Proverbs 11

A short devotional through the book of Proverbs.
Compiled for my boys; a small blessing, I hope, for you.

Proverbs 11

Reread Proverbs 11:19

Read Psalm 143:10

The battle of our life is won,

         And heaven begun,

When we can say, ‘Thy will be done!’

         But, Lord, until

These restless hearts in Thy deep love are still,

         We pray Thee, ‘Teach us how to do Thy will!’

(We will win the battle in life and be truly happy when we learn to say, “Thy will be done.” Until we can do this, we remain in His love and ask Him to “Teach us how to do Thy will.”)

                                             Lucy Larcom

“You are seeking your own will, my daughter (or son). You are seeking some good other than the law you are bound to obey (the rules you should follow). But how will you find good? It is not a thing of choice; it is a river that flows from the foot of the Invisible Throne (God’s throne), and flows by the path of obedience. I say again, man cannot choose his duties. You may choose to forsake (abandon/ turn your back on) your duties, and choose not to have the sorrow they bring. But you will go forth, and what will you find, my daughter (or son)? Sorrow without duty- bitter herbs, and no bread with them.”

                                             George Eliot

However dark and profitless (without reward), however painful and weary, existence (your life) may have become; however any man, like Elijah, may be tempted to cast himself down beneath the juniper-tree, and say, ‘It is enough, O Lord!’- life is not done, and our Christian character is not won, so long as God has anything left for us to suffer, or anything left for us to do. (our life as Christians is not over, even though it is hard at times, because the Lord as a plan and purpose for us to yet fulfill- seek to discover it.)

                                             F. W. Robertson

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 10-

A short devotional through the book of Proverbs.
Compiled for my boys; a small blessing, I hope, for you.

Proverbs 10

Reread Proverbs 10:12

Read

1 John 4:7

Colossians 3:13

Oh, might we all our lineage (direct descendant) prove,

         (that our family would be known for)

Give and forgive, do good and love;

By soft endearments (a word expressing love), in kind strife    (disagreement/conflict),

Lightening the load of daily life.

                                             J. Keble

We may, if we choose, make the worst of one another. Every one has his weak points; every one has his faults; we may make the worst of these; we my fix our attention constantly upon these. But we may also make the best of one another. We may forgive, even as we hope to be forgiven. We may put ourselves in the place of others, and ask what we should wish to be done to us, and thought of us, were we in their place. By loving whatever is lovable in those around us, love will flow back from them to us, and life will become a pleasure instead of a pain; and earth will become like heaven; and we shall become not unworthy followers of Him whose name is Love.

                                                      A.P. Stanley

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 9-

Here is the next in our Proverbs study.
These are short devotionals through the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 9

Reread Proverbs 9:10

Read Psalm 16:7

Read Romans 12:11

Mine be the reverent (feeling or showing deep respect), listening love

         That waits all day on Thee,

With the service of a watchful heart

         Which no one else can see.

A.  L. Waring

Nothing is small or great in God’s sight; whatever He wills becomes great to us, however seemingly trifling (unimportant), and if once the voice of conscience tells us that He requires anything of us (when the Holy Spirit tells us what we must do), we have no right to measure its importance (we can not determine whether or not we think it is important). On the other hand, whatever He would not have us do, however important we may think it is, is as nought (nothing) to us. How do you know what you may lose by neglecting this duty, which you think so trifling (unimportant), or the blessing which is its faithful performance (obediently doing what He asks) may bring? Be sure that if you do your very best in that which is laid upon you daily, you will not be left without sufficient (enough) help when some weightier occasion arises (when you obey in the daily things the Lord gives you, He will bring help to you in the more difficult tasks that are asked of you). Give yourself to Him, trust Him, fix your eye upon Him, listen to His voice, and then go on bravely and cheerfully.

                                                               Jean Nicolas Grou

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 8-

Another little look at one of the Proverbs.
Written for my boys.
Hoping you will be blessed too. =)

Read Proverbs 8

Reread 8:36

Read Romans 6:22-23

O sovereign Love, (Lord) to Thee I cry!

