The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust – Hold On

Are you the acrobatic type? Can you visualize yourself doing a high wire circus act? Or maybe hanging from the side of a cliff? Well, this is what you are doing when you are dealing with life’s tests, challenges, and uncertainty. What do you do when this happens? You hold on. The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust – Hold On

God never promises us crystal clear water and smooth sailing everyday of our lives. If Jesus had tribulation when he was here on earth what makes you think you will be exempt from them? You think to yourself I am a believer, I go to church regularly, I serve at church, I pay my tithes and give offerings. Spoiler alert, The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust.” https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Falls-Just-Unjust/dp/B0BQ59CRW8

In the Bible there was a woman by the name of Hannah whose womb was closed up and barren. Her husband loved her dearly, but he had another wife who was very fertile and was able to have baby after baby and she mercilessly taunted Hannah because she couldn’t have children. One day Hannah was at the temple and was crying and praying to God and said that if God gave her a son, she would care for him until he was old enough and then bring him to the temple and give him back to God to use as he chose. God heard her prayer and opened her womb and a year later she gave birth to the prophet Samuel. Hannah kept her word and God blessed her with four other children. Hannah kept the faith and held on and was blessed mightily. The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust – Hold On

Now here in modern day there is an actor named Trevor Donovan who also had to hold on tightly to his dream. Trevor always wanted to be an actor but every time he was in front of a camera he froze up and couldn’t read his lines. He got the job of a lifetime with the soap opera “Days of our Lives” with a three-year contract but was eventually fired because he would freeze and panic when he needed to read his lines. Just when he was about to give up on acting and give up his apartment in Los Angeles his agent called him and advised him that he secured a job with the show “90210”. Ever since that time Trevor’s career has just taken off and become very fruitful.

The Bible says in the book of Proverbs the book of Wisdom, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” – Proverbs 24:10. As soon as adversity rears its ugly head most people want to scamper, run, and hide. Most of us don’t like to be outside of our comfort zone, but you will never receive all God has for you if you don’t stretch yourself. Remember what God tells us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10. Hold On. The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust – Hold On

Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31

Proverbs 31:20

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

The woman that proverbs is describing in this verse is a giver. Her hands are always open, available, free to give to the poor. This woman doesn’t just have her family on her mind she also reaches out to the poor and needy as well.

This type of woman is always accessible. Even though her dedication is to her family, she stretches herself more by volunteering for charity work. This woman doesn’t focus on herself she places her focus on others. Because of these reasons a virtuous woman is commended by all.

A virtuous woman is loved by all and praised by husband and children. “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”–Acts 9:36-42.

Women, do you reach out to help others? Are your hands open to the poor, or are you close-fisted with your possessions? Do you willingly reach out to find and give to those who are in need? Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31

Proverbs 31:26

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

An excellent wife is one whose words are a blessing to all those who hear them. A virtuous woman is graceful in speech and action and she is admired and given recognition. People realize that as soon as her mouth opens to speak wisdom pours forth from it.

A virtuous woman knows the right words for any celebration. This woman is careful and only speaks after examining her answer to a question or problem. This woman carefully thinks through her responses before she responds to questions or problems. A virtuous woman will use wisdom before she opens her mouth even though she has her own skills and achievements. Even with her own abilities and accomplishments, she is still wise and kind in her speech.

A virtuous woman will build you up when you are distraught, commend you when negative people try to tear you down, and take time to reminisce with you about past times to revitalize you.

In the Bible there is the story of a woman named Ruth. They called Ruth a virtuous woman. “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”–Ruth 3:13.

The book of Ruth reflects the love, commitment, loss, and fortitude of this woman. Ruth was a direct ancestor of Lot who was Abraham’s nephew and a gentile. Ruth had many challenges in her life. Her husband passed away, she never had children, and she was living with her widowed mother-in-law. Ruth embodied loyal love. Ruth was a woman of noble character. After the death of her husband, Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi and traveled wherever she went. Ruth had great faith. Her faith and belief in God that he would provide for Naomi and herself was solid. They introduced Ruth to a man named Boaz, and she proved to be a woman of integrity with Boaz. Ruth showed incredible character in obscurity. Boaz was a single wealthy man and Ruth went to work for him in the fields. Boaz fell in love with Ruth and she went from a lowly field worker to being Boaz’s wife. The book of Ruth shows the workings of divine providence. The book reveals the extent of God’s grace. God fully accepted Ruth into His elect people and recognized her with a role in continuing the family line into which his appointed king, David, and later His Son, Jesus, would be born. After Boaz married Ruth, she became pregnant and had a son they named Obed. This man Obed became the father of Jesse. Now Jesse was the father of David who was in the direct family line of Jesus Christ. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 31

Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 26

Proverbs 26:4

“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”

Time is precious so do not waste it on fools. Truth and wisdom will be lost on fools. If you argue wisdom and truth with a foolish person, they will look down on you with contempt and mock the cherished words you will try to enlighten them with.

