Honor Perfected

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:26

Lemuel goes to great lengths, and many verses, to describe the ultimate wife. This is one verse that sticks out to me above all others. It clearly shows how we should deal with others. If we constrain our words to those spoken with wisdom vice malice, jealousy and the assorted other sinful motivations, we would never have to regret any spoken word. Likewise, if we base our comments upon kindness, our words will be better received by others.

How often I have hastily spoken words that I later regret! The pain caused by malicious words and the advice unheeded due to the tone of the words cause my heart to regret ever speaking them.  Unfortunately, we can not unspeak our words - once spoken they have a life of their own. Often repeated but never forgotten. What a better life we would have if we never had to regret a spoken word!

 Clearly the advice in the verse above is applicable to all of us. So as we contemplate resolutions for the coming year, let's ask God to help us follow the advice above. The results will honor our actions and more importantly, honor God.

 

Low-Profile Honor

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
Proverbs 30:28

Agur lists the spider as one of the smallest but wisest creatures on earth. Perhaps we can learn wisdom from such a innocuous creature? The common household spider spends its day working to build a web in order to survive. There are no web building competitions or recognition for their hard effort. Yet they continue daily to maintain their web. They have no regard for their surroundings - whether it be a dark closet or a brightly lit cathedral their level of effort is the same. Even in the king's palace listed in the verse above, their focus remains the same: build and maintain their web.

What if we approached our Christian life in the same manner? Focused solely on the fundamentals of maintaining a close walk with Christ. No distractions based upon our performance and no regard for our surroundings. I can only imagine the results would be astounding! We are often too worried about the acceptance of others to worry about acceptance by our Savior.

The spider teaches us well in how to obtain low profile honor: if we focus on the fundamental of serving Christ, he will honor us in ways we could never imagine!

 

The Prodigal Son

Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
Proverbs 29:3

This verse reminds me of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Mark 15:11-31). We are all familiar with how the son spent his inheritance and ended up with the pigs. But at low point of his life, he recognized the error of his ways and went to repent to his father. And we remember how the father celebrated his return while the older son fumed and fussed about the father's reaction.

The question is: which son displayed wisdom? While we love to look down our noses at the sinful squandering of wealth, didn't we do the same? Christ offered us peace and eternal life but we did not partake until we recognized the wretched situation we were in and repented. Compare this to the older brother who continued the ritual of service but never found the value of forgiveness.

Let's ensure that we know the joy of forgiveness and not just the ritual of service. For forgiveness is truly a cause of celebration and causes our Father to rejoice.

 

Cheap Sins

To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Proverbs 28:21

My father used to warn me of evil people saying that they would "sell their Mother for a dollar".  As a young boy, it frightened me to view the person as sinister, no matter how fake their smile. When questioned, Dad explained that anyone who would quickly show favoritism would quickly choose to do wrong. Solomon describes it a little differently above but the jist is the same. Those who show respect of persons will sin for smallest of monetary values.

Only later did I realize it is not about the money but about human nature. It is our nature to sin unless God is in control of our lives. One aspect that changes when He is in control is that we no longer show respect of persons but rather show the love of Christ to all.

Are there areas in your life where God doesn't have control? If so, we are powerless to keep from sinning in that area. Only with God in control are we able to reverse the habits of human nature. Surrender your actions to God and He will prevent you from cheaply sinning.

 

Tough Love

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6

Solomon describes wounds from a friend are faithful - but how can someone who cares for you, harm you? Perhaps, that is the true measure of friendship - someone who is willing to tell you what you don't want to hear! Many will simply agree with us verbally but will withhold there true opinion, simply not to hurt our feelings. However, a friend will "call a spade a spade", even if it is not what we want to hear.

One additional factor in a friendship is the delivery of such bad news - it is not with contempt or humiliation. But rather with love. And if that love is based in Christ, it is a healing love, regardless of the severity of the topic.

