Day 160 - Praise at the City Gate

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 29-31

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:31

Footnote:

The book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord (1:7) and ends with the picture of a woman who fulfills this command.  Her qualities are mentioned throughout the book: hard work, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor, wisdom in handling money.  These qualities when coupled with fear of God, lead to enjoyment, success, honor, and worth.  Proverbs is very practical for our day because it shows us how to become wise, make good decisions, and live according to God's ideal.

Keep reading -- 205 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 159 - Receive Wisdom

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 25-28

Like a lame man's legs that hang limp

is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

Proverbs 26:7

Footnote:

In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as useless as a paralyzed leg.  Some people are so blind that they won't get much wisdom from reading these proverbs.  Only those who want to be wise have the receptive attitude needed to make the most of them.  If we want to learn from God, he will respond and pour out his heart to us. (1:23).

Keep reading -- 206 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 158 - Choose Your Companions

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 22-24

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,

do not associate with one easily angered,

or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 22:24,25

Footnote:

People tend to become like those with whom they spend a lot of time.  Even the negative characteristics sometimes rub off.  The Bible exhorts us to be cautious in our choice of companions.  Choose people with characteristics you would like to develop in your own life.

Apply your heart to instruction

and your ears to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:12

Footnote:

The people most likely to gain knowledge are those who are willing to listen.  It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to pay attention to what others have to say.  People who are eager to listen continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.  If we refuse to become set in our ways, we can always expand the limits of our knowledge.

Keep reading -- 207 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV 

Day 157 - Understanding

Daily Reading: Proverbs 19-21

A man's steps are directed by the Lord.

How then can anyone understand his own way?
Proverbs 20:24

Footnote:  

We are often confused by the events around us.  Many things we will never understand; others will fall into place in years to come as we look back and see how God was working.  This proverb counsels us not to worry if we don't understand everything as it happens.  Instead, we should trust that God knows what he's doing, even if his timing or design is not clear to us.  See Psalm 37:23 for a reassuring promise of God's direction in your life.

Keep reading -- 208 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 156 - A Gentle Answer

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 15-18

A gentle answer turns away wrath,

but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Footnote:

Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper?  It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering gently.  On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response.  To turn away wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:14

Footnote:

What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies.  The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet.  Be discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being.  Thus, a strong desire to discover knowledge is a mark of wisdom.

A Baby Changes Everything........

Trouble viewing this video?  Visit the blog at www.biblechallengeblog.blogspot.com

Jesus changes everything!  Let him change you this season!!

Keep reading -- 209 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 155 - Truthful Lips

Daily Reading:  Proverbs 12-14

A fool shows his annoyance at once,

but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Proverbs 12:16

Footnote:

When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate.  But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble.  Instead, answer slowly and quietly.  Your positive response will achieve positive results.  Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."

Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Proverbs 12:19

Footnote:

Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future.  Because it is connected with God's changeless character, it is also changeless.  Think for a moment about the centuries that have passed since these proverbs were written.  Consider the countless hours that have been spent carefully studying every sentence of Scripture.  The Bible has withstood the test of time.  Because God is truth, you can trust his Word to guide you.

Keep reading -- 210 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV

Day 154 - Wisdom v. Folly

Daily Reading: Proverbs 8-11

Chapter 8 and 9 footnotes:

Wisdom's call is contrasted to the call of the adulteress in Chapter 7.  Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who guides us and makes us succeed.  Wisdom was present at the creation and works with the Creator.  God approves of those who listen to wisdom's counsel.  Those who hate wisdom love death.  Wisdom should affect every aspect of our entire life, from beginning to end.  Be sure to open all corners of your life to God's direction and guidance.

Wisdom and Folly (foolishness) are portrayed in this chapter as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it.  But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character, while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food.  Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly to the senses.  It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary.  By contrast, the satisfaction that wisdom brings lasts forever.

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,

but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Proverbs 11:9

Footnote:

The mouth can be used either as a weapon or a tool, hurting relationships or building them up.  Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build, and most people have received more destructive comments than those that build up.  Every person you meet today is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity.  Your words will make a difference.  Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction?

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

Proverbs 11:22

Footnote:

Physical attractiveness without discretion soon wears thin.  We are to seek those character strengths that help us make wise decisions, not just those that make us look good.  Not everyone who looks good is pleasant to live or work with.  While taking good care of our body and appearance is not wrong, we also need to develop our ability to think.

Keep reading -- 211 days left!

All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV