Vengeance Belongs to The Lord - and Satan Has to Pay!

I recently was listening to Karen Wheaton's testimony and it stirred something up in me. This is definitely worth sharing. It's also something The Enemy does NOT want YOU to KNOW.

John 10:10 (AMP) says:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

So, whatever has happened to you was not the result of a person. Human beings are not the problem. The Enemy is. Consider Ephesians 6:12 (AMP).

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Don't ask God for vengeance on people. They are not your real problem, nor your true enemy. Ask God for vengeance on Satan for what he has done to you. He has stolen from you. He has robbed you. He has delayed your blessing. He has hurled destruction and death at you. He brings sickness, pain, and disease.

You ask God to make The Enemy pay for all that he has done to you. God is FURIOUS at all that The Enemy has done to you! So, agree with God and ask Him for vengeance upon The Devil. Ask God to make him wish he had never touched you or even looked your way. Ask God to make The Enemy regret the day he ever came against you. Ask God to make him repay all that he has stolen from you. Somebody has to pay and it should be The Enemy of your soul.

 

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! You have put up with this long enough. You are a child of God! You don't have to put up with this! It's time! The enemy can NOT withhold, waylay, deny, delay, or stop what God has declared and promised to you! Let's redirect our anger to where it belongs.

FIERCE: Move that mountain with fasting, prayer, giving, and the power of the Holy Spirit who is in you

This past weekend I was at a Women's Ministry Conference called Fierce. This was a gathering of close to 2000 women from all over the state of Florida. Our Fierce leader - Marsha Woolley spoke on Girls With Swords from Lisa Bevere's next best selling book. Friday morning, night, and Saturday morning our guest speaker - Karen Wheaton shared what the Holy Spirit laid on her heart. She also brought with her Chosen - a worship and creative arts dance and praise team of kids that rocked the house and brought spot on words from God's lips to our ears. Pastor J - the worship leader from Victorious Life Church in Tampa led worship. It was life changing worship. I mean, out of this world. The tangible presence of God was so real, so evident. I set my mind and determined to worship with all my might. I went for it 1000%.

Now, I know what the men are saying that are reading this. Why is she sharing this on the main blog? Why not share it on the women's blog? Well guys, I am glad you asked. You see, there is much to gain from what I am about to share. So, don't tune me out. There are many golden nuggets of truth in this post for you too men. So, please read on. Please think how you can apply what is here in your own life, because it really applies across the board to the whole body of Christ.

A Word from the Lord given by one of the members of Chosen:

Isaiah 65:1 - The Lord was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.

• The enemy is attacking your voice to silence you, so there will be no results.
• Move the mountain by speaking to it.
• What you speak is what you believe.
• Things have to change, because it's His Word!
• Darkness has NO choice! It has to get out of the way.

Message 1 from one of the members of Chosen:

Luke 1 - Elizabeth and Zacharias were Consecrated Ones - set apart for God.

• Delay does NOT mean denial!
• The greater the impact of the calling, gifting, purpose, or plan, the greater the fight is for it to come to pass.
• For with God, NOTHING is impossible!
• Fast again!
• Pray again!
• Give again!
• The enemy is holding your promise because he knows how it will impact the world.

Message 2 from one of the members of Chosen:

• The Holy Spirit lives in you.
• You have POWER!
• You do NOT have a spirit of fear. You have POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND!
• You are the dwelling place of God.
• In the moment of temptation, you have power to choose.
• You have the power to activate the power of the Holy Spirit in you - or - stay unplugged from Him. The choice is yours.
• Our thoughts dictate our feelings.
• Actively plant every word in your life.
• Women - don't blame hormones. His Spirit is in you and is greater than hormones.
• In those moments of temptation or weakness, choose the presence of the Holy Spirit in you.
• When you lose control of your self, that's when you lose the respect of those watching you.
• Underline this, 2 Timothy 2:20-22.
• When you choose to act (not react) according to the Holy Spirit, it feeds someone else around you.
• Remember the power that you have.

Church, let's take out God's weapons of mass destruction against the enemy. It's time to pray again. Time to fast again. Time to give again. The battle is already won. It was settled at Calvary. The victory is all ours.