 

Fuel For The Fire

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Proverbs 26:21

As winter weather grips us in its frigid grasp, we are all familiar with keeping the heat going! Solomon describes the need to continue to feed a fire by adding coal or wood in order to keep a fire going. And the same is applicable to the strife in our life - if we remove the fuel, the strife ceases to exist.

When we are frustrated and angry with another, any action or word seems to flare up the frustration. However, the smoldering embers are within us, not by their actions- if we remove the source, the anger goes away. But how? While it is often difficult to forgive and forget, we can achieve peace by turning over our frustration to God. When we simply give it up to Him, he removes the smoldering embers within us. Then, any further action by the other individual ceases to cause us to flare up. David promises peace and prevention of being offended in Psalms 119:165-168 if we follow His commandments.

Do you have a simmering frustration with others? Turn to God and he will remove the embers of frustration and provide a peace beyond understanding. Philippians 4:6-8.

 

Share The Good News

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Proverbs 25:25

We are all familiar with the deep sense of refreshment of an ice cold drink of water on a hot summer day. Nothing compares to the deep penetrating coldness that seems to replenish us from the inside out. The same can be said of the good news heard by the wise men on the night when Christ was born. While they traveled far, it paled in comparison to the deep-penetrating refreshment they felt upon seeing the Savior of the World! Have you experienced the same penetrating change in your life? If so, you know first-hand how refreshing the new perspective puts on your life.

As you share your gifts with others today, why not share the refreshing good news of Jesus Christ with those you love? His gift of salvation will long out-last any earthly gift we can share. And they will share the same refreshing experience that we felt when we first met our Savior. Share His love with others - it is His birthday we are celebrating, so why not make Him our Guest of Honor?

 

The Joy Of Giving

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Proverbs 23:7

As we share our gifts this Christmas season, is there sharing in our heart? Are we cheerfully sharing or are we begrudgingly giving? No matter how cheap or expense the gift, the value is based upon the manner in which it is shared. We have all received gifts from our children that would never compare to the exquisite gifts from a department store but they are treasured more. Why? Because we know they were made with love.

Ensure that your gifts are deeply appreciated - not for their cost but their value. Share them with the love of Christ in your heart.

 

Scrooge's Nightmare

Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
Proverbs 22:22-23

Solomon cautions us against mistreating the poor and afflicted for the Lord will plead their cause. What a timely reminder during the holiday season! While we dash to and fro seeking the perfect gift for our loved ones, how much effort has been expended to assist those less fortunate in life?

Are they a part of our holiday gift-giving? Do we include consideration for their necessities of life in our long list of electronic gadgets and latest rage for gifts? I often wonder, which will be more appreciated? Which will have a lasting impact upon some one's life?

It is frightening to consider that the Lord will plead their issue. How will you respond to his challenge? Can you turn your head or cross the street to ignore Christ? Will you push Him away? Remember Jesus words in Matthew 25:40 - "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Don't be a Scrooge this Christmas. Share his blessing with those around you. You will be assured not to have Scrooge's nightmares but the blessings of our Creator!

 

The Wrong Congregation

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 21:16

I am not a big fan of horror movies but the grisly image painted by Solomon shakes me to the bone! The image of a church full of dead people is literally frightening! Can you imagine waking in a room full of silent skeletons? No matter how brave your heart, it would be more than a heart could stand!

Solomon's strict warning against leaving the way of salvation is just that: a frightening concept. Imagine, knowing the pleasure of walking with God only to choose to depart from His way? What would prompt a person to do such a thing? Simply put, choosing our way versus His way. It is frightening but a reality with those who choose not to follow Christ.

If you have loved ones who have not accepted Christ, renew your efforts to lead them out of the dead and into the living! The friends they keep will not be so frightening!

 

The Best Present Under The Tree

 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7

We often struggle for just the right gift for our children. Something that is memorable, highly desired and possibly sentimental are attributes we use when seeking the ultimate present for our own special children. Perhaps, Solomon describes the best gift of a lifetime in the verse above.

