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!
Monday, April 9, 2012
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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Proverbs 22
Proverbs 22:9 "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
I grew up in a family of seven children. Dad worked hard in the steel mill, and he provided for us although we were not wealthy. There were times, however, that the mill would go on strike and we were barely scraping by. It never stopped my Mom and Dad from inviting a surprise guest to join us for meals. I am not proud of the fact that silently I hoped the guests would decline the invitation so we could have our share. I was angry when they accepted.
My selfishness centered in my myopic vision. I saw the less than abundant table for so many of us, and saw not enough for me. I was not concerned for my brothers and sisters, though I should have been. I was totally selfish and felt horrible that I was so.
It took many years for me to get my vision corrected. It happened slowly over time. I began to be thankful for what I did have instead of seeing how little I had. Thanksgiving was my corrective lens that gave me a clearer picture of my blessings. I received blessings so that I could bless others! Sharing is a greater blessing besides!
I can be honest in saying that I still sometimes hold back out of selfish fear that I won't have what I need, or is it want? I have learned that I am changing and my failures can be forgiven. I only need to keep my thanksgiving lenses on everyday and all day to make a difference in my blessings.
Father, You are generous and giving even when it hurts. You are wise to command that we give. My life has not always seen or followed Your wisdom. Forgive me! Thank You for blessing me with the tools to learn this lesson. Thank You for teaching me to give thanks for the big and small, for the easy and for the very difficult things that come into my life. It is thanksgiving to You that helps me trust You. Keep working on my heart, o Lord. Remind me to be thankful especially when I don't feel grateful.
I grew up in a family of seven children. Dad worked hard in the steel mill, and he provided for us although we were not wealthy. There were times, however, that the mill would go on strike and we were barely scraping by. It never stopped my Mom and Dad from inviting a surprise guest to join us for meals. I am not proud of the fact that silently I hoped the guests would decline the invitation so we could have our share. I was angry when they accepted.
My selfishness centered in my myopic vision. I saw the less than abundant table for so many of us, and saw not enough for me. I was not concerned for my brothers and sisters, though I should have been. I was totally selfish and felt horrible that I was so.
It took many years for me to get my vision corrected. It happened slowly over time. I began to be thankful for what I did have instead of seeing how little I had. Thanksgiving was my corrective lens that gave me a clearer picture of my blessings. I received blessings so that I could bless others! Sharing is a greater blessing besides!
I can be honest in saying that I still sometimes hold back out of selfish fear that I won't have what I need, or is it want? I have learned that I am changing and my failures can be forgiven. I only need to keep my thanksgiving lenses on everyday and all day to make a difference in my blessings.
Father, You are generous and giving even when it hurts. You are wise to command that we give. My life has not always seen or followed Your wisdom. Forgive me! Thank You for blessing me with the tools to learn this lesson. Thank You for teaching me to give thanks for the big and small, for the easy and for the very difficult things that come into my life. It is thanksgiving to You that helps me trust You. Keep working on my heart, o Lord. Remind me to be thankful especially when I don't feel grateful.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Proverbs 21
Proverbs 21:30 "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord."
Argue with God? I know it is pointless to do so, but I do try every now and then. Most often it is when He whispers in my ear to do some kind deed for a stranger, or a loving gesture towards my husband after a disagreement, or interrupting my day with a phone call to a friend. Yes, I argue. I put on my smarty pants and tell Him that my day is full or my side of the disagreement is righteous, or what if I embarrass the stranger (or myself?). My arguments do not stand.
Nothing that I say or do can stand up against Gods' wisdom. I can never fully understand His reasonings, but He always understands the underlying truth of my reasoning. It is not my place to give counsel to God. Who do I think I am?
Jacob wrestled with God. He bore the marks of that struggle for his entire life. Job was put in his right place by God who holds all the answers to all of the questions. I may not stop wrestling and arguing with God, but He will always come out on top! I can only hope for God to bless me because of or in spite of my arrogance to argue with God.
Holy Amazing God of wisdom understanding and counsel, you are unbeatable! Forgive my arrogance to think i could change Your mind. Thank You for allowing me to wrestle my thoughts with You, and thank You for always winning! Work Your way in me even when I seem to want to go my own way.
Argue with God? I know it is pointless to do so, but I do try every now and then. Most often it is when He whispers in my ear to do some kind deed for a stranger, or a loving gesture towards my husband after a disagreement, or interrupting my day with a phone call to a friend. Yes, I argue. I put on my smarty pants and tell Him that my day is full or my side of the disagreement is righteous, or what if I embarrass the stranger (or myself?). My arguments do not stand.
Nothing that I say or do can stand up against Gods' wisdom. I can never fully understand His reasonings, but He always understands the underlying truth of my reasoning. It is not my place to give counsel to God. Who do I think I am?
Jacob wrestled with God. He bore the marks of that struggle for his entire life. Job was put in his right place by God who holds all the answers to all of the questions. I may not stop wrestling and arguing with God, but He will always come out on top! I can only hope for God to bless me because of or in spite of my arrogance to argue with God.
Holy Amazing God of wisdom understanding and counsel, you are unbeatable! Forgive my arrogance to think i could change Your mind. Thank You for allowing me to wrestle my thoughts with You, and thank You for always winning! Work Your way in me even when I seem to want to go my own way.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Proverbs Twenty
Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.
Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.
I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!
God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.
I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.
Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.
I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!
God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Proverbs Nineteen
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
When I read this it reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago. I thought it might be appropriate to put here.
Am I Teachable?
Am I teachable?
Do I listen for Your voice,
Even when it comes to me
Through criticism, rebuke, or
Those under my authority?
Do I set my eyes on You,
Following Your every move
So that I might not step
Ahead of You or fall too far behind?
Am I willing to let go of my desires
allowing You to determine the outcome of my work and
letting You have Your way in and through me?
Am I willing and eager to hear the truth,
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Are the places I put my heart at one with You, my Lord?
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Teacher and Lord, You are all knowing and all wise. You are the teacher with all the answers. I am not always teachable, Lord. I am sorry for being stubborn and hard headed not willing to listen to Your wise counsel. Thank You for reminding me again that I must have a teachable spirit and let You lead me! Open my heart to teachable moments.
When I read this it reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago. I thought it might be appropriate to put here.
Am I Teachable?
Am I teachable?
Do I listen for Your voice,
Even when it comes to me
Through criticism, rebuke, or
Those under my authority?
Do I set my eyes on You,
Following Your every move
So that I might not step
Ahead of You or fall too far behind?
Am I willing to let go of my desires
allowing You to determine the outcome of my work and
letting You have Your way in and through me?
Am I willing and eager to hear the truth,
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Are the places I put my heart at one with You, my Lord?
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Teacher and Lord, You are all knowing and all wise. You are the teacher with all the answers. I am not always teachable, Lord. I am sorry for being stubborn and hard headed not willing to listen to Your wise counsel. Thank You for reminding me again that I must have a teachable spirit and let You lead me! Open my heart to teachable moments.
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