Making Life Better Reading Plan Overview

Transcription

1 Making Life Better Reading Plan Overview Day Date: Reading: 1 Monday April 13 th Proverbs 1 2 Tuesday April 14 th Proverbs 2 3 Wednesday April 15 th Proverbs 3 4 Thursday April 16 th Proverbs 4 5 Friday April 17 th Proverbs 5 6 Saturday April 18 th Proverbs 6 7 Sunday April 19 th Proverbs 7 & 8 8 Monday April 20 th Proverbs 9 9 Tuesday April 21 st Proverbs Wednesday April 22 nd Proverbs Thursday April 23 rd Proverbs Friday April 24 th Proverbs Saturday April 25 th Proverbs Sunday April 26 th Proverbs 15 & Monday April 27 th Proverbs Tuesday April 28 th Proverbs Wednesday April 29 th Proverbs Thursday April 30 th Proverbs Friday May 1 st Proverbs Saturday May 2 nd Proverbs Sunday May 3 rd Proverbs 23 & Monday May 4 th Proverbs Tuesday May 5 th Proverbs Wednesday May 6 th Proverbs Thursday May 7 th Proverbs Friday May 8 th Proverbs Saturday May 9 th Proverbs Sunday May 10 th (Mothers Day) Proverbs 31

2 Monday, April 13, 2015 Proverbs 1: 1. Proverbs 1 starts off telling us in verses 2-7 what we can expect from the book of Proverbs. 2. The main point though is that; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The word fear here does not mean scared but means reverence and respect. 3. Verses 8 and 9 warn us to remember the things you learned from your parents. 4. Verses teach us to not intentionally set out to hurt people. 5. The rest of Proverbs 1 reads as if wisdom itself were calling out to us. So What? Did you notice that in Proverbs 1 the author tells us what we can learn from reading Proverbs. These are all things people seek after their whole life: How can I become wise? I need more understanding. What really is right and wrong? Now What? We also start getting practical advice right away. The beauty of the Proverbs is that they are applicable even to people who are not followers of Jesus. You will notice as we continue our reading plan this year that the Bible is loaded with practical teachings that apply to every person. So would you say you really fear (respect and revere) the Lord? Or do you see him as nothing really to fear? Are you willing to ask God to help you understand how to properly fear him more?

3 Tuesday April 14, 2015 Proverbs 2 Today s reading for our Making Life Better Bible Reading Plan is Proverbs 2. The writer gives us clear steps to finding God s wisdom in any area of our life. Check this out: 1. Believe and value his words (verse 1) 2. Listen and apply wisdom (verse 2) 3. Ask for wisdom (verse 3) 4. Search hard for it (verse 4) So What? The rest of Proverbs 2 tells us that God freely gives his wisdom and understanding to those of us who will search for. Sounds easy enough right? Well then why do we not always do it? Maybe because we do not know what we gain from God s wisdom. We will understand every good path (vs. 9-11), it saves us from trusting evil people (vs ) and keeps us from giving into things that will destroy our lives (vs ) and ultimately God s wisdom helps us to live a good and healthy life (vs ). Now What? Do you rely more on your own wisdom or the advice of your friends than you do on seeking for God s wisdom? Whatever you are worried about or need wisdom on today ask God for it, search, listen and believe his words.

4 Wednesday April 15, 2015 Proverbs 3 Today we are reading Proverbs 3. Here are a couple things to think about: Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Honor the Lord with your wealth... then your barns will be full. Do not despise the Lord s discipline. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it. So What? Notice that God never promises us a life free from pain but he always says that if we love him and love others he will provide for us. By the way, we all have issues at some level with wanting to give our money away but I once heard it said a true measure of what you value is what you spend money on. Did you know that the only thing God ever tells us to test him on is giving? It s true but that s another post. Now What? The main thing I want to point out is all the great benefits of wisdom and seeking God for it. With all the pros why are we so stubborn sometimes? Where are you being stubborn today? What should you be giving to God and asking for his help with? What steps will you take to start letting go of some of the control on your life so you can learn to live freely to love God and love others?

5 Thursday April 16, 2015 Proverbs 4 Proverbs 4 is a letter from a father to his sons. This letter is so cool because it is the things a father should be teaching his sons, things such as the value of wisdom and to live a pure life. The writer of this proverb tells his son that; Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have... The father also writes to his sons; Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. So What? Isn t it interesting that this father tells his sons to get wisdom even if it cost you everything. Wisdom is something that has little value placed on it by our society yet we all wish for it and look for it in others. It is a strange dichotomy to live in really. We are told to value money or prestige more than wisdom but an employer looks for it in an employee even if they call it by another name. Wisdom really is worth the search. This father also tells his sons to guard their hearts. This is advice all parents should instill into their children but these truths apply to us all really. Now What? How about you, do you value wisdom? Or are you willing to just get ahead without taking the time to gain wisdom? Would you be willing to take a slower route to get to where you want to be if it means gaining wisdom along the way? Do you guard your heart? What has it costs you in the past when you did not guard your heart so well? What steps are you taking to ensure you do not make the same mistakes?

6 Friday April 17, 2015 Proverbs 5 Today s reading is Proverbs 5. This is again is a letter from a father to his sons but it applies to us all. Consider these points: 1. First, it should be said that the he s and she s can easily be reversed. It is certainly not only a woman that seduces a man into adultery. 2. Notice that the father does not find it enough to simply say do not sleep around but instead gives clear steps to prevent getting close to the act. He tells his sons to avoid even going near someone who they know is willing to commit adultery. Let s face it, people most often know someone is open to the act before the act occurs. So the father is saying once you feel that connection to turn away, and fast! 3. Then the father paints a clear scenario of what life will look like if his sons ignore his pleas to keep sex within a marriage. The end result is you will groan... I have come to the brink of utter ruin... How many of the people we know who go through adultery end up here? In my experience, every one of them. I have yet to meet anyone who does not eventually get to the point of wishing they had not gone through with it. 4. Instead, the father admonishes his child to rejoice in the spouse of their youth. This really is the plan God has for us, to carefully consider your mate and then stay together and enjoy each other for life. So What? Let s face it adultery is a too common occurrence today. However, no matter where you are in life God loves and forgives and wants to have a relationship with you. If you have been involved in or hurt by adultery in some form in the past seek God and move forward in his grace. God s desire for everyone who gets married is a fully satisfying relationship for both parties. God clearly says sex is good within the covenant of marriage. When we start sleeping around it brings with it a lot of emotional pain very quickly. Also, just so you know the Bible also talks about singles and says it is good to be single. Do not believe that everyone must get married. Some people are perfectly fine being single and the Bible says that s ok, even preferred in some instances. Now What? Do you have clear boundaries that will help prevent even getting close to having sex with someone other than your spouse? If not what are some boundaries you need to establish? Is there one person in your life that it could possibly happen with? If so, what are you going to do to ensure you do not end up on the brink of utter ruin?

7 Saturday April 18, 2015 Proverbs 6 Today we are reading Proverbs 6 our Making Life Better Bible Reading Plan. Here are some points to consider and a couple questions for us: 1. The writer of this proverb warns against getting into debt and warns against laziness. 2. The end of this proverb are warnings again against having sex outside of marriage. It can start to sound like a broken record but if we are honest with ourselves we know how destructive this can be for our lives. 3. The interesting thing to me is the middle (verses 16-19). We are told what the author perceives that the Lord hates. Hate is a strong word and if God hates something we should take note. So What/Now What? We all understand the pain of being in debt at sometime in our lives and can see how if we lived by this principle of not getting into debt and working a little harder we could have a little less stress. I also think that most of us can admit that the emotional baggage that sleeping around carries can be severe. God doesn t want to take away your fun but he does give sex to be enjoyed only within marriage to prevent some of that pain. As far as the seven things we are told God detests; can you see how if we lived a life that is about loving God and loving people we would easily avoid them?

8 Sunday April 19, 2015 (Morning) Proverbs 7 Happy Sunday! I know it s not technically a holiday but when you get to go to The Ridge and spend time with God it kinda feels like it doesn t it? Proverbs 7 is the chapter we are reading today in our Making Life Better Reading Plan. Here are some points to take away: 1. The writer of Proverbs 7 is warning his son to keep away from an adulterous woman. This should certainly be viewed in a unisex fashion because men are just as guilty of enticing another into adultery. 2. The author opens telling his son if he obeys his commands and teachings that they will keep him from an adulterer. 3. The author tells a story as if he was watching someone from a secret place as they fell into a trap. 4. In verse 22 the author starts to describe the person falling into the trap of the adulterer as an animal going to the slaughter. So What? Some people think God commands us to keep sex within the boundaries of marriage because he wants to limit our fun. Nothing could be further from the truth. God designed sex to be an act that connects two married people and draws them into a deeper love. Sex does just that and so to engage in it outside of marriage is to open ourselves up to a lot of pain. Those of us who have gone down that road know that the fun only lasts a short time before it can feel as if you were an animal coaxed into a slaughter house. God is ready to forgive any mistake we make, certainly including sex outside of marriage but as a loving God He constantly warns us not to make mistakes that will lead to pain. Now What? Maybe you have been down this road, or maybe not, but you do have a decision from this day forward: Which way you will choose? What boundaries can you think of to keep you from crossing this line? Whether married or not we need to think through these boundaries. A good boundary is one that if crossed will not cause you to break the line you are trying to protect. Like if you are trying to protect yourself from sex with someone other than your spouse you wouldn t just say; Ok, no getting naked with the neighbor. Instead, you would make it very far from that line. Maybe it would be not to be alone with someone of the opposite sex. Sound extreme?

