Random Musings

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 31 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=PRoverbs%2031&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 31 This proverb is the collected sayings of King Lemuel as taught to him by his mother. (v1) “Listen!” It’s repeated again and again in Proverbs. Listen. Be wise. He instruction. (v2) Women are trouble, especially wicked and contentious women; they bring kings to ruin. (v3) Alcohol should be avoided by the wise; it affects behavior and alters memory. (v4-7) “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 30 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 30 This proverbs is the collection of Agur the son of Jakeh. He cries out to the Lord that he is weary and feels beaten. He is in need of wisdom and understanding that only the Lord can give. (v1-4) “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (v5-6) He wisely asked the Lord for wisdom and understanding. He asked for only what he needed knowing that if he had too much he would forget the Lord or if he had not e

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 29 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2029&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 29 “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.” There is a penalty for ignoring the rebukes of the Lord and of the wise. Don’t push it too far or you may be destroyed. (v1) The people are joyful when the ruler is righteous, but a wicked ruler oppresses them. (v2) “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders wealth.” (v3) A just ruler makes for a stable country, but one who is greedy and underhanded is its downfall. (v4

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 28 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2028&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 28 The wicked are always running, but the righteous stand strong. (v1) If you see a country that is out of control, you should look at its leaders to see why. (v2) If you keep pressing people, you get to a point where you kill any chance they have of producing. (v3) “Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.” (v4) The wicked can not understand what is right, but the righteous can. (v5) It’s much better to be poor and righteous than rich and wicked. (v6) “A discerning son h

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 27 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 27 None of us are promised tomorrow; so don’t count on what may come. (v1) Don’t brag; let others brag on you. (v2) Don’t fight with a fool; it’s not worth the heaviness to your soul and body. (v3) Jealousy is worse than anger. (v4) “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (v5) “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” It’s better to have a friend who will gently correct you than an enemy who will kiss up to you but be dishonest.” (v6) “One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 26 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2026&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 26 The foolish person is nothing but trouble to you. Stay away from him. Don’t trust him. Do not put anything in his hands. Do not get on his level or listen to any “wisdom” from him. (v1-12) “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (v11-12) The sluggard is as bad as the fool. He is too lazy to accomplish anything and sits back to watch others handle things. (v13-16) “Like one who grabs a stray dog by

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 25 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2025&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 25 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable." (v2-3) If what is spoiling the progress is removed, a great feat can be achieved. (v4-5) Be humble. Do not exalt yourself into a position that is not rightfully yours. It is better to be praised than to praise yourself and have to be put back in your place. (v6-7) Do not be quick to take things to court as it may cost you more

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 24 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2024&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 24 Do not be jealous of the wicked or wish that you were their friend; it only leads to trouble. (v1-2) “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”(v3-4) Wisdom and power go hand in hand; victory comes when there are many advisors. (v5-6) Fools should keep quiet since wisdom is out of their grasp. (v7) “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.” (v8

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 23 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 23 Be careful not to crave things that are out of your price range. (v1-3) Don’t work for riches or wear yourself out for them; they are fleeting. (v4-5) Don’t go where you aren’t wanted or where someone begrudges what they give you. (v6- 8) “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” (v9) Do not cross boundaries; they are there for a reason. (v10-11) “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (v12) If you love your child and wish to save their life, you must discipl

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 22 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2022&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 22 A good name means more than anything. Guard your reputation. (v1) The Lord is the common ground between all of us; He is our maker. (v2) The wise can see what’s coming and prepare, but the foolish don’t pay attention and they pay the consequences. (v3) If you are humble, you will be rewarded. (v4) Walking in the way of the wicked is dangerous; stay far from it. (v5) Raise your children in the way they should go and they will stick to it. (v6) “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender

