Today’s Reading: Song of Songs 1-2

I love a good story. Sad stories, triumphant stories, tragic stories, funny stories, mysterious stories — I love them all, but love stories are probably my favorite. Let me tell you a love story about a young woman who has a sincere desire to grow closer to the One she loves, Jesus.

At first this woman focuses simply on enjoying the one she loves and what He can do for her; her attention is on how His presence makes her life more wonderful. Then she discovers the indescribable joy of being loved BY Him. Her relationship with Jesus grows throughout the story as she realizes how much He delights in her and desires a relationship with her. She matures spiritually while on this journey to intimacy. She is no longer simply a worker for Jesus; she is now a devoted lover of Jesus. Do you recognize this story? It can be found in Solomon’s Song of Songs.

There are many interpretations of Solomon’s writings but I love the perspective Aletha Hinthorn provides in her book, “Receive His Love.” So as we read through this love story, let’s consider Song of Songs as a young woman’s journey to intimacy with Christ, and see what God might teach us about the potential of our relationship with Him.

Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine.
How fragrant your cologne; your name is like its spreading fragrance.
No wonder all the young women love you!
Take me with you; come, let’s run!
The king has brought me into his bedroom. – Song of Songs 1:2-4

Consider the meaning of the word “kiss” as receiving a word from the Lord, a word from His mouth. Now reread these verses. She longs to receive a word from the Lord. I can relate to that. I wake up each morning and enter into a private room with Jesus out of my desire to hear from Him. Time in His presence is like a “spreading fragrance” and I run into His presence each morning, longing to experience intimacy with Him as I cling to His words.

I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem –
dark as tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.
Don’t stare at me because I am dark – the sun has darkened my skin.
My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards,
so I couldn’t care for myself – my own vineyard.
Tell me, my love, where are you leading your flock today?
Where will you rest your sheep at noon?
For why should I wander like a prostitute among your friends and their flocks? – Song of Songs 1:5-7

I look at myself and I see the dark nature that is mine when I live life away from my Savior. Everything I have experienced under the sun has left its scars and dirt on me; exposure to this life has darkened me. Where are you going, Lord? I long to be with you today, participating in your work rather than working in someone else’s fields. I desire to give you all of my love rather than share in the desires of this world.

If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman, follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents.
You are exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharoah’s stallions.
How lovely are your cheeks; your earring set them afire!
How lovely is your neck, enhanced by a string of jewels.
We will make for you earrings of gold and beads of silver. – Song of Songs 1:8-11

How beautiful! He looks at me – looks beyond the darkness of my past and sees the beauty of my future. He sees what He can make out of my life! He says – If you don’t know what to do and where to go, follow me! Those who follow after Him have left a trail for me to walk in. Those who have accepted the calling of “shepherd” have prepared a field in which I can graze and grow in my understanding of the Savior. He looks beyond my scars and sees my beauty and potential.

The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.
My lover is like a sachet of myrrh lying between my breasts.
He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms from the vineyards of En-gedi.
How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves.
You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words!
The soft grass is our bed; fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house, and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters. – Song of Songs 1:12-17

Lord, thank you for the couch you prepared for me this morning — this place of rest. We met together and you found me beautiful. We met together and I found your love like nothing I can obtain in this life around me, like the myrrh and sweet henna blossoms. It is like something distant and beyond my reach that you graciously bring close to me.

A relationship with you, Jesus, is pleasing beyond words! You give me a comfortable place to lie and a firm foundation on which to build my life, while also giving me blessings to make this spiritual journey pleasant. Thank you for your “kisses” – for giving me a word from your mouth this morning. My heart desires to hear from you and I am not disappointed. I drink in your presence like a delicious cup of my morning coffee.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 26-30

The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:5

I want that kind of strength. I want to become wiser and wiser, which will make me stronger and stronger. Receiving wisdom is not a “once and done” gift. Wisdom is a gift we continually ask for – a gift that continues to strengthen us as we experience new situations.

