Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” – (20:11)

Observation: Solomon teaches that it is our actions that define us. When others see what we do, that forms their opinion of us.

Application: I am reminded of another old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Simply put, this means that you must open the book and read it to know the story it contains. When it comes to humanity, just looking at someone doesn’t necessary define them, but their actions certainly do!

How we act in the world is how we are measured. If you identify yourself as a Christian, you should be acting quite differently than those who are not saved. If you don’t, those who see you doubt your words about your relationship with Jesus. When someone looks at a Christian and sees the world in what they do, there is no reason for that individual to pursue a relationship with Christ because they see no difference between themselves and you. Sometimes, that will give a false sense of security to the onlooker. Since they act as you do, and you’re saved, they assume they are fine and on their way to heaven. The exact opposite is true! Our testimony to others is so important! We should reflect Jesus all the time because you never know when someone is watching you for your reactions to a particular situation.

Am I a good reflection of Jesus 24/7? Sadly, no. There are times when I fail, and I must seek the Lord’s forgiveness and help to be a better image of Jesus to others, but I am reminded that I am a work in progress. When I do fail, two verses in Scripture give me hope that I can still be used of God to honor Him and be a good witness. Philippians 1:6 states, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” and 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Simply put, God forgives me; continues to work in me, and helps me become more like Jesus. It is not something I can accomplish on my own; I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and He created me to do good works in His name and for His glory! God knows my heart and sees promise in me!

While we know that God doesn’t look on the outward appearance, but on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), the world doesn’t have that perceptive. What they see is what they get! If a Christian’s actions align with the rest of the world, where does that leave their testimony for Jesus? Romans 8:29 states, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” As Christians, we represent Jesus to the world, not only with our words, but with our lives as His light shines through us. Let us reflect Him well!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and helping me learn more about You. Thank You for working in me and transforming my life to be more aligned with Your Word. Help me to reflect You to the world, bringing You honor and glory as Your Spirit works through me. Help me decrease, and You increase in my life. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love, make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.

More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day;
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide:
Born of Him, through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be; let my Savior dwell in me.

(from “More Like Jesus ” by Fanny Crosby)

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“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Scripture: “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” – (19:27)

Observation: Solomon is warning his son to exercise discretion when determining whose instruction or advice to accept. Making an unwise choice in whose words to trust can have disastrous results.

Application: “Consider the source” is one way to condense Solomon’s advice to his son, and one that we should heed as well. In today’s world, everyone is quick to take the words of famous athletes, celebrities, university professors, and even pastors, as gospel (forgive the pun!). It is vital that we never blindly accept someone’s words as truth without examining them for accuracy.

How do we do that? We have only one source of absolute truth in this world, and that is the Bible. It is the Word of God, and is our standard for truth. If anyone gives instruction, advice, or directives that cannot be supported by the Scriptures, it is time to stop and “consider the source”!

Even me! You should always take the words you read in my blogs and compare them to God’s Word. If there is a discrepancy, believe the Bible, not me!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is so easy to slip my own opinions into what I say or write, but please keep me in total agreement with Your Word. Help me, Lord, to always diligently search the Scriptures for Your truth as I seek to learn more about You. Give me discretion and wisdom to be able to recognize Your truth above the truth of the world. May I never cause anyone to stumble or sin because of what I have said or written. Help me to listen to Your Spirit as You lead me in everything I endeavor to do. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word;
Just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust him more!

(from “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus ” by Louisa M.R. Stead)

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“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

Scripture: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” – (18:10)

Observation: Today’s world doesn’t have a monopoly on wickedness. It was just as present and real in Solomon’s day as it is currently. In today’s key verse, the king reminds his son that God Himself is our protector and will provide the safety needed.

Application: One of the most unsettling factors we face in today’s world is the increasing violence. I remember growing up and being able to walk to the grocery store for my mother without fear. Parents let their children roam the neighborhoods until the street lights came on, and walking to school was the norm for many of us. This is no longer the case. Random shootings, child abductions, and senseless brutality have become daily events. This world is a very frightening place, but Solomon’s proverb gives us hope. With Jesus as our Saviour, we have a divine protector. Take a moment to think about how He protected in the past.