FIERCE: Fierce Faith

This past weekend I was at a Women's Ministry Conference called Fierce. This was a gathering of close to 2000 women from all over the state of Florida. Our Fierce leader - Marsha Woolley spoke on Girls With Swords from Lisa Bevere's next best selling book. Friday morning, night, and Saturday morning our guest speaker - Karen Wheaton shared what the Holy Spirit laid on her heart. She also brought with her Chosen - a worship and creative arts dance and praise team of kids that rocked the house and brought spot on words from God's lips to our ears. Pastor J - the worship leader from Victorious Life Church in Tampa led worship. It was life changing worship. I mean, out of this world. The tangible presence of God was so real, so evident. I set my mind and determined to worship with all my might. I went for it 1000%.

Now, I know what the men are saying that are reading this. Why is she sharing this on the main blog? Why not share it on the women's blog? Well guys, I am glad you asked. You see, there is much to gain from what I am about to share. So, don't tune me out. There are many golden nuggets of truth in this post for you too men. So, please read on. Please think how you can apply what is here in your own life, because it really applies across the board to the whole body of Christ.

A word given by a member of Chosen inspired from the book, Captivating and Isaiah 61:

God has set us on a mission to release and restore something. This means you and me. God says, "I am FURIOUS at the enemy and what he has done to you! Give me your whole heart and I will set you free. I will bring restoration. I will give you beauty for devastation, joy for sorrow, and I will robe your heart in righteousness for your former devastation."

A Golden Nugget of TRUTH:

SATAN'S GREATEST FEAR IS THAT YOU WOULD BELIEVE YOU ARE WHO GOD SAID YOU ARE!

What would you be doing right now, without fear and if you believed what God said? There is no time to waste! As long as there is breath in your body, it's not too late for you.

FIERCE - having or displaying ferocious, intense, aggressiveness. Having strong feelings, such as determination.

Truths for Women:

• As women, we need to accept that we can be fierce!
• In the Garden, ENMITY was put between the woman and the devil. This means unending hostility toward the devil. Women will forever be Satan's enemy.
• All of the woman's offspring will be the enemy of the devil and will hate him.
• There is a spearhead of the devil aimed specifically at women because of the BEAUTY of God in her. She is the crowning glory of creation.
• Women have fierce faith. We pray until we win. We fast until we win. We give until we have nothing more to give.

FAITH - the substance of things hoped for, or the substance of change you are looking for.

HOPE - the belief that things will change.

How do you get FIERCE FAITH?

• Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
• Learn to get your OWN Word from God!
• Pray where deep calls to deep.
• Until you touch heaven and heaven touches you, pray through!

Isaiah 43:1-4, 15-19 says:

1 But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

³ For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt [to the Babylonians] for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba [a province of Ethiopia] in exchange [for your release].

⁴ Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life.

¹⁵ I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.

¹⁶ Thus says the Lord, Who makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters,

¹⁷ Who brings forth chariot and horse, army and mighty warrior. They lie down together, they cannot rise; they are extinguished, they are quenched like a lampwick:

¹⁸ Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.

¹⁹ Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!

1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? ² My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. ³ He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep.  Psalm 121:1-3

From Karen Wheaton: 

1. Value the word. The word you value is the word that provides fruit.
2. Believe the word. What you meditate on is what you believe. 

• Your Daddy has the answer.
• Stop talking about and going back over the things of the past! When you do that, you are eating from a DEAD carcass! You are NOT a BUZZARD! You are an EAGLE!
• Remember not the former things. God is doing a NEW thing!

 

 

FIERCE: Being a Warrior

This past weekend I was at a Women's Ministry Conference called Fierce. This was a gathering of close to 2000 women from all over the state of Florida. Our Fierce leader - Marsha Woolley spoke on Girls With Swords from Lisa Bevere's next best selling book. Friday morning, night, and Saturday morning our guest speaker - Karen Wheaton shared what the Holy Spirit laid on her heart. She also brought with her Chosen - a worship and creative arts dance and praise team of kids that rocked the house and brought spot on words from God's lips to our ears. Pastor J - the worship leader from Victorious Life Church in Tampa led worship. It was life changing worship. I mean, out of this world. The tangible presence of God was so real, so evident. I set my mind and determined to worship with all my might. I went for it 1000%.

