Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – One Step At A Time
Why is it important for all of us to take one step at a time? Our creator God did so if we are to emulate him then we should do the same thing. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – One Step At A Time. Check out my website
In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created great whales and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Genesis 1:1-27. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- One Step At A Time.
Now for those of you that are not new to Christ going over how the earth was created may have been boring but remember there are new people coming to Christ every day that have never heard the word of God or ever read a bible so this is for them. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- One Step At A Time. Check out my website
Let me provide you with some things that go one step at a time:
1 – A baby. Many babies take their first steps between the age of 9 months and 12 months. Babies just like all of us must take one step at a time. They must learn to walk before they can run.
2- A ladder. When we open a ladder to use it, we go up one step at a time. For all of you WWE fans which is almost everybody, you know about the ladder matches. They are excited to see when a wrestler has knocked all the other ones down and starts to climb the ladder to reach the championship belt and be declared the winner. For those of you who don’t follow wrestling you also know you can only climb one step at a time.
3- A recipe. When we decide to prepare some food that we have never fixed before we look up the dish and find a recipe. We purchase all the ingredients that we will need and follow the instructions carefully one step at a time. For example, for the holidays you have decided to make Gingerbread Cookies. That’s great but you need to follow the recipe. The most important thing you must do is chill the dough for at least 3 hours. If you just wrap it and then roll it out after a while and try to start making the shapes without chilling it, you will have a disaster. You want your cookie dough firm, so the cookies hold their shape. You won’t have that unless you have chilled cookie dough.
4- A Christmas Tree. If you decorate a Christmas tree for the holidays you know it is a step by step process. First, you purchase the tree. Then spread out the branches. Then you must place it in a tree stand. You also need a tree skirt. Then you start to add the festive decorations you have purchased. One by one you add the lights, tinsel, bulbs, ornaments, ribbons, etc.
These are all examples of taking things one step at a time. Don’t try and rush life because it goes quickly on its own. If God showed the utmost patience by creating the world one step at a time why can’t we? Check out my website
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – God’s Grace
Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – God’s Grace.
God’s grace is with us every day. We just must accept it.
Right now, our world is going through a crisis with this Coronavirus issue. We are in unchartered waters. Fear is running rampant. We all need to remember that Faith cancels out Fear! We all need to be judicious and follow what our government officials are stating we should do, pray constantly, and walk-in God’s grace. Check out my website
God does not give us grace days, weeks, months, or years in advance. Every 24 hours God gives us grace for the day. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – God’s Grace.
During World War II there was a young woman named Corrie Ten Boom who worked with her father, sister, and family members to assist several Jews to escape the Nazis from the Holocaust during World War II by hiding them in her home. Ultimately she and her family were captured and placed in prison. While there she witnessed many cruel acts, physical violence, and injuries. Unfortunately, she even witnessed the deaths of her sister and father. With a miracle turn of events, Corrie was released.
Someone asked Corrie how she was able to live through those awful events and not carry malice and unforgiveness in her heart for the people who murdered her father and sister. Corrie spoke about how when she was a small child her father always took her on train rides. She recounted how her father would never give her the train ticket until he saw the train pulling into the station. When the train arrived that was when her father handed her the ticket and they both stepped onboard. Corrie stated, “The reason you can’t fathom how I could forgive the person who killed my family, how I could not be filled with bitterness and hatred, is because just like my father and our train tickets, God doesn’t give us the grace we need until we’re about to step onboard. But if you were to ever go through something like I went through I can assure you God’s grace will be there to help you make it through the dark valleys and still keep your head held high and your heart filled with love.” Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – God’s Grace.
Corrie Ten Boom Quotes:
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.
Let God’s promises shine on your problems.
When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.
It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.
Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.
Bible Verses on Grace:
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. – Ephesians 2:8
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. – James 4:6
But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. – John 1:16
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. – Titus 2:11
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:24
Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 2:1
Now in these uncertain times and any other issues, you are looking to overcome remember that God is the conductor and has a ticket for you and will give it to you at the appropriate time. God will also give you the grace you need to accomplish whatever you need to do! Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – God’s Grace. Check out my website
Book of Proverbs – God is in the Catapulting Business
Catapulting – hurling or launching (something) in a specified direction. Book of Proverbs -God is in the Catapulting Business.
GOD can and will bless you and catapult you years ahead regarding your desires. Whatever you are dreaming, wishing, and praying for GOD can and will make it happen in record time. Or like the Star Trek fans (Trekkies) call it Warp Speed! Book of Proverbs – God is in the Catapulting Business. Check out my website
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time. – Isaiah 60:22. GOD wants to pour out his spirit and empower you. Our heavenly father wants to launch you forward into your destiny. God wants to launch you at lightning speed! Book of Proverbs – God is in the Catapulting Business.
We work on an earthly time schedule which is the exact opposite of GOD. For GOD a thousand years are like a day. Faith is what shapes GOD’S time schedule. Faith is what makes GOD catapult you. There is something about believing God that will cause him to pass over a million people to get to you. – Smith Wigglesworth.
