There is always a FIRST step.

There is always going to be a first step!

When we were infants crawling on the floor, our families encouraged us to make the first step. And when we did, their delighted whoops inspired us to take another step. Slowly, but surely, we got more steady on our tiny legs, and eventually we couldn't stop moving.

It is the same with most things in life, and even so with our faith. We must always start with a first step and when we succeed in that action, so the other steps flow from this momentum. The writer of Proverbs suggests that if we want to live godly lives, we should listen to Wisdom and live out the principles of faith. However, there is a crucial first step. Read what he says:

1 These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, David’s son:

2 He wrote them to teach his people how to live—how to act in every circumstance, 3 for he wanted them to be understanding, just, and fair in everything they did. 4 “I want to make the simpleminded wise!” he said. “I want to warn young men about some problems they will face. 5-6 I want those already wise to become wiser and become leaders by exploring the depths of meaning in these nuggets of truth.”

7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! (Proverbs 1)

Thought: What is your first step going to be today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Words to live by

I am not sure if you have a favourite saying, verse or even a 'motto' that you like to live your life by? At various times in my life, I have found myself being drawn to particular mission or purpose, but over the past 15 years I feel that I could sum up my 'life-motto' with three words: Living in Grace. Those of you who are reading this today, would have some idea as to this journey of mine - Living in the immense grace of God is a goal and a passion of mine. However, I want to draw our attention to some powerful words written in the book of Proverbs.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,    but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7

Knowledge, in this verse implies the words 'to know' (yadha). We can pursue all kinds of things in life, trying to gain academic degrees, big bank accounts, fancy vehicles and flashy gadgets, but the writer of Proverbs suggests that these are all worthless compared with having a relationship with God first.

Having a healthy respect for our Creator and Redeemer is the best place to begin to build any life from. Once we have this set as our foundation, then the rest will fall into place. Of course many people would disagree with this and these people are referred to as 'fools' in verse 7. 

If one compares this verse with a parable in the Gospels, the best example would be where Jesus speaks about two people - the wise person and the foolish one. The wise person builds their house on the rock - the sure foundation of God.

Matthew 7:24 - "“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.


As always Eugene Peterson adds a masterly stroke to these words (Proverbs 1:7) and brings them front and centre. He suggests these words could be paraphrased as:

"Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
    only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning."

Joan of Arc once said: "One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."

Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/live-quotes

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Lent #1 - Proverbs

It is important to remember that when we read the Bible that it was written in a particular context. When Solomon wrote his Proverbs he knew nothing of what the world would look like in 2015, and neither could he have understood the complexities of modern politics, economics, spirituality and education.

However, what Solomon knew plenty about was 'humanity!' He knew the frailty of his own life, as well as the sinfulness of his people. In truth, people have not really changed much. We are still filled with love, greed, pride, compassion, anger, selfishness, care, anxiety, stress, ambition and so many other emotions and character traits.

So, when he writes Proverbs , he reflects on how it would be good for us to listen to Godly advice and to gain wisdom for living holy lives. Yet, people still chose to go their own way and to turn their backs on God. To these people he wrote:

"They rejected my advice
    and paid no attention when I corrected them.
Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
    choking on their own schemes. 
 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
    Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 
 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
    untroubled by fear of harm.” - Proverbs 1:30-33

As I journey through LENT this year I hope to reflect on some of the wise words of Solomon and to ask myself what challenges he gives to me. I learnt from this first proverb that:

1. It is good to listen to godly advice.
2. Those who choose their own schemes will choke on the "bitter fruit" of those lies.
3. Complacency can be destructive.
4. If we listen to God we will find peace.

Be blessed today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3