Now, I know what the men are saying that are reading this. Why is she sharing this on the main blog? Why not share it on the women's blog? Well guys, I am glad you asked. You see, there is much to gain from what I am about to share. So, don't tune me out. There are many golden nuggets of truth in this post for you too men. So, please read on. Please think how you can apply what is here in your own life, because it really applies across the board and to the whole body of Christ.

We are warriors! Warriors are very different from soldiers. Being a warrior is a lifestyle and a way of life. Warriors are enlisted for life! Soldiers only fight temporarily and then go back to life as usual. Warriors NEVER stop fighting! We are walking in a unique season. Warriors take the pressures of what comes against them and use it as an opportunity for inward transformation. Warriors allow the pressure around them to increase pressure in them for greatness and power. Warriors always strategize how to defeat the enemy.  

Isaiah 43:5-7 says:

⁵ Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east [where they are dispersed] and gather you from the west. ⁶ I will say to the north, Give up! and to the south, Keep not back. Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth—⁷ Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made.

There are 6 swords that warriors fight with:

1. The Sword of Words - God's Word. We are to speak His Word to all matters, for the power of life and death is in the warrior's tongue.
2. The Sword of Harvest - Warriors clear the path for the harvest. They sow and they reap. They strike down predators that get in the way of the harvest. They bring the word of God down, so the harvest can come forth.
3. The Sword of Light - Hate lives in the dark. Love lives in the light. The warrior abides in the light.
4. The Sword of Song - Sometimes all it takes is a song to tip the battlefield in our favor. Songs confuse the enemy and praise goes before the battle is ever fought and won. So sing! Don't let the enemy steal your song!
5. The Sword of Silence - God will fight the battle for you. Just stand and be silent. Watch Him defeat the enemy before your eyes.
6. The Sword of Forgiveness and Restoration - This helps us to weigh our motives. Always walk in forgiveness, no matter what someone has done to you or said about you.

It's time to rise up WARRIORS! It's time to fight and take back ALL the enemy has taken from us. It's time to stand in the gap for souls. Can you hear the rally and the war cry of your Captain of the Host - Warrior-King Jesus? Wake up, armor up, strategize. Let's go. Listen, it's already settled. Victory is ours because of Jesus. We win this war. We just need to fight.

Scene from The Lord of the Rings, written by J. R. R. Tolkien,

a Christian author, who wrote this epic series to explain the

fight between the Kingdom of our God and the

kingdom of darkness.

We are ALL in this together: A Call to Action!

I know it has been a while since I have posted, and it's a Saturday, but the Lord told me to write and post. Many of you have been disappointed and need encouragement from a Man or Woman of God. So, I am here to encourage you Dear Ones. First, let me declare that I am no one special. My title does not mean I am higher than anyone. I am a nobody just trying to tell everybody about somebody who can change anybody.

I am human, like you. I have struggles, like you. The enemy attacks me, like he attacks you. Listen, Dear Ones, we are in this thing together. The only thing that makes me a "pastor" are my credentials and the job I do, which is to shepherd the Lord's sheep. I put my pants on the same as you. I brush my teeth the same as you. I face disappointments, pain, and sickness, just like you. I have faith tests, just like you. Occasionally, I run ahead of the Lord and He has to deal with me.

We are ALL living in days where we NEED each other. No one can sit back and let others do the work. There is MUCH to be done and miles to go before we sleep! Everyone is needed; EVERYONE! Prayer warriors, laborers and workers. Any position you can think of, YES, YOU are needed! Luke 10:2 says, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." I am asking the Lord for workers. YOU are needed! Rise up. Wake up. Stand up.

It is VERY important (muy importante) that you understand that YOU HAVE VALUE!!! If you are not called to the five-fold ministry (preacher, teacher, evangelist, prophet, apostle) in Ephesians 4:11, it's OK. Not everyone is called to one of these ministries. However, you are still a minister and an ambassador.

