How To Make the Best of Our Time

We’re facing a NEW year. Isn’t it great? By the time twelve months have passed, we’re all ready for a new start. Hopes run high for improvements with personal New Year resolutions.

In one of the oldest psalms in the Bible, Moses wrote, “Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14). As a caregiver, I can tell you I gratefully experienced God’s loving devotion and new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God created time - - - days, years, and seasons - - - but He is not bound to it nor limited by it (Gen. 1:14-18). We’re the ones who live just one day at a time, and each day brings new challenges and a need for more decisions.

In Psalm 90, Moses says our basic life span is 70 years, or perhaps 80 if we’re strong (Psalm 90:10). We often hear of people living beyond 100 years, but the bottom line remains the same. We all live one day at a time, and we cannot count on tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-17).  

Determine to live your best life this year, one day at a time!

Moses wrote, “Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).  

And David said that wisdom begins with a healthy fear of the LORD, plus a heart to follow His precepts (Psalm 111:10).

In view of that fact, be wise in perseverance this year:

I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes (one day at a time),

even to the very end (Psalm 119:112).

Pixabay: Time, Time Management, Time Planning, geralt.

 

  

How to Kill Off Stupidity

When and where did you learn life principles? Or, did you? When I was growing up, I not only learned such things at home, but also in church and at school.

I hear people complain that our culture is short on moral principles today. But my question is, “Who is teaching them?”

Reading Proverbs is not THE answer. But I think it’s ONE small step in the right direction for ALL mankind.

I have met many people who read a chapter of Proverbs a day. Some have done it for a lifetime. It’s thirty-one chapters, imagine that!

When you tire of reading it in one translation, why not try reading it in another? *It’s not hard to do these days.

Are you familiar with 2 Peter 1:1-10? It says by faith we receive the righteousness of God through our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are blessed with grace and peace, but there’s more!

Peter lays it out clearly in verses five through eight: Make every effort to add to your Faith.  As we mature in our Christian life, we should see growth in these areas: (1) Virtue, (2) Knowledge, (3) Self-control, (4) Perseverance, (5) Godliness, (6) Brotherly kindness, and (7) love.   

The Book of Proverbs has some things to teach us in the above areas. 1 Kings 4:29-34 says Solomon’s wisdom was known worldwide. Kings weren’t the only ones who sent envoys to listen to his wisdom.

The Queen of Sheba came to test him with hard questions, too. You can read all about it in 1 Kings 10:1-13.

The **Book of Proverbs is known as wisdom literature.

I believe we can kill off stupidity, but the best advice, even from the wisest man in the world, will do you no good just by reading.

The real value comes when you put it into action!

Pixabay: Puzzle, Sense, Non-Sense; geralt.

*I have the YouVersion Bible app on my phone, but there are others.

 **The majority of The Book of Proverbs is written by Solomon, but in later chapters, credit is given to two others.

  

Some Things Never Change

I don't particularly enjoy using a cane, but I never leave home without it. It has its place, and I'm very glad I no longer require a walker.

It blew me away recently to learn I’m part of an ancient tradition. Older translations of a Hebrew scripture say: Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age (Zechariah 8:4). More modern translations say “cane," but I had a good laugh when I read that because everywhere I go, I see people with canes.  

Modern scholars still study ancient cultures (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, or Biblical, to name a few). Latin and Greek are still important to people going into the medical field.

I’m glad to know that in our ever-changing world, some things never change. The psalmist, David, for example, said God’s Word gave him hope, revived him, and comforted him in times of trouble (Psalm 119:49-50).

In Psalm 23:3 he said, “(God) restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness.”  No matter how you look at it, God’s word is a positive source of life.

How familiar are you with these ancient and wise words? 1) The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37); 2) the “Golden Rule” (Mark 12:31; Matthew 19:19); or 3) the Book of Proverbs with its wisdom regarding relationships, debt, character traits, and more.

Wherever we go, we can have God’s word with us. Have you memorized any scripture (Psalm 119:11)? Do you know any scripturally-based songs, hymns, or spiritual songs by heart (Ephesians 5:19-20)? Do you have a *Bible app on your cell phone that you can easily tap into?

Don’t be one of those people who give lip service to God’s word, but reject it by having no intention of obeying it (Matthew 15:8-9).

It’s good that some things never change. Like David, I not only want to read ancient scriptures, but I also want to apply them to my life (Psalm 119:56).

What is your choice?  

*The Bible app I use is the YouVersion.

Pixabay: Bridge, Alcantara, Roman; MemoryCatcher.

