Motives

"We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives.

God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give him gifts." - Proverbs 21:2-3

I am challenged by the clear message of Proverbs, as each sentence is a direct word to our fragile hearts. The book of Proverbs helps me to look in the mirror and to be honest about my life and faith. There can be no hiding away from the Lord and from how the Spirit works in our lives.

David Brainerd - "The all-seeing eye of God beheld our deplorable state; infinite pity touched the heart of the Father of mercies; and infinite wisdom laid the plan of our recovery."

Francis Bacon - "A prudent question is one-half of wisdom."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Proverbs for 2020

If you have been following this blog you will know that I have been reflecting on the book of Proverbs. What I love about God's timing and the wisdom of Proverbs is that they come to us just when we need the right things to say. 

As I write these words, we are literally caught up in the whirlwind of "Is there school tomorrow or not!?" We were waiting for an announcement from the Education department and then it was postponed at the last minute, only for utter confusion to reign in the homes of millions of South Africans. Sitting at home at 8pm on a Sunday not knowing if you must send your kids to school is extremely stressful - for the kids, for the parents, for the teachers and staff - for everyone!

So in the midst of this, I turn to Proverbs 21, which is the next one in sequence and this what I learnt:

"Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble." - Proverbs 21:23

If you stop using good sense,  you will find yourself in the grave." - Proverbs 21:16 (CEV)

"Unscrupulous people fake it a lot;  honest people are sure of their steps. Nothing clever, nothing conceived, nothing contrived,  can get the better of God. Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory." - Proverbs 21:29-31 (The Message)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The right thing

"We may think we are doing the right thing,
    but the Lord always knows what is in our hearts.
3 Doing what is right and fair pleases the Lord
    more than an offering." - Proverbs 21:2-3

What is the right thing to do? That is often the big question we have to answer and there are seldom easy ways to figure it out. I find that using the Golden Rule from Jesus is usually the best place to start. 

"Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Love your neighbour as you love yourself."

If the 'thing' you are wanting so badly goes against one of these two commands, then there is every likelihood it is not what God would have us do. However, it is always best to ask the Spirit to help us discern this truth. Or speak to a trusted friend.

For those of you who do not know Him, choosing your eternal home is the most important decision you will ever make. Billy Graham

"You cannot make progress without making decisions. It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes." - Jim Rohn

Living in Grace

D3LM3

21 - The right way

How sure are you that your way is the right way? It is easy to become convinced that our opinion is the best and no one else can know better. However, in the end, it is only the Lord who can test what our true motives are. 

"A person may think their own ways are right,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.

To do what is right and just    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." - Proverbs 21:2-3

 "Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." - John F. Kennedy

Prayer: Lord, give me enough humility to say "sorry" if I am wrong and enough will power and strength to hold my tongue if I am right.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

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