PROVERBS

It is Tuesday morning, and I just finished reading twenty chapters in Proverbs.  I have my coffee cup beside me, but it is empty and I need another one before I can type much further.  I usually get the first cup while I read, and the second while I type.  I try to read at least five chapters before I get my first cup of coffee and that gives me good incentive to get right into the Word.  (I know, not spiritual, but effective!)  Here are some thoughts in Proverbs:  (after I get another cup of coffee) 1) THE PRINCIPAL THING- Prov. 4:7 says:  "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:  and with all thy getting get understanding."  We know that Solomon asked for wisdom from God and God not only gave him wisdom, but wealth and fame.  But wisdom was what brought the other blessings.  Solomon admonishes us to seek wisdom and to get understanding.  He will tell us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  If we don't reverence God, we will never have wisdom.  Seek the LORD and seek HIS wisdom. 2) WHAT THE WORD WILL DO- In Prov. 6, the Word of God is called the commandments.  (thy father's commandments)  In verse 22, it says it will do three things:  Lead thee, Keep thee, and Talk with thee.  Notice:  "When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."  God's Word will do all three of these things and more!  Lead thee, Keep thee, and Talk with thee!  Never underestimate the importance of God's Word. 3) PLEASE THE LORD-  Prov. 16:7 says:  "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."  We can get along with others as long as our ways are pleasing to the LORD.  This is the goal of our Christian lives.... to please the LORD.  Jesus said:  "I do always those things that please him."  (John 8:29)  Let this be our goal today.... let us please YOU LORD! 4) YOUR GIFT MAKES ROOM FOR YOU- In serving God, we need to recognize that it is not about appointed positions, it is about God giving gifts that make room for people.  We don't excel because someone gave us a position or a title, but because having so yielded ourselves to the LORD, He grants us gifts that are used for His glory.  These gifts make room for us.  Notice:  Prov. 18:16  "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."  Promotion comes from God, but God uses the gifts He has given to you.  You must use those gifts to the best of your ability, and then God finds room for you to serve Him.  Many times over the years, a man has approached me about coming on staff as a laymen.  The key is that IF someone is productive in reaching others and growing a church, then that person has a room to serve.  His gift makes room for him!  Let us earn our positions by faithfully using the gifts God has given to us and let that be what promotes us.  (though we don't seek promotion) Dear LORD, I love You today, and I desire to have my ways please You in all that I do today.  Let my heart follow hard after Yours!  Let my soul thirst for You!  Let my ears be open to Your slightest suggestion, and let my eyes follow You as a servant looks to his Lord.  Let my feet follow Your paths, and may Your blessed Holy Spirit commune with me this very day, and all day long.  Praise to Your Holy, Blessed Name.  Amen.