King Solomon has three more areas or situations in which he gives advice in his book of Proverbs. The first is regarding friendships

1.) THE VALUE OF HAVING A GOOD FRIEND AND BEING A GOOD FRIEND

A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need (17:17).

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends (11:30).

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends (17:9).

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends (16:28).

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars (18:19).

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (18:24).

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense (27:9).

Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s (27:10a).

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (27:17).

My friends are so precious to me! I cannot imagine life without them. My friends make me a better person. But friendships can get complicated and sometimes we have to work through difficult situations in order to protect our friendship. It takes wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

2.) THE DANGERS OF ALCOHOL, NOT A FRIEND FOR THE WISE

Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise (20:1)

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” – Proverbs 23:29-35

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed (31:4-5).

3.) JUSTICE FOR THE OPPRESSED

As I read through these proverbs regarding justice, the issue of abortion comes to my mind.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice (31:8-9).

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve (24:12).

There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. – Proverbs 6:16-19

Father God, we thank you for the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Although not the easiest book to read, it is full of treasures to help us through life. Lord, will you please daily give us wisdom and make us stronger and stronger in you. We thank you for our friends and we ask that you bless our friendships. Give us wisdom in the choices we make and stir our hearts towards helping others. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21-25

King Solomon was given wisdom and he, in turn, introduces us to wisdom by personifying her. He continues with his analogy of life being a path. He gives us a visual picture as he shows us that she (Wisdom) is taking her stand at the crossroads, where we need her most. When we are at a point of decision and we need Wisdom more than we need our next breath, there she is. And this is what we can hear her crying out to us:

“I call to you, to all of you!
I raise my voice to all people.
You simple people, use good judgment.
You foolish people, show some understanding.
Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.
My advice is wholesome.
There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
clear to those with knowledge.
Choose my instruction rather than silver,
and knowledge rather than pure gold.
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.

“I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment.
I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
All who fear the Lord will hate evil.
Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,
corruption and perverse speech.
Common sense and success belong to me.
Insight and strength are mine.
Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees.
Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments.” – Prov. 8:4-16

I love the visual this passage gives us. Can you see it? Wisdom is standing side by side with Good Judgment, Knowledge, Discernment, Common Sense, Success, Insight and Strength. See this team of heroes staying strong in the fight against Evil, Pride and Arrogance. They hold the weapons we need to beat Corruption and Perverse Speech. They are available to us if only we will ask.

“The Lord formed me from the beginning,
before he created anything else.
I was appointed in ages past,
at the very first, before the earth began.
I was born before the oceans were created,
before the springs bubbled forth their waters.
Before the mountains were formed,
before the hills, I was born—
before he had made the earth and fields
and the first handfuls of soil.
I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew the horizon on the oceans.
I was there when he set the clouds above,
when he established springs deep in the earth.
I was there when he set the limits of the seas,
so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.
And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,
I was the architect at his side.
I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.
And how happy I was with the world he created;
how I rejoiced with the human family!

“And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.
Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
FOR WHOEVER FINDS ME FINDS LIFE
and receives favor from the Lord.
But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:22-36

What great words of Wisdom, literally. To find Wisdom is to find life – that is a powerful concept to soak in. Wisdom helps us understand God, helps us see God for who He is, and helps us trust Him in even the most difficult of situations. I want to follow the way of Wisdom. I want to listen to Wisdom’s instruction and watch for direction from God.

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. – Proverbs 24:3-5

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 14-20, 31

Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser.
Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. – Prov. 9:9

This morning, as I again sit at the feet of wise King Solomon and share my morning coffee with the Lord, I find myself asking for wisdom – for insight and understanding. Solomon speaks in Proverbs of several different kinds of women.

THE IMMORAL WOMAN

Rather than going down the straight path designed by God, the immoral woman staggers down a crooked trail. Her lips appear sweet as honey, her speech smoother than oil, but in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword (5:3-6). Avoid the trap she lays, for sexually immorality will lead to destruction. It is like playing with a flame on your lap, hoping that your clothes will not catch on fire (6:27).