• God protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fire.
  • “Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.” – Daniel 3:28
• God protected Daniel from the lions.
  • “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” – Daniel 6:22
• God protected David from a lion, a bear, and the warrior, Goliath.
  • “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” -1 Samuel 17:37
• God protected Paul from the bite of a venomous snake.
  • “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand… And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.” – Acts 28:3,5

God is immutable, that is, He never changes. Malachi 3:6 records God’s words, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” He continues to protect believers today. Isaiah 41:10 also records God declaring, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” What He did then, He will do now.

Do bad things happen to Christians? Yes, they do. We live in a sin-cursed world that is currently dominated by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 5:19), and we are subject to struggles, challenges, and even persecutions. One day, they will be completely eradicated, but until then, God gives us the ability to persevere, and He promises His deliverance. Here is how He offer His protection now.

• Ephesians 6:14-18 explains how we must be clothed in the full armor of God. Verse 13 states, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us a way out when tempted to sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
• Psalm 121:8 promises God’s protection forever. “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

It is important to remember that God’s will for our lives will come to fruition. He cannot and will not be defeated by Satan and the evil in this world. The Bible promises us this great truth: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1John 4:4). We are God’s children; He is our Father; He holds us in His hand, and makes this statement: “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). That is our God, our strong tower! Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

Prayer:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

(from “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by Martin Luther)

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“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – Proverbs 18:2

Scripture: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  – (17:17)

Observation: In today’s verse Solomon shares his wisdom regarding friendship. He explains that a true friend is steadfast, remaining true, regardless of circumstances.

Application: I once heard that a person could have many best friends,or besties in today’s lingo, but only a few are true and loyal friends. These are the ones who remain by your side in the good times as well as the bad. The ones you know will always be there for you no matter what.

The “friend who loveth” will be with you during the most challenging times of your life. They will not abandon you when the “going gets tough”. In fact, when you are struggling and facing the toughest times in your life, a true friend acts more like family with their support and assistance, really and willing to do anything and everything that will help you through the crisis.

The truly loyal friend is also one who loves you enough to point out when you are heading down a wrong path. It takes great love to confront someone about with a possible issue regardless of how gently it happens. This can cause hard feelings, but a true friend will seek to help you see your misguided ways and strive to help you return to a better place, physically, mentally, and/or spiritually. Galatians 6:1 gives us specific instruction on how we should act when confronting another believer. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

To become the friend who loveth at all times is humanly impossible. It takes the salvation that Christ offers to change us from being focused inward to be focused upward. A relationship with Jesus is makes all the difference in how we interact with others. Once He becomes our Saviour, we are empowered by His Spirit to show others the same love He showed us on the cross.  To be the friend that loveth at all times, strive to reflect Jesus in your life with your words and your actions. Pray before you act and cultivate a gentle, humble spirit. Your friends will love you for it!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me with an everlasting love. Great is Your faithfulness to me! Help me, O God, to be a reflection of You in all my relationships. Help me be quick to see the needs of others and act as You would with a gentle and humble spirit. In Your precious name, amen.

If not in you, I wonder where will they ever see the One who really cares?
If not from you, how will they find there's One who heals the broken heart
And gives sight to the blind?

'Cause you're the only Jesus some will ever see
And you're the only Words of Life some will ever read
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they'll ever need
'Cause you're the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)

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“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9

Scripture: “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”- (16:24)

Observation: Solomon tells his son that speaking kindly is similar to having a wonderful treat like the honeycomb. He states that words spoken with warmth and compassion can be healing to person’s physical and spiritual being!

Application: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I remember hearing this many times as a young girl, but now I realize that there is absolutely no truth to this statement. Words, whether intentional or not, can hurt deeply, but on the flip side, words can also restore, encourage, build-up, support, and so much more! Whenever a person speaks kindness to me, my heart is filled with so much joy!

