a child of god
this is the way, run in it
Every time I read in the book of Proverbs in the bible, I think of my brother, Paul (he loves Proverbs and often quotes from it), and I think of my Grandmother (who also loved the book of Proverbs). Grandmother had my brothers and me memorize verses from proverbs when we were children. One was from Proverbs 25:28, "Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is the man who has no control over his spirit." She would also say, read a psalm a day to learn about God and a proverb a day to learn about people - and how to interact with both!
This morning I'm in Proverbs 3 as part of my read through the bible program (5th time through!). There is so much in this chapter to read and ponder, and then apply. As I was reading it today, I was struck by the beginning where it says "bind kindness and truth around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart" (v.3). So I pictured a necklace, with charms on it. A necklace with kindness on it, truth on it, displayed for others to see as I go through my day, on my neck so I can touch them from time to time and remind myself of how God wants me to be and act each day. That necklace also has on it, trust in God (v.8), the fear of the Lord (awe, respect, allegiance - v.7), wisdom (v.21) and sound discretion. Verse 22 talks about how wisdom and sound discretion will not only adorn our necks but also bring life. And when God talks about life he means more than living and breathing and walking this earth! He is talking about spiritual life, life with Him which goes into eternity if we belong to Him through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Life which sets people free, and brings blessing. And Proverbs 3 then says this - if we do all this, treasure these aspects of life with God which He blesses, "then you will walk securely, and your foot will not stumble." When you lie down, you won't be afraid and your sleep will be sweet, and v. 26, "for the LORD will be your confidence, and He will keep your foot from being caught." It's as simple as taking hold of that tree of life, wisdom, and holding fast to her (v. 18), and of choosing to put on that necklace of godly traits, to live out throughout our day. That necklace is not one of these, get it out only when we want to dress up, for special occasions, kind of necklaces that lives in a special box on our dresser. It is the kind of necklace we put on every day, our favorite one, the one our hand goes to automatically, because of what it means and we treasure it. It's a reminder for us of how to live in God's footsteps, His ways, but it is also on display for others to see, so they see Him, too. It's called real life with God.
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Franci Ballwatching and working for the kingdom of God in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham - UK Archives
January 2019
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