Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. God tests us, tests our hearts. Repeatedy in the Bible, we read that HE refines us, tests us, just as precious metals are refined to remove impurities. Read these other passages, and ask yourself what remains after going … More Kindling or gold?
“God’s dice always have a lucky roll,” said Sophocles, one of classical Athens’ three great tragic playwrights. Here’s what Charles H. Spurgeon has to say, in Morning and Evening: “The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 If the disposal of the lot is the … More “God’s dice always have a lucky roll”
Marching Off The Map A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9 Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans. Our lives are subject to detours and corrections that we never expected or imagined. Abraham and Sarah could testify to that. They were planning for … More …and I know who holds my hand
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: When a man is sincerely humble, and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise, there is scarcely any limit to what God will do for him. Humility makes us ready … More Spurgeon: This is a sauce with which you may season every dish of life
Proverbs 15:8, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. John Piper, in a sermon, “The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright” My hope is that the effect of this message will not only be that you feel encouraged to … More Prayer Pleases God!
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) Erma Bombeck wrote a column about the conflicts that sometimes occur as siblings divide family items after a parent has died. Whether it’s the mixing bowls, grandma’s quilts, or the Christmas ornaments, people are often convinced … More What is your legacy?
C. H. Spurgeon, in a sermon, “How a Man’s Conduct Comes Home to Him” on Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (KJV) The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man … More Spurgeon and Sponges, Sorrow and Satisfaction
Proverbs 13:13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. From Faith’s Checkbook by C. H. Spurgeon: HOLY awe of God’s Word is at a great discount. Men think themselves wiser than the Word of the Lord, and sit in judgment upon it. “So did not I, … More Scorn the scorning of the scorner
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25 Do you have anxiety in your heart? Are there others around you that are being weighed down with an anxious heart? According to the Bible, a good word can change their outlook. Will you reach out with a … More Encouraging Eeyore
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 No one really LOVES getting disciplined, at the time, but when we look back, we can see the benefits. We learn much through the loving correction of others, whether our parents or faithful friends. Proverbs says we are STUPID if we … More Blind Spots
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 