Category: Weekly Word of Encouragement

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9, (NIV) Sometimes we are faced with ethical choices that might lead to loss or rejection. Whether this is at work, church or with family, we may have to do or say something that will disturb or hurt others and trigger a reprisal against us. God reminds us that if we will walk in integrity we walk in security, in safety. Yet, it does not seem safe, especially if we get hurt. So how are we secure? We are secure in all the important things. Our soul is secure from the poison of dishonesty and avoidance. The crooked person stabs their soul with every ethical failure. If we maintain integrity, our soul is secure from damage. We are also secure in our relationship with God, we are abiding in Christ and we can continue to Continue Reading →

For whoever finds [wisdom] finds lifeand obtains favor from the LORD, Proverbs 8:35 (ESV) Wisdom promises two things that we highly value: life and God’s favor. What is wisdom? Proverbs describes wisdom in many ways: it dwells with prudence, knowledge and discretion; it hates pride, arrogance and perverted speech; it walks in the way of righteousness and justice; it begins with the fear of Yahweh; and, her ways are peaceful and pleasant. James also describes wisdom: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17, ESV). Wisdom leads us into good conduct: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13, ESV). We may get the impression from some that God wants to speak specific guidance to us for all Continue Reading →

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18 (NLT) This proverb encourages us to walk in the way of righteousness because the path gets brighter and better the longer we travel it. If we are trying to break a bad habit, such as changing our viewing habits, it might feel like we have only a glimmer of the blessing when we first make the change. It may be distasteful at first (darkness), but we can taste a little of the benefit (the first gleam of dawn). If we continue to walk in the new way, the way becomes broader and brighter. The darkness fades and we become more attached to the goodness we have found in this new righteous way. Therefore, do not become weary of purifying your life from corruption. It may feel unpleasant Continue Reading →

My son, do not despise the LORD’S disciplineor be weary of his reproof,for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV) When God sees something harmful in your life, what should he do? Should he just let it slide? Should he protect your feelings and happiness? Or should he do what is necessary to purge it from you? What kind of father would he be if he just let us harbor sin, unbelief, pride and unkindness? It may be painful when God cuts us open and does his spiritual surgery on us, but part of us knows it is best for us. He corrects us because he loves us. This is our encouragement; that we have a loving infinite Father who loves us too much to let us wallow in our immaturity. In fact, he delights in us. When God Continue Reading →