9 Sunday April 19, 2015 (Evening) Proverbs 8 Today we are reading Proverbs 8. Here are a few things to think about: 1. I like how the author of this proverb writes from a first person perspective of wisdom. It s very interesting to think of wisdom as a person calling out to us, giving us the chance to converse with her. 2. The voice of wisdom tells us that her fruit is better than fine gold. Then she says she walks in the way of righteousness. 3. The most interesting thing starts in verse 22, where wisdom says, the Lord brought me forth as the first of his works... appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. 4. Wisdom closes by telling us whoever finds her finds life but whoever fails to find her harms themselves. So What? Does reading this proverb with wisdom speaking in the first person make you think or feel differently about searching for wisdom in life? It s sobering to think that God created wisdom before any other part of creation and yet we do not seek after her. Obviously wisdom is not a person to search and find but maybe thinking of it like that for just a second can help us to put into perspective how important it is to find her. To interact with this first of creation is to gain something far greater than riches. Can t we all say that knowing the perfect thing to do or say at a given time is more rewarding than falling into success of any kind with no clue of how to replicate it? Wisdom is more than a magic formula to money, success or fame. Wisdom is the comfort of knowing what is the right move when maybe no one else does. Now What? How about you, do you seek after wisdom like a long lost friend? Do you value a relationship with her? Have you thought about finding wisdom is gaining life and to ignore it is to only harm ourselves? What are some ways you can think of to find wisdom? In what areas of your life right now do you need more wisdom? Ask God to help you find wisdom for those areas.

10 Monday April 20, 2015 Proverbs 9 Here are some thoughts: 1. In this proverb wisdom is described as a woman who takes care of her household and welcomes in people in the city to find protection and nourishment in her home. 2. Folly is seen as a woman who is unrefined and only reaches out to the dimwitted. These people are unaware they are walking into their grave. So What? Obviously the writer of this proverb is using everyday images to describe wisdom in appealing ways. It is interesting how many different ways the author does this in the book of Proverbs. Now What? Do you believe that, if you are wise your wisdom will reward you? If so do you seek after God s wisdom when you have any decision to make in life? If not where do you go to get advice on life?

11 Tuesday April 21, 2015 Proverbs 10 Today we re reading Proverbs 10 in the Making Life Better Reading Plan. Here are some things to consider: 1. In verse 9 we read about those with integrity being able to walk securely. We have all had times when we didn t tell the truth and we know that trying to keep up with the lies can be difficult. Eventually our lies are exposed. Living a life of integrity is certainly a way to walk securely. 2. In verse 12 we read how hatred stirs up problems and love covers them. Have you ever had a time when you responded with love when a conversation starts going bad and then somehow, as if by magic, the other person s tone softens a bit and an argument is avoided? 3. Verse 19 talks about someone we all know; that person who just keeps talking, and talking, and talking... here the writer warns us not to be that person because when words are many, sin is not absent. The point is not don t talk but instead carefully consider the words you speak. 4. In verse 29 the writer says God s ways are a refuge or shelter for those who follow them. Some people aren t sure if they believe in God but one thing we have heard a lot at The Ridge is that the Bible has some truths that apply to anyone s life; whether they choose to follow Jesus or not. So What? The book of Proverbs has been called the Book of Wisdom by some people. The funny thing is that it s simply a book that tells us to follow the path God has told us to follow. Keep away from stuff that God says will cause pain, love others and above all seek a close relationship with God. These are the core of nearly everything recorded in this Book of Wisdom. Now What? Do you consider the teachings in the book of Proverbs relevant to you your life today? If so what are some practical ways you can implement some of these truths in your life? What are a couple areas in your life you could use more wisdom in? Look in the Bible for ways to gain wisdom in those areas.

12 Wednesday April 22, 2015 Proverbs 11 Today we re reading Proverbs 11. Below are a few thoughts pulled from this chapter: 1. The opening three verses tell us three virtues that God values; truthfulness, humility and integrity. 2. Verse 13 encourages us not to gossip. 3. We also read further down that God delights in people with a pure heart. 4. Verse 22 has one of the most poetic contradictions to reveal how important discretion is. 5. At the end of this chapter we read trusting in money is worthless; instead we should live pure lives to thrive in this world. So What? /Now What? Reading the book of Proverbs is full of wisdom to live pure lives but there is also wisdom to just live better. Even is a person does not know if they believe in Jesus, the one whose resurrection we celebrate today, can read the Proverbs to gain wisdom in life. Why do you read the Proverbs? What verse spoke most to you in this chapter? What did you learn from it? How will you apply it to your life?

