Proverbs 1:1-7 introduces the foundational principle of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge. This fear is not merely a sense of terror or dread, but a profound reverence and awe for God's holiness, power, and authority. It involves recognizing God’s greatness and submitting to His divine wisdom. The passage underscores that true wisdom and understanding are rooted in this reverential fear, which directs one's heart toward God and away from evil.

The fear of the Lord acts as a compass, guiding believers to make choices that align with God's will. It cultivates a mindset of humility, acknowledging that human wisdom is limited and flawed compared to God's infinite understanding. This reverence leads to a life of obedience and righteousness, as it compels individuals to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of their lives. It also instills a sense of accountability, knowing that one's actions are seen and judged by a holy and just God.

Moreover, Proverbs 1:1-7 contrasts the wise with the foolish, illustrating that those who despise wisdom and discipline are devoid of the fear of the Lord. The foolish reject God's instruction and choose paths that lead to destruction. In contrast, the wise embrace the fear of the Lord, which is the cornerstone of their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. This foundational fear is not about living in constant fear of punishment but living in a way that honors and pleases God, fostering a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

Just a thought,

PSS

Psalm 139 is a profound reminder of God’s intimate knowledge and omnipresence in our lives. The psalm opens with a declaration of God’s deep knowledge of the individual: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” This knowledge is not just superficial awareness, but a profound, penetrating understanding of all our ways. The psalmist acknowledges that before a word is on our tongues, God knows it completely. This reveals a God who is not distant or disinterested but is deeply engaged with the intricacies of our lives, understanding our thoughts and actions better than we understand them ourselves.

The psalm continues by emphasizing that there is no place where one can escape from God's presence. Whether one ascends to heaven or makes a bed in the depths, God is there. This omnipresence assures us that we are never alone or beyond the reach of God’s care. In the imagery of being woven together in the womb, we see a picture of a God who is not only Creator but also a personal artisan, intricately crafting each person with intention and care. This speaks to each person's unique value and purpose, designed by God Himself.

Toward the conclusion of Psalm 139, the psalmist invites God to search and know his heart, to test him and know his anxious thoughts, and to lead him in the way everlasting. This is not only a recognition of God's complete knowledge but also a submission to God's lordship and guidance. It reflects a trust in God’s goodness and a desire to be led by Him away from the ways of wickedness. The God of the universe isn’t just a cosmic observer — He is a personal guide and redeemer who knows us thoroughly and loves us completely.

Just a thought,

PSS

Mother’s Day is a special time to honor and celebrate the invaluable role that mothers play in our lives. As Proverbs 31:25-26 says, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” This scripture beautifully encapsulates the essence of a godly mother — her strength, grace, and the wisdom that she imparts. These virtues make her not just a nurturer but also a pillar of guidance and inspiration in the household.

In the Bible, the importance of mothers is repeatedly emphasized through examples of nurturing and influential women. For instance, Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies obedience and faithfulness. Luke 1:38 recounts her words, “ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ ” Her readiness to serve God’s purpose, despite the challenges she faced, sets a profound example for all mothers on the virtues of faith, resilience, and unconditional love. It's these qualities that help shape the next generation, guiding them through life's complexities with a steady and wise hand.

On Mother’s Day, we are called to reflect on and appreciate the countless sacrifices made by mothers. Just as Ephesians 6:2-3 instructs, “ ‘Honor your father and mother’ — which is the first commandment with a promise — ‘so that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ ” This command reminds us of the respect and reverence we owe to our mothers. Their influence is profound and their love immeasurable. As we celebrate this day, let us acknowledge and give thanks for the myriad ways in which our mothers have shaped our lives, modeling the virtues of Proverbs 31 through their everyday actions and enduring love.

Now we know not every mom was a good one. That should not detour us from following God and praying for their salvation. Let us all strive to honor and serve the Lord God!

Just a thought,

PSS

When someone surrenders to someone or something, it means they have ceased resisting an enemy or opponent, and have submitted to their authority. That is what God requires of us.

Above all:

When we truly surrender to God, we are surrendering our instinctual interests which can be selfish and destructive by nature. Surrendering ourselves to God is to pursue truth and righteousness above all else. This means to pursue His word (the Bible), and put it first in our lives. It means to put the word of God into practice in our lives — purposing to do what it teaches above all else — putting His thoughts, His ways of thinking and doing things, above all else.

Every aspect:

In order to surrender our lives to God, we must quit resisting Him, and submit every aspect of our lives to Him. Once we surrender our lives to Him, that’s when we will begin to experience His help and His blessings in our lives. So, I encourage you to surrender every area of your life to Him.

Don’t wait:

Examine your life today, and if there is an area you have not surrendered to Him, do it today. Don’t wait another moment. It’s not surrender unless you have unconditionally surrendered everything to His will. Stop resisting God and His word in your life.

Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Just a thought,

PSS

In the Parable of the Talents, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, we see a profound lesson on responsibility and accountability to God's commands. The story tells us about a master who leaves his property in the hands of his servants, each according to their ability. Upon his return, the master evaluates their efforts. The servants who actively multiplied their talents were rewarded, demonstrating their understanding and alignment with their master’s expectations. However, the servant who buried his talent offered excuses — fear and a misjudgment of the master’s character — as reasons for his inaction. His master sharply rebuked him, revealing that excuses, especially those rooted in fear or a wrongful image of God, are not acceptable in the kingdom of God.

This narrative drives home the message: God expects us to engage actively with the gifts He has entrusted to us. When the servant who hid his talent blamed his master for his own inaction, claiming fear of the master’s harshness, it mirrored how some of us might justify our lack of action in life. We might say, "God is too demanding," or "I'm afraid of making mistakes." But the master's response — taking the talent away and giving it to the more productive servant — shows that God does not accept these kinds of excuses. He expects us to step up, using whatever we have been given, no matter how small it may seem, to work towards His purposes.

Let this parable be a reminder to us all. No excuse stands when it comes to not doing God's work. It challenges us to avoid complacency and fear, pushing us to seize every opportunity for spiritual growth and service. In God’s kingdom, every gift, every moment, is a precious resource meant for us to use in service to Him and to others. It's a call to action — be bold, be faithful, and multiply what you have been given for the greater glory of God.

Just a thought,

PSS