Give me Thyself, or else I die!

Save me from death; from hell set free!

Death, hell, are but the want of Thee. (When I am in want/lacking God, my experience is death, hell).

Quickened by Thy imparted (given) flame,

Saved when possessed of Thee, I am:

My life, my only heaven Thou art;

O might I feel Thee in my heart!

                                             C. Wesley

Sin itself is hell, and death, and misery to the soul, as being a departure from goodness and holiness itself; I mean from God, in conjunction (joining) with whom the happiness, and blessedness, and heaven of a soul doth (does) consist. Avoid it, (sin) therefore, as you would avoid being miserable.

                                                               Samuel Shaw

‘I couldn’t live in peace if I put the shadow of a willful sin between myself and God.’ (I could not live peacefully if I willfully put a sin between myself and God).

                                                               George Eliot

Unholy tempers are always unhappy tempers.

                                                               John Wesley

 Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 7

Here is the latest in our Proverbs study. To find out how and why I created this study  click here.

Proverbs 7

Reread 7:24-27

Read Colossians 4:2

Read 1 Corinthians 16:13

We kneel how weak, we rise how full of power.

(We come before the Lord weak. We leave His presence full of power).

Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong,

Or others- that we are not always strong,

That we are ever overborne (overcome/overwhelmed) with care,

That we should ever weak or heartless be,

Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer,

And joy and strength and courage are with Thee?

(We do ourselves a disservice/a harmful action when we do not come to the Father and pray. We become anxious and troubled when we could experience His joy, strength, and courage).

                                                               R.C. Trench

It is impossible for us to make the duties of our lot (situation) minister to our sanctification (act of becoming holy/purified/set apart) without a habit of devout fellowship with God (we must have continual communication with the Lord). This is the spring of all our life, and the strength of it. It is prayer, meditation, and converse (communication) with God, that refreshes, restores, and renews the temper of our minds, at all times, under all trials, after all conflicts with the world. By this contact with the world unseen (by praying and talking to God, who is unseen) we receive continual accesses (the ability/the right to receive) of strength. As our day, so is our strength (Whatever the day may bring to you, the strength from the Lord will be there for you). Without this healing and refreshing of spirit (through communication with the Lord), duties grow to be burdens, the events of life chafe (rub against) our temper, employments (your work) lower the tone of our minds, and we become fretful (troubled), irritable, and impatient.

                                                               H. E. Manning

Throughout this chapter in Proverbs, the immoral, adulterous woman is seeking to tempt the man to sin with her. Temptation to sin is real and prevalent (widespread and powerful). The only way we can avoid the snares (traps) of the enemy, is through prayer. We must seek our Father continually for strength and power to overcome the temptations thrown at us.

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 6-

Up next in this Proverbs study is Proverbs chapter 6.  Once again, if you have not yet read about how and why I wrote out these devotionals, you can click here.

Proverbs 6

Reread Proverbs 6:17,19

So much harm can be done with our tongues. Let us consider what the Lord would have us do.

Read James 1: 26

Read Psalm 39:1

No sinful word, nor deed of wrong (wrong things that we do),

         Nor thoughts that idly rove (thoughts with no particular purpose);

But simple truth be on our tongue,

         And in our hearts be love.

                                             St. Ambrose

Let us all resolve (determine to do),- First, to attain the grace of SILENCE (to simply not talk all the time); Second, to deem (consider) all FAULT-FINDING that does no good a SIN (we must understand and admit to ourselves that when we find faults in others, we are sinning), and to resolve (be determined to do), when we are happy ourselves, not to poison the atmosphere for our neighbours by calling on them to remark every painful and disagreeable feature of their daily life (when things are going well for you be careful not to share too much as it may be hard for someone to hear that has had a rough day); Third, to practice the grace and virtue of praise (find the good in others and say encouraging things to them).

                                                               Harriet B. Stowe

Surrounded by those who constantly exhibit (show) defects (imperfections) of character and conduct (who they are and how they act), if we yield (give in) to a complaining and impatient spirit, we shall mar (spoil) our own peace without having the satisfaction of benefiting (helping) others.