How to Live in Wisdom and Truth

We’re convinced these days that exercise is a good thing. *Dr. Kenneth Cooper of Dallas, Texas, wrote a book in 1968 called Aerobics. It’s been expanded and printed in many languages since then.  

His core belief is that exercise develops the body’s ability to use large amounts of oxygen, good for the brain and overall health. He is now age 93, in good health, and very sharp cognitively.

I gained wisdom through what I heard, but it won’t do me any good if I don’t put it into action. That’s the way with all learning. Psalm 119:97-104 (BSB) talks about what happens when we take God’s word to heart.

The psalmist makes three claims:  1) It makes me wiser than my enemies, 2) gives me more insight than my teachers, and 3) helps me discern even more than my elders (V. 98-100). The Amplified Bible explains this is possible if the people he has mentioned have not observed God's precepts. 

He further explains, "By understanding your precepts, I avoid evil paths (and false ways)" (V. 104). Question: Who do you allow to speak into your life? The Bible says hypocrites turn away from the truth; therefore, we must choose teachers and elders who are careful to walk in the truth of God’s word (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:13-14).

The psalmist loved God’s word. He meditated on it and tried not to depart from it (V 103). He considered it as sweet as honey, which is an old way of saying something is greatly desired and much appreciated (V. 103).

Are no teachers or elders available? Don’t worry. God’s Word will still cleanse our way and help us walk rightly before Him. We can also ask the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth (Psalm 51:10-12; Psalm 119:9-16; John 14:26).   

Moses said God’s words were not idle or non-active but life-giving if actively obeyed (Deuteronomy 32:45-47). God’s word is eternal, settled in heaven, and faithful to all generations (Psalm 119:89-90).  

So, let’s get with God’s program: Read, consider, and obey His words . . . enjoy the good life . . . living in wisdom and truth.  

*Although I heard Dr. Cooper interviewed by Matt and Laurie Crouch on a TBN PRAISE program, it was mentioned you can hear an interview with him on the CNN website, “Cooper Exercise Interview.”

Pixabay: 

A Well of Wisdom

Wells are only valuable if they contain life-giving water. People come to be refreshed, whether prepared with a bucket or a cup. At some wells, you simply dipped the bucket in, but others required you to muscle a pump. In either case, water was worth the effort.

Dehydration can become a life-or-death matter. My Goddaughter was just sharing with me her experience as a young child with food poisoning. She vomited so much that her parents finally took her to the hospital. They were shocked when the doctor said, “If you had waited much longer, she could have died.” She said she was in the hospital on IVs for two days.

Wisdom is on my mind since I just completed the Book of Proverbs. It’s easy to review my list of thirty-one stand-out verses. Take Proverbs 23:23 *(NLT) for example: Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.  

Wisdom comes from the wise. I did a little side study in Proverbs on the “words of the wise.” Here are four out of fifteen entries.  

THE WORDS of the WISE:

Bring healing (Prov. 12:18b)

Satisfy like a good meal (Prov. 18:20)

Come from the lips of people with understanding (Prov. 10:13)

Are like deep waters (Prov. 18:4a)

Deep waters bring us back to the idea of wells. The Book of Proverbs is like a waiting well of wisdom, but are we thirsty for it? Reading a chapter might be like coming to the well with a bucket. Choosing a verse might be like coming with a cup. Either way, water has a life-giving effect.

Proverbs gives us powerful truths through contrasts. It is a practical book; it doesn’t require deep studies in theology. For example, the contrasts between the wise and the foolish are as clear to the man on the street as to the king in his palace.

Are you desiring changes in your life? Are you willing to come to the well of wisdom for refreshing? Don't allow yourself to become dehydrated.

*Photo by Pixabay: Clean Countryside Drink, Public Domain Pictures.

*All scriptures are NLT from the New Living Translation/Life Application Study Bible copyright 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

An Unexpected Challenge

I took the Proverbial challenge last week. But finding one verse that speaks to me more than all the others in the chapter for the day is not a snap.

I keep a list of my chosen verses, then for good measure, I put a small checkmark beside them. I’m on a quest, but this will not be the last time I read Proverbs. Future readings might draw my attention to something new, or I may be reminded to work on what I know now.

Once you get through the first few chapters, the verses start to pop. Whether scriptural or cultural, proverbs are short sayings or moral truths that encourage us to make wise choices.

If you want to have some fun with this, Google “cultural proverbs” and you’ll see examples from around the world. God’s word is for all cultures, but I’m sure it presents a challenge for translators.

One verse I marked this week was *Proverbs 9:12, (NLT):

If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.