However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God, who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Every believer starts here. It's up to God if He calls you to a more specified position. It's like being a doctor. You can be a general practitioner with basic training and a general call to reach the general populace. Then, there are the specialists, who have more training and are called to specified fields and roles. Just remember Dear Ones, that EVERY believer is a general practitioner, with the authority, training, and the equipment to act as such.

We are all part of the same body. Each of us has a God-ordained role to fulfill. It is VERY important (muy importante) for us to understand this. If you do NOT fill the position you were called to fill, there is potential trouble for the whole body. We need each other. Read 1 Corinthians 12. Also, remember we are all part of the Lord's Army. He is The Captain of the Host we see in Joshua 5:13-15.

¹³ When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you one of us or one of our enemies?” ¹⁴ He answered, “Neither one! I am here as the commander of the Lord’s army.” Immediately, Joshua bowed with his face touching the ground and worshiped. He asked, “Sir, what do you want to tell me?” ¹⁵ The commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals because this place where you are standing is holy.” So Joshua did as he was told.

So, there is a hierarchy here and we need to get this. Jesus is the head of The Body. We are The Body. Jesus is The Captain of the Host and we are His Army. So, there is a rank of sorts, but not to cause friction, envy, or discord among us. It is just the position we are called to. That's all. No need for jealousy among us. Beside that, we are each equally important to His Cause, no matter what our position is.

We HAVE TO get this my brothers and sisters. No one in ministry leadership is to pull rank on their sheep, acting like they are high and mighty. They are servants and are called to act like servants. This means a life poured out. This means sacrifice for the cause. This means prayer and fasting and weeping before the Lord for His People. This means death to self.

I am sorry if any preacher, pastor, or minister has given you a poor example. Please allow me to ask your forgiveness on the behalf of the true pastors of God. I am sorry if you have had poor examples. I am sorry if you have been disenfranchised by any action, word, or deed of someone who is a pastor. Please forgive them and release them. They are the Lord's business to deal with, and He will deal with them. Remember the greater the calling on one's life, the greater the responsibility to the Lord. He will call them on the carpet. So, don't you worry about that. You live your life holy unto God with mercy and grace, love and forgiveness.

For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more. Luke 12:48

This pastor calls you to awake, arise, stand up, and join in the fight against the kingdom of darkness. We need you. You are equipped and called by the One who gave His life FOR YOU! This is a rally to join The Cause. Listen Dear Ones, The Mission gives you Permission! But just in case you NEED to hear the word of a Man or Woman of God, hear me! I call you to take your post. I call you to duty. I activate you now. Let's go.

On your feet soldier!
Grab your sword.
Put on your armor and fall into rank.

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 5

This proverb was written for men. However, women can also take direction from this proverb, as well. This proverb is a warning to stay away from the adulteress. Women, we need to stay away from the adulterer. We know it takes two to tango and the door could swing the other direction to pull us away from our husbands.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and will stop at nothing to push our buttons, so we must always be aware. Being happily married does not deter the enemy from trying to bring temptation your way. Remember, he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). So, be on the lookout. Be proactive with your prayers for your spouse in this specific area. I am not saying to be afraid of a devil around every corner, but be wise, so that he does not catch you off guard.

That "friend" at work could easily become a temptation and a snare, even if they "say" they are a Christian or they "believe" in God (Remember the devil believes in God. Saying you are a Christian and actually being a Christian are two totally different things). If you are married, do NOT go anywhere alone with that friendly co-worker that wants to just go grab a coffee or a drink after work. If you get invitations like this, then you should say, no, but I'll ask my spouse if we can have you over for dinner. Watch how fast that person backs away from you. Then, you know their agenda was not just about coffee.

This proverb urges us to pay attention and listen well, so that we may maintain discretion. We are told the adulteress's lips drip with honey. Yup, she is a smooth talker, but do not be fooled. In the end, her words will be bitter like vinegar. She is a double-edged sword and she will cut you deep and in more ways than one. Her paths are crooked and her way leads to death and the grave. We are warned to not even go near her door, unless we want to trade our honor and dignity for cruelty, give our wealth to strangers, and come to the brink of utter ruin.

