May 17, 2022
OUR HEART CONDITION AFFECTS OUR PERCEPTION This biblical proverb teaches the importance that attitude has on perception. If someone is “despondent,” meaning disheartened or discouraged, then even a sunny day appears stormy to them. But even on the darkest of days the one with a “happy heart” looks for a rainbow. Yet, how do
May 17, 2020
LOVE MAKES THE MEAL When there is no love in the home no amount of food or furnishing can compensate. Without love, a rich banquet is dry and tasteless. Without love, the steak is too tough and the bread, too hard. But with love, the simplest fare is life-giving. Everything tastes better with love.
May 17, 2019
HEART CONDITION DETERMINES PERCEPTION Our heart condition determines how we perceive life. Yet, how do we have a “happy heart?” David knew something about this. When life circumstances turned from bad to worse around him, the Bible says that he “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Sam. 30:6). His circumstances didn’t immediately change, but his
May 13, 2019
THE GENTLE WORDS OF MOTHERS In our One Year Bible reading today I was looking for something to say to bless and encourage our mothers. This passage from Proverbs seemed appropriate. I often remember the gentle words of my mother. She always sought to encourage her children and grandchildren with her words. What made
May 25, 2017
The instruction of wisdom begins with a proper fear of the Lord. Wisdom understands that God made us, sustains us, always watches us, and will one day demand an accounting of us. Understanding the attributes and works of God, wisdom rightly has an appropriate fear of God. The fear of God goes hand in hand with humility before God. The one who bows in humility and lowers the eyes in respect, will be honored and blessed by the Lord. But the stiff-necked fool who honors himself will be opposed (James 4:6).
May 24, 2017
There are ears that don’t hear. Not because they are physically deaf, but because they refuse to listen to correction. The ears of the fool filter out rebuke, but the wise are teachable, listening to constructive criticism. Those who are hearers and doers of the Word, will abide with the wise.
May 20, 2016
Get advice before you act. Cultivate a personal board of advisors for your life decisions. Choose those whose lives exemplify godly wisdom. Pray together with them, seeking direction from the Lord. Then, be humble enough to follow their counsel.
May 17, 2015
When there is no love in the home no amount of food or furnishing can compensate. Without love, a rich banquet is dry and tasteless. With love, the simplest fare is life-giving. Everything tastes better with love. Make sure to include it in every recipe. Love makes the menu.
May 17, 2014
Our heart condition determines how we perceive life. Yet, how do we have a “happy heart?” David knew something about this. When life circumstances turned from bad to worse around him, the Bible says that he “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Sam. 30:6 KJV). His circumstances didn’t immediately change, but his heart did. And when our heart changes, we see possibilities rather than limitations. Is your life full of trouble or like a continual feast? Perhaps it’s more a matter of your heart than your circumstances.
May 11, 2013
Answering anger with anger leads to escalation of hostilities. The wise person knows how to turn down the heat of confrontation with soft words. What words will you choose today? Words that stir up anger and division, or words that calm and lead to unity?