Drink water from your own well – share your love only with your wife…
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love. – Proverbs 5:15,18-19

O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. – Prov. 23:26-27

THE GOSSIP

And then there is the woman who loves to gossip, using her mouth to seduce the mind of others – to influence them to think negatively of others. She goes around telling secrets (11:13), planting seeds of strife and separating the best of friends (16:28). So don’t hang around with these chatterers (20:19). Only wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip and liars pay special attention to this slander (17:4). A gossiping tongue causes anger (25:23) and ruins reputations, including that of the person gossiping (25:10). When we listen to rumors, we allow them to sink deep into our heart (26:22).

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. – Proverbs 26:20

THE QUARRELSOME WIFE

It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. – Prov. 21:19

I imagine no one desires to be this quarrelsome wife, yet how many find that this is exactly who they have become. My heart desires to be an understanding wife and not one who uses my words to gossip, quarrel or complain. It is good to listen closely to the wisdom of King Solomon. This is how he describes the quarrelsome wife:

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home (25:24) A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands. – Prov. 27:15-16

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. – Prov. 21:23

THE UNDERSTANDING WIFE

Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife. – Proverbs 19:14

That is who I want to be – an understanding wife that my husband sees as a gift from the Lord. King Solomon ended his book of Proverbs with the description of just such a wife – the virtuous wife.

THE VIRTUOUS WIFE

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy…

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31:10-31

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 7 – 13

The WAY of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the COURSE of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a STRAIGHT PATH for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. – Proverbs 4:18-27

CHOOSE THE PATH GOD HAS MARKED OUT FOR YOU.

In his quest to help us find wisdom and in order that we might gain insight, King Solomon warns us to choose righteousness and to run from sinful ways. I connect with his analogy of life as a path that we are walking. It makes sense to me and it is easy for me to apply to this life’s journey. There is a straight path that is safe, but to wander off of the road marked out for us is dangerous. We should avoid evil and everything related to it, especially in our speech. To choose a life of sin is unwise.

For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. – Prov. 5:21-22

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. – Prov. 14:12

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. – Prov. 14:15-16

We plunge ahead with our own plans, with our own ideas of what is the right life for us. We try to create a new road, one we think will bring us the most joy. But there is no greater joy than to commit everything to the Lord.

FIND JOY IN LETTING GOD DETERMINE YOUR DIRECTION.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. – Prov. 16:1-3,9

Proverbs 16:3 was the verse I clung to as I made plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University. My family did not have a lot of money and it seemed impossible to be able to afford the college of my dreams. I stood at the fork in the road and begged God for the chance to walk down that path. I committed my future to Him and gave Him ALL the glory when the grants and scholarships came in, covering all my college expenses.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. – Proverbs 16:20

We throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall. – Proverbs 16:33

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. – Proverbs 19:21

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? – Proverbs 20:24

PRAY THAT GOD WILL GUIDE YOUR HEART AND DIRECT YOUR STEPS.

That verse describes me well. Why do I attempt to understand all the details along the way? Lord, guide my heart; direct my steps. May I have a heart that genuinely seeks you before I take any step. Lord, help me to trust you more. Keep my heart on the right course. Amen.

The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. – Proverbs 21:1-2

No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. – Proverbs 21:30

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 22:3

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.
I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. – Proverbs 22:17-19

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12

My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course. – Proverbs 23:19

Today’s Reading: Psalm 127 and Proverbs 4 – 6

Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge. – Proverbs 18:15

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. – Proverbs 19:20

I remember like it was yesterday bringing Libby home from the hospital. I prayed God would teach me how to be a good parent. And then being a parent of a toddler was a whole new experience of calling on God for patience and wisdom. I learned a new level of trust when I dropped my daughter off for her first day of school, or when I let her go on her first date. Then there was the day I handed her the keys to the car, or later watched her drive off to college. Being a parent is an incredible experience, but definitely one that leaves us feeling unequipped and unprepared at times. I am so thankful for godly advice and words of wisdom.