All of us know someone who has had their dreams manifested at warp speed however that does not seem to happen for you. You dream of getting that promotion but someone less qualified gets it. At one point you applied for that small business loan and your idea was great however someone else gets the approval for a business that doesn’t sound half as lucrative as your idea. What is the missing ingredient? A mustard seed. GOD says if you will have the faith of a mustard seed which is the smallest seed ever then is when the catapult happens. Faith is trusting in the unseen. I have used this example before because most people can relate to it. Rollercoaster rides are the ultimate adrenaline rush. However, you don’t ever think before you embark on the ride what if the roller-coaster gets stuck high up in the air. Is it possible that there will be a malfunction with the ride, and you will be dangling in mid-air praying everything will be alright? No, of course not. You always have faith that this man-made metal ride will always land you safely on the ground when the ride is over. Why do you not have that type of faith in GOD? That is what GOD is waiting to get from you and then you will be catapulted into your dreams. Do you want to manage a team of 100 people, start your own successful business, become a successful playwright, be a New York Times bestselling author, pay off your home early? The desires are endless. It is important that you do your part and GOD will do his part. Therefore it is imperative that You have Faith and GOD will do the Catapulting. Book of Proverbs – God is in the Catapulting Business. Check out my website
Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Psalm 34
The Hebrew word for Psalms in Tehilim means “Praise”. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Psalm 34. Check out my website
Psalm 34 is called “A Psalm of David”. It references when David changed his behavior before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.
Psalm 34 is a Psalm that can be very encouraging to you when you feel like the walls of life are closing in on you and you have no way out. The times when if anything that can go wrong it does. The times when you are so overwhelmed when the tears just flow, and laughter is way on the opposite side of the football field, and you feel like you’ll never score a touchdown to get there. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Psalm 34.
Psalm 34 is a wonderful testament of how GOD will always care for you but there are certain verses that I want us to look at specifically.
Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” This is very comforting because fear comes to all of us. We need to be careful because most fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. If we succumb to this, we can become paralyzed and never live our lives. Remember John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Psalm 34.
Psalm 34:6 “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” This verse clearly states that if we will humble ourselves and cry out to God, he will save us from our troubles. Now it is important that you clearly see here that it does not say that trouble won’t come and if you have lived long enough you know trouble does come. However, God will save you and care for you.
Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” This verse states that GOD takes watchful care of his people and his eyes and ears are attentive to their prayers.
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” A righteous person has a heart for GOD and tries to live in a moral and ethical way. Now you can start shouting and celebrating because this verse clearly states this person the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Victory is right around the corner!
Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Remember earlier when I quoted Murphy’s Law (if anything can go wrong it will) this verse allows you to take a deep breath and live your life. Life is just that its life. Suddenly you lose a loved one, your spouse announces they are leaving you, your employer states they are downsizing, and you are now out of a job, you get a negative health report from the doctor, etc. etc. This verse has been a constant comfort for me all my life because it clearly tells you that you will encounter many afflictions, but the Lord will deliver you out of them all.
I hope one of these verses has brought joy to you and lets you know everything will work out for good. Get an index card and write down one of these verses and carry it in your purse or wallet for the times when you feel overwhelmed and unsure. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Psalm 34. Check out my website
Breathe, Pray, Trust GOD and most importantly Praise GOD, be Thankful to GOD always and live your life.
Book of Proverbs – Laughter
Laughter…it seems like such a simple thing to do however it isn’t especially if you are an adult. Book of Proverbs – Laughter
Children find it easy to laugh. They chuckle about everything. It is said children laugh on average 200 times a day. However on the contrary adults only laugh 4 times per day. Book of Proverbs – Laughter
Book of Proverbs – Laughter – As adults, we have allowed ourselves to get lost in the stress of life. We don’t take time to have fun anymore. There are deadlines, time crunches, agendas, etc. Adults have lost the capacity to do as it is stated in the bible: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22. Check out my website
Laughter is medicine! The best part of that is that is doesn’t cost us anything. When is the last time you filled a prescription for medicine and there was no charge? Maybe the medicine somehow didn’t cost but for you to get the prescription you had to go through the doctor and most certainly there was a co-pay you were responsible for. Book of Proverbs – Laughter
God laughed. Here are some bible verses regarding that:
- He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. – Psalm 2:4
- The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. – Psalm 37:13
- But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. – Psalm 59:8
So, if God laughed knowing it’s benefits, and we were created in his likeness then we should also laugh. Book of Proverbs – Laughter
Here are some benefits of laughter:
Relaxes the whole body
Increases blood flow
Creates oxygenation of the cells and organs
Defends against illness
Provides greater memory, intelligence, and creativity
Is a pain killer
Boosts the immune system
Triggers the release of endorphins
Lightens anger’s heavy load
It may even help you to live longer
The Physical Health Benefits of Laughter:
Boosts Immunity
Lowers Stress Hormones
Decreases Pain
Relaxes Your Muscles
Prevents Heart Disease
Strengthens Resilience
Creating Opportunities to Laugh
Watch a comedy movie, a funny TV show, or view YouTube videos
Share a funny joke or good story
Read funny books
Play with your pets
The same way that we make time every day to feed ourselves, drink water, exercise, etc. in spite of all that we still have to laugh every day. Laughter makes you feel better and releases healing in your body.
Yes, we all have challenges in life. If Jesus did when he was here who are we to be exempt from challenges. The devil is always busy and as the bible says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly. – John 10:10. You know how you make the devil really mad: you keep hope alive, you have faith and trust (even if it is the small size of a mustard seed) in God, and you LAUGH daily! Book of Proverbs – Laughter. Take a look at my website