This is a "strange" woman, and you are to stay away from her. This proverb instructs us to drink from our own well. Don't seek out strangers. The Lord sees and knows all. You can't hide this from Him. The evil deeds a wicked man does ensnares him and he is held fast by the cords of his sin. Don't trade discipline for death and don't be led away by great folly.

Stay with the one you made a holy covenant with. The Lord will cause you to delight in your spouse. Even on the worst day with your spouse, life is better for you than with an adulteress. There's talk of this 80/20 rule going around. Sometimes your spouse may only give you 80%, but don't trade it for the 20% that an adulteress will give you, because that 20% is momentary.

Wives, do not neglect your husbands on the 20%. The Bible says you are NOT to deny your husbands. Read 1 Corinthians 7:4-5. When you said "I do" your body is no longer yours. You are his and he is yours. This 20% is the KEY that unlocks the 80% of how your husband relates to you and shows you love. Wives, this 20% is a ministry to your husbands. Again, my best friend's Spanish proverb comes to mind here. "Dar el ala, para comer la pechuga." Basic Translation - You have to give up the wing of the chicken to get the breast of the chicken.

Let's get real! Marriage is something that has to be protected. It is sacred and holy. It is worth fighting for. Even if you have grown apart, God can fix that. Plus, there are loads of resources out there to help you. Remember why you married each other and remember the exciting parts of your marriage in that 1st year. Go back to where you started. Rekindle that fire. Don't give the enemy any room to send an adulteress your way.

Proverbs 5 (NIV)

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge. 

³ For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
    and her speech is smoother than oil;
⁴ but in the end she is bitter as gall,
    sharp as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ She gives no thought to the way of life;
    her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. 

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me;
    do not turn aside from what I say. 

⁸ Keep to a path far from her,
    do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ lest you lose your honor to others
    and your dignity^[a] to one who is cruel,
¹⁰ lest strangers feast on your wealth
    and your toil enrich the house of another.
¹¹ At the end of your life you will groan,
    when your flesh and body are spent.
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
    How my heart spurned correction!
¹³ I would not obey my teachers
    or turn my ear to my instructors.
¹⁴ And I was soon in serious trouble
    in the assembly of God’s people.” 

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern,
    running water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs overflow in the streets,
    your streams of water in the public squares?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone,
    never to be shared with strangers.
¹⁸ May your fountain be blessed,
    and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer—
    may her breasts satisfy you always,
    may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
²⁰ Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
    Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? 

²¹ For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
    and he examines all your paths. 

²² The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
    the cords of their sins hold them fast.
²³ For lack of discipline they will die,
    led astray by their own great folly. 

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 5:9 Or years

* Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 4

This is another power packed proverb. In verses 1-2, notice the action words "listen," "pay attention," "gain understanding," and "do not forsake." It is all in reference to sound learning and wisdom. In verses 3-4, we see commanding words like "lay hold," "keep my commands," and "with all your heart." The result of doing so is life.

In verses 5-9, we see more wise instruction concerning getting wisdom and understanding. "Do not forget, swerve from, or forsake." The reward is protection, exaltation, honor, grace, and a crown of splendor. Wisdom is described in the feminine and she comes at a great cost, but she is worth it. In verses 10-13, we see years added to our lives, guidance, straight paths with unhampered steps, and protection from stumbling. This is what wisdom rewards us with; such goodness.

In verses 14-17, we are warned to stay away from the path of the wicked; to not even set our foot upon this path, to avoid it at all cost, and to turn away from it - going our own way. There is no rest for the wicked. They eat and drink wickedness. We definitely want to steer clear of that.

In verses 18-19, we see a contrast between two paths. The path of the righteous is lit up; with dawn's first gleam that cuts through the darkness. This path is brighter than the brightest part of the day. However, the path of the wicked is in such deep darkness that the wicked can not see what causes them to stumble.

In verses 20-22, we are urged to keep our eyes and our heart locked in on wisdom. We are told to pay attention and listen closely, for this brings life and health to our whole body. In verses 23-27, we are urged to guard our hearts, because it is our source of life. Remember that we believe with our heart for whatever we are asking God for. If it is salvation, healing, finances, spiritual breakthrough, or whatever, we believe it with our heart and confess it with our mouth. This is how we receive from God. So, it's no wonder we are to protect our heart.

