Proverbs

You created work as an avenue of blessing…giving self-respect…a sense of purpose.

We have come to believe working…hard work…demanding work for the benefit of others is a curse. Instead, we expect others should work to provide our every desire so that we might enjoy the good life without deigning to break a sweat on our own behalf.

Work was Your plan to give purpose and meaning to life. Our selfishness is a stench in heaven. In Your perfection, work was given to Adam and Eve before they disobeyed. It is only after their fall that work became difficult and burdensome. Laziness is a scourge that has led to starvation and ruin.

Let me be an example to those around me of the joy of a job well done.

AMEN

Scripture: “But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?  When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.” Proverbs 6:9-11

Today is a day set aside to celebrate mothers. While they come in all sizes and shapes…while some excelled and others struggled with the responsibilities, I thank You for establishing the traditional family and for mothers everywhere.

Thank You for my mom…she put up with me and never wavered even when I disappointed her. She influenced me deeply and gave me the vision and the courage to stand for truth even when the world was challenging my beliefs.

“Thanks, Mom.” No one could ever replace your influence in my life.

Help me and all who are called by Your mighty name lift praise to Your throne for Your concept of motherhood, asking You for a tender heart full of thanksgiving and remembrance for a very special lady named “Mom”.

Amen

Scripture: “A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

Of all mankind, I was counted among the most foolish…thinking myself wise, I had chosen a path to destruction. But when I cried out for help, I discovered Your loving forgiveness and wise counsel. You set my feet on solid ground.

America today is determined to prove the foolishness of man only leads to destruction. As a moth to the flame we are lured to our destruction by the false promises of the world. Our hope rests in learning of our peril and seeking Your help. Overcome our stubbornness. Show us the foolishness of our chosen course. Humble us and rescue us from our own deluded ways.

Let me be a beacon to warn of the dangers ahead in the darkness. Use me to sound the warning.

AMEN

Scripture: “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” Proverbs 19:3

How much of mankind’s malignant hatred and disastrous rebellion will You endure? How long can we willfully and with malice, mock Your forgiveness before Your judgment is revealed from heaven?

America awakens daily to post new taunts to Your authority. We live in a virtual reality where we don’t need You and every day the chaos around us grows. But this is only a precursor of what is to come if we don’t turn to You.

Left on my own, I am without hope. You offered me redemption from the chaos I created in my life. Thank You for the cross. Help me live that truth every day before the lost and rudderless world that we have created for ourselves. Help me be a beacon of Your goodness.

AMEN

Scripture: “Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.” Proverbs 17:11

To know the freedom and joy of Your forgiveness is overwhelming. To be so undeserving, yet fully welcomed into the family of God is beyond wonderful. To be forgiven so much demands I forgive others.

Americans today have been taught to seek to be offended…to seek to be the victim…to cling to every hurt and reject the offender. We can never heal our nation that way. We can never restore unity if we demand revenge for every hurt.

Help me let go of my grievances. Give me the courage to ask for forgiveness. Give me the humility to be the first to lay down my bitterness and step forward to seek reconciliation. Make me a peacemaker. I know there is no place in heaven for an unforgiving spirit or a hardened heart.

AMEN’

Scripture: “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9

You created government. Kings and despots, the noble and the despicable all answer to You. You ordained government and You reign over all earthly power. You exalt and You bring down.

You built and blessed America as a place of hope for all mankind. Because of our stubborn self-centered hearts, You have allowed the worst of us to come to power.

For the sake of Your children, bring your power to bear on our government. Restrict the lust for power and wealth from destroying the good that is this
country.’ Control their impulses and turn their darkness to light. Only You can restore America to goodness and hope.

Help me contribute to the rescue of the American dream. Give me insight and courage to represent You.

AMEN

Scripture: “The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.” Proverbs 21:1

You’re always faithful to forgive me when I fall and come to You asking forgiveness. You never fail to restore our relationship and repair my heart.

America today is so divided. We don’t seem capable of getting beyond our differences. But You’ve taught me there are several phrases that are always welcome when we’re struggling with broken relationships:
“I’m sorry.”
“I was wrong.”
“Please forgive me.”

Teach me humility and help me be courageous enough to take the first step in healing broken relationships. Teach me to speak healing words that will help begin the reconciliation process.
Only You can truly heal a broken, distrustful heart…but I can choose to partner with You and reach across the divide to show Your heart to a desperate and lonely world.

AMEN

Scripture “A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.” Proverbs 15:1

If I’ve learned anything during my years on this planet it is that every living human is fallible and the hardest thing to do (and mean it) is to say “I was wrong”. It’s been said, “Pride goes before a fall” …I personally understand that well. Unfortunately, we resist acknowledging our pride, but, those 3 words, “I was wrong”, can repair relationships quicker than almost anything else.

Father, we are so divided and angry with one another…is it possible we could begin to reconcile by learning to lay down our pride and say, “I was wrong”? Help me honestly appraise myself, humble myself and be willing to open a conversation with others, by acknowledging I could be wrong.

Help me be a healer.

AMEN

Scripture: “Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor.” Proverbs 18:12

When all around me is chaos and fantasy, I can always turn to You…the voice of truth and wisdom.

There is something terribly wrong with a culture that vilifies heroes and glorifies the self-centered coward. Any society that would prefer cowards above its selfless heroes as role model and guide for their children has lost its moral foundation and its future is almost beyond retrieval. Lord, America has become that society. Those who disagree are shouted down and the foolish and unhinged reign supreme. Please replace this darkness with Your light. Please have mercy on those without a window into Your love and grace.

Empower Your followers to rediscover their robust voice and speak as one against the unthinkable evil destroying our Land. Help me find my voice.

AMEN

Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” Proverbs 31:8