bible verses Archives - Page 8 of 9

Tuesday

29

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Strategy (On the Road to Success)

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Last weekend, Wes and I were playing a game of Battleship. As it usually happens when we play board games, things got pretty heated, and before long, we were engaged in a best of three tournament (and I’ll admit, Wes won two of the three rounds). This brought up the discussion of strategy during the first and second World Wars, and further than that, got me thinking about the relevance of strategy in every day life.

The word strategy is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as, “A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.” The thing is though, you might have what you believe to be the best laid plans to achieve your goals, but there are always some circumstances that are out of your control. What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Here are three important factors to consider in your strategy on the road to success:

If you move too quickly, you’re more likely to go the wrong way. The line between patience and pursuit is a fine one, but as King Solomon – one of the greatest strategists of Biblical times – said in Proverbs 21:5 (KJV), “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” Don’t be so eager to achieve your goals that you make decisions before first praying, and thinking. See also King Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 13:16 (NKJV), “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.”
Be willing to re-evaluate your plan and change your mind. Continually. Sure you’ve set goals, as well as the road map to achieve them, but let’s face it: Life is constantly changing. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” We have to be ready and wiling to adapt to – and to anticipate – change. Part of that is having a willingness to hear constructive criticism and listen to the advice of those around you.
Fight your battles on your knees. I’ve long been a huge fan of Dr. Charles Stanley and his “Life Principles” series, and his “Life Principle 8” states, “Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.” The most important thing to realize about any pursuit in life is that you’re not in it alone. And when I write that, I don’t refer to family or friends. I’m referring to the importance of your relationship with God. While we are all born with a free will, God’s got every circumstance in His control. It’s an amazing truth to realize that when our life strategies don’t go according to plan, we don’t have to panic. Claim Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) which promises, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Ask any successful person, and they’ll tell you the road to accomplishment is not without its sharp curves, potholes, and detours. Don’t give up just because things may not be going the way you want right now. Part of a winning strategy involves learning to be patient, being open to change, and being prayerful in your direction and decisions.

Originally published as “Strategy on the Road to Success.” Minto Express. January 27, 2016: 5. Print.

Monday

21

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Remember to Rest

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

We’re well into the New Year, and our schedule is picking up. It seems like each weekend is accounted for, and when Wes and I aren’t working, we’re running (and I don’t mean working out). There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done.

Interestingly enough, Wes has been making time in his evenings to read a book entitled, Living the Sabbath. While the book in and of itself isn’t about the importance of rest, it’s about the importance of delighting in the Sabbath and what that means for our lives each day of the week. (Likely another column to follow on that later).

Wes going through this book has been a reminder to me of the importance of rest. Especially with a whole new year ahead, where plans are being made and goals are being set, it’s crucial that we remember to take time to rest.

Rest has several benefits. Not only does rest recharge your body and your mind, rest can also help improve mood, memory, and health. Additionally, the Bible talks a lot about rest. While God’s Word talks about rest in several different contexts, these are some areas that I find practical in applying to my life today. We all experience trials, we all have personal problems, and we all work. When I need rest and encouragement, these are some of the Scriptures in which I find solace.

Rest from life’s trials. One of my favourite portions of Scripture is Psalm 37. Psalm 37:7 (KJV) says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” When we commit our way to the Lord, and find our strength in Him, He will direct our paths and provide rest for our souls. It’s amazing the peace that comes when we commit our paths to Him.
Rest from personal problems. Especially in our world of instant gratification and constant connection, anxiety and depression affect so many people. What’s the solution? Find your rest in God. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV), “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s peace = rest.
Rest from work. While some career choices are more stressful than others, everybody needs a break from work once in a while. Rest from work is essential and part of living a balanced lifestyle. Even God rested! Genesis 2:2 (KJV) tells us, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Additionally, in Mark 6:31, Jesus encourages His disciples, “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Throughout the year, some weeks will inevitably be busier than others. Remember the importance of rest. Not only is rest Biblical, it’s good for your health. Whether it’s turning off your phone, turning off the TV, or taking time to eat dinner around the table, remember to take some time this week to rest.

Originally published as “Remember to Rest.” Minto Express. January 13, 2015: 5. Print.

Wednesday

9

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we’re all influenced by those around us, and some souls have a more lasting impact on our lives than others. With the celebration of American Thanksgiving, and the start of Christmas festivities, many of my recent thoughts have been surrounding my Grama (she would have been 85 in November).

During her tenure her on Earth, my Grama imparted a lot of wisdom to her children and grandchildren. Both directly and indirectly, she taught us many lessons through the way she lived.

Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Even if you don’t like them. My Grama always treated others with respect, even if she was encountering someone she didn’t really care for. She was an example, living out the Scripture of Luke 6:31 (KJV), “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

Cherish your loved ones. For my Grama, the best time spent was time surrounded with family and friends. Especially in her later years, the value she placed on this time was obvious. One of my favourite family memories is from the year before she passed, when Grama suggested we all go up to the cottage for a family weekend getaway. Everyone had to bring something – whether it was food or a favourite board game – and we spent much of that weekend eating, laughing, and creating some of the best family memories. We don’t know how long we’re given here, and it’s important to cherish those who are important to us, and to remind them of how they’re loved. Like it says in Galatians 5:13b (KJV), “…through love serve one another.”

Always have faith. There were several people and things in my Grama’s life for whom she was praying. And while several of her wishes for those around her hadn’t come to pass when she passed away, she didn’t lose hope and she always had faith. Though I can’t tell her, seeing her live out her faith has influenced me in an incredible way. We may not instantaneously get answers to prayers or see success, however living with faith and purpose (and patience!) is so important as we journey through life. Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, tells of several individuals who never saw their vision fulfilled in this lifetime, but serves as a great reminder of how important strong faith is. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (v.1, KJV)

These are only three important life lessons that I learned from my Grama, and there are many more. We can learn much from our elders, so the next time you’re privileged enough to spend time with someone older than you, pay attention. Sometimes it’s not what they say, but how they live, that will stick with you.

Originally published as “3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama”. Minto Express. December 2, 2015: 5. Print.

Tuesday

8

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Leaving a Legacy

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” Dr. Seuss

Last week during the Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day memorials, we were all reminded of the incredible sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country in years past, and who continue to serve and protect today. Additionally, this past week brought the tragic news that one of my former schoolmates – 12 weeks pregnant with her second child – was murdered during a random home invasion. You might wonder how any of this relates, however for me, these two events have served as great reminders of the importance of living a life of purpose and being mindful of our influence. There is a legacy of bravery that follows our servicemen and women. Similarly, there is a legacy of joy and purpose that follows my former schoolmate, Amanda.

At least in our twenties and thirties, we don’t often give a whole lot of thought to the legacy that we will one day leave when we depart from Earth. But this past week has got me thinking about how quickly our lives pass, and the importance of what we leave behind. Quite often, our initial thoughts may be what we will leave behind for family and loved ones from a financial or material perspective, however there are several other – and I’d argue more important – ways that we should concentrate on leaving a lasting legacy.

The legacy of love. They say there is nothing like a mother’s love, and this is true. Nothing compares to the love we receive from our mother, and this is something I know I’ll try to carry on someday when Wes and I have children. John 13:34-35 (KJV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” People notice when you act out of love and demonstrate a genuine care for others. True love can’t be faked, and it shows through our actions.
The legacy of commitment. Ever worked with someone who’s incredibly motivated, and who has an unmatched work ethic? I have. Equal parts challenging and inspiring, someone who works with commitment has a unique influence on his or her peers. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…”.
The legacy of joy. You know those people who exude something more than happiness? When you make the choice every day to have joy, that has lasting impact. Psalm 16:11 (KJV) says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy…”. Craig Lounsbrough once said that inheritance is what we leave with people, and legacy is what you leave in people – that’s how it is with joy. It spreads in the soul, especially when we’re taking time each day to deepen our relationship with the Lord and His word.

With everything going on in the world today, sometimes it’s difficult to remember the importance of building our legacy. It’s s easy to get caught up in circumstances or what’s happening around us, however it’s so important to remember our influence and the importance of living a life of purpose. As entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck says, “Please think about your legacy, because you’re writing it every day.”

Originally published as “Leaving a Legacy”. Minto Express. November 18, 2015: 5. Print.

Thursday

3

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Standing Up For What You Believe In

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Albert Einstein once said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” There is a lot happening in our world today, and everyone seems to have an opinion.

Especially with recent world events, it’s more important now than ever before to be secure in your personal beliefs. With today’s society, it would seem that everyone has an opinion, and the more abstract and obscure, the more popular you become. We live in a world that tends to place more value on the love of money than on human life; where having a whole family is considered ‘weird’; and where being unconventional has become commonplace. These things, among others, have really got me thinking about the importance of standing up for what I believe in.

Here are three facts about the importance of standing up for what you believe in:

Standing up for what you believe in takes courage.

