John 1:29-42, Known & Loved

“I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah”, and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Peter.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭34‬, ‭41‬-‭42‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John the Baptist sees Jesus and tells everyone who Jesus is, the one they have all been waiting for!  Instantly, John’s followers leave him and start to follow Jesus.  The first thing they all do is go to tell everyone they care about the good news: the Messiah is here!

But what blows me away is that last statement, where Jesus is first introduced to Simon and tells him his future.  This must have been very compelling because Peter never left Jesus after this interaction.

What is amazing is Jesus knows me and my future.  Every good and bad thing I have done and will ever do…and He still loves me.  Isn’t that what we all long for!?!  Someone who knows us perfectly, accepts us even with our faults and loves us anyway!

Lord help me to boldly proclaim who You are and allow me to introduce people to You, the One who perfectly knows and perfectly loves everyone!

John 1:19-28, Reflect Christ

“This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?””

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John lived his life in a unique way and people noticed he was different.  It was obvious there was something different about him and his message.  This caused people to go to him to ask the question, what’s the story John?

My life should also look different from the people around me…it should be obvious that I have the hope of Jesus.

Lord, I don’t want to be a freak, but I pray that people would want to know about You because of what they see in my life.  Help me to live vibrantly so that anyone who interacts with me sees You reflected in my words and actions!

John 1:14-18. Grace & Truth

 “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Jesus was full of grace (not treating people in the negative way that they rightly deserved) and truth.  He didn’t lie to people.  He didn’t ignore the things they did that were sinful.  Rather He was kind to them, seeing them with compassion, while at the same time He is still calling us up to live as God created us to live.  

Gods laws (His rules and commands) are given to us so that we can live peaceful, quiet lives, experiencing joy, contentment and peace with those around us.  That all sounds pretty fantastic to me!  The alternative is extreme selfishness, to go after everything that I want…short busts of pleasure followed by enormous regret, frustration, confusion and fear, lived out on repeat.  This is horrible to experience and devastating to watch.

Lord, help me to be like Jesus- filled with compassion, patience and tenderness for people choosing their own way. Yet, able to kindly share the truth without causing more pain or them feeling judged and rejected.

John 1:1-13 True Life

 “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. 

… to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬, ‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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John tells us that true life, thriving life, energizing life…eternal life is found only in Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but that is the life I want.  In contrast, life apart from Jesus is dull, feels empty (or at least seems like there should be more), requires that we look for excitement and constantly seeking another rush of fun or adrenaline. 

Then shockingly he tells us that we can be adopted into Jesus family just by receiving Him, accepting Him, believing Him.  This incredibly simple exchange happens not because we have the right plan or finally figure it out…but because it was Gods will.  

So He desires that we follow Him, and gives us the ability to receive the gift of true life.

Lord, help me to follow You.  I don’t want to throw away this gift You chose to give me!  I want to experience true life to the full!!’

Proverbs 31- Spousal Delight

“Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬, ‭26‬, ‭30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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There is no gift after Salvation, that has more impact on your life.  Marrying a wife who encourages you toward what is truly important cannot be understated.  We all need help and encouragement and having a spouse that is ready, able and full of wisdom is critical for long term joy.

Lord, I have been blessed beyond measure and I want to remain thankful and demonstrate my delight every day.  Help me not to get self focused but to love and protect her daily.  Thank You for the incredible wife and partner in every adventure…

Proverbs 30- Blind to Sin

“Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God. 

There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth. This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.””

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭8‬-‭9‬, ‭12‬, ‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, give me eyes to see myself clearly.  Don’t allow me to be blind to who I am or the impact of my sin.  It is so easy to falsely think that I have things in life handled and I don’t need You, but that is the biggest lie.  I need You every moment of every day or else I begin to move in the wrong direction and cause chaos in my life and those around me.

Proverbs 29- Prides Antidote

“Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be happy. 

A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor. 

The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29‬:‭18‬, ‭23‬, ‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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The fear of what others think, pride and a lack of direction lead to destruction…Humility, obedience and trusting God bring happiness, honor and safety.

Lord, help me to trust You in every situation.  Let me first run to Your word instead of making my own plan.  I want to be ruled by humility, and Scripture!

Proverbs 28- Painful Truth

“Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong. 

The one who lives with integrity will be helped, but one who distorts right and wrong will suddenly fall. 

One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. 

The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭6‬, ‭18‬, ‭23‬, ‭26‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Integrity is such a valuable characteristic in humanity, and unfortunately it is rare!  Sometimes it is easier to tell a friend that what they are doing is no big deal, even though it is obviously sin.  It feels better in the moment to lie and have them like you…we often call that “being kind”…but God doesn’t distort the truth.  We all have to decide if we will trust God or trust ourselves.

Lord, help me to trust You alone, speak truth in a loving way and have compassion for those who  don’t walk in integrity.

Proverbs 27- Godly Counsel

“Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel. 

Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭9‬, ‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, thank you for placing me in a community that loves me and encourages me.  Thank you for surrounding me with people who love you and continually remind me of Your goodness and grace.

When I try to figure out my own problems, I inevitably make them worse...but when I bring in trusted, believing friends, they always help me to see things clearly and point me back to your truth!  Without those people, I would be lost, hopeless and making a mess of even the simplest problems!

Proverbs 26- Pride & Foolishness

“As a dog returns to its vomit, so also a fool repeats his foolishness. 

Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, help me to remain humble and avoid the foolishness of pride.

Proverbs 25- Speaking What, When

“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings. A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, you have given me a ministry that relies heavily upon speaking into challenging situations to people who are hurt/hurting.  Let me depend solely on Your Spirit to know the appropriate timing and what to say so that they may benefit and You are glorified!

Proverbs 24- Cost of Wisdom

“A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength; for you should wage war with sound guidance — victory comes with many counselors. 

Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate; realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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The benefits of wisdom really are unending.  And what is amazing is that wisdom is not something that is dependent on how smart you are or how much education you have, it comes from following Jesus.  Wisdom comes from reading scripture, talking to people who have wisdom, praying to God.  In James we see that God gives wisdom to anyone who asks…

So wisdom is not hard to get, all of those things are free and accessible.  But wisdom does require humility in nearly every way:

- we must admit that we need it.

- we must recognize people wiser than us.

- we need to be willing to consider that our way is not best.

- we have to be suspicious of our natural thinking.

- we need to ask for help.

- we must respond to wisdom given by acting on it…even when it is uncomfortable or hard.

- we should attempt to build it into how we think about all aspects of life.

So although it is not hard to get, it is extremely difficult to pursue.  However, it is worth it in every way!  Sweet to your soul and leading to victory at every turn…it is worth the challenge, worth the humility, it is worth whatever it costs!!!

Proverbs 23- Self Control

“Apply yourself to discipline and listen to words of knowledge. 

Don’t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the Lord. For then you will have a future, and your hope will not be dashed.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭12‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Discipline is not easy, but it is worth it…to be disciplined in holding Gods Word in high esteem, or listening to it above my own wants or desires takes daily, moment by moment surrender.  

God I cannot do any of this on my own, I need Your Spirit to empower me, to produce self control, and to energize me to surrender to Your will every second.  Without Your strength, I will drift back to my selfish ways and be dragged away by pride.  In that far away state, I feel so alone and hopeless…

Proverbs 22- Confidence in God

“Listen closely, pay attention to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge. For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. I have instructed you today — even you — so that your confidence may be in the Lord.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, thank You for giving me wisdom from Your Word!  I pray that it would not just be knowledge stored up, but that You would guide me into opportunities to share it and example it!  Bolster my confidence in Your work, in Your character, in Your love so that others would recognize You and run to Your presence.

Proverbs 21- Words & Motives

“All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs hearts. 

The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬, ‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, help me to see from your perspective, give me wisdom to understand my own heart and motivations.  I don’t want to be fooled by my own selfish thoughts or excuses.  I want to make decisions based on truth, Your Word and an accurate understanding of why I do what I do.

In all these things, guard my mouth that I may speak truth in love, recite Your Word with accuracy and allow You to protect my reputation rather than my creative deceit.  Give me the faith to trust You alone rather than feeling the need to help with verbal misdirection.

Lord, I want to please You with my motives and my words…May I rest in Your strength rather than my cunning!

Provers 20- Scripture & Spirit

 “Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute, but any fool can get himself into a quarrel. 

Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water; but a person of understanding draws it out. 

Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬, ‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, you have called me to counsel and help with disputes.  I need Your wisdom to be effective, Your Word to impact peoples hearts.  For the sake of those whom I minister, remind me that my words are flawed and only Your Word and Spirit can bring transformation!

Proverbs 19- Fight or Follow

 “A person’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord. 

Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬, ‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, I pray that I would not be set against You in my plans.  I have plenty of foolishness left inside my heart and mind, but I don’t want to be in opposition to You or Your plans for me!  I don't want to be fighting in a different direction than your plan, because Your ways are best and I know You will win in the end.  

Help me to see it early when I am pulling against Your will so that I don’t find myself fighting against You!  I never want to fight You, because I know it will be painful and I will end up going Your way in the end.  Better to put all my efforts into going with You and spending my energy in the same direction as You are leading.

I love You Lord and want to go where You lead because I know it is best for me!!!

Proverbs 18- Near Protection

 “One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound wisdom. 

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected. 

Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. 

One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬, ‭10‬, ‭12‬, ‭24‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Selfishness and pride are the evidence of coming destruction, especially when that person is isolating from those who can give wisdom.  At the same time we can have pride and selfishness and surround ourselves with other people who think like us…there is little protection there, since the problem stems from our own thinking.  Just because we find others who share our opinions and desires does not mean we have found “wisdom”.

The antidote to pride and selfishness is surrender to the one who is “closer than a brother”, who is “a strong tower”, who is Jesus.  He is the ultimate protector and will provide the only thing we really need in life: His presence.  After all He is “closer than a brother” because His Spirit lives inside us…and He strengthens us to get through any storm, because He never leaves us on our own.

Lord, help me to live in surrender to Your will and help me to see when pride, selfishness, and isolation are pulling me further from You!

Proverbs 17- Heart Condition

“A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold, and the Lord is the tester of hearts. 

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬, ‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Purification of precious metal is performed by heating it up to force the impurities out of the material.  It’s almost impossible to look at a lump of gold and know its purity, and humans are the same.  We need God to purify our hearts, which He also does through heat and pressure of trials.  Having willingly submitted our heart to the Lord, I expect to be tried but also purified and enlivened with joy!

God is the only one who can take our brokenness and purify it, transform it and soften it into joy, peace and contentment.  He does it through fire, trials and painful circumstances to drive out the impurity…leaving behind joy.  Lord thank You for purifying me a little more each day.  Help me to love the process that draws me closer to You!

Proverbs 16- Pride & Lies

“All a person’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs motives. 

Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 

Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. 

Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬, ‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, purify my motives…allow my heart to recognize when pride is driving me or I am twisting truth to get my way.  Give me faith to trust that You are at work and will use every situation to purify me and glorify Jesus!

Proverbs 15- Attractive Words

“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. 

The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools. 

A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word — how good that is! 

Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬, ‭7‬, ‭23‬, ‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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What great reminders of how to speak wisely!  Lord teach me to make knowledge attractive.so that it is not easily ignored.  

Proverbs 14- Confusion vs Clarity

 “Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord, but the one who is devious in his ways despises him. 

A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive. 

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death. 

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬, ‭6‬, ‭12‬, ‭27‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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I love how the Proverbs bring contrast so easily to very complicate ideas:

A mocker is someone who thinks following God’s ways is silly, he makes fun of those who fear the Lord.  They think their own ways are better…maybe more in line with what makes them feel good, or is less offensive to their friends.  Even when they are earnestly looking for the right thing to do, they cannot find it…everything just seems confusing and doesn’t line up with what makes sense in their own mind.  In other words, following your own ideas leads to confusion.

The wise person fears the Lord.  They recognize that trusting what God says, although it does require sacrifice, leads to joy, peace and contentment.  It protects you from death or at least situations that seem like death would be easier.  Confusion and chaos can be avoided when we trust that God knows the “why” even when it doesn’t make sense to us!

Lord give me faith to trust that You always know why and that Your way is best…even when that makes no sense to me!

Proverbs 13- Time Machine

 “Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore discipline, but the one who accepts correction will be honored. 

Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but to turn from evil is detestable to fools. 

The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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How does my life fit into these categories?  Lord, give me wisdom:

“Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore discipline, but the one who accepts correction will be honored.”

I don’t want poverty and disgrace, but I do want to be honored…

“Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but to turn from evil is detestable to fools.”

I don’t want to be a fool and I want to avoid sin…

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.”

I don’t want to suffer trials but I do want to be wise…

Lord, help me to see how todays thoughts, decisions and actions lead to who I am tomorrow…or in 20 years!

Proverbs 12- Future Vision

 “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a wife who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. 

A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.

There is life in the path of righteousness, and in its path there is no death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬, ‭14‬, ‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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What we say, the path we walk and the choices we make all have significant consequences.  These proverbs remind me of the long term results of the quick, small and insignificant decisions we make.

Lord, give me wisdom to see the impact of each choice I make today.  I pray it would be so clear as I am making the decision as if I were watching a TV show…I want to chose You!  I want the long term joys of following You!

Proverbs 11- Peaceful Life

 “When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. 

Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance. 

Genuine righteousness leads to life, but pursuing evil leads to death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬, ‭14‬, ‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Humility, guidance and doing right…all are required for a peaceful life and each one builds on the other!

Lord, help me to stay (or become) humble in every situation.  Allow me to see and comprehend my own weaknesses.  Place men and women around me that are wise so that I may seek their input.  Then, give me the strength to do what is right, even when it is hard!

Proverbs 10- Avoid Suffering

 “What the wicked dreads will come to him, but what the righteous desire will be given to them. 

The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the honorable, but destruction awaits evildoers. 

The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not remain on the earth.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬, ‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Simple statements of truth, but great reminders of why I follow You.  I need Your protection, I need your guidance and I want the blessings of following You!  Maybe I am selfish and want to avoid destruction, chaos and the unknown…but if I can have good things rather than bad, I am all in on pursuing You Jesus!

Lord, help me to trust in You as I walk out each day!

Proverbs 9- Correction Reception

 “…rebuke the wise, and he will love you. Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, allow me to be receptive to wisdom…let me be as the wise who responds well to correction by others and by the conviction of the Spirit.

Proverbs 8- Wisdom

 “I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. I possess good advice and sound wisdom; I have understanding and strength. For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.””

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬-‭14‬, ‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, help me to know wisdom in every situation, allow me to identify Your wisdom rather than “a good idea”!  I need wisdom in every conversation, wash interaction so that I can represent Christ well…I never want anything I say or do to cause people to lower their view of Jesus!

Proverbs 7- Seductive World

Read the following imagining the seductive woman as the world’s philosophy:

 “My child, obey my words, and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and live, and guard my instructions as you would the pupil of your eye. Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your relative. She will keep you from a forbidden woman, a wayward woman with her flattering talk. 

At the window of my house I looked through my lattice. I saw among the inexperienced [you], I noticed among the youths, a young man lacking sense. Crossing the street near her corner, he strolled down the road to her house at twilight, in the evening, in the dark of the night. A woman [the world] came to meet him dressed like a prostitute, having a hidden agenda. She is loud and defiant; her feet do not stay at home. Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner [social media]. She grabs him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him, “I’ve made fellowship offerings; today I’ve fulfilled my vows [I am religious]. So I came out to meet you, to search for you, and I’ve found you. I’ve spread coverings on my bed  — richly colored linen from Egypt. I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of lovemaking until morning. Let’s feast on each other’s love! 

My husband isn’t home; he went on a long journey. He took a bag of silver with him and will come home at the time of the full moon.” She seduces him with her persistent pleading; she lures with her flattering talk. He follows her impulsively like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding toward a trap until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare  — he doesn’t know it will cost him his life. 

Now, children, listen to me, and pay attention to the words from my mouth. Don’t let your heart turn aside to her ways; don’t stray onto her paths. For she has brought many down to death; her victims are countless. Her house is the road to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭27‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Proverbs 6- Guide Book

 “My son, keep your father’s command, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching. Always bind them to your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk here and there, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Lord, help me to meditate on your instruction so that I always know what You want me to do.  I want Your Word to be as clear to me as if You were talking to me about the situations I face, I want it to be as clear as my GPS when I need guidance and I want to know You are right here with me in every joy and sorrow!