13 Thursday April 23, 2015 Proverbs 12 We are reading Proverbs 12 together today. Here are a couple quick thoughts: 1. In the first lines we are told to lead a life of discipline because it leads to knowledge. 2. The writer also says that a wife who leads a pure life is like a crown to her husband. The opposite could be said for a husband to his wife as well. 3. We also read that we should watch our words because they can hurt others but the opposite is true as well; with our words we can build each other up. 4. In this chapter of Proverbs we read that we should value discipline, integrity, righteousness, humility and diligence. Do you value the character traits that this chapter speaks of? Which one would you say you do well at? Which one could use a little work? Ask God to help you live the life he has planned for you. Go back and read verse 28 again as a little incentive to keep pressing forward.

14 Friday April 24, 2015 Proverbs 13 Here s some quick thoughts on a few of the verses: 1. In verse 3 the writer warns us to guard our mouth and it will guard our lives. Surely we all can associate with that verse. How often have you left a conversation and wished you hadn t said something and thought; if only I had been more careful with my words? 2. Verse 5 echoes what we ve read about many times before: those who follow Jesus should have an ever-growing distaste for evil and a desire for truth. 3. Later in verse 10 we read about how pride can destroy our ability to communicate with others. When we are proud it oozes out of us and everyone knows it. Maybe this is why often the Bible tells us God values humility. 4. Verse 14 reveals to us why seeking wisdom is so vital to our lives. Because, seriously, who doesn t want to avoid the snares of death?!? 5. The second to the last verse (vs. 24) is not advocating beating your kids. Rather, the writer is telling parents to discipline their children in love so that they can grow up learning how to function in this world and hopefully model for the kids the love God has for them. Which verse hit home with you today? The cool thing about Proverbs is that it seems nearly anytime you read it at least one verse applies to you that very day.

15 Saturday April 25, 2015 Proverbs 14 Today we re reading Proverbs 14 together our Making Life Better Reading Plan. Here are a few quick thoughts: 1. Verse 1 could apply to both men or women. The idea is that we can build up those in our home and develop a good family structure by the way we put God first and talk lovingly to each other. Or we can destroy it by not doing these things and living selfish lives. 2. Verse 3 should make us want to be wise. I mean seriously who likes to get hit with rods. 3. At The Ridge (especially in some weeks at Celebrate Recovery) we ve talked about making amends to those we ve hurt. Verse 9 reinforces that there s 'goodwill' in doing this. 4. We all struggle with seeing people who we know aren t doing right but still get rewarded in some way. Verse 14 encourages us to keep doing good because the 'faithless' will get caught in the end. Even if we never receive a reward we can have comfort in knowing we have integrity and God favors that. 5. Have you ever desired that fictional 'fountain of youth'? Well, we don t have that but we can learn how to get the 'fountain of life' from verse 27. It teaches us that fearing the Lord keeps us from getting tripped up and brings us life. The book of Proverbs is sometimes called the book of wisdom. Any chapter in Proverbs has something that can apply to your life. What was the verse that really struck a cord with you today? Maybe it was the first verse. Do you need to be more intentional about 'building' your family a home? Or do you need to make amends with someone? Maybe you just needed to be encouraged to keep your integrity strong. What verse was it for you? How will you apply that to your life?

16 Sunday April 26, 2015 (Morning) Proverbs 15 Today we re reading Proverbs 15 together. Below are a few quick thoughts: 1. There are couple verses in this chapter about how we talk. Have you noticed when you are in a disagreement with someone if you change your tone from anger to kindness or understanding it can defuse the tension? That s the point the writer is talking about when he wrote, a gentle answer turns away wrath. 2. In this chapter we also find a couple verses that talk about God being pleased with us trying to pursue the life he wants for us. The writer goes so far as to say that when we are living right our prayers please God. 3. Did you catch what verse 22 said? Have you ever had a big decision and not known what to do? According to this verse we should seek the advice of wise people we know. Just like every chapter in the book of Proverbs this one is full of wisdom. What verse spoke most to you? Did you see another common theme in this chapter other than what we talked about in points 1 and 2? What actions do you need to take today to apply what you learned?