Joshua 1:9 (KJV) says, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua was the successor to Moses who lead Israel into Canaan (no pressure, right?). In just the first chapter of the book, Joshua was commanded three times to be strong and of a good courage. Standing up for what you believe in takes courage. It’s not always going to be the easiest thing, and it’s not always going to be popular, but standing up for what you believe in shows that you have courage, and courage inspires respect from those who surround you (even if their opinion differs from yours).

Standing up for what you believe in builds confidence.

Psalm 3:6 (KJV) says, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” David was fleeing from his son when he wrote this, but he knew that ultimately standing up for what he believed in was more important than finding favour in the eyes of others (even his own son). When you stand up for what you believe in, you build confidence in your character.

Standing up for what you believe in breeds contentment.

It’s not always easy to stand up for what you believe in, however when you do, standing up for your beliefs breeds contentment. When we know what we believe in, and we have the evidence to back it up, we can rest content. Timothy says in his letter, 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (KJV) , “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we bought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can nothing out.” When you have a firm foundation, and the evidence to back up your beliefs, you can rest content.

There’s an old saying, “He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” Be sure you have a firm foundation for your beliefs, and that you have evidence to back up what you stand for. The worst thing is to fall for popular opinion, or to agree with the latest headline just because it’s published by your favourite news source. Truly research the answers for yourself. Be your own filter.

Originally published as “Standing Up For What You Believe In”. Minto Express. October 7, 2015: 5. Print.

Wednesday

2

March 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Attitude

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

It was Captain Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp) in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise that said, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?” Many a true word is said in jest, and Captain Sparrow sure shared some dingers.

It’s true, though; a lot of how we walk through life has to do with our attitude and our outlook on circumstances. I’ll be the first to admit that my attitude isn’t always the greatest; like many people, I go through waves of positivity, only to get down in the dumps at the first sign of something discouraging. That’s life. Much like choosing joy, we’ve got to make the choice to have the right attitude. Our attitude can make or break us.

There’s a ripple effect when we make the choice to have the right attitude, and here are three ways the right attitude can help each one of us:

The right attitude helps us maintain a focus on edifying and uplifting things. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) lists six virtues that we should focus on – “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…”. This can be really hard, especially if we’re in the midst of conflict or have received discouraging news – no one ever said having the right attitude was easy, but our attitude can help us keep things in perspective and keep our focus on the positive.
The right attitude helps us become more selfless. In our world, there’s an ever-growing movement that focuses on self and instant gratification. That’s a dangerous path to walk along, as the more we focus internally, the more likely we are to become discouraged, down, or even depressed. The right attitude helps us put our focus where it should be: Less on me, me, me, and more on how we can best serve God and others. In Galatians 5:13 (KJV), we’re encouraged to put the needs of others before our own: “…by love serve one another.”
The right attitude brings peace. There’s no comfort like recognizing that even in the midst of threshing and discouraging circumstances, God has a plan for each one of us. Having the right attitude while we’re walking through life’s valleys gives us power over our circumstances and peace that passes all understanding. In chapter 4 verse 7 of his letter to the Philippians (KJV), Paul wrote, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I’ve written before about purposefully choosing joy, that happiness isn’t just something that happens to us, and the same principle applies to our daily attitude in life. Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” A positive attitude doesn’t always come naturally – quite often the right attitude is something we need to choose. Every. Single. Day.

Originally published as “The Importance of Attitude”. Minto Express. September 23, 2015: 5. Print.

Tuesday

1

March 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Trust

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

You may not know this, but the world’s tallest man-made structure is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Looking at it as a whole, you see this giant, sleek, 2,722 foot building – a mass of concrete, glass, and steel. Seldom would someone look at the building and wonder how it was constructed or what intricate equations and planning had to go into its creation.

That’s how it is with trust: Usually we look at trust from a whole perspective, and we don’t recognize that trust is actually built action by action, bit by bit. Over time, we learn to trust actions when we see someone’s character in motion. It is from this that the building blocks of trust are developed.

Two of my favourite virtues that God inspires are faith and trust. You might think that the two are similar, but here’s how they differ. Faith is, by definition, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV) We base our faith on something that’s beyond our own logic (at least in the beginning). We base our trust on something we do know, that’s proven by character over time. So when God commands me to trust in Him, I should be able to do this without doubt or question, right?

Great concept, although trusting in someone or something is often easier said than done. Trust is a foundational element to any successful relationship (whether with man or God). If you have trust, you have one of the most important ingredients to claiming your joy and living your life to its fullest potential.