We are also urged in these verses to put away perverse talk. Why? Because our words have power. We believe with our heart and confess with our mouth. How can we confess the goodness and the blessings of God if we are cursing people or speaking trash into our lives? Finally, we are urged to keep our eyes fixed and set straight ahead. Jesus is our prize. He is wisdom itself and we are to look to Him alone. He is before us. Fix your eyes on Him. We are not to swerve to the right or left of the firm, level path that leads to Him.

Proverbs 4 (NIV)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
    pay attention and gain understanding.
² I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching. 

³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live. 

⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
    love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all you have,^[b] get understanding.
⁸ Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.
⁹ She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.” 

¹⁰ Listen, my son, accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.
¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.
¹² When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life. 

¹⁴ Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.
¹⁵ Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶ For they cannot rest until they do evil;
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷ They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence. 

¹⁸ The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,
    shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
¹⁹ But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what makes them stumble. 

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
²² for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body. 

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Give careful thought to the^[c] paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
2. Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get
3. Proverbs 4:26 Or Make level

* Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 3

This proverb is about making certain choices; small choices that have a HUGE impact and make a BIG difference! There are many sections to this proverb, with nuggets of wisdom in each. In verses 1-2, we see that choices made with the heart (keeping God's teaching and commands with our heart) brings long life and prosperity.

In verses 3-4, we see that choosing love and faithfulness, as constant companions brings us favor and gives us a good name in the sight of God and man. That is tremendously good news! Many of us are familiar with verses 5-6, as we often quote it. Trust is the key choice here; our whole trust with our whole heart and our whole mind. It produces a straight path for us to walk on, which just so happens to be directed by the Lord Himself.

In verses 7-8, we are urged to avoid our own form of wisdom, but to fear (greatly respect) the Lord and make the choice to shun evil (this means evil things for our own life, not that we shun people). This choice brings health to our body and life to our bones. Wow! How amazing is that? Did you see that? Health is connected to our spiritual choices.

In verses 9-10, we are told to honor the Lord with our wealth. The term "firstfruits" is an agricultural term from ancient times when farmers would plant their fields in sections. The "firstfruits" section was strictly dedicated to the Lord. It was a tenth of the whole crop. We are to return this to him with a grateful heart, for He is our source that supplies money for us in the first place. When we choose to honor God with the first portion of our money, the rest of what we have overflows and spills over the brim that contains it. My best friend is Puerto Rican and she taught me a Spanish proverb: "Dar el ala, para comer la pechuga." Basic Translation - You have to give up the wing of the chicken to get the breast of the chicken. It is true in our finances too. Give God 10% and watch Him bless the 90% like never before. It's crazy math and you'll be astonished by it. You'll try to calculate the excess and you will realize that it does not compute, because God's math is not like our math.

In verses 11-12, we are told to choose discipline and not to despise it. The Lord's correction is good for us. Do not be afraid of this. He is a loving Daddy. He is not abusive, but gentle and tender. He knows what is best for us. Remember, He sees the BIG picture we do not see. He sees past, present, future, and all of the people and events connected and intertwined in all of it. So, allow Him to discipline you. Don't run from it. That makes it worse. He loves you, so of course He is going to correct you when you need it. This is one way how He shows His love.

Verses 13-18 describes wisdom and understanding as choices of great and high value; more valuable than silver, gold, and rubies. Nothing compares with wisdom and understanding. She brings us long life, riches, honor, peace, and blessings. Verses 19-20 validates the powers of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge and how God used them when He created the whole earth.

Verses 21-24 tells us to choose sound judgment and discernment, for they bring us life and safety. They keep us from stumbling, let us rest without fear, and give us sweet sleep. Verses 25-26 tells us not to choose fear, because the Lord is our confidence and He protects us from the traps of the enemy.