What parent does not desire to see their children blessed by the Lord? While we have limited resources to provide for our children, the Lord has infinite resources and abilities to bless our children! But the price can not be placed on our credit card for payment after the holidays. It requires daily payment in a non-monetary fashion - our behavior. I was blessed with a father who set the example of living a Christian life and more importantly taught me how to recover when I failed to follow Christ. While he gave me many wonderful gifts over the years. His personal example of living a Christian life was the best gift I ever received from my parents.

What are we giving our children today? Are we coping with the stresses of life and the holidays? Do we unveil our bitterness towards others within the confines of our home? Do we earnestly seek and involve God in our daily life? While we personally benefit from following Christ, the blessings to our children is promised in the verse above.

Give the ultimate gift to your children by submitting you will to His will. It is the present that will last all year and never grow old!

 

Little White Lies

A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
Proverbs 19:9

We love to see liars punished, except when it is us! No one enjoys being the recipient of a lie - we feel cheated, betrayed and unloved. And we fail to understand the thought process that would allow someone we trust to lie to us. And yet, we do the same to others. However, we justify our actions by categorizing our lies into the "little white lies" area. No one will get hurt and no evil intentions are behind our misleading statements. Simply the truth is not a convenient option at the time.

I have searched the bible multiple times and have yet to locate a distinction in lies. Whether they be malicious or kind is never discussed. Simply, they are wrong. We see numerous incidents throughout the bible where lies manifest themselves into grievous problems. And I have experienced the same in my life.

One lie usually requires another to support it. Before long, we are trapped within the web of lies we have strewn and it eventually comes crashing down with horrific results. Why not resist the temptation initially so that we and others do not suffer? Our results of lying are no better than Peter denying Christ before the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:69-75) While we may receive forgiveness from Christ, much like Peter, the pain and suffering of others is not removed.

So, as we pause to place our response in the "little white lie" category, let's pause a little longer and remain silent. Words unspoken can not harm others.

 

Wasted Riches

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Proverbs 18:9

While the Lord blesses us mightily, we sometimes fail to see it. Perhaps, it is because we are like the two described in the verse above. Solomon points to two methods of minimizing our wealth in blessings - laziness and wasting.

If we are lazy, we mirror the parable given by Jesus of the lazy servant (Matthew 25:14-30). Likewise, what was given by our Lord will be taken away. And the waster can deplete more than is given simply by throwing it away. No matter how much wealth is provided, it is never enough! The bottom line is that we should wisely use what is given to us to increase its worth. Paul describes many of the gifts given to us in Romans 12:4-11. And his exhortation? Do not be slothful with your gifts!

Take time to evaluate the gifts given to you from the Lord. Are you using them wisely to bring credit to our Master? If so, he will reward you upon his return!

 

A Wise Fool

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28

Solomon points out that when a fool is silent, he is considered wise and full of understanding. It is only when we open our mouth that we remove all doubt! But the temptation to speak, at times, is overpowering. Whether it be in anger or to gossip, we can't seem to keep our words to ourselves.

It is beyond my ability to determine who  is foolish or wise. However, the words that some speak clearly indicate the foolishness of their thoughts. Likewise, if I am still a fool, I consider it wise to keep my words restrained at times. For out of our heart are our thoughts and our words from our thoughts. David describes it best in Psalms 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

If our heart is pure, our words will be acceptable to God. If not, we are but speaking foolishly. Silence the critics by silencing your words. More importantly, gain approval of the One that matters most by speaking only words led by Him.

 

Healthy Sweets

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24

I have always loved pure honey. And its health benefits continue to be identified. What a winning combination - something that is sweet and good for you! Solomon compares the benefits of honey to that of pleasant words - sweet to the soul and health to the bones. We can all attest to the benefits of pleasant words - it instantly makes us feel appreciated and our efforts worthwhile. And the cost of kind words? Nothing but taking the effort to notice someone's efforts and voicing our appreciation.

Why, then, are pleasant words so rare? The next time you are in a public area, take note of how many pleasant words are exchanged vice stinging words of criticism. Dare I challenge you to the same poll within your home? We all love receiving kind words, so why do we refrain from sharing such joy with others? It is easily within our ability to spread such a healthy sweet and costs so little. Yet, such words are sometimes scarce from our lips.

I encourage you to join me in resolving to spreading cheer the old fashion way this year - by praising those around us!

 

The List Of Good And Bad

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3

As a child, I grew up listening to the song warning children that Santa Claus knew who was naughty or nice. Quite an intimidating feat for a youngster to comprehend. However, as I have grown and accepted Christ, it pales in comparison to the omniscience of God. He not only can see our behavior but he knows our heart as well. While we may be kind and smiling on the outside, he knows our true feelings. Jeremiah sums it up best: I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Even within my feeble mind, I shudder when I try to balance the good and bad in my life. I quickly recognize that I am not worthy of any gifts based upon my behavior. But then I have received the greatest gift of all time - God's grace. Not that I was worthy, but because he loved me! Paul is much more adept of describing God's gift of grace in Romans 5 & 6. What a gift! What a reason to celebrate and have a holiday! God's gift began with the incarnation of his one and only son on the day we celebrate as Christmas.

While we need to recognize the severity of our unworthiness, this time of the year is focused on the greatest gift to mankind - God's Son for our sins.

 

Happy Holidays

He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:21

It is the season where we hear and see the phrase "Happy Holidays" almost continuously. But unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be too much happiness amongst the crowds of people rushing around in preparation for Christmas. I believe Solomon has the answer to the dilemma in the verse above.

When we despise or have disdain for our neighbor, we sin. And happiness and sin can not live in the same heart. Whether it is over their ability to give larger gifts, their looks or wealth, we should not despise our neighbor. Happiness is not measured by assets or looks but by the contentment within the soul. I have known many destitute people that were happier than the richest people on earth. Why? Because they had the love of Christ within their heart. One jokingly said that he was happy that he didn't have to worry how to keep his wealth in such a tumultuous economy! What a different perspective than those envious of their neighbor's wealth.

And the second half of the verse clearly hits us between the eyes at Christmas. Often we are more concerned with the parity of the gifts than we are the intentions with which the gift is given. When we give with no expectation of receiving something in return, we are truly giving. Interestingly enough, my heart is usually blessed more when I give with no expectation of reciprocal gifts.

Are your holidays happy? If not, pause to evaluate your heart. Push out the despiteful (vice delightful) feelings in your heart and give to those less fortunate. You too will soon be beaming with the joy coming from the heart! Didn't Jesus give us the ultimate gift with no expectation for a reciprocal gift? That is how we should celebrate his birth, by following his example of joyful giving to others with no exchange gift required!

 

Birds Of The Feather

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:20

The phrase "birds of the feather, will flock together" is credited back to Plato's time. And it is similar to Solomon's discussion above - we tend to hang out with those of similar personalities. I explained to my boys the concept of "guilty by association" in that even if you do no wrong, you will be assumed to have done wrong if you associate with wrongdoers.

So is the same with our spiritual life - Paul warn us of being "unequally yoked" with non-Christians (2 Cor 6:14-18). We need to cultivate our relationships with fellow Christians so that we can encourage each other to follow His will. People do take notice of your friends and tend to judge you similarly. Are you being judged as a Christian? Do you encourage your friends to a closer walk with God? Are you comfortable discussing His Word with your friends? If not, perhaps you need to re-examine your friendships to ensure they are strengthening vice weakening your relationship with your Savior.

While we should not be too concerned with public opinion of our behavior, we must be vigilant in our relationships with others as judged by God.