Here are three things that I know for sure about trust:

Trust helps us grow. You know what they say about the man who’s driven by the waves and tossed about? Or the man who builds his house on the sand? When we put our trust in the right place – our Lord, – we’re opening the door for Him to work in our lives for His greater good. Jeremiah 17: 7-8 (KJV) says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green: and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Trust helps us strengthen relationships. It’s often said that you can’t have successful relationships if you don’t have trust. And how do we build trust? Action by action, day by day. When we open our hearts and let others prove their character, we develop trust, and trust builds healthier, stronger relationships. Proverbs 31 (KJV) says of the virtuous woman that, “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” Trust is a two-way street: It is earned, and it is an effort.
Trust helps us move forward. A favourite Bible verse of many, Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) tells us that we should “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” When we have a solid foundation for each decision we make in life, we enable ourselves to move forward along the right path with confidence.

I know that I can put my trust in God, Who’s never disappointed me, and Who’s always proved that He’s had a plan in mind for me that exceeds my wildest expectations. If you’re having trouble trusting, start with the basics. God won’t let us down, and when we have a firm foundation for our faith, our confidence will grow and our hearts will be more open to trust. Isaiah 49:23b (NCV) promises, “Then you will know I am the LORD. Anyone who trusts in me will not be disappointed.”

Originally published as “3 Facts About Trust”. Minto Express. September 9, 2015: 5. Print.

Friday

26

February 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Perspective

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Have you ever watched the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and thought how huge Antie the ant appeared to be? Have you ever experienced flying in an airplane on a clear day, and looking out the window only to observe how minute the homes and buildings seem below, and how the vehicles cruising the freeway are just little specks? Or have you ever felt so bad for yourself and something that’s happened (or not happened) that when you hear the life struggles of another and see the news of unrest overseas, your problems suddenly seem so small in comparison?

Perspective.

Defined in the dictionary as “the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.” Also, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point view.”

What we get out of life depends a lot on our perspective.

Three ways proper perspective positively affects our lives:

Proper perspective provides clarity. Ever notice when you’re trying to solve a problem or figure out what to do in a situation, that when you take your focus off said problem or situation for a while and come back to it, that the resolution becomes more clear? That’s what perspective does. It helps us adjust our focus and see things from the bigger picture. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV), “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Proper perspective produces gratitude. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the events of our own lives, that we lose sight of what’s really important, or we place too much emphasis or value on our own circumstances. What’s the old saying that if we all put our problems in a pile, we’d opt to pull our own problem right back out again? There’s always someone struggling with something more severe. That shouldn’t be a comfort to us, but it should help us develop more of an attitude of gratitude for what we do have in our lives. Colossians 4:2 (KJV) says that we should “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving”.
Proper perspective prepares us to help others. Oftentimes we will find that by recognizing the pettiness of our own ‘problems’, we’ll be better equipped to be an encouragement to others. It’s the idea of looking out rather than in. James Keller once said, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” It doesn’t take much effort to provide a word of encouragement or even a simple smile. We’re challenged in Colossians 3:12 (NIV) to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

It’s not always easy to have the proper perspective, especially when life is moving at warp speed and we feel like there’s never a moment to just stop and breathe. It’s like the adage, “you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) says, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ saith the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” Proper perspective will help us see the whole picture and how God is working every single circumstance in each of our lives for a greater purpose.

Thursday

25

February 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Building Blocks – The Blessings of Contentment

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

As a young girl, I was an avid Barbie collector. With each allowance, birthday, or celebratory holiday (or even sometimes just because), my Barbie collection grew to include upwards of thirty to forty dolls, complete with all the accessories – Barbie convertible, Barbie funhouse, Barbie dog – but I can remember specifically visiting my cousin’s house and seeing her collection – which included the enviable Barbie mansion – and thinking, “I really, really want the Barbie mansion. Like, really!” I’m pretty sure every one of us has a similar story from our childhood.

So what does Barbie have to do with contentment? It’s not the Barbie doll per se, it’s the principle of the story. Too often I think we look at our friends and neighbours and – whether consciously or not – start thinking the grass is greener on the other side. But the fact is, the grass is greenest where we choose to water it! It’s important to be satisfied with what God has given us. Not to say that we shouldn’t have drams and goals that we work towards, all I mean is that we need to place value on the blessings that we already have.

So what does the Bible say about contentment?

