CONSTANT GROWTH
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Posted:May 23, 2006 1:03 pm
Last Updated:Dec 15, 2025 10:4 pm 2178 Views
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Constant Growth
Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
-Philippians 1:6
When I was attending Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa as a young Christian, I remember asking Pastor Chuck Smith, "Chuck, how long have you been a Christian?"
I don't remember his exact answer, but I think he said somewhere around 25 years. I thought, Twenty-five years! After you have been a believer for 25 years you must be able to achieve some kind of elevated state where you somehow rise above temptation and all of the problems that other Christians face who have not known the Lord for so long.
Well, I have been a Christian now for more than 25 years, and I can tell you with absolute assurance that there is no spiritual plateau out there. And by that I am saying there is no place that you are going to arrive at where suddenly you are above problems and temptation. There is not some kind of super spiritual state where you no longer grapple with such things. No level of Christian living exists where you are somehow above it all. Christianity is a life of constant challenge, constant growth, and constant change.
Our spiritual growth will continue until our lives come to an end on this earth and we meet the Lord in heaven. And that's a wonderful thing.
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HOW TO INCREASE YOUR FAITH
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Posted:May 23, 2006 12:04 pm
Last Updated:May 25, 2006 8:03 am 2131 Views
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How to Increase Your Faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
What are some practical steps you can take to increase your level of faith today?
1. Read the Bible. Romans 10:17 explains, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." That is, you must feed your faith a steady diet of God's Word.
2. Exercise your faith. An aspiring bodybuilder doesn't begin by lifting 500 pounds the first day. Rather, he exercises daily, gradually increasing his strength. Regularly exercising faith can bring about similar growth spiritually.
3. Embrace trials. First Peter 1:3-9 reveals a shocking truth that adversity, addressed in God's power, creates greater faith. Just as a fire purifies precious metals, hardship strips away all but the pure core of faith.
4. Examine the testimonies of others. An individual's testimony is his own account of God's activity in his life. No one can ever deny, refute, or downplay another's testimony. When you hear of God's mighty deeds in someone else's life, your own faith in Him grows.
5. Pray. You get to know someone by talking to him. That's just what prayer is: your personal communication with God. And don't just talk; be sure to spend time listening. God wants to speak to you.
6. Practice obedience. You will never grow in your faith if you consistently disobey what God tells you to do. Perfect faith is a byproduct of obedience. Put yourself in a position to see God's best for your life, and your faith will soar.
Faith does not increase by accident. Growth takes time, dedication, and intentionality. Ask the Lord to help you exercise your faith today.
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UNDER THE SAME YOKE
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Posted:May 23, 2006 11:01 am
Last Updated:Dec 15, 2025 10:4 pm 2177 Views
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UNDER THE SAME YOKE
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light
Matthew 11:28-30 contains a beautiful description of the purpose and pace of the Spirit-filled walk. Jesus invites you to a restful walk in tandem with Him, just as two oxen walk together under the same yoke. "How can a yoke be restful?" you ask. Because Jesus' yoke is an easy yoke. As the lead ox, Jesus walks at a steady pace. If you pace yourself with Him, your burden will be easy. But if you take a passive approach to the relationship, you'll be painfully dragged along in the yoke because Jesus keeps walking. Or if you try to race ahead or turn off in another direction, the yoke will chafe your neck and your life will be uncomfortable. The key to a restful yoke-relationship with Jesus is to learn from Him and open yourself to His gentleness and humility.
The picture of walking in the Spirit in tandem with Jesus also helps us understand our service to God. How much will you get done without Jesus pulling on His side of the yoke? Nothing. And how much will be accomplished without you on your side? Nothing. A yoke can only work if both are pulling together.
Paul said, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:6). You and I have the privilege to plant and water, but if God isn't in it, nothing will grow. However, if we don't plant and water, nothing will grow. God has chosen to work through the church, in partnership with you, to do His work in the world today. He's the lead ox. Let's learn from Him.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want You to be my yoke-mate today. Keep me from going ahead or lagging behind. I want to walk step-by-step with You.