Verses 27-29 tells us to give to others and not to withhold anything. If we have it to give, then we are to give to those in need. We are to do no harm to our neighbor. We may be the only Jesus they ever meet, so we need to love them, as we love ourselves. Our neighbor is anyone and everyone, not just the person in the house next door. Verse 30 cautions us against false accusations against people who have not done us any harm. I think this is important, because we need to remember that we are not fighting people, but the enemy, who uses people to get to us. See Ephesians 6:12.

Verses 31-32 warns us against choosing envy and violence, because the Lord takes up for us. He contends with those that contend with us (Isaiah 49:25). So, let Him have His way with your enemies and those who do you wrong. He can deal with them far better than we can. Verses 33-35 shows us that the Lord blesses the righteous and curses the wicked. He gives grace to the humble, but mocks the proud. There is honor for the wise and shame for fools. So, we would be wise to choose righteousness, humility, and wisdom.

Proverbs 3 (NIV)

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
² for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth,
    with the firstfruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
    and your vats will brim over with new wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.^[b]

¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.

¹⁹ By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
    by understanding he set the heavens in place;
²⁰ by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
    and the clouds let drop the dew. 

²¹ My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
²² they will be life for you,
    an ornament to grace your neck.
²³ Then you will go on your way in safety,
    and your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 

²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
²⁶ for the Lord will be at your side
    and will keep your foot from being snared.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.
²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”
    — when you already have it with you.
²⁹ Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
    who lives trustfully near you. 

³⁰ Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
    when they have done you no harm. 

³¹ Do not envy the violent
    or choose any of their ways.

³² For the Lord detests the perverse
    but takes the upright into his confidence. 

³³ The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.
³⁴ He mocks proud mockers
    but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
³⁵ The wise inherit honor,
    but fools get only shame.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
2. Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child

*Bible passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com

A Proverb A Day Gives Us Wisdom To Pray - Proverbs 2

I love this proverb. It has 6 distinct parts to it, but they all lead back to One Resounding Truth. Verses 1-4 contains a charge from Solomon that IF we accept his words, store up his commands, turn our ear to wisdom, apply understanding to our heart, call for insight, cry for understanding, and look for it as a treasure, then we will understand (verse 5) the fear of the Lord and find His knowledge. I just love this! It's quite simple, our part, but hey, that's how God is. He keeps it simple for us. Verse 6 continues with this truth that wisdom comes from God, knowledge and understanding - from His mouth. Verse 7: The upright have victory, which He holds for them (I could stop and shout right there!) But wait, He is our Shield and we can walk Blameless! That is so powerful and so awesome! Verse 8: For He guards our course and protects our way! Just verses 5-8 could preach! He is an awesome God!

In verses 9-11 we see that we will have understanding of what is right and just. Wisdom will enter our heart and knowledge will be pleasant to our soul. Discretion will protect us and understanding will guard us. This is good stuff!

In verses 12-15, we see how wisdom saves us from the ways of wicked men, perverse things, and crooked paths. Amazing! Verses 16-19 gives hope for escape from sexual immorality and all of the entrapments of it, that lead to the grave.

Verses 20-22 reminds us again of where this proverb began. God will keep us on His path of righteousness; upright and blameless. However, the wicked, who choose not to follow God or seek His wisdom will be cut off and torn down (not a good place to be). I choose the wisdom of the Lord, thank you very much. I encourage you to do the same. It's a win-win situation.

Proverbs 2 (NIV)

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,

⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right and just
    and fair—every good path.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
¹¹ Discretion will protect you,
    and understanding will guard you.

¹² Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
    from men whose words are perverse,
¹³ who have left the straight paths
    to walk in dark ways,
¹⁴ who delight in doing wrong
    and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
¹⁵ whose paths are crooked
    and who are devious in their ways.

¹⁶ Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words,
¹⁷ who has left the partner of her youth
    and ignored the covenant she made before God.^[a]
18 Surely her house leads down to death
    and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
¹⁹ None who go to her return
    or attain the paths of life.

²⁰ Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
    and keep to the paths of the righteous.
²¹ For the upright will live in the land,
    and the blameless will remain in it;
²² but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
    and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 2:17 Or covenant of her God

*Bible Passage and footnotes courtesy of Biblegateway.com