Solomon was very good with words, having written many of the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In the Song, his words became his vehicle to communicate his depth of love.

As we approach Valentine’s day, be mindful to craft words of love for those dear to you. The effort will be noticed and appreciated.

Say whatever needs to be said. You may never have the opportunity again.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we love You. We use our words of praise to magnify You. Let Your love flow through us today to those in need around us.

DAILY READING: Song of Songs 1-4

In his evaluation of the meaning of life, Solomon sums it up by saying, “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Because every man’s life and work will be judged, he encouraged us to seek wisdom, work hard, but enjoy life and the opportunities it brings.

A meaningful life that is not vain is one that is lived “In the Son” rather than merely “Under the sun.”

Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I want my life to count. I hereby seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness.

DAILY READING: Ecc. 6-12

So says the writer of Ecclesiastes. When I looked up the definition of work, my wife’s picture was there. LOL.

She was the daughter of a farmer, and learned to work as a child. To this day, she has maintained a work ethic that wears me out; I was a city boy.

Children are blessed to have parents and mentors who teach them to work hard, achieve something worthwhile, and enjoy the process.

When God had finished the work of creation, He rested and called it “good.”

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the health and life we enjoy. Thank You for the ability and opportunity to apply ourselves to tasks and reap the fruit.

DAILY READING: Ecc. 1-5

Our body is merely the vehicle our true self rides around in. Like a car, they sometimes need repair. They rust, decline in power, occasionally need their ball joints replaced etc. Good maintenance habits and good fuel contribute to better zip. Sometimes, they have warranty repairs or replacements that are offered by the manufacturer.

God made us. He knows what it takes to get top performance out of us. We are wise to read the operators manual. He can be contacted for consideration to repair or replace our parts. When calling, just ask for “Jesus.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You hold the keys to death, hell, and the grave. You also have the power to heal our bodies. We ask for healing in the name of Jesus.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 28-31

Sports competition is fun for players to experience and fans to watch. However, once the game is over, life goes on. It’s back to square one to begin all over again.

The benefit of athletic competition is not only to develop one’s body, but to learn character lessons that can be applied to everyday life … persevering hard work, faithfulness, team-building humility, skill development.

Victory in everyday life is the best prize.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, grace us with championship life habits that truly make a difference in the way we live. Let us be good examples to those around us.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 25-27

The writer of Proverbs identifies pride as the primary source of contention. Also, that less is better when strife is missing.

When we sense contention and strife, we know pride is present somewhere. We are wise to firstly deal with it in our own life and then seek peace in all relationships affected. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The Kingdom of God is “Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, through our humility and influence, generate the peace necessary to impact the contentious moments of life.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 16-19

Combative words can be hurled as weapons when aimed at people. Although intended to bring pain, a wise and prudent person overlooks them, exercising noble restraint.

Jesus did not strike back at his accusers. His goal was their redemption, not their destruction. He trusted His heavenly Father for His defense.

A gentle answer turns away wrath. [Pr. 15:1]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for our defensiveness. Lift our view to see how You want to use us to minister to those who try to wound us.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 12-15

Proverbs 8 is a beautiful narrative describing the presence of Wisdom [Jesus] with the Creator when it all began. Christ was there. He is still here, and is Himself the glue that holds it all together.

As John said, “He that has the Son has life, and he that doesn’t have the Son of God doesn’t have life.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You hold the keys to life. Let Your manifest presence inspire everything I do today. Lead my by Your Word and Your Spirit.

DAILY READING: Pr. 8-11

Yesterday, little Hope Annalise Caldwell breathed air for the very first time. She finally met her anxious parents, grandparents (me), aunts and uncles, and her big sister.

To me, the two biggest miracles we experience are the natural birth of a child into this world and the spiritual birth of a soul into the Kingdom of God.

God seems to really love children.

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the amazing process of reproduction. Let Your mighty hand be upon our children.

DAILY READING: Proverbs 4-7