Solomon, son of David, had quite a few words of wisdom for both parents and children in his book of Proverbs. He gave us great advice on how to be the child and how to be the parent – words that never grow useless.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. – Proverbs 1:8-9

My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
Don’t turn back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will live a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life. – Proverbs 4:1-13

DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILDREN

You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? – Proverbs 5:12-13

My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life. – Proverbs 6:20-23

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them. – Proverbs 13:24

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. – Proverbs 15:5

A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashed on the back of a fool. – Proverbs 17:10

Discipline your children while there is hope.
Otherwise you will ruin their lives. – Proverbs 19:18

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. – Prov. 22:6

ENJOY BEING A PARENT

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy. – Proverbs 23:22-25

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. – Proverbs 29:17

They say parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and that is true. Sometimes we feel unprepared for the new parenting situation before us. But God has given us some great instruction in His word and He is offering to give us wisdom. God wants to bless us through our children while also using us to be a blessing to them. He has a plan for each life and He is molding them into the person He intends for them to be.

Lord, we are listening. Lord, we are asking for wisdom. Lord, we are sincerely willing to be taught by you. Please give us the courage to parent as you lead us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 1-3

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. – Proverbs 1:1-6

This is quite an introduction to the book of Proverbs. Solomon had big shoes to fill as he stepped into his father’s position as king. He called on the Lord, offering 1000 burnt offerings at Gibeon. The Lord responded to Solomon, but not immediately. He made him wait for an answer.

So Solomon called on God, offered 1000 burnt offerings and then walked home having heard nothing from God. But waiting on God’s timing was worth it because GOD SHOWED UP with a very generous offer for Solomon. Later that night in a dream, God reached out to Him with these words, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” – 1 Kings 3:5

Solomon’s request was humble. He felt like a little child in this new position as king — unprepared and unequipped. He went to the Giver of all good gifts, offered his own gifts to Him, and then asked for God to make him into everything God might want him to be.

“…Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” – 1 Kings 3:9

WHO BY HIMSELF IS ABLE?

That’s a great question: “Who, by himself, is able?” I know I am not. I know that I could use a generous outpouring of wisdom and understanding from God. So yes, Solomon, I take you up on this offer to be taught wisdom and to be given insight. I will listen to these proverbs in a desire to become wiser. Give me guidance, teach me discipline, and help me know what is right, just and fair. I come humbly to the giver of all good gifts, offering my gifts to Him, and asking for God to make me into everything He might want me to be. For who, by himself, is able?

I hear wisdom calling, do you?

“Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.” – Proverbs 1:23

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe. – Proverbs 2:3-11

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:1-6

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. – Proverbs 3:13-15

Sounds great! I’ll take as much as you would like to give me, Lord. And how can I obtain this wisdom? By asking and by seeking, by trusting and by submitting. It is in my relationship with You, God, that I will be blessed with all you have to teach me. I choose to come and listen. I cry out for insight and I ask for understanding. I will search for them as I would for silver, I will seek them like hidden treasure. I will store your commands in my heart, tie them around my neck as a reminder and write them deep within my heart. Lord, I seek your will. Show me which path to take. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 146, 148, 150

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1

This is a familiar phrase to all of us. We have heard it spoken among believers, written in correspondence and shouted in worship services. But I do not want the familiarity of these words to cause me to miss out on what God’s Word is calling me to do.

The word “praise” can be found 380 times in the Bible (NLT) and 187 times in the book of Psalms alone. As we finish up our study of this book of poetry, let us slow down to consider this familiar phrase that rolls off the tongue. Let us seek new understanding of this command in scripture – the command to praise the Lord.

Google provides us with a few definitions: Praise is the expression of approval or admiration. Approval is the agreement that something is good, acceptable or satisfactory. The meaning of admiration adds respect to my approval. [google.com]

So when I say “Praise the Lord” what am I saying? I am expressing approval and admiration of God. I am agreeing that God is good and I can accept what He decides to do. SUBMISSION. I am showing respect for who God is and what He does. God does not need my approval in the sense of seeking my permission or favor, but He demands my respect and acceptance of His Lordship. SUBMISSION.