This past weekend, I was feeling somewhat “down in the dumps” over some choices I had made that weren’t in the best interests for my health. I came down pretty hard on myself, which just compounded the issue in my mind. However, when I shared my unhappiness with a very dear sister-friend, she spoke to me with words of compassion, understanding, and encouragement. Then to top it off, she offered a few suggestions that completely changed my perspective and “flipped my switch” from negativity to positivity! What a difference her words made for me! They were a balm to my soul!

Proverbs 15:28 teaches, “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” It takes practice to learn to “think before speaking”, but it is a valuable tool to have in your “relationship toolbox”. Speaking off the cuff can have disastrous results! When we choose to use the “tools” of kindness and compassion in our speech, it edifies the listener, but it also has benefits to us! We are rewarded by feelings of contentment and happiness in our own hearts, which validates the old saying, “kindness is its own reward”. Take time to be a good listener, then reflect on what was said before you respond, and when you do, your words will be pleasant and sweet to both you and the one to whom you are speaking!

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, thank You for loving me so deeply and caring for every little thing in my life. Thank You for your protection and guidance. Please, O God, set a guard over my mouth. Help me to think before I speak, and may my words be sweet and soothing to all who hear. Help me to speak as if I am speaking to You… in love and with all humility. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; 
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. 

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear, 
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear. 

From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free; 
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity. 

(from “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett)

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“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11

Scripture: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” – (15:8)

Observation: Undoubtedly there were issues within Solomon’s household due to the numerous wives and religious practices they brought into the marriage. Solomon cautions his son that a sacrifice offered to God by one who is unwilling to follow God’s commandments will not be accepted. It is only by obedience to God and His ways will the prayers that are offered be pleasing to and accepted by the Lord.

Application: The assumption that anyone can pray to God at any time, and He “drops everything” to attend to that prayer is not correct. Approaching God in prayer is a privilege. Yes, God is delighted when His children pray. Yes, God listens to the prayers of believers. Yes, God is approachable 24/7. However, prayers have specific parameters that are often overlooked on our end that explains why sometimes there is delay in hearing from God.

If one’s heart harbors sin, God does not listen. Psalm 66:18 states, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” Sin creates a barrier to God. Never forget that God is holy and just. We cannot simply go to Him in a sinful state and expect Him to accept us as is. Cain found that out when he tried to offer a sacrifice with the wrong attitude. “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7). God even took the time to explain to Cain what the problem was with his sacrifice, but Cain’s heart was not in the right place, and that led to disastrous results.

A wicked, unrepentant individual with a sinful attitude prohibits the acceptance of any offering to God, whether it be an actual sacrifice, like Cain’s, or one that is abstract, like one’s time. Remember, God doesn’t look at what we do, He looks at our hearts. I Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” Having the wrong attitude… prideful, unrepentant, angry, etc., does not please God and until we make ourselves right in His eyes, our sacrifice of prayer, time, money, etc. is not acceptable to Him.

Furthermore, even the sincerest Christian has times when his or her prayers need a little divine help. In these cases, our prayers are assisted by Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 records, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Our prayers must be presented appropriately to the Lord, and this is accomplished on our behalf through the work of the Holy Spirit. There are times when we ask amiss or in misalignment to the will of God, or we lack the humble attitude in approaching the Lord. We must be “upright” in our spirit to have our prayers be pleasing to God.

Becoming upright requires a repentant heart, a humble spirit, and the forgiveness of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ. Once we have that, our prayers flow to God unhindered and are pleasant to Him!

Prayer: O God, I praise You for Your holiness, Your majesty, Your great love! Cleanse my heart, O Lord, and may my prayers be acceptable to You… a sweet savor ascending to Your throne. Make me a vessel that You can use and give me a servant’s heart. May I have the right spirit within me to please You and serve You always. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Dear Saviour, let Thy watchful eye protect me day by day,
That from the precious fold I love my heart may never stray.
Make me humble, loving, dutiful; make Thy home within me beautiful;
Cleanse my heart from sin; let no stranger in.

