Proverbs 1 and 2

On Instagram, there's a group of women doing a #31dayswithHim reading challenge. Every day in July, you read a chapter in Proverbs. Here's a few of my insights that I've gleaned, and I'd be thrilled if you shared what the Holy Spirit taught you.

Proverbs 1
V.3 Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity. (AMP)

*It takes discipline to live a life of integrity!

V.4-5 ...prudence...to the simple...knowledge, discretion, and discernment to the youth-the wise...increase in learning...the person of understanding will aquire skill and attain to sound counsel.

*Wisdom of God is available to every person, at every level. It isn't just for the elite, and it isn't just for indigent. The Holy Spirit teaches you what you need, at the level you need.

V.20, 21, 24
*Wisdom of God cries out and calls to me. God doesn't keep His wisdom from me.

Proverbs 2
I underlined a lot in this chapter. What got my attention most were the "If you...then..." statements.

V1-5 ...if you...receive my words and treasure up my commandments...making your ear attentive...inclining and directing your heart and mind...cry out for insight...raise your voice...seek ...and search for skillful and godly Wisdom...THEN you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of (our omniscient) God. (AMP, emphasis, typos mine)

Then it goes on to reveal characteristics of God:
*He gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding v.6
*He stores wisdom for the righteous. He is our shield v.7
*He guards our path and preserves our way v.8

All this so I "will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing (in every area and relation), yes, you will understand every good path. For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you." (AMP v. 9-10)

Throw off the sin that so easily entangles

Today the thought came to me that if i dont like the sin in my life, then i need to get rid of it! Stop nursing it and totally abandon it! if i font like something, then i need to stop doing it.  I give myself too much "grace" in the area of sin, like i need time to slowly wean myself away from the activity or thoughts that hinder me. NO!  sin gets no coddling, easy let-down, or a place until righteousness fills its place. Righteousness can't enter until  sin is eradicated.

This moment is what counts, you may not have another.

Today's reading is James 4:14. Someday, the only proof that I've existed will be my name on a tombstone. Someone may imagine what my life was like, probably guessing incorrectly. Or, no one will see my name. I'll be out of memory. What does that mean for me? In light of the readings this week, and what I already know, my relationship with Christ is the most important thing I could cultivate. It will be what lasts eternally.

Don't waste your time and energy on temporary gains.

Today's reading was Mt. 6:19-21.  To be honest, it sort of confused me. I understand not hoarding things for yourself, but this seems to be condoning hoarding spiritual gains for yourself. Maybe I'm overthinking. What are your thoughts?

Life more abundant comes from our relationship with God, not from possessions.

This week in church we are supposed to be giving thought to eternity. We were given a set of passages to look up, and then write one sentence about the lesson we learned. The passage I looked up today was Luke 12-13-21. I read it from the AMP and NAS. Share what lesson God showed you, if you like.

I'm back to blogging!

I have a way to post from home now, so I'm hoping that more diligent posting will commence:

Spring Break

I'm on spring break and can't keep track of my days. I'll post on Friday what I'm reading.