This is the Tampa Bay, Florida area I always write from, which is slightly overcast today. You won’t see this picture on a postcard featuring Florida as the “sunshine state.” Even the sunshine state sees its fair share of storms. Likewise, even our most cheerful friends see their fair share of life’s storms. Each heart knows its … Continue reading –>
When Paul and Christie Brown moved into a less than desirable neighborhood in Elkins, West Virginia, they didn’t know that their home would become a magnet for young people. I’ve always been youth focused, says Paul, so when the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out with our kids at the house, we said, OK, but … Continue reading –>
Further Study: From the beginning Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading multitudes away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable; but the end thereof are … Continue reading –>
Our lesson this week on What You Get Is Not What You See covers a lot of territory. Proverbs 14 and 15 contain so much valuable instruction that we could probably spend one week on each verse instead of this one week on all 68 verses. Sound wisdom and instruction seem to be in short supply. … Continue reading –>
We all dream and make plans, and yet things turn out differently, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The Bible acknowledges the value of human responsibility and freedom. Yet the Bible also affirms God’s control over the course of events (see Prov. 20:24, Prov. 21:31, and Daniel 2:1-49, Dan. 7:1-28). What does Proverbs 16:1 … Continue reading –>
The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 NLT When I was a little boy, way back in the nineteen hundreds, I remember singing the song in cradle roll, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little eyes what you see. For the … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for What You Get is Not What You See February 3, 2015] 1. The fool in us. Our lesson this week opens with a stern warning. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How often have you said something like, “He didn’t know … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 15:1-33. Why is joy such an important human asset? Scripture does not promise us a life without trials. As Jesus Himself said: Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6:34, NKJV). Proverbs 15:15 explains that amid evil days, the one who maintains a merry heart will have a better time of … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : We can be safe to enjoy true success and happiness only by doing what is right in God’s eyes and understanding what His definition of success is. [Lesson plan for What You Get Is Not What You See Feburary 2, 2015] 1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 14:12-17. a. Ask class members to … Continue reading –>
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3, NKJV). How does this text make you feel, and why? In the next two chapters in Proverbs the tone changes. These chapters are more theological than the preceding ones. The Lord is referenced more often than … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35 again. What does it say about the wise? The wise speak humbly (Prov. 14:3). The wise restrain the use of their lips. Their silent reflection is motivated by a lack of arrogant self-assurance. The wise give consideration to the other person’s ideas; therefore, the wise will take time to think through and … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 14:1-35. What does it say about the fool? The fool speaks proudly (Prov. 14:3). The first depiction of the fool deals with his proud speech. The image of the rod associated with the fool’s lips implies his eventual punishment. His proud words have resulted in a blow on his lips, an outcome that … Continue reading –>
