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The Tongue Unloosed

Proverbs 18.21 – The tongue is such a powerful tool.  It can be both destructive and construcive.  When we consider the teaching of Jesus that our words will be judged, how will we use this tool God has given us?  Proberbs has much to say about the tongue – “it brings life and death.” 

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Ruin or Reward

Proverbs 4.23 – Ancient wisdom for modern times.  It certainly applies in our passage today.  In the area of self-control we learn how important it is to guard our heart in an effort to maintain self-control.  There are plenty of Biblical and historical examples of individuals who were brought to ruin because they lacked control.  We also learn from Scripture that self-control isn’t something we are born with, but rather it is one component of the fruit of the Spirit that is being developed in the Christian as he or she yields to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.  It is through the Spirit then that we are able to overcome desires through self-control.  We must surrender our will and submit our way to Him.

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Do Opposites Really Attract

Proverbs 10.12 There couldn’t be any two more opposing ideas or emotions that love and hate.  Solomon wants to convey the path each leads to.  Their end results have marked differences.  Which path will you choose?  It’s yours to decide. 

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Feast or Famine

Proverbs 15.13, 15 – It’s true!  Scripture teaches it and medical experts support it that laughter is good medicine.  The opposite is also true, that a sorrowful heart has adverse physical and psychological affects on a person.  What affects the heart and mind also affects the body.  Body, mind and spirit are connected.  Solomon conveyed that to his son.  I think he was teaching us that when we trust in God, the difficulties of everyday life can be taken in a joyful disposition.  Afterall, if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us then He will develop His fruit in us, part of which is joy – even when there is heartache.

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A Certain Destiny

Proverbs 14.34 – When was the last time you pondered the course of our history?  Is God pleased with us as a nation?  Of the two options given in this passage which do you believe we are and why?  Has America lost its way?  Have we cut loose from our founding moorings and now are adrift?  We must return back to a nation that pursues righteousness.  Blessings don’t come from hard work, they come from God.

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Taming the Tiger in All of Us

Proverbs 16.32 – chances are you have let this tiger out, and on more than one occassion.  Anger is an increasingly big problem in our country, even in our churches.  Through the wisdom of Proverbs and the insight of Scripture there are some clear guidelines on how to tame this tiger that all too often rears it head and roars.  Following some simple but powerful steps can help us control anger, sin that is “crouching at the door.”

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Father Knows Best

Proverbs 4.1-27 – Happy Father’s Day!  Proverbs gives some sound advice to all fathers who seek to offer sound advice to their children, no matter what their age.  This passage provides a challenge to everyone.  Specific to fathers, he is a man of counsel; he is a man of courage; he is a man of character; and he is a man of caution.

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The Poison of Pride

Proverbs 16.18 – It’s easy to fall into the trap.  We get a better grade than someone or we receive a promotion at work or our apple pie is the best in the county fair and our attitude changes.  Suddenly we feel we’re superior in some way.  Maybe just a little at first, but none the less, pride settles in and it begins to grow.  Watch out.  God opposes our pride.  Like a marshmallow peep that puffs up and then explodes in the microwave, so our passage explains that pride will experience destruction, the Lord will see to it.  We investigate the posturing of pride, the peril of pride and the prevention of pride.

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Real Hope and Real Change

Genesis 1.26-28 – In a day of confusing morals what behavior and belief is right when culture changes?  In a very delicate matter that affects our country the issue of homosexuality is dealt with very candidly in Scripture.  With the convictions that should be framed from the Bible, what should the response of the believer be?  Christ offers hope and help.  We are the conduit of God’s grace and love. 

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An Appeal From God’s Heart

Proverbs 6.16-19 – We read in Scripture, and rightly so from His compelling actions, that God is love.  Yet we also read in Scripture that there are things God hates.  God has separated His love for the sinner and His hatred for sin and wants us to hate sin as He does.  Our passage today underscores how much God hates sin, not just certain sins, but all sin.  It’s an opportunity for us to evaluate our lives and determine if we hate sin as much or if we have come to tolerate it in our own lives as well as around us. 

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