Would you like your own copy of this devotional?
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NO STANDING STILL
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Posted:May 23, 2006 10:01 am
Last Updated:Dec 15, 2025 10:4 pm 2096 Views
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No Standing Still
Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. –2 Peter 3:17‒18
Backslider is a harsh word. When we think of a backslider, we think of someone who has really blown it, whose life is in the pit. But did you know that you can come to church every Sunday and still be a backslider? That’s because backsliding is a matter of the heart.
Now you might say, “I still go to church, when I can find the time. I still read the Bible, if I get around to it. And I still obey God, unless it conflicts with what I want. But I wouldn’t describe it as backsliding. I’m just not as active spiritually as I once was.”
Consider this: the moment that you cease to progress as a Christian is the moment when the process of backsliding will potentially begin. When you cease to go forward, it’s only going to be a matter of time until you start going backward.
We as Christians constantly need to be aware of falling away and backsliding. The Bible warns that in the last days there will be many who will fall away. I have to keep my guard up, because if I am not moving forward as a Christian, I will be moving backward. There is no standing still. It would be like parking your car on a hill and putting it in neutral. In the same way, if I put my Christian life in neutral, if I stop seeking to learn and grow as a believer, I will naturally go the wrong way. I will go backwards. I will go down.
Keep moving. If you stop, you are in danger.
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A JOY STEALER PART 2
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Posted:May 23, 2006 9:17 am
Last Updated:Dec 15, 2025 10:4 pm 2070 Views
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A Joy Stealer” - Part 2
Wendy Pope, Author, Development Coordinator, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
Proverbs 31:8, "She sees that her trading is profitable." (NIV)
Devotion:
Yesterday, I confessed to you the lifestyle of sin and debt I lived in during many years of my marriage. As promised, I want to share with you today how I broke the chains that bound me to the stores and allowed me to live freely in a joyous, intimate relationship with Jesus, and an open, honest relationship with my husband ‒ all debt free.
I gave a clue to the secret of my success yesterday. I would venture to say that most people do not like change. Especially, change that requires us to stop doing something we enjoy. A friend of mine used to say the only person who likes change is a wet baby.
Before I go on, let me tell you this: without the power of the Holy Spirit within you, you are not capable of making the changes necessary to stop the cycle of frivolous spending. Changing requires us to live beyond ourselves. Remember, because of the sin in the Garden of Eden, we were born with a sinful and selfish nature. I want to encourage you with one of my favorite verses in 2 Timothy 1 , "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (NIV) God has given you the power of self-discipline. You can change, if you want to change. The choice is up to you.
I have walked this road and now live free from debt. I trust that the Holy Spirit will work with you to enable you to apply what I have learned in my journey to bring you freedom.
This first step I made was to commit to a daily quiet time with God each morning. This is before my shower, juice and kisses from my family. When we seek God first, His Word tells us much will be added to us and the mercies He gives are new each day.
Secondly, I asked God to change me. I begged Him to give me a heart to know Him. I asked him to teach me, refine me and making me pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
Third, I found Scriptures that dealt with my issue and began to pray them.
Fourth, I made the choice not to go to the mall or other stores. This does not mean I did not go to the grocery store or stores that had what my family needed. If you are a frivolous shopper, you know what I mean in this step.
Fifth, in a small notebook I wrote down all the stores I went to and the amount of money I spent there. (Even fast food restaurants)
Last, I cut up my credit cards and confessed my lifestyle to my husband and to my Lord.
I wish I could tell you these six steps took a few days and then I was free. Freedom from this type of lifestyle takes time, however, because the root of the problem is not money; it is a hurting, lonely and unfulfilled heart. God is the answer to your heart problems and with proper care from the Great Physician, and time invested in following His prescription, you will become free.
