A recurring theme in Proverbs is a warning against sinful sexual behavior. What’s more, they identify the consequences of it. Wise leaders and parents likewise sound this advice lest offenders reap the painful and bitter consequences of out-of-bounds sexual activity.

Homes, schools, churches, and other organizations that develop youth are wise to avoid sexually permissive messages that say its ok to enjoy the pleasures of sin which only last for a short time but bring devastating pain.

Sadly, Hollywood and most modern media glorify sexual permissiveness. Often, the best posture is to avoid their influence. Strictly monitor the media diet children are consuming. Their life may depend upon it.

READ/HEAR: Pr. 7-10

David taught Solomon the value of God’s Word. He promised that health to his whole body would be the fruit of paying heed to his words; follow the Lord’s commands and seek wisdom.

This is another solid reason to read or hear God’s Word EVERY DAY. It brings health to the body. Before anyone seeks a doctor’s prescription, they should commit to spending time in the Word. In fact, when we pray for those infirmed, this should be automatic counsel.

When we stand before the Lord, we will wish we had devoted a greater portion of our lives to the Word.

It’s not too late. Begin today!

READ/HEAR: Pr. 4-6

I am being treated for Multiple Myeloma. It is a bone disease where abnormal plasma cells in the blood form destructive colonies in the bone marrow, thereby weakening the bones. My health challenge is in my bones.

While listening to Proverbs 3, I heard this phrase:

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

Humility and holy living are a key! I am hereby adopting this inspiring slogan: “Humility and Holy Living.”

I realize that there can be a subtle pride if this motto is handled arrogantly. So, I will just dive back into living like Christ. He was humble and holy. All my hope is in Him, not my ability to be humble and holy.

For me to live is Christ!

READ/HEAR: Proverbs 1-3

Our goal should be to please the Lord rather than ourselves. Our society and culture is self-centered and is reaping the (rotten) fruit of it. Media, products, messaging all focus on man and his pleasure.

God is rather concerned that we please Him and serve one another. Jesus came NOT to be served, but to serve and lay down His life for others. His Word encourages us to do the same.

Psalm 147 declares that the Lord is pleased with those who put their trust and hope in Him rather than themselves. The blessings that follow are overwhelming and complete. All His vast resources are of service and benefit to those who love Him and follow His statutes.

Our hope is not in a political party, our medicine, our favorite TV show, our college football team or even the help of friends and family … our hope is IN THE LORD.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 146-150

David called upon the Lord’s strength to resist sin. He relied upon the Lord to protect him from his enemies. He was desperate for the Lord’s presence on a daily basis to maintain the authority given him as king. He found courage from God to be the leader he was. Although he never used the word grace, he was living in its power as he carried on the duties as king and spiritual leader of the nation.

Grace is God giving us the strength and power to do what He wants us to do. We don’t find it from within our own resources or human persona. We find it in His Word, in His presence through prayer, and in His victory through praise.

Hallelujah! Thine the Glory. Revive us again.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 141-145

The Psalmist declared, “Let my (musical) hand forget its cunning and let me refrain from singing if I don’t make pleasing God my first priority. He turned his back on a big recording contract, a concert tour, flattering articles written about him in popular magazines, and a tee-shirt collection with his picture on it. Seriously, he esteemed ministry to the Lord the highest calling. He would not stoop to the practices of self-promotion, profiting off the talent the Lord had given him.

To minister to God IS the highest calling and honor. When the Lord opens our eyes to see how great He is, why would we want anything lower.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 137-140

God’s greatness is revealed through our praise. We declare to our generation that God is great. We make His faithfulness known by acts of praise.

My mind goes back to many occasions when I would take church choirs and musicians to the mall at Christmas. When so many shoppers were scurrying around, they would be confronted by a bunch of Christians from a church with a praise program of Christmas music. We did it because the Lord deserves it. In a moment of hearing the sound of praise, we were believing that the lives of the shoppers would be touched and drawn to the Lord by what they saw and heard.

God wants us to be bold and vocal to our generation about how great He is. Look for opportunities to give Him praise.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 131-136

The Psalms of Ascent (120-134) speak to the New Testament Christian of the benefits of going to church and belonging to the family of God. Church is our filling station. It’s family time with God’s people. Eternal relationships are built. Corporate praise gives God the glory due unto his name. Needs are expressed and prayed for. The opportunity to pay your tithe is presented. News of what God is doing around the world is shared. Occasionally, the family of God will gather to share food (church covered dish meals are the BEST) and have joyful fellowship. Above all, it’s a time for all to hear teaching and preaching from God’s Word.

Teach your children to go to church.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 120-130

A fruitful spiritual exercise is to read or listen to Ps. 119 and put yourself in the drivers seat. Place yourself in the equation whenever the Psalmist says, “I.”

God’s Word is meant to be personalized. As we receive it and apply it to our lives, God’s power and Spirit begin working. Granted, it’s a challenge to live up to its standards and principles, but the most fruitful life can ONLY BE ACHIEVED when we apply it to our lives.

The Christian’s benchmark is not Hollywood, Washington, the gym, the museum or any other earthly institution … it’s living according to “All that is written therein.” {Josh. 1:8]

READ/HEAR: Ps. 119

Ps. 118 is prophetic of Jesus, God’s strong hand, the stone the builders rejected, He Who comes in the name of the Lord.

The Psalmist makes the statement, “I shall not die but live, and proclaim what the Lord has done.” His life was spared for a purpose.

This phrase strikes near to me. I was diagnosed with cancer of the blood plasma cells in 2012. I am still here, alive and able to proclaim what the Lord has done for me. I hold on to that promise so that I might continue to do the Lord’s will here on earth. I am ready to meet the Lord, should he take me, but I don’t want to leave before I accomplish all He wants me to do. For me to live is Christ … still able to be a witness for Him to those who are living … and to die would be gain … to be WITH the Lord in Heaven, enjoying the rewards of a life lived for His purposes.

READ/HEAR: Ps. 116-118