a bike ride

Proverbs 22:6

Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.

Remember when you learned to ride a bike? It was so hard, and you had to have mom or dad help you along until you got the hang of it. Now when you ride a bike, you remember how to do it because you practiced it.  You trained your body to know how to balance, pedal and steer. It won’t leave you. It stays with you whether you ride weekly or yearly.

What else did you learn growing up? I remember going to church with my parents and hearing songs and stories that I can still remember. “Tell me the stories of Jesus that I love to hear, things I would ask him to tell me if he were here” (to music).

As we get older, when we look at the Bible, memories can rush back at us. Even if we don’t know where certain scriptures are in the book, we can remember what they meant to us then and use them now.

Take a walk down memory lane. Look at a Bible you had when you were little, or see if you can remember verses that someone taught you growing up. This is what Proverbs 22:6 is talking about. Learning about God’s love as a child can last a lifetime. #LGLO

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#LGLO

Proverbs 21:3

To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Growing up, I got caught up in the idea that being a Christian was all about following a set of rules. Kind of like the Ten Commandments but about things that sounded fun. As I grew in my faith, I learned that it is less about the things I don’t do, and much more about the things I do. God is part of my heart, of my life, and following that example is more important. I’ve heard God’s message simplified so many times to “Love God, Love Others.”  I want to encourage you to be mindful of where your heart is, and not just worry about following “the Christian rules.” #LGLO

deep waters

1Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

I am asked often if the Bible tells us not to drink alcohol. I thought this verse explains it very simply. The Bible doesn’t directly say do not drink alcohol, but it does warn against the consequences of drunkenness and addiction. This verse reminds us that anything that we put above God in our life is leading us in the wrong direction.

5The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
    but one who has insight draws them out.

6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
    but a faithful person who can find?

24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
    How then can anyone understand their own way?

These verses tell us that asking God to lead our lives is the best way to live.

Reflect on these verses this week and ask God to soften your heart to God’s leading.

purpose

Proverbs 19:21

Many plans are in a person’s mind,
    but the Lord’s purpose will succeed.

Do you have a 5 year plan, 10 year plan, 1 year plan, or maybe just a this week plan?  We all make plans for our life at some point. Some of us may be more detailed and specific than others. Some of us may not even be able to commit to plans on friday night in case something better comes up.  This verse reminds us that whatever we have planned, it needs to be through conversation with God.  We’ve heard many times, “God has a purpose for your life” and whether we believe it or not, there has to be some reason we are here on earth.  Have you wondered what your purpose is?  Have you talked with God about it?

All the plans that we try to make will only crumble if it is not in God’s plan.

(Keep that in mind as you post wedding dresses to your Pinterest board.)