17 Sunday April 26, 2015 (Evening) Proverbs 16 Today we re reading in the book of Proverbs, chapter 16. Here are a few thoughts: 1. In the second verse we read about how even if we do the right things in other s eyes God sees what our motives are. He s just as concerned with why we do things as he is with the things we do. 2. There are many verse that speak favorably about humility in this chapter, even so much that the writer said pride goes before destruction. Look again at verses like 5 and We also read about how our words can bring healing in verse 24. Which, would mean the opposite is true as well. 4. Verse 31 at first sounds like gray hair should be valued. Does that mean we shouldn t dye our hair? Not necessarily. The verse is talking about growing old and living a life following the Lord; the writer states that s attained through righteous living. What would God see if he looked at the motive behind the good things you do? Is humility a character trait you value in yourself as much as God does? Do you carefully use your words to bring healing to those around you?

18 Monday April 27, 2015 Proverbs 17 Continuing in Proverbs; chapter 17 today. Below you ll find a couple verses to think about: 1. This chapter starts of with a great proverb. If you ve ever been in a house with arguing over Thanksgiving dinner you know exactly what the writer is talking about. 2. Verses 9 and 14 show us to forgive each other promptly in order to promote love and keep relationships strong. 3. Verse 12 is a great picture of how important it is to choose wisely who you keep company with. 4. The last verse shows us that we should think before we speak. / Now What? What verse spoke most to you this week? Did the ones that warn us to be careful how we talk hit home? What about how we are to be careful of who our friends are? Do you have friends who help you become the person God wants you to be? Is there anyone you need to forgive? These aren t easy tasks but God wants to partner with us. Ask God to show you the next steps you need to take and give you the strength to do them.

19 Tuesday April 28, 2015 Proverbs 18 Today we re reading Proverbs 18 together. Below are a couple quick thoughts: 1. There are quite a few verses in this chapter that address the words we speak. The writer warns us that our words can bring our downfall and even at times welcome physical violence. In verse 21 we read, the words we speak can bring life and death. That s a pretty bold statement but it shows us how important our words are. 2. In verse ten we re reminded that God wants to be our safe place to find rest when times are tough. 3. Verse 12 talks about humility, which is one of God s favorite character traits to find in us. 4. We are also told that if we are wise we will seek out people around us who are discerning. Do you make it a practice to think before you speak or speak before you think? If we take the advice we find in the chapter to heart we will carefully choose our words before we speak. Are you going through a difficult time right now? Hopefully verse 10 will encourage you to find rest in God. Ask God to help you have humility and to be wise with your words. If we focus just on these two points (humility and wise words) we will save ourselves from a lot of pain in life.

20 Wednesday April 29, 2015 Proverbs 19 Here are a couple things to think about: 1. Verse 2 holds some great advice. How many times do you hear someone who is very adamant about their side of an issue but they clearly don t have very much knowledge to back up their opinion. They re just regurgitating information they ve heard from other people. One of the worst examples of this is someone who claims to be a Christian and berates other people for the way they re mistakes. The people who do this clearly haven t read how Jesus interacted with the same sorts of people because he always led with love and respected the person. 2. There are a few verses that talk about how lazy people will suffer in life. The Bible warns against valuing money too much but it also encourages a good work ethic. 3. Verses 13 and 18 are sobering reminders to be a good father and husband. Men have more to do with how well their home life is than most are willing to accept. God calls men to step up to lead and love their families the way they deserve. 4. The writer also reinforces what Jesus echoes later about caring for the poor in verse 17. What verse has had the most impact on you today? Why? Is there some sort of action you need to take in response to it? If so, ask a close friend to help you see it through until the end.

21 Thursday April 30, 2015 Proverbs 20 Let s take a look at a couple things: 1. This chapter opens up by warning us not to be led astray by alcohol. 2. Verse 5 says that a person s heart reveals their motives and only a wise person will take the time to try to understand them. 3. The writer also has verses in this chapter that talk about how we re all on equal grounds as people. We ve all sinned. But a person who strives after right living not only makes his life better but also blesses his children. 4. The writer talks about how God hates dishonesty. 5. Verse 27 tells us how God looks past our actions and words and sees our inner motives. There are a lot of good verses in this chapter that teach us how to live pure lives and please God. It s easier for us to go through life and only think about ourselves but it makes for a harder life with other people. Living a pure life keeps our relationship with God strong and also our relationship with other people good. How is your life right now? Are you closer to God now than you were last year? Have you ever been closer to God? What s changed? How s your relationships with other people? Ask God to show you the areas of your life that you need to change.

