Wisdom for the ages

I ended up reading and reflecting on Proverbs 16 this week. There are some remarkable pearls of wisdom in this chapter. These are the few that really stood out for me.

We can make our own plans,
but the Lord gives the right answer.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes,
but the Lord examines their motives.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.

9 - We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.

Have a blessed day and I pray that God would direct your paths.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Rumour has it....

There is one thing I cannot fathom and that is why people intentionally create Fake News. I think you have to be a little egotistical (or crazy) to want to gain a measure of 'fame' from posting misleading stories and gossip that ends up doing a lot of harm. I know that 'bad news' sells and draws attention to the creator of these stories, but in the fragile days we find ourselves in, it is very sad to see how people like to cause trouble.

But, then again, nothing is really new, is it?!

"A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." - Proverbs 16:27-28

If you read this in the New Living Translation it says:

"Scoundrels hunt for scandal; their words are a destructive blaze.
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends."

It takes a lot of restraint and self-discipline to make sure that all articles we read and stories we post are as legitimate as possible, but it is always worthwhile erring on the side of caution.

“How would your life be different if…You walked away from gossip and verbal defamation? Let today be the day…You speak only the good you know of other people and encourage others to do the same.”
― Steve Marabol

“None of it was true but rumors are like germs. They spread and multiply almost in a breath and before you know it, everyone is contaminated.”- C.J. Tudor, The Chalk Man

Living in Grace
D3LM3

2020 Plans?

So how are your plans for 2020 working out so far? Terribly? Disastrously? Okay? Placed on hold?

We had some good plans for this year, but sadly they look like they are not going to happen now. One of those plans involved me flying up for my 30th High School Reunion, which was due to take place this weekend - well, sadly that is cancelled now.

Anyway, when I read through today's Proverb I was reminded how we need to surrender all of our plans and hopes to the Lord.

"Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. 
Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good.
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place." - Proverbs 16:1-3

What does today's reading mean for you?

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"Sometimes God makes better choices for us than we could have ever made for ourselves." - Jennifer Hudson

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The Honeycomb

"Gracious words are a honeycomb,    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24

The healing properties of honey are well known. Even in Solomon's days people related good health to 'honey'. Just as we need the miracle of honey to sustain us physically, so the words we speak can add life and health to those who hear our words.

^"Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful." - Message
  
“Kind words are salve to a cankered soul; spread generously.” -Richelle Goodrich

Speak kindly today - you may just bring life to a troubled soul.
 

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Commit your ways to God - Lent #16

Proverbs 16:1-3 - "To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes

the proper answer of the tongue.

² All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

³ Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans."

Someone once said, "Life happens while we are busy making plans." 
It is true that sometimes we can over complicate and over-plan our lives, but it is a great discipline to at least have some direction for our lives. We may not succeed in some things if we have failed to plan. Planning is a vitual discipline to practise in all spheres of life.


As Christ-followers we need to remember that God wants to be included in our planning process. God doesn't want to be tagged on in the end just as some kind of last resort. So whatever you are planning to do next, make sure that you have consulted your Heavenly Father first.

Living in Grace
D3LM3