Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
I get embarrassed when my words slip out before I think. It most often gets me into trouble. Sometimes I say things to people I trust and they allow me time to admit my hasty judgments or mean words. But there are times when my hasty words are spoken in a crowd or to a stranger. It is those times when God steps in and speaks to me about the power of my speech.
My honest words can be foolish when said without thinking of time, place or consideration for another's position or condition. Taking time to choose my words and the time to speak them is a wise practice.
God of Truth and Giver of The Word, You speak truth in Love at all times. I don't always take care with my words. Sometimes they hurt others or even myself, maybe even You. Please forgive me! Thank you for sending Your precious Word into my life and speaking truth to me when i speak rashly. Set a guard over my mouth.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28:14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Hard heart. How many times do I read the Word, pray or sing the words that could change my heart toward God, but close my heart even in the doing? My heart is hardened so quickly. Like water crystalizing into ice, I allow the atmosphere to freeze my heart into silence or immobility. A hard heart does not beat. It has no life.
Fear. The fear of the Lord can make a heart beat faster, pulsating with passion and sending a life beat into the body ready for action. I fear Him and my heart takes action and my heart moves my hands and feet!
Fearsome and Holy God, You are worthy. Melt my heart of stone and wash it pure with Your blood. Thank You for sending Your Life to redeem mine! Awaken my hard heart to Your fearful presence!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Proverbs 27
Proverbs 27:19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of a man reflects the man.
Mirrors can be a friend or foe. They show us truth. Standing before a mirror without the benefit of cosmetics or garments that accentuate the beauty we all carry to some degree, can be unnerving. We are faced with our true selves, flaws and beauty mixed into a unique blend of human form. However, mirrors cannot reveal our hearts.
Our hearts are revealed through our interactions with others. Our emotional responses to those around us expose more than emotion or thoughts. They reveal the truth that lies in our souls.
I am including a poem i wrote that seem to speak of the heart of man revealing the truth that lies within a person.
Lifetime of Faces
Standing face to face
Our lifetimes are reflected
Into hearts full of
Dreams hoped for,
Realized, or
Shattered.
Standing face to face
Our lifetimes, without words,
Touch hearts in need of
Renewed vision,
Celebration, or
Healing.
Standing face to face
Our lifelines entwine and
Forever our lifetimes are
Changed in
Blessing or
Destruction.
Carolynn J. Scully
©1/16/1995
edited 3/22/2011
God and Father, You are the glory that shines in the universe. You are the reflection seen in those who call You LORD. I never want to be ashamed of You, I never want to hide my true self from others because of the shame of sin. Thank You for becoming the mirror for my soul, the cleansing power that washes over me, and the shining light that lives within me. May I always reflect Your goodness and glory to the world!
Mirrors can be a friend or foe. They show us truth. Standing before a mirror without the benefit of cosmetics or garments that accentuate the beauty we all carry to some degree, can be unnerving. We are faced with our true selves, flaws and beauty mixed into a unique blend of human form. However, mirrors cannot reveal our hearts.
Our hearts are revealed through our interactions with others. Our emotional responses to those around us expose more than emotion or thoughts. They reveal the truth that lies in our souls.
I am including a poem i wrote that seem to speak of the heart of man revealing the truth that lies within a person.
Lifetime of Faces
Standing face to face
Our lifetimes are reflected
Into hearts full of
Dreams hoped for,
Realized, or
Shattered.
Standing face to face
Our lifetimes, without words,
Touch hearts in need of
Renewed vision,
Celebration, or
Healing.
Standing face to face
Our lifelines entwine and
Forever our lifetimes are
Changed in
Blessing or
Destruction.
Carolynn J. Scully
©1/16/1995
edited 3/22/2011
God and Father, You are the glory that shines in the universe. You are the reflection seen in those who call You LORD. I never want to be ashamed of You, I never want to hide my true self from others because of the shame of sin. Thank You for becoming the mirror for my soul, the cleansing power that washes over me, and the shining light that lives within me. May I always reflect Your goodness and glory to the world!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
I cannot name names or even tell direct stories about myself or others who have built themselves up, thinking that they knew the answers to life's problems. I imagine we all have been there at one time or another. Sometimes it is even when we are acting in behalf of humility.
Proverb 26:12 states clearly that fools are better off than the man or woman who lifts himself up as the ultimate expert. God has even made people blush when His possibilities over shadow their impossibilities. He made a donkey talk. He let the children of Israel cross a sea walking on dry land! He became a man and walked among us!