22 Friday May 1, 2015 Proverbs 21 Today we re reading Proverbs chapter 21 together in the Making Life Better Reading Plan. Here are a few notes on our reading: 1. Verse 3 is a verse we should all re-read about 50 times. The author is saying God prefers us to do what is right and be just over our religious rituals. Most people think God prefers ritual over simple acts of kindness but this verse says the exact opposite. 2. Verses 9 and 19 are reminders for wives to protect the atmosphere in their home with a loving attitude. But more importantly perhaps it s a reminder for husbands to love their wives in such a way that their wives wouldn t be ill-tempered. Often spouses complain about how the other is behaving. However, the truth is if spouses loved each other selflessly then they would see a drastic difference in the mood of the marriage. 3. In this chapter we are also warned not to ignore the plight of the poor for we may one day find ourselves there. 4. Verse 21 teaches a new path to all the success we re looking for in life. The interesting thing is we find the very thing we re looking for now but in a right way. Do you show acts of love and kindness to others regularly? We re reminded in this chapter in several different ways that God desires us to love others. If you re married do you love your spouse completely and selflessly? What simple way could you show your spouse you love them today with no expectation of a return? If we spent more time trying to think of new ways to show our spouse we love them then we would have less time to dwell on the minor things they do that annoy us. The same is true for everyone in our lives. Ask God to help you see others like he does and love them as much as he does.

23 Saturday May 2, 2015 Proverbs 22 Today we re reading Proverbs chapter 22 together. Here are a few thoughts: 1. The first verse in this chapter reminds us that our character and reputation is more important than any amount of money we could earn. 2. Parents, Verse 6 is not a guarantee from God that your kids will follow him when they get old if you take them to church. The author is saying that if we really teach our children how to have a relationship with God and what s right and wrong then they will be more likely to follow that way of life for themselves. 3. A few times in our reading we re told to be generous and take care of those less fortunate than ourselves. Verse 9 even says we will be blessed because we share. This isn t blessed monetarily. The writer is talking about how we re blessed on the inside for being generous. 4. In verse 24 we re warned not to hang out with people how get angry quickly. This is great advice. If we hang out with people who get angry easily then we will most likely find ourselves in the middle of confrontations that we have no part in. 5. The last verse in this chapter reminds us to strive diligently at our jobs, whatever they are, to become the best. Not only because we should do our best to bring honor to God but this verse says so we will serve before kings. This could be taken to mean having a better client to work for or to make more financial gain. Either way it s a good thing. Do you protect your reputation and your character? Maybe just as important do you consistently try to improve your character? If you re a parent, are you training your child to have a relationship with God or are you relying on others (such as the church) to do that for you? This is our greatest responsibility as parents. The best way to teach your kids about having a relationship with God is to have one yourself that they get to see on a daily basis. Are you a generous person? Do you try to find new ways to help those less fortunate than yourself? The Bible speaks frequently about how much God wants us to take care of the poor. Lastly, do you do your best at work? Or do you just get by? God wants us to do our best at everything because we re doing it for him, including our jobs.

24 Sunday May 3, 2015 (Morning) Proverbs 23 Today we re reading Proverbs 23. Here are some quick thoughts on it: 1. In this chapter we frequently read about the importance of gaining wisdom and to refrain from striving your whole life just to accumulate money. 2. In verse 9 we re warned not to waste our time talking to someone who s foolish because they will ignore your advice anyway. We all know someone like this and we ve all been this person at times too. 3. Parents are also advised to discipline their children. The author says that if we, as parents, discipline our children then we will save them from death. This is always hard for parents. It s a balance between love and discipline. 4. The author closes this chapter out by warning against drunkenness. The Bible doesn t say alcohol is bad in and of itself. However, there are multiple times that we re told to keep away from drunks and not to abuse alcohol ourselves. Everyone is different; some people have such an addictive personality that they shouldn t partake in it at all. The bottom line is, there are very few benefits from alcohol and countless negatives. This is why we re warned so often about it in the Bible. Do you strive to gain wisdom? Or do you just hope you will be wise one day? No one ever accidentally became wise. Wisdom is something we should work for and pray for God to help us gain. Are you a parent? Do you have a difficult time getting your children to obey? Do you have a difficult time knowing at what level to discipline? There are tons of great books out there to help guide us in parenting. Ask a parent you respect to give you advice. The key is a careful balance between love and discipline. Our roles as parents may be the most important role we ever have on earth.

25 Sunday May 3, 2015 (Evening) Proverbs 24 Here are a couple thoughts: 1. Verse 10 tells us that how we act when things get tough reveals a lot about us. 2. Verse 11 teaches us to defend the innocent. If we turn a blind eye to the innocent being hurt then we can t claim to be people who truly follow Jesus. 3. Quite a few verses in this chapter warn against hanging out with evil people who scheme about bringing others down. We all know people like that and we know they ll eventually get us into trouble. So, it would be wise just to not hang out with them. Perhaps even tell them why, in hopes that it will open their eyes. 4. We re also told not to take joy in the downfall of our enemies. This is certainly counter to what we naturally want to do but God tells us to leave our revenge to him. We should let God do what he wants with people and just try our best to show everyone love. 5. The author also says that telling the truth can be as sweet as a kiss. Maybe you have heard the saying God won t give you more than you can handle. But this isn t true. God frequently gives us more than we can handle so we have to learn to rely on him and others. This draws us closer to God and other people. That being said, times do get tough and we should never give up. Are you going through a tough time right now? Don t give up. Going through difficult times makes us stronger in our relationship with God. God wouldn t have our best interest at heart if he shielded us from all pain because that pain will draw us nearer to him. He knows being close to him is what s best for us. Remember how we conduct ourselves in difficult times reveals how strong we really are. Ask God to give you strength to rely on him more.