I want to include a disclaimer: I am not a financial expert but I am an obedient and willing of the Most High King. He has not asked me to change anything that was not for my good and His glory. Ladies, beware, the enemy knows your weakness and wants nothing more that to keep you bound. Verbally rebuke him! Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
My Prayer for Today:
You are my all Sufficient God. You are my Covenant God Who has promised me in your Word to be my strength and sustainer. I need You now more than I ever have. My desire is to be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. I’m asking You to do what it takes to fill my empty desires. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Set your alarm clock 15 minutes early to get up have quiet time with God. Do this every day.
Turn the television off at night and open your Bible. Look up verses that deal with what you are going through in either your Bible concordance
Make a budget for your spending.
Begin journaling the changes you see happening in your life.
Don’t give up no matter what.
Reflection Points:
Where I do I spend most of my money?
What do I buy that is not necessary?
Do I have a budget? Why not?
Am I really willing to change? Why or why not?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 17:16, "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?" (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 7:12, "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.” (NIV)
Habakkuk 2,"Will not your debtors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their victim." (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Cents and Sensibility, by Bethany and Scott Palmer
http://bigchurch.com
Dollars & Sense, by Cynthia Sumner
http://bigchurch.com
Do You Know Him?
http://bigchurch.com
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A JOY STEALER -PART 1
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Posted:May 22, 2006 10:31 am
Last Updated:May 23, 2006 9:11 am 2171 Views
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"A Joy Stealer" - Part 1
Wendy Pope, Author, Development Coordinator, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
Proverbs 31:8, "She sees that her trading is profitable." (NIV)
Devotion:
To be honest with you, there was a time when I wished Proverbs 31 Ministries' Principle Five, "The Proverbs 31 Woman contributes to the financial well-being of her household being a faithful steward of the time and money God has entrusted to her" did not exist. Being a faithful steward of the time and money God and my husband entrusted to me has not always been an easy task.
I supposed it started years ago when I rode in the Country Squire station wagon with my mother from destination to destination searching for the "bargain" of the century. My mother taught me to be an expert bargain shopper. So much an expert, that even now, many years later, friends call me for shopping tips and questions about where to get the best deal on what they are looking for. What I believe my mother meant for good, the enemy used for evil. Somewhere along the way, through disappointing times in my life and low self-esteem, I begin to see shopping as an escape. It became the way I brought myself happiness. I use the word happiness because happiness describes a temporary emotion based on circumstances. Joy is something within yourself that remains regardless of your circumstances.
I entered my marriage in debt and somehow managed to stay in debt during most of the early years of my marriage. The debt I accrued became my secret. I hid credit card bills as well as new things that I bought from my husband. Each month, I would scrape enough money together from my household budget to make the minimum payments. The lie kept me from having an honest and open relationship with my husband. It also kept me from experiencing real joy that comes with an intimate relationship with Jesus. It was a true sickness.
Today, I have a small balance on the credit card my husband and I agreed I could keep. I have the money to pay the balance when the bill comes. I've made it a rule not to carry a balance or to hide debt from my husband, or try to hide debt from my Heavenly Father. In tomorrow's devotion, I will share with you the "secret of my debt-free success." I will give you one clue to the success now: change. And I don't mean coins.
My Prayer for Today:
Father God, you are Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides. Help me to trust You to provide my physical needs as well as my emotional needs. Forgive me for making foolish choices when it comes to spending the money You entrust to me. Reveal to me changes that I need to make in my spending habits. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Write down the outstanding frivolous debt you have. (Frivolous: department store credit cards, cell phone, etc.) If you don't have any frivolous debt, find a praise song, and praise the Lord for your freedom from frivolous debt.
Pray and ask God to give you the courage to destroy all your department store credit cards. (Trust me, I know this is radical! I did it!)
Reflection Points:
What do you do in your spare time?
How often do you go to the mall or other stores to "window shop?"
What brings you joy?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 17:16, "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?" (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 7:12, "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor."(NIV)
Habakkuk 2,"Will not your debtors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble? Then you will become their victim." (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Cents and Sensibility, by Bethany and Scott Palmer
http://bigchurch.com
Dollars & Sense, by Cynthia Sumner
http://bigchurch.com
Let it Rain (Music CD), by Gwen Smith
http://bigchurch.com
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NO CONDEMNATION
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Posted:May 19, 2006 1:04 pm
Last Updated:May 23, 2006 9:14 am 2188 Views
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No Condemnation
Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
-Romans 8:1
She had probably been used and abused all her life by men. And now they were demanding her execution.