If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

My first thought was that this was another way of self-care - - - be wise and make good choices. But then I thought of an earlier section of scripture that I had labeled “Wisdom is Rewarding.”

According to Proverbs 3:13-18 (NLT), the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding is joyful. It also says those who hold wisdom tightly are happy. Did you notice joy and happiness are not automatic? We are to find and hold on to wisdom and understanding.

Solomon has convinced me they are worth the effort. Read these five verses in your Bible, computer, phone, or tablet, and ponder them for yourself. Proverbs 3:13-18 lists nine (9) positive results provided by wisdom.

If you’ve found Proverbs to be an unexpected challenge, don’t give up. Personal conclusions are always the most meaningful.

If you're new to this, just read last week’s blog. It’s never too late to do something good for yourself.

*All scripture quotations are NLT, taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by Permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Photo "Proverb, Poetry, Sign," by Peggy Marco on Pixabay.

The Proverbial Challenge

I’ve thrown out a one-month challenge and had many takers. I started by texting a few family members and friends, and then I challenged my email list. Now I’m sending it to an even larger group.

 Here’s My Challenge

Each day in February, join me in reading 1 chapter of Proverbs

After reading, choose 1 verse for the day

Ponder how it applies to you

Yes, February has already begun. No problem. Just read the chapter in Proverbs that matches the calendar date and cycle on through.

This challenge has been good for me. I have read The Book of Proverbs many times, but that was the problem. I simply read it, never taking time to ponder one verse for me, for the day. I can’t believe how I now look forward to my daily quest.

Knowledge is good, but not good enough. Knowledge is an accumulation of facts . . . Wisdom is applied knowledge. Effective living moves beyond knowledge to action.

We each acquire knowledge in a variety of ways. But nothing is really important to us until we decide to apply (or live by) what we have learned.

I’ll share an example of a verse I pondered this week: Proverbs 2:2 (NLT, New Living Translation):

Tune your ears to wisdom,

and concentrate on understanding.

As I pondered tune your ears to wisdom, I thought of how my piano tuner tunes all tones to Middle C. It occurred to me that God’s Word is the Middle C for the tuning of my life. I must listen closely to it.

When I pondered concentrate on understanding, I thought sometimes it takes me a while to “get it”. . . whatever “it” challenges me at the moment. But once I do “get it,” it feels good to move forward.

So, now The Proverbial Challenge is yours. Three things await you: (1) Growth in knowledge, (2) Wisdom through understanding, and (3) Personal improvement as only you can apply it. Enjoy!    

Challenges, Photo on Pixabay by Mohamed Hassan

How to Be Wise

HOW TO BE WISE

Nobody wants to be thought a fool, but sometimes a person's actions label him that way. A wise person thinks before he acts, but wise actions are motivated by wise words.

I never expected to find words of wisdom on the walls of a pizza place, but there they were. My husband and I had stopped for the night at Wheeler Ridge, California. In the mood for pizza, we walked into Pieology.

We placed our order and sat down to wait. I enjoyed reading quotes off their wall decor and made notes of a few I wanted to remember. For example:

(1) C.S. Lewis, famous author of Mere Christianity, was credited with saying, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." That was encouraging.

(2) Malcom Forbes, considered wise in the business world, said, "Failure is success if we learn from it." That reminded me of telling my piano students, "Unless you know you've made a mistake, you can't improve."

(3) Henry J. Kaiser said, "Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." He ought to know. He founded over one hundred companies in his lifetime, including Kaiser Aluminum and Kaiser Steel.

How Wise Are You?

You've probably heard someone say, "A word to the wise is sufficient." That's true for those who want to be wise and know they have more to learn. 

Wisdom is not just acquiring knowledge. Wisdom is using what you know to make good decisions. Henry Ford, father of the automobile industry, provides a good example.

He said, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants as long as it is black." Why? Early finishing techniques were a carryover from the carriage industry. Paint needed curing times of up to four weeks.

Ford changed to a faster-drying product available only in black. Why? To avoid warehousing cars just to let the paint dry. He filtered through knowledge to find what best applied to his need.

Sometimes We Need Help

I try to do that, too, but I don't always know what to do. Proverbs 13:10 says, "Wisdom is found in those who take advice." It's OK to ask for help, but be selective. 

Once in a while, I've asked someone for help only to have them respond in a disinterested or condescending manner.


That's why I love the promise in James 1:5 (NIV). It says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given you."

Do you want to know how to be wise? Learn what you can, then go right to the top and ask for wisdom on how to apply what you've learned.

After all, you have an open invitation. And who could be wiser than God?