(If you got an email with jibberish at the top I am sorry. It was my notes....before I typed the study. I forgot to take my notes off! There are a couple that will get them and think I am crazy because they don't even look at the blog but they study along everyday. Oops!)
Before we read today's passage, let's think about yesterday's for a moment. Yesterday's passage was focused on the negative. " Do not do 'this or that' or this or that bad thing will happen."
If you need to, review the first part of Chapter 5 again.
Now read Proverbs 5: 15-23.
So if yesterday was all about avoiding the negative...the adulterous....what is today's passage about? I'll answer for you. It is about focusing on the blessings that you have...in this passage it is about focusing on the wife.
Let's look a bit closer at verses 15--18 for a moment. I know that some of you are very new to reading your Bible and sometimes it can be very confusing at first! This passage is not talking about a literal well, but rather is using the well, and water as an example that you need to fulfill your needs with what you already have. There is no need to look elsewhere for satisfaction.
God has blessed us with clear instruction on how to avoid the things in which he told us to avoid. The Bible is full of God's positive instruction on how to avoid sin from the Old Testament to the New Testament. You all had a very nice discussion going after yesterday's passage. So after reading yesterdays passage we know the the dangers of the temptation, and after reading today's passage we know that we will find satisfaction in the blessing that God has already given us.
I close with an illustration. When a farmer goes to plow his field, he picks an item at the very far other end of the field and focuses on that item. If he keeps his eye on the item, by the time he gets to that end of the field, he will have plowed a straight line. But if he moves his focus...for even a moment, something distracts him and takes his attention away from that focal point, then when he gets finished and looks back...his row will not be straight.
Keep that focus where it should be...and your path to Christ will be straight.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Proverbs 5:1-14
Adultery. Adultery is discussed often in the Bible. Old and New Testament. Many might argue that my husband and I are adulterous as we are divorced and remarried. Now don't be getting shocked and don't try to argue that point one way or another as you would need to 'know your stuff' and that subject will come up someday in the right context.(Because we are all going to be studying right here on this blog together until Jesus comes and someday we'll get through the whole Bible and divorce/remarriage will come up at the right time.) This passage that we are reading today is for sure talking prostitute.
I am pretty sure that everyone reading this passage with me today isn't caught up in prostitution. Yet with it discussed so often in the Bible...and in the Ten Commandments...then I think it must be a very important subject. Looking at society today, I'd say that it probably is an important subject that needs to be taught to our youth. Prostitution is available everywhere. Please don't be afraid to discuss these matters with your teens. The best way to approach it? A Bible study of Proverbs of course. That is why I like Proverbs so much. There is something there for everyone. (Although I could do without the drippy faucet verse. Don't know what I am talking about? We will get there...)
When you read Proverbs 5:1-14, pay special attention to verses 11-14. What words of depression and utter devastation these are! Yet it all could have been avoided how? (vs 13).
I am pretty sure that everyone reading this passage with me today isn't caught up in prostitution. Yet with it discussed so often in the Bible...and in the Ten Commandments...then I think it must be a very important subject. Looking at society today, I'd say that it probably is an important subject that needs to be taught to our youth. Prostitution is available everywhere. Please don't be afraid to discuss these matters with your teens. The best way to approach it? A Bible study of Proverbs of course. That is why I like Proverbs so much. There is something there for everyone. (Although I could do without the drippy faucet verse. Don't know what I am talking about? We will get there...)
When you read Proverbs 5:1-14, pay special attention to verses 11-14. What words of depression and utter devastation these are! Yet it all could have been avoided how? (vs 13).
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Proverbs 4: 20-27
My husband and I made a total diet change this past May. It has actually become a total life change for us. (Although I still have that sweet tooth I am trying to hard to work on...but it is very hard!) When we decided to get rid of all sugar, corn syrup, flour, bread, rice, pasta, processed foods, potatoes, corn--it was a huge step. Americans live on this stuff. But the difference it makes in our bodies is amazing. We don't notice it so much until we 'be bad' as we call it and go out to eat. We always get so mad at ourselves the next day as we are tired, sluggish, have upset stomachs. All it takes is an order of mashed potatoes and gravy, or fried chicken to affect our body in it's entirety. (Including me...and I am not a diabetic.)
As Christians, that is why it is so important to flee from evil. One little movie, or book....just a bite of evil...and you've affected everything.
Read today's passage paying close attention to verse 22...then note the different areas of the body Solomon talks about in verses 23-27.
What part of your body is always getting into trouble? Worse than that is it seeking evil? When you close in prayer today, ask God to reveal to you areas in your life that need to be more hasty in fleeing from evil. Ask for help with the little temptations that you keep falling into.
For our discussion, you don't have to discuss your own self and temptations, but name a body part or two and tell how it can cause you to fall into temptation.
Before closing, I want to point out verse 25. Read it again. How often have you been to the store to get ONE thing, but your little eyes couldn't help but dart around and see all the other things that you NEED. (even though you don't.) To me this verse says it all. If we would just keep our eyes fixed on the path we are supposed to be on..the path to Christ...then we wouldn't see all these goodies the world has to offer us.
I really, really want to encourage you, if you never have...pick up a copy of Pilgrim's Progress. It is written in Old English and some might find it hard to understand, but there are updated, modern versions in today's English. It is about a man and his journey on his path to Christ--it is in story book form. Like a fairy tale, but is an allegory of our Christian walk. It is a great read aloud for family reading time too. I know there are several of you doing this study that are very new to Christianity and there are others who aren't that could stand to read it again. You can go RIGHT HERE to obtain a copy.
As Christians, that is why it is so important to flee from evil. One little movie, or book....just a bite of evil...and you've affected everything.
Read today's passage paying close attention to verse 22...then note the different areas of the body Solomon talks about in verses 23-27.
What part of your body is always getting into trouble? Worse than that is it seeking evil? When you close in prayer today, ask God to reveal to you areas in your life that need to be more hasty in fleeing from evil. Ask for help with the little temptations that you keep falling into.
For our discussion, you don't have to discuss your own self and temptations, but name a body part or two and tell how it can cause you to fall into temptation.
Before closing, I want to point out verse 25. Read it again. How often have you been to the store to get ONE thing, but your little eyes couldn't help but dart around and see all the other things that you NEED. (even though you don't.) To me this verse says it all. If we would just keep our eyes fixed on the path we are supposed to be on..the path to Christ...then we wouldn't see all these goodies the world has to offer us.
I really, really want to encourage you, if you never have...pick up a copy of Pilgrim's Progress. It is written in Old English and some might find it hard to understand, but there are updated, modern versions in today's English. It is about a man and his journey on his path to Christ--it is in story book form. Like a fairy tale, but is an allegory of our Christian walk. It is a great read aloud for family reading time too. I know there are several of you doing this study that are very new to Christianity and there are others who aren't that could stand to read it again. You can go RIGHT HERE to obtain a copy.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Proverbs 4: 10-19
Here in the beginning of Proverbs you may feel like much of what you read is redundant. But I ask you, how many times did you have to tell your son to put his clothes in the hamper instead of the floor before he actually did? Did he ever? We have to be instructed, instructed, instructed.
Continue to log the instructions and benefits of those instructions in your journal as you read Proverbs 4: 10-19.
A couple of verses jump out at me for discussion.
Vs 13--how can we take hold, guard, and not let go of instruction? (NASV) My version says, "Guard her for she is your life". Those are pretty strong words---it's a matter of utmost importance.
Vs 14-15--When you hear the word, "the wicked" what does it make you think of? My first thought goes to those 2500 prisoners that live a mile away from our home. But then I have to remind myself wicked is everywhere and it is just down right scary how it is now integrated into and accepted as part of every day life in our society. What are some things that are accepted in our society today that should someone who has the wisdom of God (or at least is trying to) should stay away from? Think of things across all platforms: political, social, media, education...let's discuss! And be specific too if you would like.
What does the Bible say to do about these things? The Bible is very clear on this. My version (vs 15) says AVOID it, Do NOT EVEN PASS BY it, TURN AWAY from it...
I am usually a person that cannot stand confrontations. I don't like arguments or debates. But this is my HOT button. I'll behave though. Good thing you aren't a class of Jr High students that I am more used to teaching. I really like to get them going on this topic. (Although I would love to see a healthy discussion here. Those of you that read this by email, I wish that you could come back here and log on this evening and see the comments. The conversations are a big part of the study, same as a classroom setting.)
On a friendlier note...read verse 18 again. Isn't that warming? I just love this verse! I am so looking forward to the 'full day' (the day that Christ comes back to get us) aren't you?!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Proverbs 4: 1-9
I am SO glad that Monday is here!!! I miss our study on the weekends, don't you?
There are some new pages up top; let me know what you think and if you have anything to add.
Read Proverbs 4: 1-9
Once again I am humbled by reading this. Our study has caused me to pray more diligently for my children and want to impress upon them the importance of working to obtain Godly wisdom through studying His word. It is so hard once they grow up and they are not allowing God to be first in their life. It breaks my heart. I want to be diligent about my God time so that my children can learn by example.
In your journal, write down the reference to today's passage. Then right down all the commandments and/or instructions given in verses 1-9.
Then below that make a list of all the benefits. We have already done this once in our study but it is nice to keep a list to refer to. This list can even be lovingly referred to when disciplining our children.
Do you pray before you discipline? I truly hope so. We all lash out in the moment, and I end up having to apologize to my teen son too often because of that. (It is good for your kids to see you apologize, you know!) Perhaps you could refer to some of your Proverbs journal entries before disciplining your child. I know that many of you might just skip right over that because your child is grown, but my adult child still needs disciplined too. I had to handle a problem just this past week.
For our discussion today, let's have some fun with verse 9....what do you think of when you read this. Or how would you rewrite it in your words?
There are some new pages up top; let me know what you think and if you have anything to add.
Read Proverbs 4: 1-9
Once again I am humbled by reading this. Our study has caused me to pray more diligently for my children and want to impress upon them the importance of working to obtain Godly wisdom through studying His word. It is so hard once they grow up and they are not allowing God to be first in their life. It breaks my heart. I want to be diligent about my God time so that my children can learn by example.
In your journal, write down the reference to today's passage. Then right down all the commandments and/or instructions given in verses 1-9.
Then below that make a list of all the benefits. We have already done this once in our study but it is nice to keep a list to refer to. This list can even be lovingly referred to when disciplining our children.
Do you pray before you discipline? I truly hope so. We all lash out in the moment, and I end up having to apologize to my teen son too often because of that. (It is good for your kids to see you apologize, you know!) Perhaps you could refer to some of your Proverbs journal entries before disciplining your child. I know that many of you might just skip right over that because your child is grown, but my adult child still needs disciplined too. I had to handle a problem just this past week.
For our discussion today, let's have some fun with verse 9....what do you think of when you read this. Or how would you rewrite it in your words?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Proverbs 3: 32-35
Read Proverbs 3: 32-35.
These verses warm my heart. I surely want:
* to be intimate with God (vs 32)
*my home to be blessed (vs33)
*grace (vs 34)
*honor (vs 35)
They were very encouraging to me today. I haven't given you my Verse of the Day for awhile. Just as a reminder, daily I pick a verse from the passage that we are reading to be my Verse for that day. I write it on a sticky note and put it somewhere that I will glance at it over and over. Today's verse is Verse 33. I think every woman desires that her home be blessed. This verse is a great reminder to try to stay pure so that my home will receive this blessing.