It's recently been brought to my attention that I may have an inaccurate view of what "Spiritual Leadership" looks like in a relationship. In fact, I saw my own views reflected back to me and it was a bit unnerving. So, I did what I do whenever I have questions; I asked. First, I asked the Lord by reading about it in His Word. There are two main passages that talk about submission: Ephesians 5:21-33 and I Peter 3:1-7 And then, I asked several of my married friends how it works in practice. As a yet unmarried person, I have no personal experience with what spiritual leadership within a marriage actually looks like. I can only guess and relate to it in whatever ways I can. But, I believe the Lord calls us to help and depend on one another, especially to see the truth, so I polled my friends. The answer I found is that I indeed have a limited understanding of what the looks like based on Scripture and my wise friends. It seems that one verse that is often overl

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 21 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 21 The Lord controls the ways of kings and nations. (v1) “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (v2) “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” The Lord doesn’t want rote obedience, He wants us to do what is right and just and good. (v3) “Haughty eyes and a proud heart – the unplowed field of the wicked – produce sin.” The wicked do not till the earth of the heart. (v4) Diligence leads to success while impatience and hastiness lead to pover

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 20 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2020&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 20 “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Alcohol complicates life and makes people make bad choices sometimes. Only the unwise allow alcohol to have that much control in their lives. (v1) It is unwise to anger a king, or anyone who holds the power of life and death over you. Be careful how you treat those in authority over you. (v2) “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Those who jump into an argument out of heated passion and don’

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 19 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2019&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 19 “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.” I wish I could understand the way that Solomon pairs things sometimes. There must be a connection between the two part of this sentence, but I don’t quite grasp it. I believe it is a true statement, but I’m not sure how those two things wound up together in a comparison. (v3) Running ahead of yourself can cause you to miss the way. It’s good to have desires, but it’s important to gain the knowledge and wisdom you need before rushi

As I have journeyed through Proverbs this month, I have been giving a lot of thought to wisdom and the sayings of Solomon. Recently, I have been reminded of the story of Solomon's wisdom, as it was given from God, and how he used it to administer judgment over the people. The story can be found in I Kings 3 . The Lord gave Solomon wisdom in more abundance than anyone before or since (other than Jesus of course). For those of us seeking to be wise, there is no better teacher. The Lord Himself is the giver of wisdom, but Solomon was His vessel here on earth. Solomon was given wisdom so that he could rule the people wisely. As an example of that wisdom, I Kings 3 tells the story of how he judged between two women. These two women both had babies within a few days of one another. They also lived in the same house. During the night, one of the babies died and the mother of that child took the living baby as her own. In the light of day, when the other mother awoke, she realized tha

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 18 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 18 “An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.” (v1) Fools aren’t concerned with understanding anything, they are only concerned with getting their opinions and points across. (v2) The wicked are held in contempt and a reproach brings shame. (v3) People who are wise are like deep waters and wisdom pours into and out of them like a fountain. (v4) It’s not good to take sides with the wicked and take part in harming the innocent. (v5) “The lips of fools bring them strife,

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 17 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2017&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 17 It’s better to have barely anything to eat with peace and quiet than to have more than you need with strife. (v1) A servant who is wise will gain the favor of the father over a foolish son, and share in the inheritance as if he is family. (v2) The Lord tests our hearts as heat is used to test gold and silver. (v3) “A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.” A discerning person would know better and would be able to identify the lie and would ignore the destructi

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 16 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 16 You can make all the plans you want, but the Lord is in control. (v1) “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” Sometimes we may not even know when our motives aren’t pure, but the Lord always knows. If we are humble before Him, He reveals these things to us. (v2) A promise: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans.” We don’t have to figure this whole thing out. If we commit our ways to the Lord, He will show us the path and help us along it.

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 15 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 15 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. So many times Solomon says not to argue with a fool or with someone who doesn’t want correction; I think this verse goes along with that. In many cases, people like to stir up arguments, but a gentle answer will take the wind out of their sails. But, if you take the bait, and respond with a harsh word, it keeps the argument going. (v1) Wisdom is spoken of as an adornment, something that beautifies while foolishness is always spoken of in has

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 14 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2014&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 14 "The wise woman builder her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down". A wise woman builds up, she encourages, she works hard. The foolish one gets in her own way. (v1) You will know those who fear the Lord by the way they walk and those who hate Him by where they choose to walk. (v2) "A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect him". Again, Solomon talks about the tongue. It really can get us into trouble or keep us safe. (v3) You must

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 13 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2013&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 13 Solomon repeats again that wisdom is listening to your parents. Repetition is important, especially in wisdom literature. (v1) What we put in is what we get out. And, it becomes a vicious cycle. If we take in good things, we will have good things from our lips to enjoy. If we are unfaithful, our appetites are fed and become darker. (v2) “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin”. Control over the tongue is so important. Waiting to speak is imperative.