I want Thy Spirit’s gentle power, my constant guide to be;
I want Thy love, Thy tender care, to bind me close to Thee.
Make me humble, loving, dutiful; make Thy home within me beautiful;
Cleanse my heart from sin; let no stranger in.

(from “Amazing Grace” by Fanny Crosby)

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“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Scripture: “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”  – (14:26)

Observation: Solomon lived during a time of relative peace, but growing up during David’s reign, there is no doubt that he heard of the numerous campaigns waged by Israel’s armies. In this verse, Solomon is reminding his son that the place to find protection, shelter, and peace is with God.

Application: Our world is always in turmoil. There are tremendously fearful events happening all over the globe at any given time, and these situations can cause great anxiety and unease. There are times when I see terrible things on the news or read about horrific happenings, and I feel the tension and fear mounting within me. Additionally, when I begin to speculate on what the future holds, my anxiety level threatens to go through the roof! It is at that time, that the Holy Spirit of God gently reminds me of Who is really in control, and I feel His peace begin to replace the fears.

I am so glad I have had many opportunities to memorize Bible verses because these are what the Spirit of God uses to calm me. Psalm 46:1 reminds me that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” He is the One to Whom I should run when fear threatens to overcome me. He is my strong tower… my Protector, and my place of refuge. Proverbs 18:10 states, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

It is so easy to be bombarded with the cares and troubles of this present world, but remember, as Christians, we are merely passing through. This world is not our home; our true home is currently being prepared for us by the Lord Jesus Christ, and one day soon, He will come to take us there! Until then, He will guide us, care for us, and protect us here in this life. We have the assurance of that in Psalm 121:7-8. “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” What blessed assurance!

Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, I praise You for Who You are! Your omnipotence knows no bounds. Thank You for taking care of me in every situation. Thank You for keeping me safe in the palm of Your hand. I am so blessed to be Your child. Thank You that there is nothing that can happen to me that You are not aware of and that You do not ultimately control. To rest in You and Your care is my place of refuge and safety, and You are my strong confidence.  In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide, a shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night, a shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright , a shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm.

(from “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” by Vernon J. Charlesworth)

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“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:29

Scripture: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” – (13:20)

Observation: Here is another proverb of Solomon’s that uses comparison and contrast to make a point. In this verse, the king cautions his son to be wise when it comes to those with whom he chooses to associate himself.

Application: There is an old saying that a man is known by the company he keeps. This refers to a person’s character. It is definitely reflective of those with whom he spends most of his time. In today’s key verse, Solomon explains that if one wants to be wise, hang around wise people. Conversely, if one chooses to associate with fools, eventually the individual’s life will be in ruins.

In Psalm 1, the psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (v 1-2). When one associates with godly people, their characteristics tend to “rub off” on us, and sadly, the opposite is just as true. I recall a co-worker who tended to pepper her speech with unsavory words. When her toddler repeated one of those words in a public setting, my co-worker was surprised and somewhat embarrassed that her little one would say such a vile word! 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” This little child was a clear example of the truth in that verse!

Ephesians 5:1 gives us clear instruction on whom to follow if we want to be wise. It states, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”. If we follow Jesus’ example in living, we are following the author of wisdom! Referring to God, the Bible tells us in Job 12:13, “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.”

Want to be thought of as wise? Walk with the wisest! Walk with God!

Prayer: Dearest Lord, I praise You for Your unfathomable wisdom! There is nothing that You do not know for You created all things! Thank You that You are also willing to share Your wisdom with Your creation! James tell us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask You, and You will give it liberally! Thank You for the words of wisdom You give us in the Bible, and for the illumination Your Spirit provides as we read those words. Help me to walk wisely, in the shadow of my Saviour, and apply Your wisdom to my life. In Jesus’ sweet name, I pray. Amen.

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that thou art.
Thou my best thought by day and by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy dear child;
Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.