Jesus tells us, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”–Matthew 7:6. This may sound harsh, but it is true.

When do you know you have encountered a fool? “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”–Proverbs 14:7. It is easy like the word says just allow them to speak and you will know. Fools believe in themselves only. What they say matters, they trust only their ideas, they believe only they can instruct and teach others, they enjoy disparaging people but most important they don’t believe the Bible and the wisdom it offers.

The natural man always wants to get in the last word but when you are dealing with a fool, you will never get them to see things your way so stop trying. Stay grounded in the word and rise above the urge to debate with a fool so you don’t wind up sinking to their level and become a fool just like them. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 26

Proverbs 26:11

“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”

They say a dog is a man’s best friend. Having a dog has lots of positive benefits. Stroking and petting your dog helps to keep your blood pressure low. Owning a dog makes you a social butterfly. Having a dog keeps you active and helps you lose weight because of walking the dog. Owning a dog enhances your health.

With the list of all the benefits of having a dog offers there is always a negative. We have all sometime or another witnessed a dog going back to eat his own vomit. It is gross. Take the mental picture you have in your mind now and replace that dog with a foolish person.

What sinful follies have you rejected? What types of vomit are you tempted to return to? Overeating, drunkenness, drugs, adultery, pornography unforgiveness? You must place a protective shield around yourself and stay away from things that will tempt you to return to your vomit. If it is overeating don’t go to buffets. If it is drunkenness, don’t allow alcohol in your home and even if you go out of your way driving, go a different direction from where a liquor store is. Don’t keep company with people who do drugs. If it is adultery, don’t take a second look at a good-looking person who raises sparks within you. If its pornography then place a block on your tablet, a phone, a computer for all those types of sites which can tempt you. If it is unforgiveness keep a book by your bedside that teaches you why unforgiveness is unhealthy. They say one thing highly successful people do before they go to bed is to focus on the positive. If you are reading a book about becoming a forgiving person that is positive.

Pray and ask God to help you stay away from foolish ways and to steer clear of returning to your vomit. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 26

Proverbs 26:20

“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

How many times has someone said this to you, “can I trust you not to say anything to a certain person? Can you keep a secret?” A godly person should immediately say no thank you. I don’t want to know. However, the natural man always peeks with these types of invitations and next thing you know you wind up telling another person what you shouldn’t have said or worst you say to the exact person what you should not have said.

Gossip is telling negative information about someone. To the people who engage in this, it doesn’t matter whether the information is true.

Talebearing has become so rampant nowadays there are countless magazines that embellish this thing. God does not approve of talebearing. “A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth”. –Proverbs 6:12. Gossip causes enormous pain for people.

Do you care enough about others to stave off talking about them in a disparaging way? If you talk a lot, you probably perpetrate this sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you every time you engage in this behavior. Since many of us think so much about finances get yourself a piggy bank or large jar and every time you engage in this folly, you put a dollar in the jar. It will amaze you in 30 days how the jar has filled up. Don’t be hard on yourself because we are all guilty of this folly. When God sees you are working towards improvement, he will bless you. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 26

Proverbs 26:27

“Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”

When you dig a ditch, you better dig two because the trap you set may just be for you. What goes around comes around.

I am sure you have heard of the animated cartoon, Tom and Jerry. It revolved on a rivalry between its two title characters, Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse. The shows usually centered on Tom’s many attempts to capture Jerry. Tom rarely catches Jerry, mainly because of Jerry’s cleverness, cunning abilities, and luck. A lot of times Tom got trapped in the same devices he set to catch Jerry.

Wicked men devise traps and trouble for the innocent and righteous as you can see with what Tom tried countless times to do to Jerry. Do you have enemies? Do you have evil people that are trying to destroy you? Fear not because God will avenge every wrong that has been done to you. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”–Romans 12:19. “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.”–Psalms 7:15-16.