It is not so important to have all the answers or even some of them. It is important to know the One who does and to allow ourselves to be taught from Him
Almighty Wise and Omniscient God, You own all the answers that I might ever have need of knowing! You have made it known through Your Word that You are willing to share Your wisdom with men. I have no wisdom of my own. I must remember that my thoughts can never reach the heights of Your thoughts. Thank You for generously offering, anyone who might ask, Your wisdom. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me daily! Help me to lean on You and not on my own understanding!
I cannot name names or even tell direct stories about myself or others who have built themselves up, thinking that they knew the answers to life's problems. I imagine we all have been there at one time or another. Sometimes it is even when we are acting in behalf of humility.
Proverb 26:12 states clearly that fools are better off than the man or woman who lifts himself up as the ultimate expert. God has even made people blush when His possibilities over shadow their impossibilities. He made a donkey talk. He let the children of Israel cross a sea walking on dry land! He became a man and walked among us!
It is not so important to have all the answers or even some of them. It is important to know the One who does and to allow ourselves to be taught from Him
Almighty Wise and Omniscient God, You own all the answers that I might ever have need of knowing! You have made it known through Your Word that You are willing to share Your wisdom with men. I have no wisdom of my own. I must remember that my thoughts can never reach the heights of Your thoughts. Thank You for generously offering, anyone who might ask, Your wisdom. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me daily! Help me to lean on You and not on my own understanding!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Proverbs 25
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Words are important to me. I try very hard to say the right things at the right times even if the saying of them is a difficult task. Truth often can be bittersweet. I also love to hear words from a loving and truthful foundation. The first hearing can be painful, but the meditation on that word can become a source of strength.
This past weekend Patrick came to me with a word that was beautiful to me. He said he wanted to get me an Easter basket but knew i didn't need the candy and he could not think of what else I would want. Sweet! Gold and silver could not have given me more joy! His truth wrapped in love and graciousness was a delicious treat that filled my heart. I heard more than his words. I heard love, blessing and kindness. It was a word fitly spoken.
Amazing God of resurrection power and love, You are the Word fitly spoken. You are the source of rich delight. Though I fail to always treasure Your word as I should, I want to grow deeper in my appreciation and love of Your Word. Thank You for giving us life giving words. Thank You for the newness of Your word every time I open it. I yearn to go deeper, Lord. Draw me into Your truth until it is my very own life!
Words are important to me. I try very hard to say the right things at the right times even if the saying of them is a difficult task. Truth often can be bittersweet. I also love to hear words from a loving and truthful foundation. The first hearing can be painful, but the meditation on that word can become a source of strength.
This past weekend Patrick came to me with a word that was beautiful to me. He said he wanted to get me an Easter basket but knew i didn't need the candy and he could not think of what else I would want. Sweet! Gold and silver could not have given me more joy! His truth wrapped in love and graciousness was a delicious treat that filled my heart. I heard more than his words. I heard love, blessing and kindness. It was a word fitly spoken.
Amazing God of resurrection power and love, You are the Word fitly spoken. You are the source of rich delight. Though I fail to always treasure Your word as I should, I want to grow deeper in my appreciation and love of Your Word. Thank You for giving us life giving words. Thank You for the newness of Your word every time I open it. I yearn to go deeper, Lord. Draw me into Your truth until it is my very own life!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Proverbs 24
Proverbs 24:12 If you say, "Behold, we did not know this," does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?
My 18 month old Grandlady, Abigail, answers most every question with a shrug and, "I don't know." We ask where her cup is or if she made a mess and her answer is always the same: "I don't know." It is very cute and funny, but there will come a time when she will need to learn that it is best to tell the truth and own up to the choices she makes.
Sometimes I know the answer to the question I pose to Abi. It is a test to see how she will answer. I cannot always decipher what is in her heart, but I can watch for signs in her facial expressions and body language. There is only One who can read her heart and mine.
There are times that I am tempted to cover up my heart condition before God by denial or by making excuses of other kinds. But God knows. He has weighed my heart in His scarred hands. He has kept a careful eye on my heart and sees its inner workings.
This past week I sat before the Lord frustrated and confused by the assignment for the Significant Women Class I am attending. I have sought out my inner workings and tried to make sense of them through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But, I could not settle in peace the truths I thought I was writing down. Then, I heard Him: the Watcher of my soul, the One who has weighed my heart, spoke truth into my confusion. He said that I was trying to put the wrong puzzle piece into the puzzle set before me. It was then I knew the truth. It was then I found peace.
All-Knowing God, You are the scales upon which my heart is laid. You are just in Your determination of me. You see fully and completely. You KNOW me. You know my name. You know my heart. You know my purpose, because You created me. I am saddened to see myself searching the ways of men to discover what You have given. Forgive me! Thank You for knowing, for forgiving, for rebuilding what I have messed up. Make my heart weigh heavy with You. Watch over me and make me accountable to You in all I do.