                                                               T.C. Upham

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 5-

Here is the next short devotional in this series, Proverbs chapter 5. To read about how and why I wrote out these devotionals, click here.

Proverbs 5

Reread Proverbs 5:21

Read Hebrews 12:1

When the powers of hell prevail (are more powerful)

         O’er (over) our weakness and unfitness,

Could we lift the fleshly veil,

         Could we for a moment witness

Those unnumbered hosts that stand

Calm and bright on either hand;

Oh, what joyful hope would cheer,

         Oh, what faith serene (calm, peaceful) would guide us!

Great may be the danger near.

         Greater are the friends beside us.

(Remember, we have angles all around us).

                                             Anon.

We are compassed about by a cloud of witnesses, whose hearts throb in sympathy with every effort and struggle, and who thrill with joy at every success. (We have those who sympathize with our struggles and rejoice with our successes). How should this thought check and rebuke every worldly feeling and unworthy purpose, and enshrine (enclose) us, in the midst of a forgetful and unspiritual world, with an atmosphere of heavenly peace! They have overcome-have risen- are crowned, glorified; but still they remain to us, our assistants, our comforters, and in every hour of darkness their voice speaks to us: ‘So we grieved, so we struggled, so we fainted, so we doubted; but we have overcome, we have obtained, we have seen, we have found,- and in our victory behold the certainty of thy own.’ (In the midst of earthly struggles, remember those who have gone before you. They overcame trials and are cheering you on to do the same).

                                             B.H. Stowe

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

http://allthingsnorilynn.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-proverb-study.html

Proverbs 4

Here is the next short devotional in this series, Proverbs chapter 4. To read about how and why I wrote out these devotionals, click here.

Proverbs 4

This chapter is all about seeking and getting wisdom and understanding.  In God, you will find all that you need.  Seek Him.

Read Psalm 27:2

Lead, kindly Light, amid (in the middle of) the encircling (surrounding) gloom,

         Lead Thou me on;

The night is dark, and I am far from home,

         Lead Thou me on.

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene; one step enough for me.

(Even though the situation is dark and difficult, lead me on. I do not need to see the whole, just one step at a time).

                                                      J.H. Newman

God only is holy; He alone knows how to lead His children in the paths of holiness. He knows every aspect (particular part) of you soul, every thought of your heart, every secret of your character, its difficulties and hindrances (that which provides resistance); He knows how to mould (change/create) you to His will, and lead you onwards to perfect sanctification (holiness); He knows exactly how each event, each trial, each temptation will tell upon you, and He disposes (gets rid of) all things accordingly. The consequences of this belief, if fully grasped, will influence your whole life. (If you truly understand this truth, it will change your life). You will seek to give yourself up to God more and more unreservedly (not in part, but enthusiastically), asking nothing, refusing nothing, wishing nothing, but what He wills; not seeking to bring things about for yourself, taking all He sends joyfully and believing the ‘one step’ set before you to be enough for you. You will be satisfied that even though there are clouds around, and your way seems dark, He is directing all, and that what seems a hindrance (a thing that provides resistance) will prove a blessing, since He wills it.

                                                      Jean Nicolas Grou

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 3-

A short devotional on Proverbs chapter 3. To read about how and why I wrote out these devotionals, click here.

Proverbs 3

Reread Proverbs 3:5-6

Read Isaiah 42:6

Psalm 25:20

I do not ask my cross to understand, (I do not ask to understand my trial)

         My ways to see;

Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand, (It is better to simply feel God’s hand in the darkness)

         And follow Thee.

                                                      Adelaide A. Procter

O Lord, if only my will may remain right and firm towards Thee, do with me whatsoever it shall please Thee. (If my will is in the right place before the Lord, do whatever would please You). For it cannot be anything but good, whatsoever Thou shalt do with me. If it be Thy will I should be in darkness, be Thou blessed; and, if it be Thy will I should be in light, be Thou again blessed. If Thou vouchsafe (grant/allow) to comfort me, be Thou blessed; and, if Thou wilt have me afflicted, be Thou equally blessed. (Bless the Lord regardless of what He brings your way, for He knows what is best for you). O Lord! For Thy sake I will cheerfully suffer whatever shall come on me with Thy permission.