Let go and let God. The God of glory does not slumber or sleep. Every time the wicked conspire against you, God will turn their devices on their own heads. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 26

Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:5

“A wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.”

When do people discontinue learning in life? According to King Solomon and the proverbs only an unwise man stops learning. A wise man will keep his ears open and decipher things he hears throughout his entire life and build upon his learning. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Let me say this to everyone right now the following statement I make you will see it repeated in this book many times. God gave all of us two ears and one mouth for a reason. He wants us to do more listening than talking. You cannot hear what someone else has to say or improve upon your listening and learning skills if your tongue is constantly in motion. So, a big part of learning how to become a person of wisdom is being quiet and being still. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

The fool is the one who thinks he knows everything. These people are the ones that feel that have gained all the knowledge they will ever need. Unfortunately, that is an untrue assessment. The oldest living person in the Bible was Methuselah. He lived to be 969 years old and then he died. Even if we were to live that long we would never know all there is to know. Therefore, we should always be alert and ready to learn new things.

The second part of this proverb tells us that a person of understanding will gain good counsel. The more effort we put forth to hear and learn then we will gain a better understanding and wisdom. We will be able to differentiate between many things. When God sees us trying, he makes himself known to us which will make all the difference in the world. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Wisdom – ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; a wise attitude, belief, or course of action.

Fear – an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger; anxious concern.

Reverence – honor or respect felt or shown; a gesture of respect.

Awe – an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime.

Knowledge – the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association; the range of one’s information or understanding. I am sure you have all heard the adage “knowledge is power.” You can become powerful where the Lord is concerned in a fearful state. However, you must have the right fear which is reverential.

Above I have provided definitions of words critical to the Book of Proverbs and this verse. Wisdom means being wise and all of us can be that. To have knowledge of something it is mandatory we have familiarity and to do that we must have an association. We need to surround ourselves with that thing. Fear takes on all shapes and sizes. We can have a fear of roller coasters, airplanes, spiders, being alone, even being diagnosed with a deadly disease. Movies take on all genres but a film like Halloween and Friday the 13th inspire terror. To reverence something means to honor it. God specifically stated how important honor is in the book of Exodus 20:12, “Honor thy Father and Mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

So now let’s return to the above passage. The first part of this proverb is telling us we are to understand that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. This is where it becomes tricky. We are not to have a fear of the Lord like we fear snakes, bees, etc. We are to have a reverential fear of the Lord. To fear God means we recognize him as supreme and absolute. This means we respect, honor, and we are to be in awe of the Lord. Why is this necessary? Well, first they state it in the above proverb. All things have their origin in God. Read Genesis Chapter 1. It states that God created the earth and everything in it. With that awesome power, we need to fear the Lord. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:22

“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?”

In this proverb, Solomon is addressing three types of people in a disparaging way. It is downright insulting. He refers to the simple ones (simplicity) which imply ignorance. It satisfies lazy people just eating, working, playing, and sleeping. Do you lead a very basic life? Are you content to leave the mental work to others? This will never give you wisdom.

Scorners are people who despise and reject the truth. These people don’t believe in building up others just tearing them down. These people live a lifestyle where they can offer nothing positive. They eventually become galling, people who are only concerned with their own desires who have nothing to offer anyone.

Finally, fools are people who lack good sense or judgment. I personally don’t believe anyone wants to be described in that fashion. How do we make sure we steer clear from being categorized in this fashion? We crave wisdom! In the same way, people crave ballpark food at a sporting event like baseball. Oh, and for those people who follow baseball remember three strikes you’re out so in this instance you would be called out by the home plate umpire and sent back to the dugout if you fall into these three categories. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:26

“I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.”

Foolish people believe they know everything so if anyone tries to instruct them, they laugh. They go through life like it is a constant carnival or party and show contempt if anybody tries to take away their amusement and enjoyment. This is when God sits high in heaven and looks down below and laughs at them.

God is not someone to be mocked. He will have his day where the foolish are concerned. “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.

For, those of us who are mature enough to remember The Three Stooges show we know how happy Curly became once any bad thing or suffering happened to Moe. Unfortunately, Moe always thought he was better than Curly & Larry and so when he was deflated at any time, they both reveled in his bad fortune. Well, this is the same principle that this verse implies. Wisdom will laugh at your negative circumstances and make fun of your catastrophes because you felt you didn’t need wisdom. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Proverbs 1:31

“Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.”