26 Monday May 4, 2015 Proverbs 25 Today we re reading Proverbs chapter 25 in the Making Life Better" Bible Reading Plan. Here are a couple quick thoughts: 1. Often in this chapter we are told to be humble. It s better for people to speak highly of you than for you to and others disagree. We shouldn t seek our own honor or praise. If you deserve it others will give it to you and if not then God will know you did well. 2. A couple verses talk about keeping a friend s confidence. When someone talks to you about something and asks you to keep it private then we should do so. 3. Verse 16 and 17 warn us not to wear out our welcome with friends. When we re having a good time it s easy to take the hospitality of our hosts to mean we should stay longer. However, just like with sweet food, our company could be nice to have but too much will make you nauseous. 4. Verses 21 and 22 tell us to do good even to our enemies. In doing so, we give them more insult than to retaliate because everyone (even them) will know we re a better person than they are. Also, we re trusting God to avenge us if it s really necessary. Solomon was the king of Israel, the author of much of Proverbs and widely known as the wisest man ever to have lived. In this chapter he tells us frequently to be humble, to lived honorably, to trust God and to be trustworthy. These are all character traits. They re not a list of rules or tasks to follow. It s interesting that the wisest man in the world teaches us to guard our character. If the wisest man ever teaches us to develop and guard good character then shouldn t we listen? How s your character? How s your integrity? Integrity is doing the right thing even when others aren t watching and would never find out. Ask God to help you develop your character and to keep your integrity.

27 Tuesday May 5, 2015 Proverbs 26 We re reading Proverbs chapter 26 today. Below you ll find a few thoughts on it: 1. This chapter (and all of Proverbs really) talk about how difficult the life of a fool is. The writer warns of the pitfalls of foolishness to drive the reader to strive for wisdom. 2. Verse 11 is a great reminder for us to keep away from repeating the same failures over and over again. 3. Verse 13 is hilarious but true. A lazy person always makes up excuses not to work; excuses as silly as there s a lion in the street. 4. Verse 20 is the perfect description of how gossip only fuels the flames of an argument. So What? /Now What? This chapter is full of great advice to not be and stay away from foolish, gossiping and lazy people. It s good for us to read these poignant views of these types of people so we don t end up being them. It s easy for us to gossip or be lazy. Which one is most difficult for you? Ask God to help you be more diligent in your work and to stay far from talking about people.

28 Wednesday May 6, 2015 Proverbs 27 Here are a couple thoughts: 1. The very first verse warns us not to take for granted getting another day to live. We never know when our last moments will be. This is great advice and will keep us thankful for the blessings we have in life. 2. Verse 2 teaches us to let other people praise us and not to boast about ourselves. When we talk about how great we are (even if it s true) it will always come across as egotistical but if we just do our best someone else will give us credit. 3. In this chapter it s also said that wounds from a friend can be trusted. This is one reason why it s important to be a good friend; so when you give feedback people will always know you have their best interest at heart. 4. Verse 17 is a great reminder that we need other people just like steel needs steel to sharpen itself. This teaches us to have people in our lives that are like minded (going in the same direction as we are) so we can help keep each other accountable. This chapter teaches us not to get too focused on distractions and to be thankful for each day. What do you normally get distracted with everyday? Work? Being angry? Business? Gossip? There were a few verses about being a good friend. Would your friends say you re a good friend? Do you help keep your friends on the right track in life? Ask God to help you be a good friend and to surround yourself with good friends as well.

29 Thursday May 7, 2015 Proverbs 28 Proverbs today, chapter 28. Below are some thoughts on it: 1. A few verses in this chapter talk about how much more peaceful it is to live a good life. When you re doing right you have no reason to stress. 2. Lots of verses talk about how much people hate following a wicked person but rejoice when under someone who is wise and fair. 3. Verse 13 says if we try to hide our sins then they will come back to haunt us but if we repent then people are quicker to give us mercy. 4. We re also warned about hardening our hearts to God s guiding. Every time we do we walk towards trouble. 5. Verse 23 tells us that it s better to have tough conversations with someone than to flatter them with lies. In the end they will respect you more; if you do it with love. Is there someone you need to have a tough conversation with but you ve been avoiding it? Ask God to give you the courage to talk to them and the love to go about it the right way. Are you hiding sin in your life? Find a person you trust and confide in them; and talk to God about it. Hidden sin will destroy you. Lastly, are you trying to live a life that pleases God? If so, then you know how peaceful it is to not have secrets to hide anymore. Ask God to help you continue to live a pure life.