I'm speaking of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. Her accusers could only see a woman who was living an immoral lifestyle. Jesus could only see a woman forgiven of her sins. And with one statement from Jesus, her accusers departed. There she was, looking into the very eyes of God. Instead of seeing scorn and hatred, she saw love and compassion as Jesus uttered the words: " 'Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?' " (John 8:10).
She could only answer, " 'No one, Lord' " (John 8:11).
" 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more' " (John 8:11).
How could Jesus say such a thing to an adulterous woman? He could make such a revolutionary statement because, in a short time, He was going to the cross where the world's sins would be poured upon Him. He would soon bear every sin that this woman had ever committed. Jesus was proclaiming this truth: "I will not condemn you, because I am going to face the condemnation that you should face. I am going to pay the price for your sin."
Notice that He did not say, "Go and sin no more and, as a result, I will not condemn you." If that were the case, no one could be forgiven. We don't seek to live godly lives in order to win God's approval and forgiveness. If we believe in Him, He will accept us no matter what we have done. He will throw His arms around us and receive us. But God doesn't stop there. He also wants to change us.
Jesus' act of forgiveness was followed by a challenge. "Go and sin no more."
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DEVOTED TO PRAYER
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Posted:May 19, 2006 12:04 pm
Last Updated:May 23, 2006 9:14 am 2148 Views
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Devoted to Prayer
Colossians 4:2-4
Several years ago, three seminary students picked me up for a speaking engagement. As we were riding along, one of them asked, "Dr. Stanley, if you had only one thing to say to a ministerial student, what would it be?" Young pastors often ask that question, expecting long theological answers, but my response to these men was simple. I told them that the single most important activity they could engage in is spending time with God, meditating on His word and praying. That answer is true for any follower of Christ.
Notice that I said "spend time with God." Believers today expect prayer answers to be as instant as microwave meals. If the Lord does not respond immediately, people typically have one of three thoughts: God is angry with me; I must have sin in my life; or this must not be God's will. Usually, however, the real answer is that we haven't prayed long enough for God to have worked out all the details. There is a time for quick, emergency petitions, but most prayer is a continuous effort.
We live in a spiritual war zone. Every time we get on our knees, we are doing business with God, but we are also doing battle with the Devil. As a result, we must expect interference and harassment. Satan knows that a devotedly prayerful person is dangerous. Such an individual is enjoying a deep, peaceful relationship with God that translates into a passion for obedience and a powerful witness.
If you would like to be "devoted and dangerous, "make prayer your top priority. Set aside a time and place to meet with God; He will be there.
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LOVE IS PATIENT AND IS KIND
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Posted:May 19, 2006 11:08 am
Last Updated:May 25, 2006 8:03 am 2073 Views
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Love Is Patient and Kind
Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship
Love suffers long and is kind.
-1 Corinthians 13:4
Can you imagine the world we would live in if people operated by the principle that says, "Don't look out for your own needs and interests, but for the needs of others"? Yet we live in a culture that tells us to forget about others and to look out for number-one. But we should remember that God's love is patient. And as the body of Christ, the love we have should be patient.
Another way to translate the phrase, "Love suffers long" from 1 Corinthians 13 is "Love is long-tempered." This common New Testament term is used almost exclusively in speaking of being patient with people rather than being patient with circumstances or events. Love's patience is the ability to be inconvenienced again and again.
The last words of Stephen, the first martyr of the church, were those of patient forgiveness: "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (Acts 7:60). As he was dying, he prayed for his murderers rather than for himself. This is the same kind of love Jesus spoke of that turns the other cheek. It is the kind of love that has as its primary concern not its own welfare, but the welfare of others.
And love is kind. Just as patience will take anything from others, kindness will give anything to others. To be kind means to be useful, serving, and gracious. It is active goodwill. Love not only feels generous; it is generous. Love not only desires the welfare of others; love works for it.