 

Public Perception

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4

Too often, we judge people by what we see in their outward behavior. Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to judge a person's heart - only God can. Let me give you an example: there was a young lady who was engaged. Unfortunately, she became pregnant before the wedding. And rumors were flying that the child was not from the potential bridegroom! What a horrible situation - a young man had offered his heart and his future to a young woman who was willing to trample his love by having a child by another! Many shook their heads and agreed that it was only fitting that the young man cancel the wedding and move on to a more faithful wife. Wouldn't you agree?

But there are a couple of twists to the story. The bridegroom did not break off the engagement and the wife birthed our Savior! Quite a different situation? No, not really. We are too quick to judge others by public perception without focusing on the important part - their salvation. For you see, Mary was a virtuous woman that did bring more glory to her husband than could ever be imagined! Yet, they did not follow public perception but God's guidance.

So today, when you are tempted to judge others, pray for them instead!

 

Wrestling Pigs

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Proverbs 11:22

The image of a pig running around with jewelry in its nose is quite preposterous. A pig uses its nose to root around in the mud more than to smell - is that where we want to place jewelry? Not really! And it reminds me of the old saying regarding lowering your standards to those of your detractors - "Don't wrestle a pig. You both get muddy and the pig likes it!"

We must use discretion in our choices each day. There are opportunities at home and in the work place where people are just itching for an argument. And many times we are tempted to jump in the argument just to prove our point. However, I have learned to question myself - "What are the benefits of arguing this point?". If you stop and think, without the emotion of the moment, you will realize that you will not sway the other individual's opinion. The only accomplishment of the quarrel is to simply demonstrate that you have a temper too! And you run the risk of saying something that you will later regret. Use discretion and walk away. It takes greater strength to walk away than to lower yourself to their level and argue uselessly.

Jesus did not debate and argue his detractors - even when his life was on the line. We should follow his example of living above the ordinary  response to temptation and not wrestle pigs!

 

Precious Memories

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Proverbs 10:7

One of my favorite hymns while growing up was "Precious Memories". While the tune was a little slow, the words have stuck with me over the years. It is these fond memories of our parents and mentors that help shape our behavior. One favorite memory I have is of our Agricultural Teacher in school. He always displayed genteel manners and lightened any mood with an appropriate joke. His love for each and every one of his students was genuine. Whenever I meet someone who went to my school, the subject invariably ends up discussing him and his wife - both school teachers with a heart for their students.

I have often wondered if any one will remember me, long after I am gone. And Solomon promises above that if we are just in our behavior, our memory will be blessed. While we are often focused on the here and now, we sometimes need to pause and think of the legacy we are leaving with our children and their peers. Will we be remembered as some one who showed the love of God to others? Or simply dismissed as someone who was too wrapped in themselves to share?

As we celebrate the greatest gift to mankind, what gift are you giving to others? Not in presents or performances but in the day-to-day life that you are living? Do you have a Godly focus on others or focused on yourself? Take a moment today to pause and re-live the precious memories others have given you. Then share them with others by creating lasting memories of kindness to others.

 

The Wise Men

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning
Proverbs 9:9

Since it is the Christmas Season and Solomon was speaking of the wise, I thought I would review the wise men who witnessed the birth of our saviour. Of interest, it is only discussed in Matthew 2 and the number three is not addressed except in the types of gifts they brought.

More importantly, was the action of the Magi when they saw the child. Matthew 2:11 states - And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Are we as wise as the Magi? Do we fall down and worship him or casually think of him during our church's Christmas presentation? Do we give him our most valuable gifts or simply what is left over in our wallet? When we exchange gifts at Christmas, we prefer our gifts to be close in value. How does your gift compare to that of your Savior? What do you treasure most in your life? Would you be willing to exchange it for the gift of eternal life?