30 Friday May 8, 2015 Proverbs 29 Today we re reading Proverbs 29. Here are some quick thoughts: 1. In this chapter we re warned to listen when someone corrects us and if we don t it will be our downfall. 2. We re also reminded that a just ruler brings joy to their people but a selfish leader people will grow to hate. 3. The author several times tells us to keep our temper under control. This is an idea that is often talked about in the Bible, specifically in Proverbs. It s easy to let our anger get out of control but we would be wise to stay calm. 4. There are a few verses about disciplining our children as well. It s easier to not discipline our children because we love them but it s not fair to a child. If discipline is done in love it shows a child that they re loved and not ignored. There are quite a few verses about discipline in this chapter. Do you react appropriately when disciplined? Do you hand out discipline with the other person s best interest at heart? Ask God to help you be humble when disciplined and to always act in love towards others.

31 Saturday May 9, 2015 Proverbs 30 Below are a few thoughts from it: 1. This chapter in Proverbs are quotes from a person named Agur. Not much is known of him but he had some wise sayings. 2. He starts out by saying that he s not a wise person and no one can fully know or understand God. This is the beginning of being wise; knowing the source of wisdom is God. 3. Then Agur had two things he asked from God; to keep him from lying and to only give him enough money for his needs. He didn t want to be rich because then he feared he might forget his need of God. He also didn t want to be poor so he would be tempted to steal from others. This perspective of money showed great humility and wisdom. 4. Agur also has these series of sayings that are interesting and show the depth of his self discovery. Agur was a person who looked for wisdom and understanding in how everything worked and was connected. The main thing to remember from today isn t Agur s clever wisdom comparisons. Instead, we would do well to remember that the only source for true wisdom is God. We can search for knowledge and wisdom everywhere else but we ll never be satisfied until we turn to the originator and keeper of all wisdom. Do you have a serious decision to make soon? Ask God to help you strive for his wisdom in your decisions.

32 Sunday May 10, 2015 Proverbs 31 Today we conclude our Making Life Better reading plan on Mothers Day with Proverbs 31 here are some thoughts: 1. Proverbs brims with less-than-glowing descriptions of women. There are wayward wives, prostitutes, women with smoother-than-oil lips, strange women, loud women, defiant women, wives who are like a continual drip on a rainy day or decay in their husbands' bones, women whose feet never stay home, brazen-faced women, and even a woman so repulsive she is likened to a gold ring in a pig's snout! 2. But to balance things out there are also some odious descriptions of men, including scoundrels, villains, chattering fools, and sluggards. And Proverbs actually opens and closes with positive portrayals of women: first as wisdom personified and then as a woman who can do no wrong. 3. From beginning to end, Proverbs is a practical handbook for leading a life based on wisdom. In the end, there are only two choices for both men and women: to embrace wisdom or to love folly. 4. The woman of Proverbs 31 may well be meant to inspire both men and women with a picture of what a virtuous life, male or female, is capable of producing: shelter for others, serenity, honor, prosperity, generosity, confidence about the future true blessedness. So What? Proverbs 1:7 began with the understanding that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 31 ends with a picture of a person (the illustration is a woman but has implications for all) who is praised for one thing above all else she fears the Lord. Many women find Proverbs 31 discouraging. Don't let that happen to you. Remember, this very capable woman is ultimately praised not so much for all she accomplishes as for one thing: She fears the Lord. Many times we view this as a chapter focused on women but there is practical application here for men as well! 1. The Proverbs 31 woman works hard to see her family prosper, and he does not overlook what she pours out on them. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. (Proverbs 31:28) His praise brings her joy and satisfaction, puts a smile on her face the next morning as she wakes early to face another day. Continued

33 Continued 2. A wife without the support of a Godly man can live a life pleasing to the Lord, but she is limited. In a relationship with Jesus and a husband who trusts her, shares with her, leads her and affirms her, she can accomplish more for God and her family than seems possible. It takes a Proverbs 31 man to have a Proverbs 31 woman. Now What? We can be intentional and responsible with the family, the career, the home, the time, the money He has given to us Because we aren t called to perfection; we are called to great stewardship. 1. Can God trust you with more in your life based on how you are currently stewarding what He s given you? 2. Do you measure your success by comparing yourself to other women, when God means for you to measure your success through relationship with Him?