6 things the LORD hates

Good morning, A night of rain has passed and the sun is coming up today. It's so sweet to have the area dusted off with the rain and to see the sun shining afterwards. Hopefully we are being dusted off too by the Word of God as we read and study it. I'm afraid some of our ideas have become dusty with the worlds thoughts and we need to correct those ideas to get them in line with God's word. As we continue our little study of the Proverbs, we are in Chapter 6:16 where we learn what the LORD hates, yes He hates some things: "There are 6 things that the LORD hates, 7 are an abomination to Him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." If we slowly read back through the list, we will find that our world tolerates and even condons some of the things the LORD hates. Young girls are taught to stick their noses in the air and be proud, telling little white lies is acceptable, shedding innocent blood is still by many considered to be wrong and very hurtful, however movies taunt wicked schemes and people running to do evil, though the "good guy" often still wins...how much wrong has been taught by these films? We no longer swear on Bibles in a court of law and with the hardening of the heart we justify our words, the final abomination to the LORD is one who stirs up dissension among brothers. A few years ago and even continuing up to this day there have been divisions in the local churches. Many of these divisions brought on by brothers (and sisters) speaking against one another. In Matthew 7 the Lord says: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Vs.1-3 The Lord is not talking about major doctrinal issues here, but rather specks of sawdust...how many divisions could have been stopped if these verses had been heeded. If sawdust had been gently removed and healing had taken place. Solomon goes on to tell us that "these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life...if we would discipline ourselves to what is right, the LORD would not have to do it for us. It would be wise to memorize this list and to remember that if we are tempted to do these things, the LORD hates them and there are so many things He loves, because He is love.

A lesson from the ants

Hello! Have you ever been in debt? Today's chapter, Proverbs 5, talks some about owing something to another person and being under the bondage of paying it off. I remember getting my first credit card and having a great time buying things...then the bill came in...I wasn't able to pay it all off, so paid what I could and then then next month it came in the mail again with charges on it because I didn't pay it off. Being part Scotch, I didn't like this at all! I determined to pay it all off as soon as possible and never to have late charges again. Paying it off in full was a good practice and it kept me from the pressure of getting behind. It is a sweet thing I found to have a clear conscience as far as money practices are concerned. Sometimes we trap ourselves into buying things we don't need. What do we do in this situation? How do we gain control of ourselves? Solomon's advice is to: "Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourslef, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." Vs. 3-4 Humility in the situation is part of the cure for the lack of self control. To acknowledge that we have gone too far, spent too much, helps us to learn to be moderate in our spending. I have known several who have been owing greatly to the bank for their homes, they have talked over and over to those at the bank and finally were successful in getting the loan refinanced so they could pay it off little by litte. It was an exhausting adventure for them to say the least, they were emotionally spent by all the calls and the contacts they were making, but in the end it paid off. Relief finally came as they didn't give up "pressing their plea to their neighbor." Once they were refinanced relief came. Solomon gives more advice: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise." Have you ever watched ants in an ant house or just observed them on the ground at a picnic? The ant if you watch it, is constantly working, doing it's part in providing for "the family." They work diligently and purposefully. When we find them on our kitchen counters we aren't so impressed with their diligence nevertheless they do present a clear picture as to what kind of diligence it takes to provide for ourselves and our families. Sometimes we fall into debt because we are selfish and lazy and expect others to provide for us. We are told "the ant has no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Vs.7-8 They are continually in motion, doing their part, not being told they must. We are told when we fold our hands and sleep, poverty will come upon you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Vs. 10-11 A wise woman is aware of her finances and guards them, preparing for the future. She does her part by being aware of the needs and storing up what is needed for the future. How are you doing with these things? Are you doing your part to provide for yourself and those around you? If you are in debt there are some excellent programs out there to help you get out of debt. They call for diligence and self control and will help you keep your head above water. The Lord will help you when you humble yourself and ask for His help. It won't be a quick, easy fix but He will help. As women of faith, let's be honorable with our finances. Let's take care of our debts and then purpose to not go into debt by being wise and providing diligently like the ants.