The above verse is saying in plain terms you deserve what you get because of bad decisions. In today’s world, most people are reaping what they sowed because they made foolish choices. God has warned us in his word that we will be blessed if we do what he says and cursed if we don’t.

Unfortunately, people today worldwide look at God and his words with contempt feeling it is worthless. Many people are only interested in what feels good to them. Feelings, however, can get you in a world of trouble. When we operate out of our flesh, we make many mistakes and that drives us to do ungodly things. There are many deeds of the flesh some of which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, drunkenness and others.

A great example of making bad choices and then reaping the results would be this. If you are a person who has food allergies and is allergic to items like crabs, shrimp, clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, and shellfish then you need to stay clear of these things unless you want to be diagnosed with Anaphylaxis. This is a hypersensitivity as to foreign proteins or drugs resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent. This can manifest as hives, itching, and watery eyes. A good example of this would be the movie “Hitch” with Will Smith. Wisdom will keep you away from making bad decisions. Book of Proverbs Summary & Quotes: Chapter 1

Book of Proverbs – Five Star Review & Best Seller – Donna Louis

All authors especially Christian book authors should realize that God is their salesman. However, with that said you must be open to someone critiquing your book. As an author you have to be open to learning and growing as a writer. This can be accomplished with book reviews.

Book reviews do several things for authors. They provide greater visibility for your book. If the book review is favorable, you stand a better chance of it being located by more readers. There are some websites where authors books that have more reviews stand the chance of being shown to people who are inclined to buy books. Favorable book reviews produce more sales, and this can open doors to bigger and better things. http://www.miraclebook.net

It is very important that you acquire real reviews from real people as that will be the more honorable and virtuous way to handle business. Do your research as there are several places where you can obtain a book review.

I wrote a book titled “Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day” that was an arduous eleven-year journey, but I finally completed it and published it. Now I don’t recommend that you publish your book before you get a book review just in case it is not favorable, and you need to tweak some things, but I was blessed to send it off for a review and received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. I feel so humbled to have received this five-star book review which also comes with a seal to place on your book. Even with a five star review you also receive a mini critique to let you know what your strengths and weaknesses were. This is a part of the learning curve that all authors need to have. They also allow you to review the person who reviewed your book.

Book reviews can also create media buzz. I have also been blessed to have this book become a Best Seller. The best thing you can do is pray for your book. Prayer changes things. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” – James 1:6. Book of Proverbs – Five Star Review & Best Seller – Donna Louis

The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust Another Prospective

Lots of people have had to endure some major downpours of rain in the forms of losing a loved one to a Mass Shooting, or Covid-19, or a child to school shootings, or intense hatred from Racism. Then there are also lives that were lost to Political Divisions like the rampage at the U. S. Capitol building, and the loss of life from opioid addiction. The list is endless of bad things that happen to good people. However, we must remember that Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Two of the greatest spirited motivational speakers Tony Robbins & Les Brown tell us to keep the faith and keep moving forward. After the rain, God will give us all beauty for ashes. Check out my website

As we have read in the bible, but I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. – The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust Another Prospective

God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for all our sins. God also gave us freedom of choice and some of us choose to live life doing good while others choose to do evil. God is no respecter of persons so all of us will have to endure testing periods in our lives. One of the greatest well-known figures in the bible went through long arduous testing from God. Joseph had to wait 13 years before he lived his dream of being second in command to Pharoah. Joseph endured lots of trials: being thrown in a ditch by his brothers was sold into slavery, was imprisoned because he was wrongfully accused of trying to sleep with Pharoah’s wife, and finally, he interpreted a dream and was released from prison and was promoted to second in command behind Pharoah. – The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust Another Prospective

Remember God never gives you more than you can bear, you are stronger than you think. Remember events will happen in life but your reaction to them will determine the outcome as to whether you pass the test and rise or if you fall. You cannot have a testimony if you do not have a test. – The Rain Falls On The Just & The Unjust Another Prospective

This is the reason for me writing the three books I have written, and I have been blessed for them to be Award-Winning Books: Miracles of Direction Miracles of Conquest Miracles of Provision Miracles of Purpose, Book of Proverbs – Proverbs for The Modern Day, and Thriving In Every Season Of Life With God. I was awarded one of the 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading For 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. I was a nominee for Top Female Author in 2017. I won Top Female Author in 2018 for the Religion/Philosophy/Spiritual category. Finally, I was awarded a 5-Star Book Review from Readers’ Favorite in March 2021. I feel so blessed and humbled to have received these awards and accolades.

Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – The Rain Falls on the Just & The Unjust

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. – Acts 10:34. – Book of Proverbs – The Rain Falls on the Just & The Unjust.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:45

https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Falls-Just-Unjust/dp/B0BQ59CRW8

As much as Christians or believers of God would like to believe that just because we acknowledge God in our lives, we should never have any sorrow that is untrue. Just believing that makes us commit sin because then we are not humble but haughty.

Haughty – blatantly and disdainfully proud: having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior. http://www.merriam-webster.com

Humble – not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive, reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission. http://www.merriam-webster.com

We will all have challenges, disappointments, and unfair situations arise in our lives but as believers of God, we are to handle ourselves where unbelievers will want to become like us. We are to TRUST, HAVE FAITH, and BELIEVE that GOD has our back and will keep us lifted above, fight our battles, and always cause us to Triumph! Check out my website

If you have always wanted to be an actor and actress and that dream has not materialized yet realize that as a believer in God, you are in front of an audience every day. Every stressful situation that you encounter is a TEST. You must pass these tests and when you do God will take you to the next level. The way you handle theses tests and trials is being watched carefully by unbelievers. The way you handle yourself is what will bring more unbelievers to God which is our main purpose to further the kingdom of God. – Book of Proverbs – The Rain Falls on the Just & The Unjust.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. – Ephesians 6:11-18.

So even though rain falls on the just and the unjust as a child of God and a believer remember what Moses told the children of Israel, The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

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Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Keep Getting Up

“You can’t lose confidence in yourself, or you’ve lost already. When you get knocked down, you’ve got to keep getting back up.” – Tim Tebow

“Don’t judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” -Nelson Mandela

“Every stumble is not a fall, and every fall does not mean failure” – Oprah Winfrey

We all have times in life when we stumble and fall whether it was our own fault or someone else causing the fall. No matter whose fault it is we must get back up and keep moving. You know the old saying “if at first, you don’t succeed try, try again.”

There are two categories of people who are remarkably familiar with this: Babies start walking on average when they are 12 months old. Some start as early as 9 months old and some start at 18 months. The one thing all babies have in common is that once they do start walking, they fall multiple times until they can walk perfectly. The other category of people is hockey players. Every hockey game has at least one player that falls on the ice during a game whether it is their unbalance, or they were tripped. They do not stay on the ice and refuse to get back up. They pop up and continue to play the game. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Keep Getting Up. – http://www.miraclebook.net

This is what God expects us to do also. God did not stop the world once Adam and Eve sinned. God did not fall and say, that is it, it is over. Adam and Eve spoiled everything and now what is the use? God kept moving forward. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” – Proverbs 24:16

There are several people in the bible that stumbled and fell but with God’s assistance was able to get back up and become great men and women. Here are a few:

The Apostle Paul who was originally named Saul that persecuted every Christian until God intervened

King David who killed Goliath but also slept with Bathsheba who was married to Uriah the Hittite that King David had murdered

Moses who lead the people of Israel out of slavery and bondage with Pharaoh but murdered an Egyptian

Simon Peter who denied knowing Jesus three times

Jonah who was swallowed by the whale when he refused to obey God and spread God’s message

Tamar who was a barren woman who never had children with her first 2 husbands and finally unorthodoxically slept with her father-in-law Judah and bore twin sons. One of the sons was the ancestor of King David a direct lineage to Christ

You didn’t get the home you wanted, you lost the business deal, the person you thought you would spend the rest of your life with walked out and left you, you didn’t get the promotion at work, you miscarried on giving birth to your first child, you weren’t chosen when you auditioned for your first performance, you failed your first driving test. There are many other examples of falling and failure, but we all need to remember one of America’s greatest inventors Thomas Edison who failed 10,000 times before he was able to create the incandescent electric lightbulb. “I have not failed. I just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas Edison.

Do not give up and throw the towel in when you fall. Mistakes and failure are necessary to grow. It reminds us that we cannot do anything without God’s assistance. It also reminds us to be humble, not haughty. KEEP GETTING UP! – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Keep Getting Up.

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Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Bonus

Bonus – something in addition to what is expected or strictly due.

