2012 Day 250 – Proverbs 20

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At first glance, verse 9 is disconcerting, Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”? I know I sin daily and I know that I am rarely without sin in my life. However, what is not said in this verse is we have a way to attain a pure heart. Jesus’ provided that way. Through the regular confession of sin we are continuously being cleansed. God provides forgiveness of our sin by his mercy when we ask for it. The thing I am missing from my life is the regular confession and repentance of sin as a part of my regular talks with God. It is through that process and continuous building of my relationship with God that I can rely on His moment by moment cleansing of my life.

2012 Day 249 – Proverbs 19

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It is my true belief that God’s plan is always perfect. Even when we are in the heat of battle, His plan is always going to lead us where He wants us to go. Verse 21 says, Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

2012 Day 248 – Proverbs 18

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Verse 24 made me think of the group men I’ve met with every Friday for almost two years now; A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Finding friends who stick closer than a brother is important ever person. It keeps you encourage, accountable, and motivated. Find people who can speak into your life and lead you to grow closer to God; it will change your life.

2012 Day 247 – Proverbs 17

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Passages in the Bible reminding me to keep silent are great are of great use to me. Verse 28 reminds me that wisdom does not always come from saying the right things; sometimes it’s simply saying nothing at all, Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

2012 Day 246 – Proverbs 16

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I just learned something new this morning… We are not perfect and we will never be perfect! I know it sounds like terrible news, but it’s meant to be good news. It’s good because We are not meant to be perfect. Through our imperfection we rely on God. More importantly, God can even use the imperfection of our lives and the world around us for His glory. Proverbs 16:4 says, The Lord works out everything for his own ends—even the wicked for a day of disaster. I’m not saying we can do whatever we want, I’m saying we don’t have to beat ourselves up when we do fail. God’s plan is perfect… Even though we are not.

2012 Day 245 – Proverbs 15

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The verse that jumped out at me today was verse 18, A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. This is the very thing I’ve been working on lately. My first instinct is to get fired up about something. However, my first response should be to gain understanding and patiently address the issue. Being hot-tempered does nothing to stop a quarrel, it simply escalates to the point where nothing can be resolved.

2012 Day 244 – Proverbs 14

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God wants us to be doers, not talks. Nothing good comes from talking about a good idea until we actually do something. Verse 23 says, All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. If all we ever do is talk about serving other, no one is ever really helped. It is better to go out and do something, than to wait until it is the perfect plan. There is only one perfect plan and it comes straight from God.

2012 Day 243 – Proverbs 13

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Today, verse 20 in Proverbs 13 that stood out to me, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Surround yourself with wise people so that you may grow wise. I try to surround myself with friends who will help me grow and not lead me into harm. They are not perfect, but their wisdom is extremely is more valuable to me their their perfection.

2012 Day 242 – Proverbs 12

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Right off the bat in verse 1, Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. Don’t be stupid! Being able to take correction is a form of discipline because it takes a disciplined heart and mind to understand that correction makes us stronger. In verse 15 it is rephrased in softer terms, The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Don’t be the smartest guy in the room. I always like to say that if I’m the smartest guy in the room, we are all in big trouble! I always want to surround myself with wise counsel that can help me make wiser decisions than I could have made on my own.

2012 Day 241 – Proverbs 11

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Once again, lots of great stuff in Proverbs 11. The verse that stood out to me was Proverbs 11:25, A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. When we take the time to serve others, we ourselves are refreshed. Whether we give of our time, money, or talent we are blessed by God for giving to others so that they may in return be blessed.