My 18 month old Grandlady, Abigail, answers most every question with a shrug and, "I don't know." We ask where her cup is or if she made a mess and her answer is always the same: "I don't know." It is very cute and funny, but there will come a time when she will need to learn that it is best to tell the truth and own up to the choices she makes.
Sometimes I know the answer to the question I pose to Abi. It is a test to see how she will answer. I cannot always decipher what is in her heart, but I can watch for signs in her facial expressions and body language. There is only One who can read her heart and mine.
There are times that I am tempted to cover up my heart condition before God by denial or by making excuses of other kinds. But God knows. He has weighed my heart in His scarred hands. He has kept a careful eye on my heart and sees its inner workings.
This past week I sat before the Lord frustrated and confused by the assignment for the Significant Women Class I am attending. I have sought out my inner workings and tried to make sense of them through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But, I could not settle in peace the truths I thought I was writing down. Then, I heard Him: the Watcher of my soul, the One who has weighed my heart, spoke truth into my confusion. He said that I was trying to put the wrong puzzle piece into the puzzle set before me. It was then I knew the truth. It was then I found peace.
All-Knowing God, You are the scales upon which my heart is laid. You are just in Your determination of me. You see fully and completely. You KNOW me. You know my name. You know my heart. You know my purpose, because You created me. I am saddened to see myself searching the ways of men to discover what You have given. Forgive me! Thank You for knowing, for forgiving, for rebuilding what I have messed up. Make my heart weigh heavy with You. Watch over me and make me accountable to You in all I do.
Proverbs 23
Proverbs 23:13a "Do not withhold discipline from a child;"
Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Two toddlers. Curious minds. Dangerous world. Though my house is childproof there are still dangers that lurk about and entice curious minds. It is difficult for me to hear my grandchildren cry, but I must if I am to keep them safe and teach them to do the right thing.
Jacob and Abi do not like to clean up messes or wait for their turn to play with a toy. They do not like when they must come in from outside and rest a little from the hot sun. They cry when I won't let them eat candy or sweet crackers for breakfast and lunch. They cry and I don't like it. But it is good to discipline them to help with chores, share, and take good care of themselves.
Discipline. OUCH! That is a tough word and sadly lacking in our lives today. It seems so much easier to let our little ones do as they wish, until they become teens or adults who cannot say "No" to themselves.
I don't like discipline and procrastinate or ignore the things I should do. My heart needs to get in the game! I must put priorities on that which will discipline me to do the right things.
My heart in God's hands is safe. My eyes set on Him will lead me in the right way. Maybe the hardest but most useful discipline is putting my heart with God's heart and watch Him to see what I need to be doing!
Father God, You are Good! You are the discipline I need. No, I don't like it because I want my own way most of the time. I want to do things my way, but Your way is best! Thank You for always being there asking me to "Come!" Thank You for being a good Father that disciplines and knows that my rebellion and resistance will only bring me pain. You are so good to me, TNANK YOU! Take my heart, Lord, and mold it to fit Your ways, even when it hurts.
Proverbs 23:26 "My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."
Two toddlers. Curious minds. Dangerous world. Though my house is childproof there are still dangers that lurk about and entice curious minds. It is difficult for me to hear my grandchildren cry, but I must if I am to keep them safe and teach them to do the right thing.
Jacob and Abi do not like to clean up messes or wait for their turn to play with a toy. They do not like when they must come in from outside and rest a little from the hot sun. They cry when I won't let them eat candy or sweet crackers for breakfast and lunch. They cry and I don't like it. But it is good to discipline them to help with chores, share, and take good care of themselves.
Discipline. OUCH! That is a tough word and sadly lacking in our lives today. It seems so much easier to let our little ones do as they wish, until they become teens or adults who cannot say "No" to themselves.
I don't like discipline and procrastinate or ignore the things I should do. My heart needs to get in the game! I must put priorities on that which will discipline me to do the right things.
My heart in God's hands is safe. My eyes set on Him will lead me in the right way. Maybe the hardest but most useful discipline is putting my heart with God's heart and watch Him to see what I need to be doing!
Father God, You are Good! You are the discipline I need. No, I don't like it because I want my own way most of the time. I want to do things my way, but Your way is best! Thank You for always being there asking me to "Come!" Thank You for being a good Father that disciplines and knows that my rebellion and resistance will only bring me pain. You are so good to me, TNANK YOU! Take my heart, Lord, and mold it to fit Your ways, even when it hurts.
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