Here are some examples of types of bonuses: All references taken from https://www.merriam-webster.com.

1- money or an equivalent given in addition to an employee’s usual compensation

2-a premium (as of stock) given by a corporation to a purchaser of its securities, to a promoter, or to an employee

3-a government payment to war veterans

4-a sum in excess of salary given to an athlete for signing with a team

We all like to get a bonus and are excited when we get what we are expecting. However, what happens when we do not get what we wanted? We then become annoyed, exasperated, and a host of other negative emotions. The mind is a BATTLEFIELD. Let us take a closer look at how we have choices and how we can look at a bonus in a negative or positive mindset.

B = Broken or Beauty for Ashes. We can choose to feel broken, shattered, crushed because we didn’t get what we wanted or we can TRUST God that he will make it up to us and give us something even better and give us Beauty for Ashes and keep moving forward. : “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” – Isaiah 61:3

O = Overwhelmed or Omega. When we are in a fiery furnace like how Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego were we again have choices. We can become overwhelmed where all we do is stay on the phone calling friends and keep talking about all the problems and get even more stressed and overwhelmed or we can turn to Omega for help. In the book of Revelations 22:13, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” We must have complete FAITH in God that he will keep his promises. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11

N = Nobody or Nirvana. What about the times when we have encountered so many bad events in our lives that we feel God has forgotten about us and we are just a nobody? We can either wallow in that negativity or we can shake that off and remember nirvana. This is a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality. https://www.merriam-webster.com. An example of this would be a resort which is a skier’s and snowboarder’s nirvana. Now, remember whatever provides you bliss that is what you want to do to take yourself out of the doldrums. Remember nothing that happens to you is a surprise to God so let him handle it. Let Go and Let God!

U = Unworthy or Ubiquity. There are times in life when we think we have committed so much sin that we are unworthy to have anything good happen to us. We feel that we cannot ask God for anything because we do not deserve it. Remember God gives us all a fresh set of grace every 24 hours. Ubiquity – presence everywhere or in many places especially simultaneously: OMNIPRESENCE. God is always everywhere. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” – Proverbs 15:3. We must not persecute ourselves because sometimes we fall short. God sees everything we do, and he is aware of all the times you do the right thing as well as when you make a mistake. God is a loving father and wants to give the best to his children. “For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” – Psalm 5:12

S = Screwed or Success. There will come a time when we will all feel like we have had the air taken out of our sails and we have been screwed. However, what we must remember is just like how Joseph went from the Pit to the Palace we will also. Success may not come when you want it because God does not operate on our timetable. This is when we must dig our heels in and BELIEVE success is on the way. To everything there is a season and even though you may be in the summer season where you are pulling a lot of weeds and dealing with a lot of stressful issues remember that the spring season is on the way and you will get your harvest. “Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark 11:24

Trust God, Have Faith and Believe for your BONUS. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Bonus.

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Book of Proverbs – From Crimson Red To White As Snow

Book of Proverbs – From Crimson Red To White As Snow. Check out my website

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. – Isaiah 1:18

After the first transgression on earth in the Garden of Eden, we have been deemed sinners and ultimately, we will all face death. However, God’s love for us is insurmountable. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3.

God’s resume is bountiful. He is the greatest Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, Accountant, Carpenter, Fisherman, Painter, and many more. God is also the greatest Makeup Artist ever.

Makeup artists all over the world, especially in Hollywood, are charged with making celebrities look stunning and fabulous. Top of the line makeup artists are used by famous Hollywood stars and musicians. Book of Proverbs – From Crimson Red To White As Snow.

When we are engulfed in sin and God touches our heart and we decide to trust him and give our lives over to him then he becomes our Makeup Artist. These are some of the ways that God changes us from Crimson Red to White as Snow:

And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. – Jeremiah 33:8

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Then God will give you peace, a peace which is too wonderful to understand. That peace will keep your hearts and minds safe as you trust in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, this is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. – Jeremiah 30:17

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. – John 14:16

All these verses have a highlighted word which is most important. These are just some of the things that change after we give our life to Christ and we go from crimson red to white as snow. The most important of these is the comforter. This is the Holy Spirit that lives in each of us. The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity. He is who will lead and guide us if we ask. He is also who will convict us if we are leaning towards doing sinful things. As you can see if we allow The Holy Spirit to guide us and obey God even though he changes us little by little eventually you will see the new you and what the Makeup Artist has created. Check out my website