(from “Be Thou My Vision” by Eleanor Hull)

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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Scripture: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”  – (12:25)

Observation: Many of the proverbs of Solomon address our behaviors with others. In our key verse for today, Solomon points out that a person’s emotional state can be impacted both negatively or positively depending on circumstances, and then explains that words play an important part in a person’s feelings.

Application: There are so many things that can make our hearts feel “heavy”. It’s easy to identify the major things that influence our emotions. Traumatic events, like the loss of a loved one or news of a catastrophic illness, can change a person’s life in a moment, but even little things can create huge burdens to bear.  I remember how heartbroken I was when a pet passed away. To many, animals are not a significant part of life, but to me, my pets seem like family, so the loss was devastating. Another time, I recall just a simple disagreement with my husband filled my heart with so much sorrow, which was compounded by the fact that my pride was the root of the problem!

In both instances, it was the kind words spoken that lifted my spirit and gave me the encouragement I needed to put a smile back on my face. When my sweet kitty passed, my entire family rallied around and reminded me of how much my rescue cat’s life had been enriched by my adoption of her. In the second case, my husband was quick to forgive and give me a much-needed hug when I apologized for my prideful attack. His words definitely made my heart glad!

It’s important to be an encourager! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” There are many ways to comfort and edify others, but the easiest is by far through the spoken word. When we share kind words, we demonstrate caring, compassion, and love for others. Speaking kindness is so uplifting to the recipient! Another way to encourage others is through the written word. Receiving a card in the mail… or these days, even a text message on the phone… can be so needed and so very appreciated! So take a moment, and “make someone’s day” by sharing some encouraging words in person or via text or card. I promise it will gladden their heart… and yours!

Prayer: Dearest Lord, thank You for Your encouraging words in the Scriptures. When I read about the love You have for me, and that it is everlasting, I am overwhelmed with joy in my heart! Help me, O God, be an encourager to others by sharing Your love whenever and wherever I can! In Jesus’ sweet name, I pray. Amen.

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs. 

Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me; 
Love lifted me, love lifted me, 
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.

(from “Love Lifted Me” by James Rowe)

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“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29

Scripture: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” – (11:30)

Observation: Now the chapters shift from a personification of wisdom to proverbs that are not completely related to one another in this particular context. The majority compare and contrast unrighteous behaviors to sinful ones. In today’s key verse, there is no contrast mentioned as it speaks solely to righteousness.

Application: The only way a person can live righteously is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Like Abraham, who “… believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness,” our righteousness can only be through the Saviour. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” and Romans 3:22 states, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” God’s righteousness continues to grow in us as we study the Word of God and grow in our faith. As we mature in our Christian walk and serve Him, our works begin to correlate with God’s will for our lives. We begin to yield fruit for His kingdom as we develop a deeper understanding of the importance of sharing Christ with others, and we find in the Scriptures His perfect plan for how to go about doing this.

By sharing the gospel with other people, many are led to the saving grace of Jesus. This “winning of souls” is the “fruit” that we bring forth through the witness of our own personal journey with Jesus. When others are saved through our Christian testimony, they in turn share their faith with others, leading to more who come to know Christ as Saviour. This pattern repeats itself again and again, resulting in a bountiful harvest of souls! This is the Great Commission that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 28:19-20. When we obey God’s directive in soul-winning, we are then considered “wise” as stated in our key verse. When was the last time you shared your faith with someone?

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You so much for being my Saviour. Help me, O Lord, through Your power, to reach others with the gospel. Give me eyes to see the opportunities You put in my path and a boldness to share You with others. Help me to reflect the love of God to everyone around me and bear fruit for the cause of Christ to the glory of God! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen!

If to Christ our only king men redeemed we strive to bring,
Just one way this may be done— we must win them one by one.

So you bring the one next to you, and I’ll bring the one next to me;
In all kinds of weather, we’ll all work together, and see what can be done.
If you’ll bring the one next to you, and I bring the one next to me,
In no time at all we’ll have them all, so win them, win them, one by one.

(from “Win Them One By One” by C. Austin Miles)

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“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4