These verses warm my heart. I surely want:
* to be intimate with God (vs 32)
*my home to be blessed (vs33)
*grace (vs 34)
*honor (vs 35)
They were very encouraging to me today. I haven't given you my Verse of the Day for awhile. Just as a reminder, daily I pick a verse from the passage that we are reading to be my Verse for that day. I write it on a sticky note and put it somewhere that I will glance at it over and over. Today's verse is Verse 33. I think every woman desires that her home be blessed. This verse is a great reminder to try to stay pure so that my home will receive this blessing.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Proverbs 3: 27-31
Read Proverbs 3: 27-28. When I read these two verses, I tried to think of a time that I could have done good...it was in my power to do it...and I didn't. "Good" can be so many things. It can be giving a gift. Giving a shoulder of emotional support. Sharing my faith. Writing a letter. I am humbled to think of how often I am selfish and un-giving.
Verse 28 was even more of a wake up call. I have a blog friend that has been expecting a gift from me. She is the entire reason I started my quilt ministry. I told her that I would make her a quilt. Then one thing led to another. One charity quilt after another. Then my shoulder/arm froze up and I had to quit making anything larger a small wall hanging. This person saw a place mat that I had made for another blogger and she got very upset and left a very snotty comment. She mentioned for all to see that I promised her a quilt and she didn't get it. Obviously she has been hurt;and I could be judgmental and write her a letter telling her that if she read my blog she would know I was physically not capable of quilting for a year, but that would not be right. Because she refuses to talk to me, I did what I needed to do. I gave the situation to God. But I have to wonder, what if I had been more timely in my giving? She certainly would be blessed instead of hurt right now!
Read verses 29-30. Are you a person that likes to stir up trouble? Just don't. Search your heart and if you struggle with this then please ask God for help. I have a grandmother that likes to stir up trouble. I won't go into details. Let me just say that she is almost 90 years old. Has no family left, and I think, last I knew, only 1 friend. She lives out in the middle of nowhere and if she passes away in her sleep or something, it will be quite sometime before it is noticed. Yet she still tries to continue to stir up trouble where ever she goes. It is so sad.
Read verse 31. I can honestly say that I have never envied anyone that had anything to do with violence. But I also know that each has struggles that others don't. I have another family member that struggles with this. And all it does is land him in jail about once a year. Again, so sad.
In close, I just want to clarify that I tell my stories as examples. I am not pointing the sins of others to make them look bad or me look better. I have so many many many sins in my past. I am forgiven though. And I can claim victory over them through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for that! When someone comes to mind, like the ones above, instead of pointing my finger at them, I pray for them and pray that God will humble me to hurt for these people.
Verse 28 was even more of a wake up call. I have a blog friend that has been expecting a gift from me. She is the entire reason I started my quilt ministry. I told her that I would make her a quilt. Then one thing led to another. One charity quilt after another. Then my shoulder/arm froze up and I had to quit making anything larger a small wall hanging. This person saw a place mat that I had made for another blogger and she got very upset and left a very snotty comment. She mentioned for all to see that I promised her a quilt and she didn't get it. Obviously she has been hurt;and I could be judgmental and write her a letter telling her that if she read my blog she would know I was physically not capable of quilting for a year, but that would not be right. Because she refuses to talk to me, I did what I needed to do. I gave the situation to God. But I have to wonder, what if I had been more timely in my giving? She certainly would be blessed instead of hurt right now!
Read verses 29-30. Are you a person that likes to stir up trouble? Just don't. Search your heart and if you struggle with this then please ask God for help. I have a grandmother that likes to stir up trouble. I won't go into details. Let me just say that she is almost 90 years old. Has no family left, and I think, last I knew, only 1 friend. She lives out in the middle of nowhere and if she passes away in her sleep or something, it will be quite sometime before it is noticed. Yet she still tries to continue to stir up trouble where ever she goes. It is so sad.
Read verse 31. I can honestly say that I have never envied anyone that had anything to do with violence. But I also know that each has struggles that others don't. I have another family member that struggles with this. And all it does is land him in jail about once a year. Again, so sad.
In close, I just want to clarify that I tell my stories as examples. I am not pointing the sins of others to make them look bad or me look better. I have so many many many sins in my past. I am forgiven though. And I can claim victory over them through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for that! When someone comes to mind, like the ones above, instead of pointing my finger at them, I pray for them and pray that God will humble me to hurt for these people.
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