives can be enhanced greatly if we would hear and heed the cry of wisdom. I want to take a piece from proverbs as often as I can and hear what God is saying. For this month of June, I will challenge myself to write a daily piece from this wonderful book. Feel free to join me and share your thoughts. This is my birth month and what better way to celebrate advancing in age than by advancing in God's wisdom?
Have a great WFW.
For more WFW visit at Internet Cafe Devotions
Blessings,
Vickie
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