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 12 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 12 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Such a harsh statement, but it’s true. It’s the foolish who refuse to listen to the voice of wisdom. Even though discipline is tough to take, it’s for our best. Ouch. (v1) “Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but He condemns those who devise wicked schemes. No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted”. The first part is believable; the Lord favors the righteous but condemns the wi

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 11 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2011&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 11 Be fair and honest in business. (v1) Those who are proud will be disgraced, but those who are humble gain wisdom. (v2) “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity”. (v3) At the end of life, money won’t matter, but righteousness will. (V4) The righteous can walk their path without fear, but the wicked will be foiled by their own schemes. (v5-6) Don’t place your hope in mortals or their power – they will fail you. (v7) The Lord rescues the righteous. (v8) Gossip a

I had a dream last night that is really bothering me. In this dream, several people were angry with me. There were varied reasons for their anger, but a couple of them made sure to say to me, "You're no better than me." I couldn't agree more. Dreams often speak truth to me. Sometimes they are just my brain processing and compiling events and are just a physiological response. But, sometimes they are more than that. Sometimes they are the Lord's way of whispering to our heart in movie format. So, I don't usually just dismiss my dreams. I'm sure I'll be chewing on this one for a day or two at least. There are things I already know have contributed to this dream. First of all, I have received some praise lately, and that always makes me nervous. It is very easy to allow those kind words to go to my head. In the past, I've been imprisoned by praise. When someone thought I was wonderful, I felt like I had to always be perfect and neve

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 10 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2010&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. The Proverbs of Solomon This chapter could be studied for a full month, maybe a lifetime. Each verse is a vibrant and rich truth and worth hiding in your heart. If you are wise, you bring joy to your parents. If you are foolish, you grieve your parents. (v1) Things you have not earned bring no lasting joy, but righteousness saves your life. (v2) The Lord looks after His children. Work hard. Think ahead. Store up for hard times. Work during the harvest. (v3-5) The righteous are blessed but the wicked meet with violenc

I have several friends who are going through tough times right now. I feel so inadequate to speak into their pain. When someone is grieving or in pain, words seem to fall flat and offer no real comfort. In times like these, for me, I turn to music and look for hope and healing. It seems the combination of lyrics, rhythm, instruments and voices speak into the darkest parts of my heart. So, for all of my friends who are down, grieving, or in pain at the moment, I'd like to share some music that captures the spirit of "The Words I Would Say". If the video above doesn't load, you may access it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thLdWPr32yY

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 9 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%209&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. The invitations of wisdom and folly Wisdom is prepared. She has built her house and set her table. She invites the simple to her home, to dinner, to receive her instruction. (v1-6) It does no good to correct those who do not love wisdom. You will receive abuse and insults from those who are wise in their own eyes. But the wise and righteous will listen and grow because of it. (v7-9) That last section is so wise and something we don’t think about often. Wisdom is wasted on those who do not love her. They don’t have the

As I was walking the other night, I spent some time thinking. (This is a common past time for me). But, that particular night, I was thinking about the labels that others have given me to wear over the years. I'm not going to go into them specifically here, that's a blog for another time. But, I have been carrying around labels that people have placed on me as if they were true reflections of who I am. Some of these labels have been good, if hard to live up to. Some have been negative, and I've struggled under their weight. Others have been untrue, but somehow I've come to believe them. Some of the label makers have been family or friends while others have been acquaintances or even strangers. Each used their favorite type of stitch or glue to affix their brand to me, to my psyche. Each had their own purpose or claim to ignorance in doing so. I've carried these labels and hurtful words with me for years. Some stitches have left unsightly scars, even if I have