Contentment builds reassurance. Jesus says in Matthew 6:25 (NKJV), “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” It’s a huge exercise in faith to learn to be content with what we have and not worry about what we could have or how we’ll get what we want or think we need.
Contentment builds trust. When we’re content (read: Satisfied, but not lazy), we’re demonstrating trust that God’s got everything under control. That’s not to say you shouldn’t use common sense or intelligence, just that you’re trusting God to provide for your needs. David said in Psalm 23:1 (KJV), “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Think of what a shepherd does for his flock: He provides and he protects.
Contentment builds joy. There’s an old saying that says “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And how true it is! When we start comparing ourselves or our circumstances to others, we lose our sense of self and quite often are left feeling deflated and inferior. Because guess what? There’s always going to be someone who’s smarter than you, someone who’s prettier, someone who has more money, or a bigger house, or a better car. Fact. Of. Life. So why waste time fretting about it? The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians (4:11-13, NKJV), “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Content people are not always happy people, but content people are consistent, thankful, and more likely to be loving and grateful for the people around them. There’s the old saying that goes, “When we pursue happiness, we flee contentment.” Stop, take a look around, and purposefully count your blessings. Choose something today – or someone – for which you’ll practice an attitude of gratitude.

Originally published as “3 Building Blocks: The Blessings of Contentment”. Minto Express. August 12, 2015: 5. Print.

Tuesday

16

February 2016

5 Truths for Life from Proverbs 29

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

About ten years ago, I was given some of the best advice: Read a Proverb a day. For anyone just starting their spiritual walk, or even for those who are mature in their faith, there are so many simple truths for life found in the book of Proverbs.

Each chapter of Proverbs contains so much wisdom, which is just as practical today as when some of the Proverbs were first written as early as 900 B.C. Last week, I was inspired by five simple truths I found in Proverbs 29:

Be compassionate towards those less fortunate than you. Proverbs 29:7 (NKJV) “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.” No matter how bad you think things are, there is always someone less fortunate than you. We can’t all be Mother Teresa, but we can all show compassion and lend a helping hand to others.
Watch your mouth. Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV) “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” Ever meet someone who is constantly talking, and doesn’t seem to know when to be quiet? There’s always someone who loves the sound of his or her own voice, and never takes the time to listen to others and learn from them. Don’t be that person.
Plan ahead, set goals, and pursue your dreams. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” To accomplish anything in life, each of us needs to plan ahead and set goals. Sometimes spontaneity is good, however proper planning demonstrates responsibility. That’s not to say you’ve got to be super serious and no fun – it’s all about living a balanced lifestyle.
Think before you speak. Proverbs 29:20 (KJV) “Seest thou a man hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” [See also #2 above.] There’s something to be said about knowing when to speak and when to listen. Ever left a conversation and thought, “I shouldn’t have said that!” – yeah, pretty sure we all have. There’s a proper time and occasion to express your emotions. Be mindful of what and when you share. If we’re always talking all the time, we can’t hear what others have to say.
Learn to control your emotions. Proverbs 29:22 (KJV) “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” You know that feeling when you just can’t hold back the ugly cry? UGH! We’ve all been there. It’s important to remember that how we display our emotions can have a direct effect on those around us – family members, friends, co-workers – that’s why it’s important to keep our “feelings” in check. It’s way easier said than done to control our actions – and our reactions – to what others say and do, but it sure is important!

Originally published as “5 Simple Truths for Life from Proverbs 29”. Minto Express. April 8, 2015: 5. Print.

Newer Entries →

← Older Entries

bible verses Archive

29

Hope Reflected: Strategy (On the Road to Success)

Originally published as “Strategy on the Road to Success.” Minto Express. January 27, 2016: 5. Print.

21

Hope Reflected: Remember to Rest

Originally published as “Remember to Rest.” Minto Express. January 13, 2015: 5. Print.

9

Hope Reflected: 3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama

Originally published as “3 Life Lessons I Learned from my Grama”. Minto Express. December 2, 2015: 5. Print.

8

Hope Reflected: Leaving a Legacy

Originally published as “Leaving a Legacy”. Minto Express. November 18, 2015: 5. Print.

3

Hope Reflected: Standing Up For What You Believe In

Originally published as “Standing Up For What You Believe In”. Minto Express. October 7, 2015: 5. Print.

2

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Attitude

Originally published as “The Importance of Attitude”. Minto Express. September 23, 2015: 5. Print.

1

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Trust

Originally published as “3 Facts About Trust”. Minto Express. September 9, 2015: 5. Print.

26

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Perspective

25

Hope Reflected: 3 Building Blocks – The Blessings of Contentment

Originally published as “3 Building Blocks: The Blessings of Contentment”. Minto Express. August 12, 2015: 5. Print.

16

5 Truths for Life from Proverbs 29

Originally published as “5 Simple Truths for Life from Proverbs 29”. Minto Express. April 8, 2015: 5. Print.

hopereflected

Hope Reflected on Facebook

Recent Posts

Recent Tweets

Archives

Topics