                                                      Thomas A Kempis

My soul could not incline (turn toward) itself on the one side or the other, since another will had taken the place of its own; but only nourished itself with the daily providences (the foreseeing care and guidance) of God.

                                                      Madame Guyon

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Proverbs 2-

Here is a little devotional on Proverbs chapter two. 

I wrote about why I put these devotionals together on this post.

Proverbs 2

Reread- Proverbs 2:6

Read Psalm 32:8

Oh, keep thy conscience sensitive;

         No inward token miss;

And go where grace entices (attracts) thee; -

         Perfection lies in this.

                           P.W. Faber

We need only obey. There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word.

                                                               R.W. Emerson

The heights of Christian perfection can only be reached by faithfully each moment following the Guide who is to lead you there, and He reveals (makes known) your way to you one step at a time, in the little things of your daily lives, asking only on your part that you yield (give) yourselves up to His guidance. If then, in anything you feel doubtful or troubled, be sure that it is the voice of your Lord, and surrender it at once to His bidding (request), rejoicing with great joy that He has begun thus to lead and guide you.

                                                               H.W.S.

We can only know God’s calling and leading on our lives if we spend time with Him and talk to Him in prayer.

Read: His Mighty Warrior, “Divine Assignments” on pg. 18

As you think through Proverbs chapter two today, may you be reminded that the Lord desires you to seek Him for wisdom and direction.  He has a special plan for your life and a specific purpose for your day. Find out from Him what it is and follow after what He shows you.

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

A Proverb Study

As my boys continue to grow both in age and in stature,
I am feeling compelled to share all I know of my God
As well as to teach them how to know God themselves.

In this next season, it is my desire to encourage my boys
To read, understand, and apply
The wisdom in the book of Proverbs.

To hopefully aid them in this study,
I have put together a little devotion for them to read through.

As I mentioned in several posts now,

I love a devotional titled Daily Strength for Daily Needs.

So, I have combined the study of Proverbs 

With excepts from this book.

This is how I did it:

I read through one Proverb at a time.

As I did so, I chose one verse to key in on.

I then read through Daily Strength for Daily Needs

Looking for an entry that went along with my chosen verse.

As I copied the verses and quotes, 

I wrote additional explanations to help in their understanding of the text.

My hope and prayer is that my boys will become 

Lovers of the Word of God and will grow in their 

Love of Him through His Word and the words 

Of others who have walked with Jesus.

In the upcoming weeks I hope to share with you

These simple devotions.

I have prepared these for my boys

But share them now with you in hopes that 

Others may benefit from them as well.

Because of Jesus,

Eunora

Here is the first in this Proverbs Study:

Proverbs 1

Reread Proverbs 1:7

Read Psalm 145:19

Read Psalm 37:4

Though to-day may not fulfil

All thy hopes, have patience still;

For perchance (perhaps) to-morrow’s sun

Sees thy happier days begun. (will be the start of happier days).

                                    P. Gerhardt

His great desire and delight is God; and by desiring and delighting, he hath (has) Him. Delight thou in the Lord, and He shall give thee thy heart’s desire, HIMSELF; and then surely thou shalt have all. Any other thing commit it to Him, and he shall bring it to pass.

                                                                        R. Leighton

This is one of my favorite quotes. This is what it means to me: When we desire God and delight in God, we shall receive Him. And as we receive God, we realize that it is Him, not stuff etc., that we truly desired! We find our fulfillment and contentment when we are desiring and delighting in our good God.

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, (God hears us when we call out to Him) and will receive what they have asked and desired, although not in the hour or in the measure, or the very thing which they ask; (our prayers are answered, just not always as we thought they would be) yet they will obtain (receive) something greater and more glorious than they had dared to ask. (He always wants the very best for us and desires to bless us).

                                                                        Martin Luther