Can I now say “Praise the Lord” and really mean it? Can I accept Him for who He is and recognize that He is good, that all He does is acceptable and worthy of my admiration? Even in the most difficult of situations, can I rest submissively in His hands and say, “Praise the Lord!!!” Let’s worship with abandon, expressing unconditional passion for our God!

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. – Psalm 146:1-2

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all His creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. – Psalm 145:8-13

Praise the Lord!

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars and calls them by name.
How great is our Lord!
His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5

Praise the Lord!

Let all created things give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being…
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, your men and young women, old men and children.
Let all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven. – Psalm 148:5-13

Let the praise of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands. – Psalm 149:6

Praise the Lord!

Praise him in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works; praise him for his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150:1-2,6

There is a video online of a 15-month old baby girl experiencing rain for the first time. She adorably stretches out her hands and tilts her face toward the sky. She giggles and smiles in approval of this new experience. Let’s worship like this little girl experienced the rain? Let’s turn our face towards God and lift up our hands in praise, showing how we agree with God that this life He has given us is good – that we admire and approve. Praise the Lord!

Today’s Reading: Psalm 140-145

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:8

Has your morning ever taken off without you? The day starts at a fast pace and, before you know it, you are hours into your day and you have not spent any time in God’s word. These are my least favorite days. I know from experience how spending time in God’s presence can change me and refresh me. That is why I get up each morning and spend time in His presence before the house gets loud and the day picks up momentum. Me, my God and a hot cup of my morning coffee.

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES US.

Spending time with the Lord produces godliness in our lives. Spending time daily getting a fresh filling of the Spirit produces good fruit in our life. It changes what we do and what we say.

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4

Lord, I long to dwell in your presence and give you control of what I say and what I do. Lord, protect me from the urgings of my sinful nature and breathe into me the urgings of your Spirit. Guide what I say and what I do. Steer the direction of my life, O God.

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DIRECTION.

When I am overwhelmed, YOU ALONE KNOW THE WAY I SHOULD TURN.
Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
YOU ARE ALL I REALLY WANT IN LIFE.” – Psalm 142:3-5

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES OUR DESIRES.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
TEACH ME TO DO YOUR WILL, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. – Psalm 143:8-10

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS US JOY!

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:15

SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S PRESENCE DRAWS US CLOSER TO HIM.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:18-19

…the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:13b

Father God, that is where I long to spend my day – in your presence. Not just while I drink my morning coffee, but all day long. May your presence in my life today change me – change my desires, change my direction. May time in your presence bring me joy and draw me closer to you. Lord, refresh me and renew me for what lies ahead. I soak in your presence, Father God, and fix my eyes on you.

“I don’t just want a piece of you and a piece of your life. Even if you were able, which you are not, to give me the biggest piece, that is not what I want. I want all of you and all of every part of you and your day.” ― William Paul Young, The Shack

Today’s Reading: Psalm 139

The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

My favorite verse in scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

The God who created me knows everything there is to know about me and it is this God who holds my life in His hands.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know EVERYTHING about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know EVERYTHING I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
I can never escape your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night –
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:1-12

There is no pretending when it comes to our relationship with God. He knows our heart; God knows what we are feeling and where we are struggling. This God who created us understands us. He created us to need His hand to guide us and His strength to support us. He will not leave us alone. When we look back, He is there. When we look forward, He is there.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:13-18

God knows all – He will work out His plans for my life and never abandon me. I can rest in the knowledge that God loves me and thinks about me – that His faithful love will endure forever!

Lord, you know what this life holds for me. I ask you to guide me and strengthen me according to your plan for my life. Go before me and follow me. Place your hand of blessing on my head. I commit another day to you, Lord, trusting you with all the details. I choose to spend my time in your ever faithful presence. Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and make today exactly what you want it to be. Amen.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out everything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24