Solomon shares his summation of the essence of life in the book of Ecclesiastes. He declares all to be vanity, useless. To him, the most important thing became giving your best to every moment and task and making the most of it. He spoke from experience.

I have arrived at a personal conclusion from my life and experience. It all boils down to three things … your life and experience with God and all it includes … and who do you love … and who loves you.

You may have lived a great life and accomplished much, when you get old, nobody wants to hear you brag. They will, however, respond positively to the giving and receiving of love … especially your family!

READ/HEAR:. Ecc. 1-5

Proverbs 31 describes the pinnacle woman. Guess what! I found her. I married her and she became the mother of our children.

The key element is found in the closing comments from King Lemuel in Proverbs 31 … she is a God-fearing woman!

Apart from God, no woman alive could ever measure up to the challenging list of qualities this Wonder woman described in Proverbs 31 exemplifies. However, through Christ she can!

READ/HEAR: Pr.31

I’m visiting my parents in Ohio right now. My dad is almost 95 years old. Amazingly, he was helping me replace the kitchen sink faucet yesterday. He can get up and down off the floor better than I can. I respect him so much.

Gratefully, I have a godly mother and father who are easy to respect. Proverbs 30 warns against disrespecting your father and disobeying your mother.

READHEAR: Pr. 30

When a corrupt leader rules, everyone groans. Unwise leadership strategies and methods cause hardship for followers. We are blessed to live in a nation where we can evaluate the leadership flavors of candidates and then vote for our choice. How difficult it must be to live in a country where your leadership is imposed upon you, regardless of their integrity.

Every election is critical because which affects the lives of so many. Corrupt leaders foster more corruption. Godly leaders root it out.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 27-29

Proverbs says if you purge corruption from leadership, an administration can be established in integrity. The goal of every leader should be to eliminate corruption and self-serving advisers.

When we vote, we should likewise endeavor to only support leaders who walk in truth and integrity. The privilege to vote should be taken seriously and bathed in prayer.

READ/HEAR: Or. 24-26

Scripture says the king’s heart is like a stream of water that the Lord directs. That implies God’s control over our current president and indicates that, regardless of who gets elected in 2020, God will still be in control.

This is a strong reason to pray for that person, whomever they may be. God sets up one and puts down another. He gives them time and space to repent and conform to His plan, but will maintain the overall control of their destiny. The legacies of U.S. presidents could have been much different if they had yielded to God’s plan for their lives. Nevertheless, God ultimately overrides their weaknesses and gets His way.

It has always been comforting to see a president consult with spiritual leaders such as Billy Graham and presently, Franklin Graham.

Meanwhile, we pray and believe for our nation.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 21,22

The Psalms are a Christian on his knees. They enhance the devotional life and expound on how to please God.

The Proverbs are a Christian on his feet. Practical wisdom for everyday life situations and challenges is offered.

If a person uses 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb each day, they make it through the books in a month. It’s actually a healthy devotional plan.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 18-20

A motive is the intent of the heart. God is more concerned about our hearts and our motives than we realize. Outward compliance with rules can often disguise rebellious hearts. Jesus went to the heart of matters rather than just the behaviors observable by the eye.

The only way heart motives can be purified and regulated is by continual exposure to God’s Word and His Spirit. His Word can establish how our heart should react to life and His Spirit can continually redirect our motives to please Him

Only God can accurately judge heart motives. We should never fault-find the lives of others if we haven’t first judged our own hearts.  Otherwise, we are hypocrites.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 16,17

The eyes of the Lord are EVERYWHERE!

How foolish to think that secret sin is truly secret. God keeps an eye on everyone, all the time. He loves us and wants to provide for us and protect us. His intentions are holy and good. That’s a great reason to continually praise Him … we have His attention.

There’s coming when all will be revealed. It’s as if God has had a camera running on us at all times. Sins confessed will be erased.

It’s a lifestyle proctor to live with God’s watchful eye in mind.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 14,15

Current trends in raising children avoid using the rod for correction. However, it is the method preferred in Proverbs.

As a private school administrator, I learned that discipline requires consequences. Talking only goes so far. Children learn when there are consequences.

When I say rod, I’m referring to a wooden stick not more than 1/2 inch in diameter … thick enough to bring pain to the rear end, but not large enough to do any damage. Children get the message.

Soon, I will publish ten steps to correction.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 11-13