Tag Archives: Proverbs

Wisdom for Life – Book Review

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Are you like me? We buy a book of devotionals that looks like it is exactly what we need and four or five days in we give up and find something new to read because it wasn’t what we thought it was. I found Wisdom for Life by Gail Purath to be exactly what I needed and wanted.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Psalms and Proverbs this collection of 100, 1-Minute readings, gives direction on how to use Biblical principles to direct daily life.

If you’re dealing with discouragement, depression, or discontent you will find how the psalmist dealt with these tough issues. Are you wanting a more joy-filled, positive outlook? You’ll find some answers here. Have you wondered how to praise our God more effectively? She gives some excellent suggestions on how to give thanks in the mundane activities of daily life.

I love her style! When an issue is important to understand how the Holy Words apply to our life she wastes no time in explaining the errors in our thinking. Many of these very short, daily writings spoke to me about the people and this crazy world around me. Each devotion ends with a short section that helps us dig into the subject more deeply and use it more effectively in our own life situations.

This book will be available for you to read on February 21, 2023. You can pre-purchase it here (Wisdom for Life). It is definitely worth your time!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&H Publishing Group/Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Watch Your Tongue

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One of our biggest mistakes is thinking our words don’t matter. Yes, they do!

God created us with the ability to speak. We are the only part of His creation that can choose the words we say. Our words can lift up and tear down. Our words have the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21)

James 3:7-8 tells us that even though we can tame all the rest of creation we cannot do so with our tongues, the words we speak. So how do we control this small part of our bodies? Let me say this with as much love in my words as possible. We can’t do it alone! Matthew 19:26 holds the answer. Jesus, using words that give great hope, said this, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

There’s the answer! Give it to God! Ask for His forgiveness. Apologize and ask for the forgiveness of the person you have harmed with your words. Then, give God praise for His forgiveness.

Abba, Father, give us strength to control what we say. Guide our words. As David says in Psalm 119:133, “Direct my footsteps according to Your Word, let no sin rule over me.” Make it so in the Precious and Holy Name of Your Son, Jesus.

Calming A Churning Mind

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Thy Word…

What do you do when you find your mind is roiling, churning, restless… When stress and circumstances are overwhelming? I have several Bible verses that I ‘go to’ and think about to calm those thoughts that just will not stop.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God! I have this on a plaque in my office. It reminds me to sit back, relax, and simply know His presence.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your works acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. I memorized this in college, at a time when I was making career and life choices. It has served me well in the many years since. Trusting Him has always paid off!

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Years ago, Ray and I were at a dinner theater in the Great Smokey Mountains. This verse was carved into the mantle of the gigantic fireplace of the building. It reminds me that no matter what I have or even, what I want, He is the most important.

Esther 4:4 …who knows that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. When I am questioning the plan, whining with a case of the why me’s, I sit back and reflect on this verse and Queen Esther’s story. It reminds me that we do what we have to do because it is the right thing to do.

John 3:17 For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. This verse follows the most memorized verse in the Bible… God so loved the world… It’s a reminder that we are so loved that He does not want to condemn us! From the beginning, He has wanted us with Him!

I challenge you to commit at least 10 Scriptures to memory. To those of you who have already done that, do more. The calming effect this will have on your mind, soul, and spirit is almost like being cradled in His arms.

Abba, Father, open our hearts, minds, and souls to Your Word. Place in each of us a great desire to know more and more of You each day.

Have Fun!

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Have a joyful, happy, cheerful, day!

I can hear God saying words like this. I don’t think He wants us to have just a good day. He put joy, happiness, good cheer, gladness into our hearts for a reason. He really wants us to enjoy all the goodness He created.

How? Do things that make you totally aware of the awesome world and people around you.

Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Go for a hike. Watch a good movie. Dance to your favorite praise song. Sing at the top of your voice. Make tea, grab some cookies to go with, and spend some time with your neighbor.

Abba, Father, help us let go of our concerns and have some fun.

Slow To Anger

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Are you a person of calm temperament? Slow to anger?

The Bible has a lot to say about being slow to anger. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8) I found 52 (could be more) verses that talk about this subject. Not one of them said don’t be angry.

Anger is a reality in daily life, however, we should think through the best response. Perhaps, even, we should not respond at all. Slowing down and thinking through the possibilities is the better way. After all, it is God’s way.

Abba, Father, control our responses to life’s situations. Let our words be gracious, kind, and supportive.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie