Spending Time In The Word

Before I take off and get on the road toward California to see my friend and her new little addition to her family, I decided to spend some time in the word. There are some family on my mind and I've been praying for them. I hope that they find peace and guidance in the Lord. Well here is what came of it. 
-Proverbs 17:3-
Fire test the purity of silver and gold, but he Lord tests the heart. 
It takes intense heat to purify gold and silver. Similarly, it often takes the heat of trails for the Christian to be purified. Through trails, God shows us what is in us and clears out anything that gets in the way of complete trust in him. Peter says, "These trails will show that your faith is far more precious than mere gold" (1 Peter 1:7). So when tough times come your way, realize that God wants to use them to refine your faith and purify your heart. 
-When I read this it set me back a moment. If going through these trails, that we run into every day in our life, is to purify are heart and refine our faith them keep them coming Lord!! Yeah, you might think I am crazy, but I would give anything to keep my heart, mind and soul near the Lord. I feel that going through the rough patches is better than having no understanding to why these rough patches of life are happening, or them having no purpose. I would rather have a purpose and becoming a better person then what I am now. I would rather know that the Lord loves me and wants me to succeed and prosper...that's why he's allowing certain things to occur. Don't forget that sometimes we make our own mistakes and the Lord saves us from bad decisions that we have or about to make.  
- Proverbs 19:3- 
people ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
Guilty, yes before I really even had a glimpse of who Jesus was in my life, I blamed him for my own foolishness as if he cause my pain and suffering...when in all reality it was my own stubbornness and foolishness that got me into that mess in the first place. But the Lord is so amazing that he not only forgives us, but he rescues us from are mess. 
-Proverbs 18:10-
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 
Don't forget my friends and family that we can run into people in our live's that aren't are friends but are sheep in disguise, it can also be family in sheep clothing. Always know that the Lord reviles all sin. If you are wise, and stay in the Lord's presence he will guide you and give you wisdom when you run into certain circumstance that sometimes seem confusing.
-Proverbs 16:28-
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 
Don't let someone you know that is a troublemaker come into your life. Stay away and seek refuge in the Lord, he will guide you and give you the right words to express to your friend or family member of the reasons why you have decided not to befriend them or why you choose not to hang around  with that family member but rather you be in prayer for them and when they need godly wisdom that you would be there for them. How do you support that person without letting them plant seeds of destruction in your life...don't go everywhere they go. Instead let them know why you do go there, or why places or activities they are doing would separate yourself from the Lord, and why your relationship with Christ mean more to you then destroying that relationship. And if this person wants to be your friend/family member they will understand and support you, if they don't then all you can do is pray that the Lord opens their mind, eyes and heart like yours is to Jesus. 
-Proverbs 16:30-
With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief. 
I am going to end with this...be on alert, the devil wants to destroy and he will others in your life that you love dearly to bring you there if he can. Always guard your heart and don't let the enemy try to find a cracked door or a door not guarded. Also don't feel that if you have fallen that you can't get back up again and try. This is not less worthy of the Lord. You are precious to him always run to him, he is your father, he loves you! He wouldn't have given his only son, Jesus, for you if this wasn't true. 

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Proverbs 13:3

Thous who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. 

      Last night I was reading in Proverbs and thinking about how certain things we may say can ruin everything. We can build people up and we can tare them down. This past weekend I ran into a situation that reminded me of how this is so true. I can remember being a person before I meet the Lord, that would tear and ruin everything. I guess you can say I was a person that was very outspoken, unwise with my words and didn't much care about other peoples feelings, just cared about my own. 

-Proverbs 13:16-

Wise people think before they act; fools don't-and even brag about their foolishness.

         Wow, crazy that was once me!! I'v noticed that now that I know the difference between building others up and what it means to tear someone down...I need to choose to always do the right thing.  Even though I can say that I have caught myself many times doing the wrong thing...I know that I can learn and grow and come back and be better at not being foolish with my words. 

*You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness' (James 3:6). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body. 

    How true and well put! Such a small but powerful part and member of our body. 

-Proverbs 14:3-

A fool's proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe. 

     How interesting is this, our own proud, foolish talk could return and beat us. How important it is that we are careful what we say and how we say them. It's almost as if the Lord is saying to us not to talk about foolish things because they return to us and beats us down. Better it is to be wise in a situation because it will protect us.  Last weekend the Lord was reminding me how to be an example at something I was myself so very week in and grow in each day. Sometimes, I just wish I had the right words, to help others understand me better. I know that everything comes and happened's at its appointed time. 

-Proverbs 15:28-

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. 

and 

-Proverbs 14: 26 & 27-

Those who fear the Lord are secure: he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. 

    I can say I am amazed at the changes that not only I have gone through in my life but also my husbands, I am very proud and thankful and truly believe that the Lord answers prayers. I've always seen a wisdom in my husband but never really saw this in myself. I am happy to know that the Lord has placed this same gift, through many trails, in me as well. I believe by me being  an example for those around me will help them in seeing there own reflection and how should they do things differently. I am praying for certain people that are a part of my life, that the Lord may help them see that changing in the way you speak doesn't necessarily mean you let others walk all over you or that you have lost some kind of respect but that your gaining something much more important...wisdom from the Lord.  I also believe by having fear of the Lord, it is the alltament respect for him and his greatness. Understanding that he is the Alpha and the Omega, he is ancient and everlasting...by grasping this we will also grasp his wisdom and allowing him to work in our hearts, minds and mouths. I think that by allowing God to work in every aspect in your life, you will gain so much more in return...don't let simple, possible never thought of such as what we say with our mouths stumble us or tear us down from the true goal. Cleaning out the house and making more room for God's presence and understanding of everything!