We have been instructed on the proper response to our savior by the Wise Men. We can only become wiser if we heed the instructions. Take time this Christmas to exchange gifts with the One who loves you most. It isn't how much it costs that matters, but rather how much you treasure your gift to your Savior.

 

Love In Action

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Proverbs 8:17

As a young man, I felt sure that I had fully mastered the art of love. Boy, was I wrong! Likewise, I thought I understood the simple concept of the verse above. However, further reading of Christ's teachings show that I still have much to learn about the verse as well.

Jesus talks of love in a different perspective in John 14:21 and John 14:23. Love is more than just emotions but actions manifested by our demonstrating our willingness to follow his commandments. Jesus stresses that it is more than just knowing his commandments but keeping them as well. It reminds me of the old phrase that "action speaks louder than words". While we may be able to quote the Ten Commandments, do we follow them?

Easier said than done? Yes, by ourselves. But look closely at both verses in John 14. Jesus recognizes the limitations of our own abilities and promises to manifest himself to us. More importantly, in verse 23 Jesus promises that both He and His Father will abide with us. Our commitment to action coupled with the presence of the Holy Trinity within us gives us the strength to overcome any worldly challenge to keeping His commandments.

Demonstrate your love today by taking the first step to follow his commandments. His presence and support will result in a love manifested within you that is beyond compare!

 

Teacher's Pet

Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Proverbs 7:2

When I was going to school, the common joke was those who brought an apple to the teacher were striving to become the teacher's pet. While the teacher did not amass a pile of apples on her desk each day, there were a few of my classmates that brought goodies and gifts on a frequent basis to ensure a higher status in the classroom. The rest of us envied the benefits of such gift-giving. These were the same students who could never do wrong and were given the benefit of doubt on any marginal test answer. At times, the open admiration of the teacher was almost repulsive to the rest of us "hoodlums" that openly disdained such fawning but secretly wished we could enjoy the benefits of a personal relationship with our teachers. There was no debating the fact that certain students were pets or favored in the classroom. But in reality, they should have been - for they strove to seek the approval of the teacher vice openly demonstrating rebellion.

And we should have the same relationship with God's commandments, as described above by Solomon. When we clearly strive to please God by following his commandments, we will garner His love and support. In a world as troubling as today, what a better relationship to have than to be labeled as the Teacher's Pet. The Teacher created this world, taught us how to follow his commandments and gave us the opportunity to choose if we will follow him. Let the bully's sneer and others envy our relationship with The Teacher for we know that in Him is eternal life!

 

A Burning Issue

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?                 Proverbs 6:27-28

Solomon poses "burning" questions in the verses above regarding lust in the heart. While the questions are simply answered, the concept of lust is not so easily accepted. Irregardless of the object: a woman, a bass boat or other worldly items, the results are the same. We can not have sin in our heart and not suffer the consequences. We clearly understand the consequences of getting burned physically from his scenarios above but do we practically apply the same principle to our heart? David's lust for Bathsheba cost both of them an enormous price physically, emotionally and spiritually.

So are the price of our lusts. It may start simply as noticing the attraction of another person or thing but will quickly grow out of control. Much like a fire consumes all fuel around it, lust will consume all of the peace within our heart. There is no way for it to co-exist with christian virtues within our heart. The simple but not easy solution is for us to prevent the occurrence.

We are all tempted - even Jesus was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-13). And it never ends, as shown in verse 13. Sometimes the attraction may be stronger than our abilities but not beyond the strength of the One who lives within us. Don't get burned by temptation but quench it with the power of Christ.

 

My Heero

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
Proverbs 5:22

Solomon provides a graphical depiction of how we are tied up by of our sins. It reminds me of the old westerns where the heroine was tied to the railroad track with the old locomotive bearing down feverishly blowing the whistle. At the very last moment, the hero, wearing a white hat, swoops in at the very last moment to save the heroine. Afterwards, the heroine dreamily hugs the hero in appreciation.