However, if you wait for this emotion to come, you may never experience kindness. Remember, love is active. Love is kind. So just be kind, even if you don't feel kind.
That's what God's love is: patient and kind.
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GOT WISDOM ?
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Posted:May 19, 2006 10:02 am
Last Updated:May 23, 2006 9:14 am 2171 Views
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"Got Wisdom?"
Rachel Olsen, Co-Editor of Online Devotions, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you." (NIV)
Devotion:
You've likely seen the milk commercials or magazine ads that feature celebrities and sports stars sporting a big, white milk moustache with the caption: "Got Milk?" The latest ads from the American dairy industry are touting a new slogan and the notion that "milking your diet" (getting adequate dairy intake each day) can help you lose weight or stay slim.
I'm betting that will be a successful ad campaign, as American women are seriously weight-crazed. Let me illustrate my point: ediets.com recently surveyed thousands of females from all regions of the United States and learned that when asked if they would prefer a slimmer waist or a higher I.Q., 56 percent of the women questioned chose a slimmer waist. Over half said they'd rather be thinner than smarter. It's not just American women who would rather be lighter than brighter; a similar study in the United Kingdom revealed 19 out of 20 UK women would choose the slim waist over the boosted brain power.
ediets.com psychologist, Dr. John Sklare, suspects the problem is that we live in a visually focused culture that reverences the slim and beautiful, but pays little attention to those who fall short in these areas. Sadly, he is quite right... but God pays attention to everyone, regardless of their dress size, and there is a day coming that these physical bodies will be discarded and forgotten.
We spend so much time focused on our physical appearance. But I ask... Can a slim waist guarantee you financial stability? Can a buxom breast bring you eternal life? Can shapely legs keep you from walking down the wrong path? Will full, pouty lips always say the right thing?
The answer to each of those questions is "no," but there is something that can bring all these benefits to our life - Wisdom. Consider these 4 verses from the NIV version:
1) Psalm 111:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding..."
2) Proverbs 3:13-14, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold."
3) Proverbs 4:11, "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths."
4) Proverbs 15:23-24, "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind." So let me ask you ... Got wisdom? The Proverbs 31 woman sure does: "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (Proverbs 31:26, NIV).
What is wisdom? In the book of Proverbs wisdom is personified as a woman, but wisdom is actually a skill that can be learned and developed. It is the skill of making Godly decisions, of realizing how to live life in accordance with God's ways. God is the source of wisdom, and reverence for Him - not mere physical attributes - is the key to our ability to live wisely and well.
If you feel you are lacking in the area of wisdom, I have great news. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV) It is given freely to those who ask God for it - cool! Ever lose weight, only to be disappointed when you gain it back again? All my Christian life I have sought and prayed for wisdom, and while I've got plenty more to learn, I've never found it to disappoint.
A white moustache reveals when a gal has been guzzling milk. Likewise, it's evident in her attitude, decisions, speech and demeanor when a gal has gotten great wisdom. I'd sure like to have a slimmer waist line - but ultimately I'd rather have the peace, joy and the security that comes with the brain boosting power of Godly wisdom.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, today I ask You - according to James 1:5 - for more wisdom. Please give me the ability to understand Your Word and follow Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Memorize Proverbs 3:15-18: "She [wisdom] is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed." Commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs each day, or every week.
Reflection Points:
Got Wisdom?
Do the decisions of your life since coming to know Christ show evidence of you growing in wisdom? The verses in the book of Proverbs are not absolute, iron-clad promises but they are principals upon which to base your life. They will certainly spare you much heartache which foolishness brings.
Power Verses:
Psalm 128:1-2, "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours." (NIV) Psalm 4:5-9, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom, though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." (NIV)
Proverbs 3:15-18, "She [wisdom] is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Additional Resources:
Dreams of a Woman, by Sharon Jaynes
http://bigchurch.com
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://bigchurch.com
Secrets of the Vine, by Bruce Wilkinson
http://bigchurch.com
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