Your email preview

“He who walks with the wise grows wise.” Proverbs 13:20

Last week some time I remember suggesting that a “technique” for developing a pattern for the discipline of daily spending time with God’s word was to look at the date and then choose that psalm. Today is the 13^th so I would read Psalm 13, if I was using that “technique” right now. That could easily become a 5 month journey through the psalms just by adding 30 each month you are following that program. So next month on the 13^th I would read Psalm 43, the next month Psalm 73, the next month Psalm 103, and the 5^th month Psalm 133. It’s a pretty amazing journey and for 5 months that would take me systematically through the psalms and I would never have to wonder where I should go in God’s word for that day!

So here’s another “technique.” Pick the date and read the associated Proverb! 31 days this month and 31 chapters in Proverbs! Presto another month of structure to help me get in that habit of spending daily time with God in His word!

So here’s what I saw in Proverbs 13 this morning. Remember proverbs are not a narrative, or a story, but a series of one or two sentence wise gems from Solomon and others:

“He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” vs 3- I could stop right there and spend some quiet time with God, searching the quality of my words, realizing they can “guard my soul,” or “ruin my life.” Pretty wise, Solomon; thanks for the reminder!

Or, here’s another one. “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Vs 12. It sort of sound like pride and wisdom are polar opposites. If I have wisdom I am not proud; if I am proud I’m not wise!

Or, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Vs 20. I need to pick my friends carefully; they could make me or break me!

And one more, not necessarily advocating corporal punishment and for sure I’m not advocating child abuse, but it’s a good reminder that those who care most for me are those who are willing to risk correcting me. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Vs 24

There’s a lot of wisdom in the Proverbs. Thanks God (and Solomon) for caring enough to share these gems with me.

Have a great day choosing and investing wisely in your life,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “During the next 21 days please don’t let the elephants and the donkeys make you forget you belong to the Lamb.”

PS Pastor Gua is in Campus Ministries every Tuesday from noon-2pm to provide you the option of a female pastor perspective. You can make an appointment by contacting Pastor Gua at gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org (978) 333-1209 • Mobile, or just drop in and see if she is busy!

PPS Stan Hardt, retired Union College counselor, will be in Campus Ministries from 2-4pm on Tuesdays. Stop by if you’d like to visit with him.

PPPS Christ on Demand- 7:30pm weekly and is moving to the Shawnee Porter Room. 30 minutes of songs and the Word. All are welcome. This week Christina Burden-Page will be sharing her journey.

PP…S If you are looking for community service hours I like what Lydia sent out yesterday—walk around campus and pick up sticks from the wind storm. And if you happen to see a Plant Services person doing the same thank him/her for going the extra mile to help keep our campus clean. You might also “branch” out and walk around the church or walk around a block close to campus and just help our neighbors clean up after the storm. Bring your service hours sheet from your class to Campus Ministries and we’ll sign off for you.

PPP…S Mission Emphasis Week features an opportunity for you to support all the ladies who are teaching on our adopted island of Chuuk. Put your donations in the boxes around campus then follow the instructions found by the boxes to enter your name in a drawing for $25 gift certificates.