Do we feel the same about our salvation? We are bound by our sins until we accept the gift of life by our Savior. Do we share the same grateful appreciation for our new life? As we go through the daily routine of life, we tend to forget the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As we celebrate His birth, let's remember the purpose of his birth - to break us free from the bonds of our sins. Take time to thank the giver of the ultimate gift this season - our freedom from sin!

 

A Broken Heart

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23

A broken heart is almost unbearable. You feel sickened as if someone has wretched a knife through your chest. It is difficult to breathe and your appetite is gone. Truly a miserable place to be.

While the holiday season clamors around us, there are those who are among us with a broken heart. While they may try to hide their emptiness, they can not rid themselves of the gut wretching pain they face daily. Whether it is due to the loss of a loved one by death, divorce or other enticements, they can not share the holiday mood due to the vast sense of loss within.

Solomon cautions us to guard our heart. And we should be very careful with whom or what we share our heart. We must be judicious in the sharing of such a valuable treasure. But even with such caution, we still suffer loss at one time or another. And the pain is unbearable. David reminds us in Psalms 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. What a comfort to know there is someone who know our sense of loss - didn't he watch His son die on the cross for our sins? And He is always available to listen to our sorrows. While the pain may not be completely gone, I experience relief when I share my sorrow with my Master.

Shouldn't we mirror our Savior's love to others? What a better time of the year to share something other than brightly wrapped gifts - our time and compassion with those of a broken heart. Simply stop the hectic pace and allow them to share can such a wonderful blessing! The financial cost is cheap but the rewards can be everlasting!

 

The Perfect Chrismas Present

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Proverbs 3:13

As the holiday rush settles in, we are continuously plagued with finding "the perfect gift" for everyone. Will they like it? Will it fit? Did we forget someone? The questions seem to never end as we stress over making sure everyone on our list has a wonderful gift.

Solomon defines the perfect gift and the results above - happiness is assured to those who find wisdom and understanding. He values it above silver and gold in the following verse. Luckily, there is no price tag, no size or weight restrictions and the inventory is endless. But there is a cost - we must put forth the effort to seek God. It can't be purchased on-line or in a department store - God has the monopoly on the inventory. Yet, he is willing to freely share it with those who seek Him.

What a better gift to give someone you love than the experience of them getting to know Jesus as their personal savior? Share his love and elevate his message above the commercial themes. If you really want to celebrate the season in a way like never before, celebrate it with someone who has just found their Savior!

 

Pulling Weeds

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 2:22

Every gardener knows that the only way to get rid of weeds without chemicals is to remove the weed and its roots. Cut it down and the weed will rear its ugly head again - pull it up by the roots and it is gone forever. Such is the promise above regarding the wicked and transgressors. There is no promise of sustained life for those who transgress.

When God looks in our heart, does he see bed of righteousness or a plot of weeds? He is the only One capable of knowing our heart. Weeds of hatred, envy and pride can quickly take hold within our heart and choke out the flowers of love, kindness and mercy. When the first sprout of sin arises, ask the Gardner of your heart to remove it by its roots. Don't allow the weed to grow and choke out the beauty of a pure heart. Seek Him and he will rid you of the ugly weeds of sin.

 

Wormy Fruit

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Proverbs 1:31

One of the pleasures of growing your own fruit is the joy of eating fruit fresh off the branch! You have the satisfaction of knowing how it was grown and the absence of chemicals. Nothing ruins the moment worse than taking a big bite only to find the remaining half of a worm! Satisfaction instantly turns to disgust and rejection.

Isn't our lives the same? While we may be pristine on the outside, we can be filled with worms on the inside! And when you realize the "true colors" of an individual, you experience the same disgust and rejection. Do you desire to be respected or rejected?

There is only one way to become delectable fruit - to be cleansed from the inside out. Can you mirror David's words "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:" (Psalms 139:23)? If not, you may be wormy fruit - ask for his forgiveness so that you may become the apple of His eye!