Friday, August 21, 2009

Nine Tips For Life

How about some wise words today?

I really enjoyed reading this article.

Here it is courtesy of Mark Moring and Christianity Today:

Nine Tips for Life

1. Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)"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."

This might be the most quoted passage in all of Proverbs; maybe you've memorized it. But wherever you're headed in life, these words will always remind you who directs your steps.

2. Discernment (Proverbs 14:12)"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Yeah, that verse ends on kind of a downer. But you get the point: Sometimes something seems right, but it might be the wrong choice after all. That's why we've always got to ask God to help us make wise decisions.

3. Confidence (Proverbs 3:25-26) "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Remember: "The Lord will be your confidence."

4. Work (Proverbs 6:6-9)"Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?"

Life lessons from an ant? Yep. Ants might be the hardest-working critters alive. They're always busy, always planning ahead.

5. Relationships (Proverbs 12:26)"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. "

Here's a great verse on choosing friends wisely. Ask God to point you to people who won't lead you astray."

6. Sexual purity (Prov. 6:25-26, 28) "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,and the adulteress preys upon your very life. … Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?"

You might be saying, "Prostitutes and adultery? That doesn't apply to me." But these verses are about much more than that. They're about the strong temptation of sex, a temptation that affects us all. This passage clearly says sex outside of marriage is also outside of God's perfect plan. When we violate that plan, we walk "on hot coals"—and get burned.

7. Money (Proverbs 11:28)"Whoever trusts in riches will fall,but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

It's easy to think that money will bring happiness or solve your problems. But the Bible is clear that money doesn't do those things. If you wanna "thrive like a green leaf," pursue righteousness, not riches.

8. Compassion (Proverbs 19:17)"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will reward him for what he has done."

We all tend to get so caught up in our own lives that we sometimes forget there are hurting people all around us. But God always wants us to share his great love with others. Volunteer with a local ministry. Take a short-term missions trip. Make time to reach out and touch someone.

9. The future (Proverbs 23:18)"There is surely a future hope for you,and your hope will not be cut off."

You're probably wondering what your future holds. But this verse says you don't have to worry about it: If you follow God, he'll take care of it—and he'll take care of you.

Nothing can cut you off from his love. He will carry you through, all the way.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

thank you Kurt for faithfullness to God and always having some encouraging words of wisdom always praying june:}